@Andreas_Wolf
Quote:

The statements still do not contradict each other. It's commonplace for companies to send products out for review before they are sold to the general public, to build up a buzz around the device, though companies only do this when they're confident that the product they're selling will get a good review (whether though fair means or foul).

Quote:

This is clearly where you're getting confused. Let's take those three words and substitute them for when in turn so we can see what's going on:

The original:
"It is a substantial mistake to inform MZ readers that the "CherryPad 2" has been reviewed, when not only hasn't it been reviewed, but it hasn't been sold"

With 'because' in place of 'when':
"It is a substantial mistake to inform MZ readers that the "CherryPad 2" has been reviewed, because not only hasn't it been reviewed, but it hasn't been sold"

With 'as' in place of 'when':
"It is a substantial mistake to inform MZ readers that the "CherryPad 2" has been reviewed, as not only hasn't it been reviewed, but it hasn't been sold"

With 'since' in place of 'when':
"It is a substantial mistake to inform MZ readers that the "CherryPad 2" has been reviewed, since not only hasn't it been reviewed, but it hasn't been sold"

These three words change the meaning of the statements, they are not ones you can simply replace if you don't understand the use of when. The reason they change the meaning is that when is more versatile than you credit it for, it's not necessarily justification in absolute terms, but can also be a way to change the focus in a sentence. When in this context only loosely links the statements, you could skip it out entirely and get back the same meaning, like this:

"It is a substantial mistake to inform MZ readers that the "CherryPad 2" has been reviewed - not only hasn't it been reviewed, but it hasn't been sold"

The statement in question isn't one I would personally make, I don't think it's that strong a statement, but the question is not over whether it was convincing, but rather whether it made sense. It does make sense to a native English speaker.

One thing I'd point out that native English speakers listen to non native English speakers a lot, and often have to accommodate their less than perfect grasp of the language (for the most part we don't mind). With this increased practice in interpreting what someone is trying to say, you pick up on one key skill, which is that the word choice only tells you some of what is intended, the other part of understanding comes in understanding why they're saying it.

The reason you're failing is because you're too hung up on the word choice. If you broaden your view to try and understand the reason why it was said, there's no confusion. To paraphrase the sentence with the intention in mind, you could say "It's a mistake to say the product is reviewed, it clearly isn't ready yet".

Does this make sense now? Again, if not, ask any questions you have.

Thanks.

[ Edited by HenryCase 28.08.2011 - 10:16 ]