Our company subscribes to this service because it provides an opportunity to obtain current information on the industry. The scope of its' coverage has expanded significantly over the years. For the most part it appears that IPVM authors always attempt to present the most accurate information they can. It appears that they consistently provide those about whom the articles are written, the chance in advance to comment on or contribute information prior to a story being released. When released all information presented in articles appears to be as objective as possible, with the exception of course, of articles clearly expressing personal opinions, as in some of the recent articles on Human Rights violations in China. Even so, all articles provide the opportunity for an identifiable or anonymous response from any reader,
The history of IPVM articles are available for review and stand on their own. Check them out.
From my point of view, this is the only 'real time' publication that exists and is available to the entire industry, and any others willing to subscribe. They state reliance on subscriptions for its' existence, and do not accept advertising. All other industry publications I know of are free, and there health and existence rely entirely on obtaining advertising and support from service or product suppliers. This can make it hard to always be objective. We have found that the variety of articles and subjects available in IPVM have more than justified that subscription fee for our company.
Objective information can only based on facts on hand, and since others may have relevant information, all articles provide the opportunity for input from the actual subjects of its articles, or any reader who has an opinion or something to contribute. In my over 45 years in this industry I am not aware of any other industry publications that are doing the same. Best of all, in spite of personal attacks on its' authors, no sign of cancel culture here.
Sometimes information presented may hit a nerve, or perhaps expose a truth that makes another uncomfortable. Fortunately, the person on the other end can defend themselves, present their case, and correct wrong information if they wish.
Not surprisingly, in the absence of actual data or truth, the only response some can offer is a personal attack in the form of personal insults, or unjustified slander. If you don't agree with something, provide your opinion. If there are facts add to the discussion, present them. If your feelings are hurt, explain why. Provide data to correct wrong information, and get the truth out. Sometimes truth may strike a nerve, affect your business, your market, or your job. If so, use the forum provided to present a rebuttal. Truth stands on its' own.
I do not know John, and have not always agreed with his opinions, but I believe he and the other IPVM contributors always do their best to present the truth. He presents each article always available for review, critique, and judgement by anyone willing to share their opinion. He doesn't rest on credentials or his past accomplishments, and instead provides the opportunity with each new article the opportunity for him to be newly judged, graded, and commented on by the readers. Anyone can present a public or anonymous response. He has always seemed willing to have an open and public discussion with anyone. I know of no other network or news vehicle which provides that sort of access across to all readers.
As a writer or journalist reporting information, he would not survive long if he cared about being liked, but it seems as if he makes every effort to be as objective and truthful as possible. I don't subscribe or read this publication because I like or don't like him. I am interested in the information, reviews, company, and new product overviews. It is good to hear about new products, and have a forum to discuss ideas an opinions. Not all comments are written by those in our industry, not all are objective, and some clearly have a bias, but that helps create a real discussion.
You don't have to like him or the other contributors. Every reader is allowed to agree or disagree. If expressing our opinions doesn't get the results we want, each person has a more powerful tool. We can exercise our choice to not subscribe. If we don't believe something is worthy of our hard earned dollars, we don't have to buy it. Of course unsubscribing has a down side.. We are no longer able to respond with personal insults when we read an opinion for which we do not have a legitimate response.
The good news is that historically from all the articles I have read, the majority of harsh or nasty responses I have seen in forums were from individuals working for companies that were taking heat for a product problem, policy problem, quality problem, or ethical problem. The source is fairly obvious because they never provide any data or facts in defense. Their only response is to resort to personal attacks and insults almost always anonymous yet which are always published. Can't be more fair that that.