Review Program Update - Accepting Proposals

Contributor: Lena Eden Lena Eden
My dearest community!

I’m happy to announce that we’re going to bring some updates to our Review Program.
Let’s talk about Review Templates for Sex Toys.

We’d like to try and make the reviews even more interesting, exciting, personal, easy to write and read. We already have some ideas of our own, but I’d love to hear your outstanding thoughts, guys!

What do you want to see in a sex toy review? Maybe there are some fields you’d like to remove, as these are too difficult to describe/boring/unusef ul? And if you’d like to add something, what would that be??

The author of the best proposal will get a $50 gift card.
C’mon, share your ideas!
07/15/2016
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Contributor: CharlotteNicole CharlotteNicole
Quote:
Originally posted by Lena Eden
My dearest community!

I’m happy to announce that we’re going to bring some updates to our Review Program.
Let’s talk about Review Templates for Sex Toys.

We’d like to try and make the reviews even more interesting, exciting, ... more
Honestly, the extended review format feels very comprehensive to me already! I'll keep this in mind when I'm writing my next review. Hopefully I'll come up with some golden advice
07/16/2016
Contributor: OH&W, Lovebears OH&W, Lovebears
Quote:
Originally posted by Lena Eden
My dearest community!

I’m happy to announce that we’re going to bring some updates to our Review Program.
Let’s talk about Review Templates for Sex Toys.

We’d like to try and make the reviews even more interesting, exciting, ... more
I think videos and pics are very helpful, but of course not everyone can do them. Extra pts or some incentive may encourage more to try them though.

To give a lot of detail often makes reviews too long and reader lose interest.
If we could reduce Material/ Texture and inserts about "suitable for beginners, intermediate, advance recommendation, it would shorten reviews. Let the buyer decide from the product page and pics if they want to try it.

Packaging: Is that important? Will it sway a purchase?
Experience, personal comments, performance could be combined ?
Care and maintenance ? Is it necessary. People pretty much know and warnings are already on the packing material or on the product page.

Perhaps a check box for male or female user/pov. Some toys designed for females are also used by males. ie dildos. We usually note if it was used by both.
If I think of anything else will let you know.
07/17/2016
Contributor: symbiasin symbiasin
Quote:
Originally posted by Lena Eden
My dearest community!

I’m happy to announce that we’re going to bring some updates to our Review Program.
Let’s talk about Review Templates for Sex Toys.

We’d like to try and make the reviews even more interesting, exciting, ... more
I always thought that packaging, unless unusual. made it too long. Maybe just a question somewhere asking if there were instructions would suffice.

Also, what we would use as a gift wrap may be entirely different than what someone else would use.
07/17/2016
Contributor: Herzer Herzer
When writing up the review I find staring at the webpage itself to be a bit daunting. I like to write my review in word first and then copy it over to the page in sections. This also helps if there are any internet connection or browser issues. A word template that reviewers could download with the standard and extended format would be really helpful to some people.
07/18/2016
Contributor: DancerKittyKat DancerKittyKat
I usually write the extended review because there is more structure. However in my recent reviews, I have felt redundant, repeating how silicone lube shouldn't be used on silicone toys and how you can clean water-resistant silicone toys with soap and water or your favorite toy cleaner. EdenFantasys already has great information about proper cleaning procedures for toys of different materials and information about how safe each material is. I think next to all reviews, there could be links to EdenFantasy's material information and cleaning instructions.

I definitely agree with the other contributors that I find myself focusing too much on describing the material, size, and packaging. On most product pages, there is a size comparison tool to compare the toy to a dollar bill and a credit card, so much of the dimensions are unnecessary. I also think most people can tell from the product pictures whether or not the product is discrete. I don't think this needs to be reiterated in each review.

I think there should be a greater emphasis on the things someone wouldn't be able to tell from the product page: How does the toy feel when you're using it? Was it comfortable/easy to use? How did you partner react if you were playing with him/her? Was the toy actually waterproof? If you could change anything about the toy, what would that be? The vroom/bee ratings are very helpful. In which locations does the user feel comfortable using the product if they are concerned about noise? Were there unexpected uses for this toy? How did you use this product? Do you have any tips?

I don't know if there are enough lingerie reviews being submitted, but it would be great to have a separate template for lingerie that allows users to compare of size chart measurements to reviewer's measurements. Also, quality of material/durability, care instructions (since those aren't always listed on the lingerie product pages), comfort, and best place to wear this garment.

I also agree that auto-saving review input pages would be very helpful!

I think it would be great if, in addition to the comments section, there were a question box that could be displayed on all reviews of that specific product (and also visible from the product page). That way, if a customer had a specific product question (e.g. how long can you use this vibrator on the highest setting before needing to recharge? how long does the product take to recharge), multiple reviewers could respond to the question with their own experience/opinions.

