What are the key components in an excellent review?

Contributor: js250 js250
I was thinking that to each person, a well written review means something slightly different. What would be interesting to learn and possible compile are the major key components of an excellent review. This could also be a helpful tool for new reviewers and mentors.

In your opinion, please list the major things that you find the most useful in a review.
01/26/2013
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Contributor: ShadowedSeductress ShadowedSeductress
1. Listing measurements because the actual measurements often differ from the product page.

2. Pictures for me. I am super visual products, colors, size, etc can look very different in real life. I love size comparison photos as well.

3. Telling how the the toy (if it's a toy) worked for you. I don't need an erotic story, but I like to know more than what the product page tells me. I like reviews to be personal as well as technical.

I think there are many things that make a great review but these are some of the important ones to me.
01/26/2013
Contributor: js250 js250
The details I find most useful are:
1. Vibration pattern descriptions.
2. Power and noise levels.
3. Storage ideas.
4 Alternative uses and experience facts or suggestions.
5. Control details.
01/26/2013
Contributor: Geogeo Geogeo
I mostly read lingerie and clothing reviews so for those, photos of the clothing on the person, and sizing info is all I need. A giant review that I have to sift through to find that info to me, is less helpful.
01/26/2013
Contributor: Hummingbird Hummingbird
The details I find most useful are:
1) Maintenance
2) Travel Friendly
3) Ease of use and adaptability
4) Pertennt to my use, I.e. what level of toy it is, beginners, intermediate, or advanced
5) Waterproof
6) Versatility, on vibrating toys, what part of the body can it be used on?
01/26/2013
Contributor: Silverdrop Silverdrop
How easy it is to use. If the buttons require excessive hand strength, I want to know that, as my husband and I both have disabilities.

Noise level. A noisy toy is an active turn off to me. Tell me if you tested it to see if you could hear it through the covers or through a closed door, etc.

Any little "gotchas" that might catch someone out, but not necessarily show up in standard descriptions. An unexpected seam, a battery compartment that jams, difficulty holding onto the toy when in use, and so on.
01/31/2013
Contributor: Sangsara Sangsara
I would say all the things that are listed on an extended review template
but especially the stuff that they cant find on the product page and other sites so you can avoid the all too common internet mistake when it comes to fit plus flexibility is a big one and strength cause how can you tell that from a picture.
for lube and body product reviews I think that ingredients are probably THE most important thing.
01/31/2013
Contributor: Sangsara Sangsara
oh and of course experience
01/31/2013
Contributor: Trysexual Trysexual
Quote:
Originally posted by ShadowedSeductress
1. Listing measurements because the actual measurements often differ from the product page.

2. Pictures for me. I am super visual products, colors, size, etc can look very different in real life. I love size comparison photos as ... more
These are most important to me...particularly 2-3. If I can get the size info from the pics, I don't need #1 as much.

When possible a comparison to a similar product is very helpful to put the score in perspective. Someone with their first vibe or first lube is going to have a different idea of quality/score than someone who's tried many.
01/31/2013
Contributor: tortilla tortilla
i love pictures - they are always helpful
01/31/2013
Contributor: 1001 Pleasures 1001 Pleasures
Quote:
Originally posted by Trysexual
These are most important to me...particularly 2-3. If I can get the size info from the pics, I don't need #1 as much.

When possible a comparison to a similar product is very helpful to put the score in perspective. Someone with their ... more
There is such a wide range of toys and toy users, and things like price (low or high) and quality (design, operation, etc.) are all factors in creating expectations for each individual user (be they favorable or not). For me, what makes an excellent review is when I can learn what the particular user's expectations for the product were before they tried it, compared to how the toy actually performed.

One thing I do like to see is when a reviewer has tried products that perform similar functions and - assuming they didn't like the review product - will suggest specific alternatives that work better.
01/31/2013
Contributor: Bleu Bleu
It really depends on the toy but generally:

1. Great pictures that give a more realistic projection of how big the toy is rather than just measurements because I am more of a visual person and I think an inch is way longer than an inch actually is.
2. Why the number of vrooms, bees, and stars were given. Especially vrooms since everyone handles power differently.
3. Battery life. Whether or not it eats batteries or takes x10 longer to charge than use.
4. Material details and hardships with cleaning/storing.
5. General annoyances they had with the toy. For example, if the toy whistled or something when it turned on.
6. Comparisons to like products/cheaper alternatives. If the product comes with an alt. version or v2 then how does it compare?
6.1 suggestions of like products
02/01/2013
Contributor: GONE! GONE!
Measurements and comparisons to other products if they have them. I love it when someone can compare, say, multiple external vibrators in the same review.
02/01/2013
Contributor: Martiniman Martiniman
Personally, I want to hear about experiences, creativity with the toy and an honest opinion. I can read the specs off the items page.
02/01/2013