What do you think makes a great review?

Contributor: js250 js250
js250
Related to: 
I thought about his for awhile, and decided to bring it up anyway. We all have differing opinions on what is important to us, what is important to you regarding the difference between a good review and a great review? I feel this topic could be of some help for our newbies and other reviewers as well.

The most important parts of a review, for me, is personal interaction and why it worked or not, the tone of the review and PLEASE tell me about the good and bad points of this product. Please do not just list them in the pro's and con's with no explanation. I also like details on sizes-makes a world of difference to some of us.
09/28/2011
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Contributor: AngelvMaynard AngelvMaynard
Quote:
Originally posted by js250
I thought about his for awhile, and decided to bring it up anyway. We all have differing opinions on what is important to us, what is important to you regarding the difference between a good review and a great review? I feel this topic could be of ... more
I think for me it changes from one product to the next. I like to have my questions answered about dimensions and inches and weight (if it's a heavy toy). I find the extended review is better for me because it serves as a reminder of all the details that Eden thinks makes a good review. I hate that it is limited and you can't upload pictures on it, but I like the structure of it. If you follow those clues I think you will get everything needed.
09/28/2011
Contributor: Redboxbaby Redboxbaby
Quote:
Originally posted by AngelvMaynard
I think for me it changes from one product to the next. I like to have my questions answered about dimensions and inches and weight (if it's a heavy toy). I find the extended review is better for me because it serves as a reminder of all the ... more
I agree! I appreciate the extended review format too.

I think what makes a great review is details. Color, length, girth, how many vibrations, are there patterns? - if so what kind, how many and what type of batteries, what are the ingredients, do you have another similar toy that this one might be like, how did you like it and how did your partner like it, can it be used at the same time as intercourse and for the love of all that is Holy - if the toy is waterproof and it was given to you to test and review...please submerge it and tell us your findings (if worse comes to worse and it is not really waterproof and your toy is ruined, you can always ask for a replacement).

I really get annoyed with reviews that say, How great a toy is over and over, and go on to tell us something like, My boyfriend really liked watching me use this, I have only used this once or twice, but I love it and if it ever breaks I will totally buy a new one. That in my opinion, is not a review worth reading!

I would love to see new reviewers be required to do Extended Format Reviews until they are at a certain rank; that way, they get familiar from the start about what is expected in our reviews. I wish I had known the difference on my first one or two reviews. I would have done extended ones.
09/28/2011
Contributor: js250 js250
Quote:
Originally posted by Redboxbaby
I agree! I appreciate the extended review format too.

I think what makes a great review is details. Color, length, girth, how many vibrations, are there patterns? - if so what kind, how many and what type of batteries, what are the ... more
I agree!! The extended review format is the way to go for both new and experienced reviewers. I am thinking of requiring my new students to use the extended review format. Of course this will be pre-detailed in my experience section, however I would like some feedback if possible.
09/28/2011
Contributor: ToyTimeTim ToyTimeTim
I have five things that make a "Useful" review; How it's used or could be used, material, size and cleaning/care. Add vibration levels and patterns for vibes. I know that all this info is on the product page but I do not want to go back and forth to get it.

To get a "Extremely Useful" vote I want how it worked for you (I don't want an erotic description, just what ways it was pleasurable), possibly some humor, and answer every question I might have. I love to 'hear' the writers personality too, makes me think they are talking to me over a cup of coffee.

Another thing I want is when a person does not like the product, they must still give all the above info. Nothing bugs me more than a review that just blasts the toy because it did not work for them. It might work for me, so give me the info anyways.
09/28/2011
Contributor: Redboxbaby Redboxbaby
Quote:
Originally posted by ToyTimeTim
I have five things that make a "Useful" review; How it's used or could be used, material, size and cleaning/care. Add vibration levels and patterns for vibes. I know that all this info is on the product page but I do not want to go back ... more
"Another thing I want is when a person does not like the product, they must still give all the above info. Nothing bugs me more than a review that just blasts the toy because it did not work for them. It might work for me, so give me the info anyways."

This! Agreed!
09/28/2011
Contributor: Antipova Antipova
I think some of the things that make a review really great in my eyes are a little different than many folks (though some are the same).

I really like to hear how a toy is built---whether its construction is high-quality. If it's a vibrator, where is the motor? I like to have enough information to piece together how the way something is built will impact the way it will feel. For non-vibes, I like a lot of description of the shape or texture, and how it worked with the reviewer's anatomy. I think especially after I reviewed the Alumina Motion, I realized how important a shape could be.


I also appreciate humor, or a lot of personal description---but those aren't super necessary.

