Is it ethical for a couple to each submit reviews for the same product?

Contributor: Kindred Kindred
I've recently read some reviews where it appears to me that a couple is each submitting reviews for the same product. At first I thought, that doesn't seem ethical and is somewhat deceptive. But then I also thought, it's reasonable because it is two different people each giving their own reviews. As long as they're not identically copied reviews, I guess I don't have an issue with it.

Does it matter if it's a toy used solo versus a toy used together?
Does it matter if it was a free assignment versus something they bought themselves?

I'm curious what other people think.
Answers (private voting - your screen name will NOT appear in the results):
Yes, it's perfectly acceptable for a couple to each review the same product.
104  (89%)
No, it is not acceptable for a couple to each review the same product.
4  (3%)
Other, with comment.
7  (6%)
What you talking about Willis?
2  (2%)
Total votes: 117
Poll is closed
11/13/2010
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Contributor: DeliciousSurprise DeliciousSurprise
Yes, if:

-it's a product each can use separately (like an anal toy or an anally safe toy)
-it's a product that will produce a different experience for each partner (like a vibrating cock ring, or a multi partner toy like a body painting set)

If, however, it's a toy that only one partner uses and the other writes it from the point of view of how the other partner liked it, then I think it's kind of ethically wrong. (Example: my partner uses a vibrator on me, and asks me how I enjoy it, what the sensations are like, and writes her own review about how I liked it, and then I write another review about it)
11/13/2010
Contributor: El-Jaro El-Jaro
I think it's totally fine if a couple write two reviews on the same product. I've read reviews where it was a retelling of their partner's experience; those I'm more "meh" about.
11/13/2010
Contributor: ToyTimeTim ToyTimeTim
Quote:
Originally posted by El-Jaro
I think it's totally fine if a couple write two reviews on the same product. I've read reviews where it was a retelling of their partner's experience; those I'm more "meh" about.
Same here.

As long as they do not copy the review I am fine with it. For something like a cock ring or a dildo/vibe that can be used analy, this would be fine. But for something like a clit vibe, no.
11/13/2010
Contributor: Airen Wolf Airen Wolf
I was wondering about this as well, Sigel would love to be able to review his toys for himself but we wondered if that would be ehtical since I reviewed them already. He feels pretty confident that he would be able to write a review from a unique viewpoint even about the same toy...since he is a guy and actually using the product.
11/13/2010
Contributor: Viktor Vysheslav Malkin Viktor Vysheslav Malkin
I think it is perfectly fine, although I know some couples write some kick ass reviews together, for example Alan & Michele

But I think it is fine
11/13/2010
Contributor: Selective Sensualist Selective Sensualist
My husband and I share many sterilizable toys which I use for vaginal penetration and which he uses for prostate stimulation. I always include his experiences in my reviews of these products because he is not interested in writing reviews himself. However, if he DID have an interest in writing reviews, I would simply describe my personal experience with/opinion of the toy and let him describe his experience/opinion in his own review. I see nothing wrong with a couple each writing his or her own review of the same product. After all, a couple consists of two unique individuals who have his or her own unique outlook and opinion!
11/13/2010
Contributor: kck kck
Quote:
Originally posted by DeliciousSurprise
Yes, if:

-it's a product each can use separately (like an anal toy or an anally safe toy)
-it's a product that will produce a different experience for each partner (like a vibrating cock ring, or a multi partner toy like a body ... more
I agree with this.
11/13/2010
Contributor: Darling Jen Darling Jen
Quote:
Originally posted by DeliciousSurprise
Yes, if:

-it's a product each can use separately (like an anal toy or an anally safe toy)
-it's a product that will produce a different experience for each partner (like a vibrating cock ring, or a multi partner toy like a body ... more
I completely and totally second this. But if both reviews cover both partner's experiences, then I kinda see it as sloppy cheating. But if both reviews are strictly from one person's point of view and experience, then sure.

