Copy/Pasting Toy/Material information in reviews... is it legit?

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Copy/Pasting Toy/Material information in reviews... is it legit?

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Contributor: cherryredhead88 cherryredhead88
I just read a review where the writer obviously copy and pasted information about the material of the toy, and the stats of the toy, into their review.

Not sure if this is considered plagiarism, bordering on the line of, or just bad reviewing...

I can see where it would be done, like if you don't know that information, BUT:

you could at least re word it into your own words?
as far as sizes go, I honestly feel that the toy needs to be measured by the reviewer personally- I have received toys that were NOT the same as the product page described in the past.


So, do you think it is legit to copy and paste information from the product page/ material page/ or any other article about a product into a review? Or is that still plagiarism?
Answers (private voting - your screen name will NOT appear in the results):
Yes, it's legit. Everyone has done it at some point.
5  (4%)
No, it isn't legit. They can at least re word it/ put forth some effort.
100  (87%)
Other.
10  (9%)
Total votes: 115
Poll is closed
12/03/2010
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Contributor: cherryredhead88 cherryredhead88
Quote:
Originally posted by cherryredhead88
I just read a review where the writer obviously copy and pasted information about the material of the toy, and the stats of the toy, into their review.

Not sure if this is considered plagiarism, bordering on the line of, or just bad ... more
I think you all know what my vote is!
12/03/2010
Contributor: DeliciousSurprise DeliciousSurprise
I don't know that every toy requires a tape measure being whipped out, but I do appreciate when people at least put some effort into rewording it and making it their own.
12/03/2010
Contributor: Kindred Kindred
I'm not sure that I have noticed anyone else doing it before, but I don't have a problem with copy/pasting that information. Does it make it anymore legit if someone simply retypes the information? I don't see any point in that. And what if someone simply refers the reader to the product page for that information?

However, I will also add that I don't think such information is necessary in a review, that's why EF includes it on the product page. I do include it in my reviews because that's what the community wants and not including it runs the risk of lower ratings.
12/03/2010
Contributor: ~LaUr3n~ ~LaUr3n~
I remeasure my toys since 75% of the time, the stats given are not 100% correct for the toys I have had.

I think it is ok to copy the material specs, but reword them. There is one sentence in most of my reviews that contains material info from the product page, but it is never word for word.
12/03/2010
Contributor: ToyTimeTim ToyTimeTim
I would rather see that than no information at all. At least they put the info in, it would be nice if they re-worded it though.

I find it funny that half of our reviews can be found on the product page, size, material and care. But if we do not write that info in there some might not find it as useful. Are we not just copy/pasting in some form anyways?
12/03/2010
Contributor: Tori Rebel Tori Rebel
I always remeasure my toys and use whatever material info is given on the box, not on EF because sometimes they do differ.

I will, however, on bath and body products and lubes, cut and paste the ingredient list if it's the same as it is on the bottle (and I do check) because quite frankly they're long lists of hard to spell chemicals. Since they're just lists of components, there's really no way to reword them. I think this is ok because my options are either A. cut and paste from the product page or B. sit and type them out from the back of the bottle. Once I've verified that what's on the page and on the bottle are exactly the same, even down to the order, there's really no difference between the two.
12/03/2010
Contributor: Kindred Kindred
I didn't read carefully in your original post that you mention copying material information also. I was thinking more about size/dimensions. I have no problems if a reviewer copies the dimensions. Other information I think they can reference the product page, but included information should be written in their own words.
12/03/2010
Contributor: Porfiriato Porfiriato
I always check the dimensions listed on EF, and if they seem different than the product, I remeasure. I've had a few cases where the listed size did not match the actual product.

In terms of ethics, your review should be original, and you should never copy and paste chunks from the product page or a descriptive review. However, EF's product material information is provided for a reason, and a lot of reviews copy this information. Reword it if you can, but there are only so many ways to say phthalates free, latex free...
12/03/2010
Contributor: El-Jaro El-Jaro
It is 100% NOT ok to copy/paste anything into a review and not associate or tell where you got it from. If you say you got it from the material section, why put it in at all? Link them to the material section instead.

If you see it, let someone know so it can be taken care of.
12/03/2010
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
I feel that although including size and cleaning information in the review is not considered "necessary" according to reviewing guidelines, for me, it can make the difference (if included) between a "somewhat useful" and a "useful" review and even, occasionally the difference between "useful" and "extremely useful." (But this one not as often.)