I look forward to seeing what changes will be made!
07/18/2016
Contributor: Lena Eden Lena Eden
CharlotteNicole, I'm looking forward to getting your advice

OH&W, Lovebears, the idea of more pics/videos is really good, as well as male/female user checkboxes.

symbiasin, got you about packaging.

Herzer, let's ask other reviewers: what do they think about it.
Guys, let me know your thoughts about Herzer's idea.

DancerKittyKat, thanks for the suggestions! I'm sure we'll use some of these.

Any other ideas, guys?
07/19/2016
Contributor: Evoluchun Evoluchun
Quote:
Originally posted by Lena Eden
CharlotteNicole, I'm looking forward to getting your advice

OH&W, Lovebears, the idea of more pics/videos is really good, as well as male/female user checkboxes.

symbiasin, got you about packaging.

Herzer, let's ... more
i like herzers idea sounds like a good way of doin things
07/21/2016
Contributor: Lena Eden Lena Eden
Quote:
Originally posted by Evoluchun
i like herzers idea sounds like a good way of doin things
Really?
Okay, +1 vote from Evoluchum
07/21/2016
Contributor: Trysexual Trysexual
Quote:
Originally posted by Lena Eden
My dearest community!

I’m happy to announce that we’re going to bring some updates to our Review Program.
Let’s talk about Review Templates for Sex Toys.

We’d like to try and make the reviews even more interesting, exciting, ... more
I've always felt that the extended template was redundant and a tad confusing. I always find myself writing about one feature of a toy, only to notice later that it belongs in another section (say feel texture, function, materials). I always though most of those could just be rolled into one category. Say call it "Physical properties". I'd even go so far to include functions in there. Personal comments and experience can just be one category too.

I'd limit to like 4 categories. Summary, Physical (materials/size), Experience, and maybe combine care/packaging as optional. I tend to add alternative uses for toys, since I am a guy and most reviewers are females, but that doesn't require a new category.

I could see revamping it. It has always forced you to write about all the redundant stuff like lube compatibility and safety, which probably don't concern most buyers. They want to get to the meat of the issue.

Personally, I enjoyed video reviews back in the day, but the incentive was removed. I especially liked the R rated ones, but those were censored too. It's probably unrealistic, but I'd opt for allowing X rated photos of toys in use, but I realized that might cause other issues with search/safety/fcc etc..

Perhaps increase the quantitative measures too. We have Bees/vrooms. We could add quantitative measures for material, construction/durabilit y, features, cost/value, aesthetics.

Packaging isn't super important as others have said, but worth noting sometimes. I'd leave it as optional the way it is.

As far as lingerie goes. I don't like having a minimum word count. It is counter-productive. You can't write much on a pair of stockings vs. a vibrator or even say a corset.

Back in the day, people wrote incredibly long detailed reviews, that bordered on overkill (myself included), because we were incentivized to do so. Now it doesn't matter as much. You can have tons of points and not be able to use them, since they count for only 15% of purchase. I used to enjoy doing photos and started to do videos, but then stopped after all the disruption.

I'm all for simplifying though. I think most people prefer concise reviews that emphasize user experiences that help them make an informed purchase. Plus if they are comparative to similar products.
07/21/2016
Contributor: CharlotteNicole CharlotteNicole
I see people saying that discussing material compatibility and safety is redundant and doesn't concern most users. I could not disagree more.
I think that we're in a time where awareness about sex toy safety is really just starting to become common. It feels important to me to continue to give as much information as we can about body safe materials. To have each review touch on this is valid and powerful.
We take this info as a given because we are people who are very knowledgable about sex toys. What many may not consider is that these reviews are also being read by your everyday person who may not realize that it isn't safe to use a silicone based lube with their new silicone toy etc.
Let's continue to educate on material safety and make a positive impact on our world.
07/21/2016
Contributor: Herzer Herzer
Quote:
Originally posted by CharlotteNicole
I see people saying that discussing material compatibility and safety is redundant and doesn't concern most users. I could not disagree more.
I think that we're in a time where awareness about sex toy safety is really just starting to ... more
I have to agree with CharlotteNicole. I can see keeping the material safety in the review even if the review just wants to link to the data page on the material.
07/22/2016
Contributor: symbiasin symbiasin
Quote:
Originally posted by CharlotteNicole
I see people saying that discussing material compatibility and safety is redundant and doesn't concern most users. I could not disagree more.
I think that we're in a time where awareness about sex toy safety is really just starting to ... more
I really agree on continuing the safety bit. I suppose that there are some people who think that as long as it is for sale, it stands to reason that it must be safe. They really should buy knowing the risks. Not every toy is as safe as a silicone toy and even that has to be used wisely. Until the manufacturer's test the safety for us, I use caution on every toy that they list as "for novelty use only" and "do not insert".
07/22/2016
Contributor: Herzer Herzer
Would it be possible to get a drop down selection of material types and have it link to the material descriptions and safety information already on the site? There would still need to be an option material section for description of the feel and info for mixed material items, but it would make the reviews simpler and give a more professional, standardized feed back on materials.
07/23/2016
Contributor: LoveTois LoveTois
Quote:
Originally posted by Lena Eden
My dearest community!