I especially like hearing why a reviewer chose to pick out the item---what made it stand out from others in its class---and, once they had it, how it lived up to (or did not live up to) expectations.
09/28/2011
Contributor: - Kira - - Kira -
Size is something I look for but not so much measurements as much as in comparison to something else. I suck with a ruler so telling me something is 7 inches doesn't mean much to me. Telling me it's about the same size as X or a picture comparing it to something else helps me more.

I love a sense of humor. If it's funny enough I'll let a slightly less useless review slide for some reason.

Experience is a big deal. All the product info in the world is great but ultimately I want to know did the item work or not? If not, why do you think that was? Some information on personal preference so the reader can tell if their preferences might match up with the reviewer's. For example, if you like mild vibrations, let the readers know that so that if you say something was totally amazing that people who need ultra powerful vibrators aren't running to buy it when it likely won't work for them.

I agree that even if it didn't work, all the product info should still be present. What doesn't work for some might for others. That's also why it's important to try to sort out why you think it didn't work for you.

I'm also on board with the extended review. I didn't know what the heck it was when I started and thus my first few reviews are AWFUL. I tried to write them longer, but the basic review cuts off at (I think) 800 words so I kept having to cut stuff out. There is literally no way to get all the needed information into the amount of space given on the basic format.
09/28/2011
Contributor: Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
Oh boy...get prepared for a mini-book.

First of all - I'm new to toys (even though we've been married 30+ years). My husband reminded me that about 28 years ago (pre-kids) we had a vibrator that was long and hard and stiff and we used it a couple of times and tossed it and said, "never again" (I'm guessing there wasn't the variety back then that there is now).

So for me - the reviews are very important because until about 48 hours ago I didn't know the difference between a dildo and a vibrator....and I knew nothing about so many other categories (ie butt plugs, etc).

I think that all reviewers should be made to use the extended format. I signed up with a mentor and she is requiring that of me and I can see how it helps you write a better review.

I like it when people talk about other uses for an item (trying to think of the M-shaped massager I read about earlier today but am blanking out).

I like it when they talk about how they use it specifically (so many items are new to me - like double-headed things, etc).

I hope its ok for me to say this in the forum - but there was a video review of the Big Hoss by Redboxbaby that made my jaw drop (as well as my husband's). She showed it compared to a soda can (to show diameter) and also next to another product. WOW.

I also enjoyed her review of a restraint system (something else sorta new to us). My husband and I oohed and aahed at it and put it on our wish list for the future.

I read a review today of a product (that escapes me) - but the husband talked about how his wife keeps it in a drawer by her bed and he has the drawer set up for recharging stuff. I wanted to see what the drawer looked like - how do you set up a center for recharging this stuff (remember - I'm new to this).

I also read a review of a glass item and they talked about how it wasn't as much for newbies as for those with experience (it was pretty too). They also compared it to steel items (that it was more for experienced folks like steel).

Having that information was very very helpful.

I think knowing someone's normal preferences helps too. For instance - I do like my Butterfly Kiss (first toy) but it isn't long enough for me. I think in the future when I review a vibrator I'd probably say something like "I prefer a longer length like X product" or "I prefer more vibration like Y product" if we're allowed to do that in the reviews.

Anyway - just my thoughts as a newbie.
09/28/2011
Contributor: Redboxbaby Redboxbaby
Quote:
Originally posted by Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
Oh boy...get prepared for a mini-book.

First of all - I'm new to toys (even though we've been married 30+ years). My husband reminded me that about 28 years ago (pre-kids) we had a vibrator that was long and hard and stiff and we used ... more
It is great to get a new person's perspective on our reviews! Thank you by the way, for the kudos on mine!

It helps us remember not everyone is familiar with our terms and lingo. A2M and I have seen ATM in porn reviews was just one acronym that took me forever to figure out. People would use it in reviews and say "eww" but I had no clue. It means "ass-to-mouth&quo t; by the way.

Usually if I have further questions about a review (like how someone might set up a rechargeable drawer) I would private message them or ask them in the comments or on their wall.
09/28/2011
Contributor: Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
I did make a post on the review - now I need to go back and check it later!

We're still trying to figure out what to do for a toybox - we don't want to just use a drawer (at this time).
09/29/2011
Contributor: Redboxbaby Redboxbaby
Quote:
Originally posted by Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
I did make a post on the review - now I need to go back and check it later!

We're still trying to figure out what to do for a toybox - we don't want to just use a drawer (at this time).
We bought a cedar blanket chest with a lock, specifically for our toys, once our collection began taking up too much room. We have big money invested here and figured our toys needed to be stored properly (we have 2 dogs) and locked up properly (we have kids and house/dog-sitters in our home often) to prevent wandering eyes from seeing things they shouldn't.
09/29/2011
Contributor: Antipova Antipova
Quote:
Originally posted by Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
Oh boy...get prepared for a mini-book.

