Tough product reviews anger some advertisers but win reader trust - and revenue - over time.

Running a Web site that publishes reviews of camcorders sounds like a tame line of work. But I had a moment of terror when an executive at a major electronics manufacturer accused me of hacking into the corporation’s computer system to get information about a new product.

My site, CamcorderInfo.com, evaluates equipment for consumers. I started it five years ago as a senior in high school. While I attended Tufts University, my team and I built it to 20,000 visitors a day. Our major selling point is our reputation. Some reviewers in this field have damaged their credibility through cozy relationships with big manufacturers. We maintain our independence - and publicize it.

The executive’s accusation came after I published an advance look at one of his firm’s camcorders. I had found pictures and specs on the company’s Web site. He claimed that the review, which I considered to be neutral, had forced his employer to release a rudimentary version of the product early and damaged sales. He threatened to call the FBI to prosecute me if I didn’t reveal information about an anonymous source at the firm whom I had interviewed.

Complete story at FSB Magazine