> I don't know why you're being downvoted when it's clear your question is out of curiosity.

It is an odd question on the internet where people regularly and normally put a lot of effort into reviews, blog posts, discussion forums comments and so on.

That coupled with question about affiliation probably makes people interpret is as not questions out of curiosity, but rather as sleazy way to introduce doubt on the author motivation.

Good point. That was not my intention. But my communication skills before caffeine digests are not where I would want them to be :/

It does come across somewhat accusatory. Without the suggested affiliation with the author it would sound less so.