What is a 408???

What's the deal with Blueprint? A few years back, they had a terrible reputation with forums. Now I see Hot Rod Magazine pushing them. A magazine will push whoever pays them, but Blueprints rep was bad.
How are they so cheap? It can't be a quality build.

I don't know about the past. Lots of good info and reviews on here. With real world experience. Just an option I'm looking at.