First of all - I'm new to toys (even though we've been married 30+ years). My husband reminded me that about 28 years ago (pre-kids) we had a vibrator that was long and hard and stiff and we used ... more
Great input! Thank you, TexasMama, and welcome.
09/29/2011
Contributor: js250 js250
Quote:
Originally posted by Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
I did make a post on the review - now I need to go back and check it later!

We're still trying to figure out what to do for a toybox - we don't want to just use a drawer (at this time).
Thank you for reminding us that not everyone already knows what we are talking about as far as terminology! I am glad you are on the site. My husband and I have a locking chest that we use for a toy box and it looks very nice at the foot of the bed with a spare comforter on top. I have had friends going through our bedroom on holidays to use our second bathroom and they loved the classy look of the wooden chest. Thank goodness they do not know the contents!!! I do have a cheap locking one from Walmart that we keep DVD's in hidden in the bottom of the closet with my shoes stored on top.
09/29/2011
Contributor: Ansley Ansley
Quote:
Originally posted by Redboxbaby
I agree! I appreciate the extended review format too.

I think what makes a great review is details. Color, length, girth, how many vibrations, are there patterns? - if so what kind, how many and what type of batteries, what are the ... more
Using the extended format is not always an option. DVDs, lingerie and books come to mind first, but I think there are a few others that also fall into that category.

There are also some toys that just simply don't require that much explanation and forcing someone to meet the word count required for each text box could create a situation where they feel they have to talk in circles to be able to publish the review. Sometimes short and sweet is really good.
09/29/2011
Contributor: Breas Breas
Quote:
Originally posted by ToyTimeTim
I have five things that make a "Useful" review; How it's used or could be used, material, size and cleaning/care. Add vibration levels and patterns for vibes. I know that all this info is on the product page but I do not want to go back ... more
For me, humor is just a bonus. It's not that important. Some people just aren't funny (like me for example) and trying to sound funny just sounds lame.
09/30/2011
Contributor: LQ LQ
Quote:
Originally posted by - Kira -
Size is something I look for but not so much measurements as much as in comparison to something else. I suck with a ruler so telling me something is 7 inches doesn't mean much to me. Telling me it's about the same size as X or a picture ... more
I'm finally almost done writing my first review. (It's been a learning process - this is a little different than reviewing software and such. Haha.)

Anyway, since I can't even write a forum post under 800 words, might you (or someone), clarify for me regarding the regular vs. extended review formats & how to get to the one I want? This one is definitely looking "extended." Others, 800 should cover it. It just depends. Thanks!

EDIT: Oh, think I figured it out. When I start writing the review it will let me choose a template?
10/02/2011
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Quote:
Originally posted by LQ
I'm finally almost done writing my first review. (It's been a learning process - this is a little different than reviewing software and such. Haha.)

Anyway, since I can't even write a forum post under 800 words, might you (or ... more
If there's an option, yes. Lingerie almost never has an extended option, condoms never do, and some books or DVDs don't either.
10/03/2011
Contributor: LQ LQ
Quote:
Originally posted by Jul!a
If there's an option, yes. Lingerie almost never has an extended option, condoms never do, and some books or DVDs don't either.
Cool, thanks for the clarification. I've been doing my writing in Word so far & hadn't gotten a look at the actual site stuff yet.
10/03/2011
Contributor: Kkay Kkay
Things beyond the product description. How it worked for a person is more important than features I can get off the main page.
10/03/2011
Contributor: Darling Jen Darling Jen
Great reviews answer my questions that can't be found on the product page. If I'm researching something, I'll check out both the product page (with weight, dimensions, color, and basic features like how it's powered, if applicable) and the review. So I want to know what the product page wouldn't tell me - How strong is it? What's the material feel like? Is it constructed for quality and a long lifespan? Are there seams? Is it incompatible with anything? What body types would it work for? How did it work for them?

I don't expect reviews to cover everything. Trust me, I've tried. It turns out that if I re-explain what each material is, how to care for it, what is compatible with it, etc. I end up with a novella that resembles a FAQ rather than a review of the actual product. So it's good to get the "important" stuff out first and possibly link to one of the actual tutorials or FAQs for everything else.
10/03/2011
Contributor: iluvPHSfh9 iluvPHSfh9
Quote:
Originally posted by js250
I thought about his for awhile, and decided to bring it up anyway. We all have differing opinions on what is important to us, what is important to you regarding the difference between a good review and a great review? I feel this topic could be of ... more
i think details and explantations are really important. i also really like size comparisons. especially being a beginner it's hard to tell size wise if something is really small or big until you hold them next to each other, makes a world of difference to me!
09/01/2012