The New Intimacy

Suggestions for things that will help someone make advanced reviewer

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Contributor: removedacnt removedacnt
I was reading another thread and it got me thinking of many of the things I would say to someone who wants to be an advanced reviewer but they're not getting the votes.

So I thought a thread from the advanced reviewers telling them what would help might be a good idea.

My suggestions are:

If you're getting anything less than useful on your reviews, try the extended template.

Read some of the extremely useful reviews to get an idea of how it's done.

Be thorough!

Answer the comments on your reviews. Nothing bugs me more than to read a review that needs work and the reviewer seems to be ignoring the comments.

Check your spelling

Also helpful but not necessary, join us in the forums. It helps us to get to know you and helps you to get to know us.

Ok soooo who else has some great suggestions?
12/05/2009
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Contributor: SilverVixen SilverVixen
Quote:
Originally posted by removedacnt
I was reading another thread and it got me thinking of many of the things I would say to someone who wants to be an advanced reviewer but they're not getting the votes.

So I thought a thread from the advanced reviewers telling them what ... more
Just to add additional resources to this thread, there was also a good thread started by Laurel with some advice that is very similar!

link
12/05/2009
Contributor: ArmyWife Kira ArmyWife Kira
Thanks for this post and that link! I find myself having trouble removing the personal comments from my reviews. I need to learn to write a review without the I's, Me's, and We's...and save those for the personal experience section. I really appreciate the helpfulness of the community, I have felt very welcome here.
12/05/2009
Contributor: Sammi Sammi
Quote:
Originally posted by removedacnt
I was reading another thread and it got me thinking of many of the things I would say to someone who wants to be an advanced reviewer but they're not getting the votes.

So I thought a thread from the advanced reviewers telling them what ... more
I think these are all good suggestions.

The extended template can be a great help with what should be included in the review.
Also, setting the alert flag on your review will let you know when someone does make a comment or ask a question.
12/05/2009
Contributor: Adriana Ravenlust Adriana Ravenlust
If you have trouble with grammar or spelling, type it up in a word program first because it does matter. I get the feeling that a lot of people think crappy reviews are okay because it's "just" a sex toy site.

Read highly voted reviews before writing your first.
12/05/2009
Contributor: removedacnt removedacnt
Quote:
Originally posted by Adriana Ravenlust
If you have trouble with grammar or spelling, type it up in a word program first because it does matter. I get the feeling that a lot of people think crappy reviews are okay because it's "just" a sex toy site.

Read highly voted ... more
You know I still read highly rated reviews when I'm trying to review a new type of toy for me.
12/05/2009
Contributor: TinyTease TinyTease
Post here in the forums and ask what we'd like to know about whatever it is you are reviewing.

Read other reviews on the same or similar products to get an idea what people seem to be wondering about it or what answers have yet to be offered.

PROOF READ YOUR REVIEW! And, if possible, have someone else read it, too.
12/06/2009
Contributor: Miss Cinnamon Miss Cinnamon
Be open to criticism. If someone takes time out of their day to criticize your review, it's usually because they care. I've seen a few (tiny, tiny minority) new reviewers respond very harshly to even the friendliest criticism. It's not a personal attack on your character, but an opportunity that can help you grow into a better reviewer. By insisting that your review is perfectly OK and refusing to accept criticism, you're basically discouraging any further help from your fellow contributors.
12/06/2009
Contributor: J's Alley J's Alley
Take the time to learn what is safe and what is not. I have seen way too many reviews lately that say you should use a toy (with no base) for anal play. Please don't recommend it. If they do it, fine...I wouldn't give anyone the idea.

Look up the materials before writing your review. I asked someone what toys could be used with a lube and they answered all. That was far from true as it was an oil based lubricant.

Remember if we give bad advise and people see that it is a direct reflection of EF and people may not come back.
12/06/2009
Contributor: Sir Sir
Quote:
Originally posted by Miss Cinnamon
Be open to criticism. If someone takes time out of their day to criticize your review, it's usually because they care. I've seen a few (tiny, tiny minority) new reviewers respond very harshly to even the friendliest criticism. It's not a ... more
I have seen the same thing, and it's very sad because constructive criticism isn't meant to hurt, it's meant to help.
12/06/2009
Contributor: Sir Sir
Quote:
Originally posted by Sammi
I think these are all good suggestions.

