Constructive Criticism or Nit Picking?

On my first couple of reviews, I got comments like that and appreciated them. I think that as long as you aren't being rude in the way you question it, it is just fine to do. After all, we are all here for one thing as reviewers. To help the readers, and in order to do that sometimes we all might need a little help along the way!

I got comments like that on my first reviews, as well. I think they were helpful and I always remember them when I'm writing now to make sure I cover everything.

So long as they are questions and the tone is right, I see no issue. Now, if the tone gets to be "You forgot X,Y,Z. Why?!" then it becomes not so great.

I also think that those who are looking to improve will be appreciative. Those who want to stay the same probably will be offended no matter how nicely the comment is worded.

The tone should be kind, but we are here to help each other. I appreciate constructive criticism and I know it has made me a better writer, both on Eden and other places.

I kindly point things out sometimes, and I always hope the reviewer takes the suggestions and questions in the manner they were intended, with kindness and a way to help them learn to review the best they can!

I think it really depends. If it's something glaringly obvious, it might be wise to point out, or if you're asking because you're considering getting the toy and you're wondering, that's fine, too.

At the same time, it's important to consider that someone might intentionally leave things out or they didn't include something because they don't particularly care about it. In one of my reviews, it was brought up that I didn't mention the type of material or batteries. I didn't include these because they were already listed on the product page and it didn't seem important to me.

In these instances, I think it's best to consider the format of the review (i.e., standard or extended), the tone of the review (i.e., objective or subjective), and what the reviewer's goal appears to be (e.g., to inform, to share one's personal experience, so on).

I can only echo what others have said - it's all in the tone of the question. But I truly think it's important to give that kind of feedback. If someone asks me a question about a product I am always more than happy to answer the question - and if someone were to point out something I'd forgotten to include in the review I'd appreciate that too.

Sometimes if the review is really lacking in the info department, I'll even mention the mentor program. I think most new members haven't even heard of it, so I'll encourage them to join and tell them it will help them write more informative reviews.

Kate, I've read several of your comments on reviews just in the last day or so and I find nothing wrong with the way you've written them. In fact, I was glad you beat me to reading the review because I liked the way you phrased your questions/comments.