I am an detail oriented person. I do not like going back and forth between the review and the product information in virtually every review, to see if especially newer reviewers are being accurate and are learning their stuff. (I do this a LOT.) Those with 5 or less reviews, obviously, are given more leeway. But I do include my own measurements of size, cleaning info, lube compatibility etc on most of my reviews of actual sex toys. I also include ingredient lists, or at least list the active ingredients in reviews of lubes and other potions, powders and sprays. For products with ingredients that I am unfamiliar with, or those which contain herbs or other unusual ingredients, I do some research to find what the herb is for, and reasons it may have been included in the product. (Google is only a click away. )

Just being a bit anal (sorry) about these things in my own review does make me want others to include them as well, when it is necessary.

There is never a reason for word for word copying and pasting (unless one is quoting the writing on a product or book excerpts) It isn't hard to put things in one's own words. As for measurements, I have occasionally found stated measurements are inaccurate, or not inclusive, so I include my own. I have seen one or two reviews where it appeared the descriptive review or a review from an other site was simply taken apart and re-quoted, a few times with no personal information added. This hasn't happened recently and was not a common practice, but it does ring of plagiarism.
12/03/2010
Contributor: KnK KnK
Quote:
Originally posted by El-Jaro
It is 100% NOT ok to copy/paste anything into a review and not associate or tell where you got it from. If you say you got it from the material section, why put it in at all? Link them to the material section instead.

If you see it, let ... more
I can see your point. :/ I put an ass-ton of work editing and re-editing trying to make my newest review sound good. Copying and pasting just doesn't it make it seem like you're trying that hard.
12/03/2010
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by El-Jaro
It is 100% NOT ok to copy/paste anything into a review and not associate or tell where you got it from. If you say you got it from the material section, why put it in at all? Link them to the material section instead.

If you see it, let ... more
I agree, a link is a good way to do it, (explaining what the link is) if one doesn't want to include the information in their review.

As it is not required for the actual review process, I am not a complete stickler, but I still prefer when people include exact measurements of their own, especially on actual sex toys. Especially insertable ones.
12/03/2010
Contributor: DeliciousSurprise DeliciousSurprise
Quote:
Originally posted by DeliciousSurprise
I don't know that every toy requires a tape measure being whipped out, but I do appreciate when people at least put some effort into rewording it and making it their own.
I just want to add onto this comment that I meant this only in the context of copying an ingredient list, for example, or copying toy dimensions. Copying any part of someone else's review is not okay with me, even if it's reworded.

I should not post before coffee.
12/03/2010
Contributor: BBW Talks Toys BBW Talks Toys
Quote:
Originally posted by P'Gell
I feel that although including size and cleaning information in the review is not considered "necessary" according to reviewing guidelines, for me, it can make the difference (if included) between a "somewhat useful" and a ... more
Don't get me wrong, I think we have an obligation to make sure the specs are right, because I, too, have received toys that don't quite measure up. But I think it's OK to say something like "When compared to the specs page (with link), all dimensions measure up (or differ as such)." Or "For basic cleaning, do __________, because _________ material should only be cleaned like _________. However, if you would like more information about the material please go to this link (with link)." Yes, we should be giving accurate information, but I think it's perfectly acceptable, if you don't want to list every ingredient or every detail about product info to say, "Hey, check out this page, it will tell you what you need to know." (Unless it doesn't match)

But I do agree if a reviewer is going to add in the information, that it should be in their own words.
12/03/2010
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by BBW Talks Toys
Don't get me wrong, I think we have an obligation to make sure the specs are right, because I, too, have received toys that don't quite measure up. But I think it's OK to say something like "When compared to the specs page (with ... more
I agree. Completely.

Listing all ingredients is not required, but I often prefer it, especially for those of us who are allergy prone. I also do like to see cleaning instructions, as it implies the reviewer uses the toy regularly, knows the product, is familiar with the material and knows how to handle the product he or she is reviewing.

But, of course, a link to the product page is completely acceptable, as is putting the information in one's own words, copy and paste is not.
12/03/2010
Contributor: J's Alley J's Alley
I said "other" because...as Laur3n said over 75% of the time the info here is wrong. So, rewording doesn't work in this case. Sorry. I really believe you need to measure the item yourself.