The extended template can be a great help with what should be included in the review.
Also, setting the alert flag on your review will let you know when someone does make a comment or ask a question.
Sammi, I've actually seen more less-than-up-to-par reviews lately with the Extended template from newer reviews than I have from free-form writing with new reviewers.
12/06/2009
Contributor: ArmyWife Kira ArmyWife Kira
Quote:
Originally posted by Miss Cinnamon
Be open to criticism. If someone takes time out of their day to criticize your review, it's usually because they care. I've seen a few (tiny, tiny minority) new reviewers respond very harshly to even the friendliest criticism. It's not a ... more
I love when people post what they think of my reviews! How am I supposed to get better if I don't know what I may be doing wrong?
12/06/2009
Contributor: Sir Sir
Quote:
Originally posted by ArmyWife Kira
I love when people post what they think of my reviews! How am I supposed to get better if I don't know what I may be doing wrong?
Of course! It's always good to be open-minded about it, rather than get upset.
12/06/2009
Contributor: SexyDuchess SexyDuchess
I would also go to other reviews and see what people ask - make sure that your review includes answers to common questions. Such as: what is the best lube to use, how do you care for the toy, is it water-proof etc.
I know that you might tend to think it's obvious as some answers are in the product overview, but why make people take that extra step - just include it.
12/06/2009
Contributor: Sammi Sammi
Quote:
Originally posted by Sir
Sammi, I've actually seen more less-than-up-to-par reviews lately with the Extended template from newer reviews than I have from free-form writing with new reviewers.
I've seen a mix. I do think the Extended helps many reviewers with including necessary information, but not always, that's true.
12/06/2009
Contributor: MuffysPinguLove MuffysPinguLove
Quote:
Originally posted by Sir
I have seen the same thing, and it's very sad because constructive criticism isn't meant to hurt, it's meant to help.
I've also seen a lot of new reviewers taking constructive criticism the wrong way. This makes me sad, because when I first started out on this site it was what helped me turn my reviews into something that I could be proud of and other reviewers would enjoy reading.
12/07/2009
Contributor: LicentiouslyYours LicentiouslyYours
Hey, this is a great thread with lots of good things to offer. Thanks to Silver Vixen for linking to the previous thread. Gary said something recently about the extended template being one tool available, hopefully one of many EF provides to help reviewers write the best reviews they can.

Our more experienced advanced reviewers are also a fantastic resource and I want to let you all know how much EF appreciates when you guys step up and offer assistance, advice and encouragement to new and old reviewers alike.

And speaking of encouragement, something I have noticed as I have read follow-up reviews for reviews done a year ago or more is the number of votes and comments reviews used to get.

I would love to see everyone commenting more on reviews, even if only to say good job or nice review. I think we all like to know people are reading our reviews. And if that's not enough encouragement, it does give a small boost to your rating to leave comments on others' reviews!
12/07/2009
Contributor: Sir Sir
Quote:
Originally posted by Sammi
I've seen a mix. I do think the Extended helps many reviewers with including necessary information, but not always, that's true.
I agree that it's a mix, I've just recently seen more done that way (when people suggest the Extended Review, I've seen people start doing them that way and including less information). I do believe that it's a good suggestion as I also sometimes suggest its use, because the Extended Template really does help a lot (if the writer uses it wisely, of course).

MuffysPinguLove: Yes, I know. I do not actually remember getting constructive criticism on my reviews when I started out, it was generally a question here or there, so it's really a great thing that we have so many contributors willing to give help now.
12/07/2009
Contributor: Sir Sir
Quote:
Originally posted by LicentiouslyYours
Hey, this is a great thread with lots of good things to offer. Thanks to Silver Vixen for linking to the previous thread. Gary said something recently about the extended template being one tool available, hopefully one of many EF provides to help ... more
I hadn't read your comment! I do agree, a lot more contributors are commenting on reviews and helping out newer reviewers and even commenting on good reviews to say, "Great review!" or "Nice review, I enjoyed this and this part."
12/07/2009
Contributor: Gary Gary
I realize that I may be repeating a few things that have already been said here but...

The most important thing is to take your time! You don't have to write the review and submit it all in a 30 minute time frame. I write most of my reviews in 2-3 small bursts, and then I go back through and proof read them, (and whenever possible I get someone else to proof before I post them as well). If you are taking your time you are less likely to skip over or miss things.

Reading other peoples reviews, especially the higher rated reviews by the higher ranking reviewers, is an excellent way to feel out what constitutes a great review. Yes you should be open to suggestions, but you also have the whole forum to come and ask questions when you are confused by something.
12/07/2009