Looks like Nvidia isn't exactly paying certain content creators to do mini-reviews but more of a relaxed NDA where the incentive is potentially having content out before others, albeit highly limited in what Nvidia lets you test. Content creators then have cover by stating that they weren't paid, which is technically true.
Cover indeed.
Anyone thinking it through understands that not being paid directly is even more sus. For starters, they don't have to put the sponsored video banner on it. Then, the exactitude of what Nvidia requires of you, makes the content minimal effort to create, cookie cutter stuff. The result is easy clicks for dollars. Getting or keeping favored status with Nvidia is an ancillary benefit. They won't be able to refuse you on their daughter's wedding day.
Gaslighters won't be able to counter accusations of these channels being shills anymore. HUB and GN eschewed Nvidia's offer. Where as Jay, who was a self proclaimed shill for EVGA. With them gone, is shilling directly for the green machine now.
Daniel-San, despite what he says, has dreams of being able to quit his teaching job and be a full time tech tuber. If he makes it to 500K subs, I expect he'll make the move. It's not like there is ever a surplus of teachers; he can always go back if he needs the money. Credit where it's due: He does a good job of stroking everyone so it never feels like he is an outright shill. His sarcastically leaning into being called one, is a nice psy-op tactic too. If you pay attention though, you'll see how he slips in every Nvidia talking point. He often does this awkward or perhaps more accurately, uncomfortable sounding laugh. Make no mistake, he does a good job. It's just how he always throws in every talking point about workflows, content creation, fake frames, DLSS, and ray tracing. You know the entire Nvidia required talking points list. I could go on for 1000s of more words about him, he does the used car salesperson schtick the best of all of them. Having that way of telling you what you want to hear, no matter what it was you want to hear.
The one I am disappointed in is Bryan from techyescity. He has been shilling more for Nvidia lately. I guess living in Japan near his kid is creating financial pressures. Particularly since he isn't back home where he can hustle a bunch of systems for cash. While he didn't do the preview; I don't think he was invited. He does have a video following up Jay's shill fest, using some dumb cheesecake analogy. He is brown nosing hard. Or maybe I should call it green nosing.
Anyways, it was good to see Steve and Tim speak out, while being very diplomatic about it. It's the level of integrity we don't just need, but should demand.