A cock ring is a great example! One wears it, the other only receives some stimulation from it. Or maybe strap-on dildos or harnesses or pegging (a giver and a receiver).
11/13/2010
Contributor: Trashley Trashley
Quote:
Originally posted by DeliciousSurprise
Yes, if:

-it's a product each can use separately (like an anal toy or an anally safe toy)
-it's a product that will produce a different experience for each partner (like a vibrating cock ring, or a multi partner toy like a body ... more
I totally agree with this. I can't see why anyone would try the latter unless they were trying to rack up points, which is dumb. The partner-based review would probably be pretty crappy too, which would kill your rating. It's just dumb overall.. but if it's two different experiences I totally would love to see more couples giving each side of their experiences!
11/14/2010
Contributor: Shellz31 Shellz31
Yes - as long as both have written it from their own experiences.
11/14/2010
Contributor: sophie2229 sophie2229
if they both have different experiences, then I don't see why not!
11/14/2010
Contributor: nolongerhere nolongerhere
This is a good question! At first I was like, "No way!" But after thinking about it, I think that it works if both write different reviews on different experiences. Now if only I could get my husband to review!!
11/14/2010
Contributor: PuplePleasures PuplePleasures
I was just wondering this, I would say: Yes, it's perfectly acceptable.
11/14/2010
Contributor: Kinkyquing Kinkyquing
Quote:
Originally posted by DeliciousSurprise
Yes, if:

-it's a product each can use separately (like an anal toy or an anally safe toy)
-it's a product that will produce a different experience for each partner (like a vibrating cock ring, or a multi partner toy like a body ... more
This.
11/14/2010
Contributor: Sir Sir
Acceptable, certainly. Only not if they copy the review, you know? But two separate people writing two different reviews, why not?
11/14/2010
Contributor: cherryredhead88 cherryredhead88
Quote:
Originally posted by Kindred
I've recently read some reviews where it appears to me that a couple is each submitting reviews for the same product. At first I thought, that doesn't seem ethical and is somewhat deceptive. But then I also thought, it's reasonable ... more
I'm not sure about this because that sounds like they each have a separate account? So they are getting double eden points for the same product, and other couples has a joint account and write both of their view points on there.

I don't find it acceptable or fair to the rest of us.
11/14/2010
Contributor: cherryredhead88 cherryredhead88
Quote:
Originally posted by Trashley
I totally agree with this. I can't see why anyone would try the latter unless they were trying to rack up points, which is dumb. The partner-based review would probably be pretty crappy too, which would kill your rating. It's just dumb ... more
Yes this is what I was trying to say.
11/14/2010
Contributor: ScottA ScottA
If they're unique, yes. I can even see some situations where a couple could have two different reviews about a toy only one person's body could make use of. The big questions are:

(1) Is this a different review/my own review

and

(2) Do I bring something to the table that's worth other people reading?
11/14/2010
Contributor: ToyGeek ToyGeek
It's perfectly ethical, so long as it's not a cut & paste job. However, it's going to depend on the toy as to whether both reviews are actually helpful.
11/15/2010
Contributor: Illusional Illusional
Quote:
Originally posted by Viktor Vysheslav Malkin
I think it is perfectly fine, although I know some couples write some kick ass reviews together, for example Alan & Michele

But I think it is fine
Agreed!
11/15/2010
Contributor: Rockin' Rockin'
I think it's ethical as long as it's not a cut and paste job and there is good info in the review. I think some people might feel more comfortable reading a review from a self-user point of view, while others might want a giver point of view, or a receiver point of view, so I can see benefits to having different viewpoints portrayed.

I don't think a couple should feel like they are cheating or getting an unfair "advantage" by having separate accounts and separate activity. No one is forced to have a joint account with their partner(s).

If someone gets a toy in exchange for a review, then that toy is theirs. If their partner reviews it, they do so of their own volition and are not getting compensated for their time and work. Yes, they get votes and comments on the review and EdenPoints for the review but those things are almost always negligible as far as compensation is concerned compared to the value of the toy.
11/15/2010
Contributor: ~LaUr3n~ ~LaUr3n~
I agree with the repeating themes here...
-If it's not a copy and paste or very similar review
-It's even more appropriate when it can be used separately

And my own opinion:
-It's especially okay (and makes sense to two two different ones) if the opinions are so different that they clash too much in the same review
-It would be pretty pointless if I reviewed a female toy and then my male partner reviewed the same female toy that he couldn't use...that would not be acceptable to me. Even if it were not copy and pasted, I think it would just be an unnecessary reiteration or retelling.

