u/Prize_Memory_5443 wrote (the comment Michael replied to):
I do not know if I would call them objective, Codesmith has board representation on CIRR. That is the definition of a conflict of interest. I will dig around and hope you are six figures plus.
u/michaelnovati replied · · edited ★ FEATURED
I think their representation on CIRR doesn't jeopardize the reliability of their data, but rather it's a conflict of interest because the specification itself is written by the people who have a vested interest in their data looking the best possible. And the issues with CIRR lie in the lack of clarity in the spec and reporting requirements that mask things (i.e. reporting percentages vs absolute numbers, lack of clarity on gathering salary data).
I think the bigger conflict of interest is with OSLabs - which is a legit-donation-accepting charity that offers letters of reference for students that make it look like they were involved with a separate entity without disclosing that the student was PAYING to do said work for CODESMITH's immersive program.