I’m happy to announce that we’re going to bring some updates to our Review Program.
Let’s talk about Review Templates for Sex Toys.

We’d like to try and make the reviews even more interesting, exciting, ... more
ill like to see more videos on how to use them, like product reviews but more personal somehow.
07/24/2016
Contributor: Lvstoplay Lvstoplay
Personally I like to see a review that is good enough I don't need to read other reviews or look at the main product page if I read the review first. Eden's lists images even on the review pages, which makes personal images unnecessary.

Updated Sections:

Use/Design/Size/Shape/ Functions/Performance/ Controls
Material/Texture/Care/ Maintenance/Packaging
Experience/Personal Comments/Photos/Videos (Optional)
Pros
Cons
Summary
Ratings for: Toy, Noise, Intensity

Skip Tags
07/25/2016
Contributor: Lena Eden Lena Eden
Guys, I really love all your ideas!

As I can understand now, lots of you are worried about safety.
Also, we all want our reviews to be shorter and more 'up to the point', right?

I completely agree that the more photos/video we have - the better.

Any other thoughts?
07/25/2016
Contributor: OH&W, Lovebears OH&W, Lovebears
Quote:
Originally posted by Lena Eden
Guys, I really love all your ideas! As I can understand now, lots of you are worried about safety.Also, we all want our reviews to be shorter and more 'up to the point', right? I completely agree that the more photos/video we have - the ... more
Perhaps reward the reviewer with something for good descriptive pics and videos. Add some incentives. Or a poll and gift card for best video. Like the current review rumble.
07/25/2016
Contributor: OH&W, Lovebears OH&W, Lovebears
Quote:
Originally posted by Lena Eden
Guys, I really love all your ideas! As I can understand now, lots of you are worried about safety.Also, we all want our reviews to be shorter and more 'up to the point', right? I completely agree that the more photos/video we have - the ... more
EF already has a page on safety. Often instead of talking about material safety,i provide a link to it. That way anybody that wants to learn more will go there. Those that already know don't have to read about safety in every review.

Myself, I would love to give shorter writers but have so much detail to share. Just don't have great writing skills like some of the others.
07/25/2016
Contributor: CharlotteNicole CharlotteNicole
I personally prefer to read (and write) longer, more in-depth reviews. I don't think that it's a matter of poor writing skills, as OH&W says, but a desire to give as much information as possible.

A longer review ends up being significantly more effort for the writer, but in my opinion it's worth it to have all the facts.

That is, as long as the writer isn't constantly repeating themselves into redundancy or using tons of irrelevant filler.
07/25/2016
Contributor: OH&W, Lovebears OH&W, Lovebears
Quote:
Originally posted by Lena Eden
My dearest community!

I’m happy to announce that we’re going to bring some updates to our Review Program.
Let’s talk about Review Templates for Sex Toys.

We’d like to try and make the reviews even more interesting, exciting, ... more
I would like to see the edit function arranged so that all sections could be edited. Often some of us need to continue on another day/time. To add/edit any section, we need to hit edit on the top of review, then to to each section and hit edit again. The page then returns to the top and we have to again go down to the next section and do the process again. It's a small thing, but is time consuming. I'm afraid to leave it on w/o saving/view in fear of losing everything I worked on.

