As a former journalist, I can say with some authority that the ability to say no does not come easily. Often, "gifts" are passed off as swag, one of the perks of the business, where companies dole out hardware. At no point do they say that the gifts are being given in exchange for a story. But.

This was a kid, someone who hasn't gone to college yet, or begun to learn to look at things that come too easy with a cynical eye.

On occasion, I've had to explain to reporters starting out in the business that gifts received at press conferences etc. need to be viewed with a jaundiced eye. And that the best companies don't hand out their best product as a gift. If they actually want a review done, they'll send in a product to a publication, not an individual. And it is the publication's responsibility to keep track of all items coming in for reviews.

Even if he asked for something, he deserves a second chance, considering his age. The fact that styleguidance.com decided to publish his name for all to see is their call, and I don't agree with it.

And I certainly don't agree with this submission.