When you read the news, you'll often see quotes from analysts. It's the result of a quid-pro-quo: the reporter gets a "researcher" to whom a statement can be attributed, and the analyst's reputation gets buffed in print. But most analysts know little more than reporters: they just sell their research privately instead of using it to pursue stories. At best, they act as a dial-a-quote service, used to launder opinion into news–it's a way to create multiple-source stories on deadline. At worst, analysts set out to place stories in the press to influence markets and make money for clients.
Today offers some intrigue, with OTR Global claiming that Palm has suddenly shut down production of cellphones. This was debunked with prejudice by Engadget's Nilay Patel, who reports that it's Chinese New Year and the workers are off. This leaves an interesting question: was the report the result of sheer ignorance of a temporary holiday halt? Or was it an attempt to create a desired outcome by willfully misrepresenting it?
