Most gadget hounds have probably heard of the godfather of technology journalists, Walter Mossberg. Mossberg pens one of the most popular technology columns on the planet for The Wall Street Journal. If you have ever wondered why exactly it is that Mossberg is the first to get his hands on many products in the tech industry, a new study has your answer.

Joseph Johnson from the University of Miami School of Business Administration has conducted a study that looked at the economic impact Mossberg’s product reviews have on the company that builds a given product.

According to the study a positive review from Mossberg results in an average gain by the providing company of $500 million. On the flip side a bad review from Mossberg results in an average loss for the company of $200 million. The moral of the story tech companies is be sure your gear is good before Mossberg gets his hands on it.

University of Miami