another 19th century #techcomm quote

Sometimes your documentation is unintentionally a marketing tool.

"A WELL KNOWN TECHNICAL WRITER of this city was recently asked his opinion of a certain make of machine-tools, and his answer was so unfavorable, and accompanied by such unnecessary detraction, that the querist was surprised, and thought he had better see for himself. He did so, and the result was that he bought $3,000 worth of tools; but our disparaging friend received no commission therefor, and is remembered by the machine makers—to whom the report was given—not as one who loves his fellow-men. Moral.—$300 is too much to pay for the pleasure of slandering manufacturers."

The Engineer: with which is incorporated Steam engineering, Volumes 7-8 1884