This requires a response.
I am an independent consultant and I consult on statistical and
database problems, among others. SYSTAT is one of several statistical
software companies numbered among my clients. Before the review began
other statisticians told the PC Magazine editors about my clients and,
before I was assigned a package to review, I told the editors
personally. Fully informed, the editors then decided I was the
appropriate reviewer for Statistica and made the assignment.
Had StatSoft checked with anyone involved in the review they would
have been told the truth and would have avoided the embarrassment of
making a false accusation. If there is any ethical question here it is
why StatSoft would make a public accusation without checking, without
evidence.
Grant Blank
grant@sam.uchicago.edu
[I will respond to the other issues StatSoft raises in a later
message.]