Bambu Lab: A really independent review policy?The influence of the affiliation program in question
Recently, Bambu Lab has published a tweet to clarify its position concerning the reviews of its products and its relations with the reviewers.The company claims to adopt a “simple and transparent” approach, summarized by: “Here is the printer, do what you want.”Bambu Lab thus claims one of the most open policies in the sector, specifying never requiring prior approval or dictating to reviewers what they should say, whether they are part of the affiliation program or not.The company even encourages to verify this information from the reviewers.
Total independence of reviewers?
After digging a little, I discovered information that throws a shadow on this statement of total independence.It seems that the (American) reviewers, affiliated with Bambu Lab must respect general conditions that limit their freedom of expression.
However, dated February 15, 2025, Bambu Lab published a press release clarifying clause 2 (C) of their affiliation agreement.
Update of clause 2 (C): Bambu Lab Clarification
The original clause stipulated: “You agree to promote Bambu Lab in a way that positively reflects Bambu Lab, and not to engage in a conduct that could harm the reputation of Bambu Lab.”
The new version, effective from February 15, 2025, is formulated as follows: “You agree to promote Bambu Lab in a way that faithfully reflects Bambu Lab and Bambu Lab products. You must not engage in false practices or create or knowingly disseminate or disseminate false information.”
“The purpose of this update of the agreement is to clarify clause 2. Registration (C) of the original agreement.”- Extract from the Bambu Lab press release, February 15, 2025
Bambu Lab specifies that this modification aims to “prevent the abusive use of the brand or the dissemination of false information” and reaffirms that the company “welcomes honest assessments of its products and does not use affiliation tools to influence opinions”.
Analysis of affiliation conditions: a problematic clause
This clause, without any scope of scope, is problematic to say the least.It stipulates that affiliates must “kindly speak” of Bambu Lab and refrain from any action that could “harm the company’s reputation”.
Consequences for reviewers and the objectivity of reviews
This clause raises several questions:
Self -censorship: Affiliates could be tempted to self -censor and avoid criticizing Bambu Lab products, even in a constructive manner, for fear of losing their affiliation and associated income.
Comparison with competition: the clause could also limit the ability of affiliates to objectively compare Bambu Lab products with those of competition, especially if such a comparison may “harm Bambu Lab’s reputation”.
Affiliation program: Obviously the influencers who receive machines make it what they want once the review is made, and there is like this blog which has affiliation links, which offer a percentage on sales.This allows us to participate in blog costs (accommodation, plugins, domain name, etc.).
Context
Matt of the Maker’s Muse chain, compare the company to Apple for its closed ecosystem, which, according to them, bridles the creativity of makers.
Here is a quote from his video, which I find, illustrates the problem well:
“I think there are a lot of parallels between what Bambu Lab does and what Apple has done, and this is not a compliment.Apple launched amazing and friendly consumer products that have really advanced the state of the art, but they did so in a way that has consolidated their control over an increasingly closed and hostile ecosystem, and I see Bambu Lab doing the same.»»
Conclusion: a double -edged policy
On the one hand, Bambu Lab claims to encourage independent and non -censored reviews.On the other hand, the conditions imposed on affiliates (before the clarification of February 15, 2025) introduced a significant constraint which could potentially bias the reviews.The update of clause 2 (C) seems to go in the right direction by focusing on the veracity of information rather than an obligation of positivity at all costs.As for the relationship between Bambu Lab and the Youtubeur I know, none of them have received instructions from Bambu Lab.
It is therefore crucial for us, consumers, to be aware of the existence of these conditions (and their evolution) and to take into account the status of affiliate (or not) of the reviewers during the consultation of the tests and evaluations of the products, whether for any brands.
In any case, the policy of management of influencing must above all depend on the person in charge of influencer.In the meantime, caution is in order and it is important to diversify your sources of information.
For my part, I received from Bambu Lab from the consumable and small equipment, this without any instructions on their part.I did not receive any printers so I will not be commenting.
Thierry (Technapa), who made reviews of most of their machines did his tests as he understood, freely speaking about qualities and faults.