We often hear from readers who have requests and suggestions on new categories for us to cover. We can check to see what’s currently assigned or otherwise in the works by consulting Wirecutter’s massive editorial database, where we keep track of everything we cover, have covered, or plan to cover. Sometimes we’ve already covered—or intend to cover—something readers are asking about.
A follower recently commented on a TikTok video to request a review of the popular criss-cross chair that was circulating on the app. Deputy editor Annemarie Conte had actually already tested that chair, but her findings were laid out in a story about the Pipersong, a different social-media–famous office chair. So the social team filmed a follow-up TikTok to resurface her reporting, and we posted it in response to the comment.
If we don’t find a direct match for a request in our editorial pipeline, we’ll check in with reviewers or editors to see whether we’ve ever discussed covering the topic in question. We also keep a close eye on trends and note accumulated interest over time. When we get a handful of similar queries, we can make a more-thorough case for covering a particular category.
For example, after a report about the chemicals in black plastic kitchen tools began to circulate, several concerned readers submitted questions via our feedback form. “I need to find new kitchen utensil sets in a hurry after all the scary news about black plastic,” one reader wrote. Another asked, “Should I stop reusing black takeout containers and my spatula?”
Sustainability editor Katie Okamoto reported on the news, talking with experts to add context and gathering Wirecutter-recommended products that serve as good alternatives. Just after Katie’s story was published, we received even more questions from readers, specifically about coffee makers that include black plastic. Community manager Michelle Repke highlighted readers’ queries, and in response, Katie reached out to her sources and added more information to the story.
