Have you ever noticed how easy it is to be fooled?
Not just by others, but by ourselves?
We’re all walking around with these invisible blinders on, shaped by our experiences, biases, and the things we want to believe.
This is especially true when it comes to software. We see a shiny new app, read a few glowing reviews, and suddenly we’re convinced it’s the next big thing.
But here’s a thought: what if we’re all being too trusting?
There’s this quote from an anime character, Inspector Lunge, that I can’t get out of my head:
“If you don’t want to be betrayed anymore, then start by doubting the person you want to doubt the least.”
It’s a bit dramatic, sure, but there’s a kernel of truth there that’s worth exploring.
When I test software, I start by doubting everyone. The fans, the haters, and especially the indifferent ones.
Why the indifferent ones?
Because apathy often masquerades as objectivity.
Here’s my process:
- I use the software for at least a day. No exceptions.
- I never promote anything just for the affiliate commission.
Now, you might be thinking, “But how do you test premium features without buying every app?”
Good question. Here’s where things get interesting.
I reach out to the people behind the app. Not with a form email, but with a genuine, human connection.
I tell them what I like about their app. I explain who I am and what I’m doing.
And then I make a proposal:
I’ll thoroughly test their app and write about it, in exchange for temporary access to the premium features.
It’s amazing how often this works. People respond to authenticity. They appreciate someone who’s willing to put in the effort to really understand their product.
But here’s the contrarian part:
I deliberately avoid reading other reviews before I form my own opinion.
Why?
Because I want my experience to be as unbiased as possible. It’s like being a scientist – you don’t look at other people’s results before you run your own experiment.
This approach takes more time.
It’s not as efficient as skimming a few top Google results and regurgitating what others have said.
But it’s honest. And in a world where trust is increasingly rare, honesty has value.
Then I start writing.
That’s it.
I do this over and over again.