Once I did do the copy/paste each section to an word doc. That too was more effort than I wanted to do. Afterall, we are not paid reviewers.
07/25/2016
Contributor: CharlotteNicole CharlotteNicole
Quote:
Originally posted by OH&W, Lovebears
I would like to see the edit function arranged so that all sections could be edited. Often some of us need to continue on another day/time. To add/edit any section, we need to hit edit on the top of review, then to to each section and hit edit again. ... more
I agree with you here! 100%!
The worst part for me is when I've been working for a while and move on to a new section, highlight something to change and press backspace, not realizing that I failed to press edit for that new section.
So pressing backspace brings me to the previous page instead of deleting the word I was trying to delete. And I lose all of my work on the pervious section! The worst!!!!!!!
It's happened to me a few times. You'd think that I would learn....
07/25/2016
Contributor: MrClark MrClark
Quote:
Originally posted by CharlotteNicole
I agree with you here! 100%!
The worst part for me is when I've been working for a while and move on to a new section, highlight something to change and press backspace, not realizing that I failed to press edit for that new section.
So ... more
I haven't done this yet, but have run into issues with needing to edit a section and it's a bit troublesome to have to click edit. Realtime editing w/ auto save in the forms would be a super beneficial update. This is where a lot of such forms are going in modern web development. I'm not sure how your site is built but should be a reasonably simple bit of code to add to what you already have here.
07/25/2016
Contributor: Lvstoplay Lvstoplay
Quote:
Originally posted by Lena Eden
Guys, I really love all your ideas! As I can understand now, lots of you are worried about safety.Also, we all want our reviews to be shorter and more 'up to the point', right? I completely agree that the more photos/video we have - the ... more
Personally I find photos a waste of time and space. Eden's provides good photos, and I don't need to see size comparison photos as the dimensions are all listed as well. Also as I don't own most of the toys pictured for comparison purposes, it's honestly useless to me. I like things to be short and to the point, put as much as you can into as little space as possible. Unless a person's photos honestly display something Eden's photos do not (light and charging not counted), there's no reason to include them.
07/26/2016
Contributor: Lena Eden Lena Eden
OH&W, Lovebears, we'll think about the incentives for photos/videos

CharlotteNicole, MrClark and OH, I've got your idea about the Edit function. Our aim is to make the review template as easy as possible for our lovely community. So we'll see what we can do

Lvstoplay, Minus 1 vote for photos to be included How about videos?
07/27/2016
Contributor: symbiasin symbiasin
Quote:
Originally posted by Lena Eden
OH&W, Lovebears, we'll think about the incentives for photos/videos

CharlotteNicole, MrClark and OH, I've got your idea about the Edit function. Our aim is to make the review template as easy as possible for our lovely community. ... more
I agree about the photos not necessarily being included, UNLESS there is a feature of the toy that needs to be pointed out, like my last toy had exact battery placement.

I am thinking two ways about that too. My photos often come out blurry because I don't have the right equipment for sharp pictures.

How about if needed? And I do not have that many toys to compare it with.
07/28/2016
Contributor: sXeVegan90 sXeVegan90
I honestly think photos are a huge help. I feel like people misread/mistake the size dimensions at times. I know I have. I think there should be at least one photo with the toy next to an everyday object in order for people to kind of see what size the toy is in order to determine if the toy is right for them. I've gotten toys that were far smaller than I had hoped due to measurements. I have also found that Eden sometimes has the measurements inconsistent to the toy itself. I don't have the best equipment for photos, my camera is simply an 8MP camera..but I try to include a photo of a toy next to a standard mechanical pencil and/or a standard lip balm.
07/28/2016
Contributor: OH&W, Lovebears OH&W, Lovebears
Quote:
Originally posted by sXeVegan90
I honestly think photos are a huge help. I feel like people misread/mistake the size dimensions at times. I know I have. I think there should be at least one photo with the toy next to an everyday object in order for people to kind of see what size ... more
Definitely, pics are helpful. Sometimes when one reads dimensions or descriptions don't really grasp the info." A picture is worth a thousand words". The pic may help a person thinking of buying the item. We write our reviews with that in mind. Not to give just our experience. Also when showing different toys, may give buyer an ideas of another toy more fitting/liking.

Sometimes we even get out one of our toys and measure it to compare with what is on product pages. Seeing a pic comparison would really help when purchasing dildos.
07/28/2016
Contributor: MrClark MrClark
Quote:
Originally posted by sXeVegan90
I honestly think photos are a huge help. I feel like people misread/mistake the size dimensions at times. I know I have. I think there should be at least one photo with the toy next to an everyday object in order for people to kind of see what size ... more
I actually did this on a recent review by request in a forum... mind you ended up w/ a photo of a number of my toys next to a can of black beans from the store as was the first everyday object I had at my disposal to use.

But agree, I've been surprised by the size (smaller or larger) being different than expected. Even with the neat real size feature some toys have.

I have started only including pictures if I think they add something that can't be explained in the review, or is a hidden aspect and I can get a good photo of it.
07/28/2016
Contributor: Herzer Herzer
Quote:
Originally posted by Lena Eden
OH&W, Lovebears, we'll think about the incentives for photos/videos

CharlotteNicole, MrClark and OH, I've got your idea about the Edit function. Our aim is to make the review template as easy as possible for our lovely community. ... more
The Edit functions were the basis for my idea of the offline Word template. I find it a lot easier to write off line then copy/paste the completed sections over.
07/29/2016