This sort of practice is not unique to the music industry. I used to work in the electronics industry, and it's common practice for the trade press to only run feature articles on your product (which you would have the opportunity to 'contribute' to) if you paid for a series of ads.
On a related note, brings to mind Luke Haines in his recent book when he mention that he's never had a good review or been featured in mojo since he stole Phil Alexander's girlfriend.
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