An Overclocker Says Goodbye

I noticed this story on Twitter this morning and wasn't able to fully read the commentary until now and I must say, they are both worth checking out.  Overclocking is an expensive hobby/sport and unless you are independently wealthy or just have more money+time that you know what to do with you will often need to be subsidized to keep things going.  If you are good enough those subsidies can come from mfgs and lower your overall operational costs.

If things go well then both parties can benefit, but as with any business relationship, that is not always the case.

All things must come to an end eventually
Could I return someday? Maybe. Unfortunately it won't be anytime soon. Life is calling, the family is calling, they want me back.

My long term goal was to work my ass ofg and end up with a job with one of the manufacturers, unfortunately the oppurtunity has not arrised so I need to find something else which at that point between the family and a job something has to go and overclocking is it.
- chew* via XS (source)

HWBot posted a very long editorial response to what was said over at XS and I would urge everyone to read it start to finish.

The process works as follows. First you demonstrate your insight and knowledge on forums or overclocking rankings, then a company asks you if you’d be up for testing on of their products and provide exposure for it. Of course you agree (free gear!) and do what you’re asked. If the company thinks you did a good job, they might put you on their white-list and you might end up receiving more products in the future. In most cases, the first batch of products becomes yours when you receive them. However, over time it’s more likely that you’ll end up having to send them back for rotation (as you’re not the only one allowed to test the hardware).
- HWBot (source)

The stories they tell are very true and apply to things beyond sponsored hardware testing.  Before I started running NInjalane.com I wanted to be a hardware tester, I thought it would be fun.  One thing that kept me from it was that I knew it would be a demanding job and often done without pay.  In the end I'm glad I choose to do hardware reviews.  Yes, I know I don't get to play with the latest and greatest hardware right off the assembly line but at least the stuff works.

Good luck with your endeavors Brian, we'll see you around.

Related Web URL: http://hwbot.org/news/5681