Long post: I want to talk about ASUS... again.
Almost 2 years ago, I dropped ASUS as a sponsor of the channel, and for a good portion of that time, went radio silent with them as well.
During that time I simply waited and watched to see what actions ASUS/ROG would take to rectify their mistakes... in all aspects of their business model. The main issues I had were their handling and communications regarding the issues of quality assurance (the backwards capacitor and potential fire issues) and their motherboard BIOS which is now proven to be directly related to many of the Intel 13/14th gen issues that arose. I made 3 videos about my concerns for the BIOS alone!
When I dropped ASUS as a sponsor, I knew that at some point, ASUS products would have to return to the channel in some regard... they are the largest component manufacturer in the world, and as a channel devoted to creating content for beginners and experts alike, need to include as many options and brands as possible but more importantly for the consumer.
About 6-7 months ago, I created a poll asking how the audience felt about ASUS returning to the channel in a NON SPONSOR format! Overwhelmingly those who participated in the poll felt that showing ASUS products when acquired by a third party ie; Micro Center, Amazon, Best Buy etc is acceptable and appreciated.
This is why ASUS has been slowly visible again on my channel... to test the waters, see how the products hold up, and to see if they have kept their word to be better, transparent, etc. How am I to provide meaningful responses to those who ask about specific products if I am not allowed to use them? Who decides when I am allowed to use/experiment/test a product on MY channel?
Let me be very clear, ASUS is NOT a sponsor of the channel! All monetary sponsorship opportunities have been and continue to be on indefinite hold regarding ASUS/ROG as I do not feel enough time has elapsed for such a large company to have addressed all concerns raised in recent years by myself and many media outlets and consumers.
However. at JTC we believe in reclamation... period
Everyone and anyone who makes mistakes can correct those mistakes and we as enthusiasts at JTC hope that when a brand does an injustice, they learn, adapt and make changes where necessary. God knows I've had to do that many times and will continue to make mistakes that are turned into learning experiences for the future.
Let me reiterate, although ASUS/ROG product has trickled on the channel for the past little while, ASUS is NOT a sponsor and we continue to source ROG products through retail/etail outlets when possible.
Sometimes however that is not possible, for instance with the 50 series launch. Although we currently do not have any official or non official arrangements to test ROG GPUs, we feel it is in our audience's best interest to provide independent reviews on these gpus when the opportunity arises.
Rest assured we are closely watching these brands who have created distrust in the community... EKWB, ASUS, NZXT etc but we aim to assist where we can to help these companies overcome their issues whether it be in outside consulting, feedback, etc as we want our genre and hobby to full of positivity and unity... not the divide, negative and cynical nature that it has been adopted over the past few years.
Some of you may remember my major issues with Thermaltake back in 2015, and you should know that over the past 5 years, I have had sporadic communication with TT in an effort to start testing their products again. Pretty much nobody from the original PR/Product team in 2015 who created the situation that put Case Labs out of business is still with the company, and it is important to practice what I preach regarding reclamation. (TT if you are reading this, my inbox is always open). However I will be purchasing TT products to start testing them once again. Afterall, they are a HUGE company with HUGE portfolio of relevant products for my audience.
Many of you are not going to agree, that's fine. I get it. but my mind and soul does not allow me to hold grudges or permanent boycotts.... I can't imagine living in a world where one strike is all you get... Everyone deserves more than that... even you.
JayzTwoCents
Long post: I want to talk about ASUS... again.
Almost 2 years ago, I dropped ASUS as a sponsor of the channel, and for a good portion of that time, went radio silent with them as well.
During that time I simply waited and watched to see what actions ASUS/ROG would take to rectify their mistakes... in all aspects of their business model. The main issues I had were their handling and communications regarding the issues of quality assurance (the backwards capacitor and potential fire issues) and their motherboard BIOS which is now proven to be directly related to many of the Intel 13/14th gen issues that arose. I made 3 videos about my concerns for the BIOS alone!
When I dropped ASUS as a sponsor, I knew that at some point, ASUS products would have to return to the channel in some regard... they are the largest component manufacturer in the world, and as a channel devoted to creating content for beginners and experts alike, need to include as many options and brands as possible but more importantly for the consumer.
About 6-7 months ago, I created a poll asking how the audience felt about ASUS returning to the channel in a NON SPONSOR format! Overwhelmingly those who participated in the poll felt that showing ASUS products when acquired by a third party ie; Micro Center, Amazon, Best Buy etc is acceptable and appreciated.
This is why ASUS has been slowly visible again on my channel... to test the waters, see how the products hold up, and to see if they have kept their word to be better, transparent, etc. How am I to provide meaningful responses to those who ask about specific products if I am not allowed to use them? Who decides when I am allowed to use/experiment/test a product on MY channel?
Let me be very clear, ASUS is NOT a sponsor of the channel! All monetary sponsorship opportunities have been and continue to be on indefinite hold regarding ASUS/ROG as I do not feel enough time has elapsed for such a large company to have addressed all concerns raised in recent years by myself and many media outlets and consumers.
However. at JTC we believe in reclamation... period
Everyone and anyone who makes mistakes can correct those mistakes and we as enthusiasts at JTC hope that when a brand does an injustice, they learn, adapt and make changes where necessary. God knows I've had to do that many times and will continue to make mistakes that are turned into learning experiences for the future.
Let me reiterate, although ASUS/ROG product has trickled on the channel for the past little while, ASUS is NOT a sponsor and we continue to source ROG products through retail/etail outlets when possible.
Sometimes however that is not possible, for instance with the 50 series launch. Although we currently do not have any official or non official arrangements to test ROG GPUs, we feel it is in our audience's best interest to provide independent reviews on these gpus when the opportunity arises.
Rest assured we are closely watching these brands who have created distrust in the community... EKWB, ASUS, NZXT etc but we aim to assist where we can to help these companies overcome their issues whether it be in outside consulting, feedback, etc as we want our genre and hobby to full of positivity and unity... not the divide, negative and cynical nature that it has been adopted over the past few years.
Some of you may remember my major issues with Thermaltake back in 2015, and you should know that over the past 5 years, I have had sporadic communication with TT in an effort to start testing their products again. Pretty much nobody from the original PR/Product team in 2015 who created the situation that put Case Labs out of business is still with the company, and it is important to practice what I preach regarding reclamation. (TT if you are reading this, my inbox is always open). However I will be purchasing TT products to start testing them once again. Afterall, they are a HUGE company with HUGE portfolio of relevant products for my audience.
Many of you are not going to agree, that's fine. I get it. but my mind and soul does not allow me to hold grudges or permanent boycotts.... I can't imagine living in a world where one strike is all you get... Everyone deserves more than that... even you.
Jay.
1 week ago (edited) | [YT] | 11,416