If there is a girth to the toy that is meant to be inserted, please measure it. EF measurements are often incorrect, and I tend to get all kinds of pissed off if I get a toy and the measurements are wrong. In fact, I even go as far as to look for reviews from specific reviewers whom I know to be accurate reviewers to avoid this.

I have even had things listed (ie the materials) on EF that were listed differently on the packaging. I have had to (and I know a lot of other reviewers have done this too) contact the manufacturer for the correct information.
12/03/2010
Contributor: ScottA ScottA
If you're talking about specs in the review they should be in the review. Having to go to the specs page disrupts the flow of reading and is inconvenient.

I chose "other" because stats are often difficult to reword. There are only so many ways to say "1.5 inches diameter", and people should spend their time working on the rest of the review rather than worrying if their stats are different enough to not be "copying". That said your review is a piece of writing, and you should work the stats into the review in a way that helps the flow and the reader. Generally this means that you should not copy the list - tell the measurements as you work with them and then bring in the other stuff (if necessary) when you're discussing it. A direct copy of the stats page just doesn't work, ever, I usually remeasure because I often talk about unexpected dimensions (on my last review I wanted to include the length before the widest diameter), but I'll only do the full measurements if it appears there's a problem (just to note: EF has the "pony" end of the Feeldoes with different measurements, and according to Erogenics/Tantus they're all the same size).

And lastly: if you don't need to put in a particular stat, if it doesn't bring anything to your review and you aren't working with it, then don't. In that case it's just clutter.
12/03/2010
Contributor: namelesschaos namelesschaos
Quote:
Originally posted by ~LaUr3n~
I remeasure my toys since 75% of the time, the stats given are not 100% correct for the toys I have had.

I think it is ok to copy the material specs, but reword them. There is one sentence in most of my reviews that contains material info ... more
Ya I remeasure my toy for that reason also some time measurements not listed are relevant such as the measurements of the base on a butt plug, so I never just copy from the product page.

For a materials I write it in my own words it is actually a little tricky to think of a new way to say silicone is good every other review lol.
12/03/2010
Contributor: Viktor Vysheslav Malkin Viktor Vysheslav Malkin
Quote:
Originally posted by El-Jaro
It is 100% NOT ok to copy/paste anything into a review and not associate or tell where you got it from. If you say you got it from the material section, why put it in at all? Link them to the material section instead.

If you see it, let ... more
Boooyaaa! I agree Mr. Sauce!
12/03/2010
Contributor: PussyGalore PussyGalore
Copy pasta-ing is baaaaaad internet form when it comes to things like this. The point is to write it in your point of view not someone else's. I feel it's unfair to everyone involved - the original author, the reader and the reviewer.
12/03/2010
Contributor: PussyGalore PussyGalore
Quote:
Originally posted by J's Alley
I said "other" because...as Laur3n said over 75% of the time the info here is wrong. So, rewording doesn't work in this case. Sorry. I really believe you need to measure the item yourself.

If there is a girth to the toy that ... more
I am so glad I read this. I am just learning to do reviews with the help of SexyySarah (whose name I keep misspelling, so sorry girl!) and my first toy for her class is arriving TODAY.

The best thing about EF is the review portion for products. Browsing other adult toy sites had always left me saying, yeah ok that's great BUT HOW BIG IS IT, REALLY?!? and what does it feel like. I want to write the best reviews possible because these things can be expensive and it's such a disappointment to have wasted money on something you'll never use.
12/03/2010
Contributor: Bunnycups Bunnycups
Quote:
Originally posted by Kindred
I'm not sure that I have noticed anyone else doing it before, but I don't have a problem with copy/pasting that information. Does it make it anymore legit if someone simply retypes the information? I don't see any point in that. And ... more
I totally agree with you about the size and dimension of toys. I don't think they are necessary in reviews because the reader sees it on the product page. It's pretty redundant. Everyone puts that unnecessary information in their reviews, so I do too.

I wouldn't measure every toy. If the size is obviously not as it was stated on the product page or if it seems questionable I'd measure it. Otherwise, I don't think it is necessary.