I like to include my male partner's experience in most of my reviews since I use the majority of things with him even if they are geared towards female, so he does not write reviews on the products I own because he knows he would just be repeating my information even if it would be in his own words. When we get toys, if he has enough to say about something (male products), I let him write the review. If not, I do it and just include his experience with mine. The first two products my partner reviewed were not gender specific and could be (and were) used together. One of which we had different opinions about so it made sense that he wrote a review on it too. But since those initial two, we have had no repeats. The only reason I would see one happening in the future would be if (like I mentioned above) our opinions were so different that they could not be included in the same review without adding confusion.
11/15/2010
Contributor: Kimbertrees Kimbertrees
As long as it's not copy and pasted then I wouldn't have a problem with it. Two view points offer more insight on the toy for buyers.
11/15/2010
Contributor: sweet434cream sweet434cream
Quote:
Originally posted by Kindred
I've recently read some reviews where it appears to me that a couple is each submitting reviews for the same product. At first I thought, that doesn't seem ethical and is somewhat deceptive. But then I also thought, it's reasonable ... more
I feel that even in couples they both have their own thoughts of the product one might not enjoy as the other one did
11/15/2010
Contributor: Liz2 Liz2
If it is a different review and different perspective, I can't see why not? My b/f has absolutely no desire or inclination to write reviews but his comments are always welcome and appreciated. If appropriate, I will try to incorporate them.
11/15/2010
Contributor: Sera Sera
Quote:
Originally posted by Kindred
I've recently read some reviews where it appears to me that a couple is each submitting reviews for the same product. At first I thought, that doesn't seem ethical and is somewhat deceptive. But then I also thought, it's reasonable ... more
I was wondering the same thing, because my husband and I each have two different profiles. He's Phoenix713, and I'm SarahMarlatt. At first I didn't think it was ethical at all for us to review the same product, because I thought someone would think the reviews were too similar and that we were farming for points. But after reading this, I don't think it's a bad or naughty idea at all. Maybe we'll start doing that.

We usually only write the review on the product that each of us can use. I would not write a review on his masturbator, and he would not write a review on my clit vibe. However, for things that we can use separately and together, I don't think that there should be a problem.

But until I'm sure that there are no problems with doing this, I would not do it. I don't want to get in trouble with the administration, and with free toys already, how many points do we need? Eden Fantasys already spoils thousands here.
11/17/2010
Contributor: ToyGeek ToyGeek
Quote:
Originally posted by Sera
I was wondering the same thing, because my husband and I each have two different profiles. He's Phoenix713, and I'm SarahMarlatt. At first I didn't think it was ethical at all for us to review the same product, because I thought someone ... more
Seeing as the points earned from writing a review are worth fifty cents, and it takes at least a couple of hours to do the actual writing of a decent review, I don't think it's an efficient way to "point farm" anyway.

Personally, I think people are too worried about this point farming thing anyway. All points do is encourage us to spend more cash in order to use the points, so I think EF is well ahead of the game no matter how you look at it. A couple hours of goofing off on this site nets someone maybe two dollars worth of points, and there are certainly better ways to make two bucks if that's all you're after.

As long as a review is honest about its perspective, factual, and represents the true opinions and experiences of whoever wrote it, it's ethical. Period.
11/17/2010
Contributor: Love Buzz Love Buzz
If they are each writing about their own experience of the toy or product I don't see an issue with it, in fact I think it's a positive thing. The more view points reviews are written from the better. Even if it is a male reviewing a toy he has used on his wife or vice versa.

Especially at this time of year. I can imagine a husband searching Eden for a gift for his wife not knowing what any of the jargon means, possibly not fully understanding a review written from a female pov, with the assistance of a male pov review he may feel more comfortable in choosing a product.

but thats just my opinion.

plus from EF's position isn't 2 reviews for the price of one a beneficial thing to everyone involved? even if it were simply for point frming the 50cents worth of points is a lot cheaper than the product sent out to be reviewed
11/17/2010
Contributor: Love Buzz Love Buzz
If they are each writing about their own experience of the toy or product I don't see an issue with it, in fact I think it's a positive thing. The more view points reviews are written from the better. Even if it is a male reviewing a toy he has used on his wife or vice versa.

Especially at this time of year. I can imagine a husband searching Eden for a gift for his wife not knowing what any of the jargon means, possibly not fully understanding a review written from a female pov, with the assistance of a male pov review he may feel more comfortable in choosing a product.

but thats just my opinion.

plus from EF's position isn't 2 reviews for the price of one a beneficial thing to everyone involved? even if it were simply for point frming the 50cents worth of points is a lot cheaper than the product sent out to be reviewed
11/17/2010