Copying and pasting in reviews is wrong. That would be like copying the back of a book for a book report.
12/03/2010
Contributor: J's Alley J's Alley
Quote:
Originally posted by Bunnycups
I totally agree with you about the size and dimension of toys. I don't think they are necessary in reviews because the reader sees it on the product page. It's pretty redundant. Everyone puts that unnecessary information in their reviews, ... more
It really isn't redundant because when someone is reading the reviews they want to get the correct info (a lot of times the specs on EF are incorrect), plus it is really irritating to have to go from the review to the info and back. We are trying to make it a one stop place to make an informed decision.

I never read EF specs...and if it isn't in the review I tend to get annoyed and move to the next review.
12/03/2010
Contributor: cherryredhead88 cherryredhead88
Quote:
Originally posted by Tori Rebel
I always remeasure my toys and use whatever material info is given on the box, not on EF because sometimes they do differ.

I will, however, on bath and body products and lubes, cut and paste the ingredient list if it's the same as it is ... more
I agree with this, since it is a pain in the ass to type Methylfjdlsfvldksjvkls df half of the time!

I agree with others about the info being on the page anyways, and it seems to be kind of a catch 22 with the whole thing. I have noticed that my reviews do get less useful ratings when I do not include all the specs, but at the same time, it's on the damn product page! I think it is good to measure on your own/throw in if there are any differences in the actual product versus the product page, but the review I read just seemed to have little effort in the whole tone of it. Maybe that is why it bothered me so much.
12/03/2010
Contributor: ToyGeek ToyGeek
I cut and paste hard-to-spell things into my document, and then add them into the prose as works best for flow. There's a big difference between my kind of invisible laziness, and encountering a review that has a big block in the middle that has obviously been inserted from another page.
12/03/2010
Contributor: cherryredhead88 cherryredhead88
@JR- I wasn't sure if this was something big enough to be brought to anyone's attention, since you guys are so busy and I wasn't really sure if it was plagiarism or not. I will message you a link to the review.


I was more talking about this person literally copy pasted this from a material page:



Material / Texture
Pyrex is a hard material with a high chemical resistance and mechanical strength. Pyrex is less dense than ordinary glass, making it much more resistant to shattering and breaking as well; if it were to drop it would not shatter or splinter into tiny pieces but instead it would snap or break in large pieces

Now I think this is a newer reviewer, so they may not be aware of the wrong doing of this, but obviously that isn't the way they would say it on their own.

I'm going to try and let it slide since they probably didn't know any better, but as someone who frequents the material guide for information, it just bothers me.
12/03/2010
Contributor: Tori Rebel Tori Rebel
Quote:
Originally posted by cherryredhead88
I agree with this, since it is a pain in the ass to type Methylfjdlsfvldksjvkls df half of the time!

I agree with others about the info being on the page anyways, and it seems to be kind of a catch 22 with the whole thing. I have noticed that ... more
It really is! But again, to reiterate, I make sure that wherever I'm getting the text of the ingredients for is absolutely identical, and in the same order, as on the actual packaging. And if ingredients aren't on the packaging and not on the product manufacturer's site, I don't list them.

A note to those with sensitivities- always be careful when reading ingredients on EF- it seems that they have limited character spacing in that field and on one item, the ingredients listed on EF were only the first half of what was listed on the manufacturer's website.

Everything else I double check for myself and list my real findings.
12/03/2010
Contributor: Victoria Victoria
Quote:
Originally posted by ~LaUr3n~
I remeasure my toys since 75% of the time, the stats given are not 100% correct for the toys I have had.

I think it is ok to copy the material specs, but reword them. There is one sentence in most of my reviews that contains material info ... more
Wait... are you saying that 75% of our Properties listed on Eden are wrong?
12/03/2010
Contributor: Viktor Vysheslav Malkin Viktor Vysheslav Malkin
Quote:
Originally posted by cherryredhead88
@JR- I wasn't sure if this was something big enough to be brought to anyone's attention, since you guys are so busy and I wasn't really sure if it was plagiarism or not. I will message you a link to the review.


I was more ... more
I add similar information to my reviews. I always researched materials, and drew on multiple sources and then wrote out what the material was made out of, what precautions and other relevant stuff. I never directly copied from anyone ones review or website before though.

I do not review many toys now-a-days, I review Mostly DVDs, so I do not have to worry about Materials as much anymore.

Now I have copied material descriptions that I HAVE WRITTEN before, I do not feel that is plagiarism though. I mean I wrote it before. I try not to, because I do not like recycling in my reviews, but I do not think that is a problem.
12/03/2010