The New Intimacy

Hype. Help or Hinder?

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Contributor: Carrie Ann Carrie Ann
I recently got a toy that has been hyped half to death. A toy that has been called the holy grail, that has induced women to squirting, drooling, blithering puddles for days. A toy that is supposed to be a gazillion times better than all that came before it.

And I'm kind of... meh.

Is it good? Yes.

Does it live up to the hype? I just don't know, man.

Which has me wondering. When a product is super hyped do you often feel let down by the time you actually get it? How often do things live up to the hype for you? Do you find yourself more often disappointed, your expectations having been so raised nothing can actually live up to them?

It happens to me all the time and my high expectations combined with my feelings that the product is just ordinary, not some god of clitoral whammo, after actually using it, tend to hinder me in writing the review. I can't really look at it objectively at all. Often, the toy, even if it's really nice, can't quite redeem itself from the epic fall it took between expectation and reality.

Maybe I'm just psycho?
07/17/2010
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Contributor: kck kck
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann
I recently got a toy that has been hyped half to death. A toy that has been called the holy grail, that has induced women to squirting, drooling, blithering puddles for days. A toy that is supposed to be a gazillion times better than all that came ... more
Not psycho at all. I got the We-Vibe a few months ago, but I still haven't written a review on it. Why? Because it's been so hyped and I expected so much that I can't help but feel maybe my experience was somehow... I dunno, flawed? Maybe if I hadn't expected to be so blown away, I would have liked it better. So, I'm taking a rest period from it to see if I can't find something I like about it when I take it up again. I totally understand where you are coming from.
07/17/2010
Contributor: Sir Sir
This has actually happened quite a bit with me. Got a toy that was all the rage, then actually received it and used it and felt slightly underwhelmed. It was good, sure, but not the best thing known to humankind, you know?
07/17/2010
Contributor: clp clp
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann
I recently got a toy that has been hyped half to death. A toy that has been called the holy grail, that has induced women to squirting, drooling, blithering puddles for days. A toy that is supposed to be a gazillion times better than all that came ... more
No, I agree. I have complete brand-lust, and there are a few toys that after obsessing after forever, proved to be less than perfect. I have a hard time admitting their faults and try to justify, if only to save the brand's name in my head. I'm working on it, but the hype definitely hinders the actual experience I have with those toys.
07/17/2010
Contributor: Annemarie Annemarie
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann
I recently got a toy that has been hyped half to death. A toy that has been called the holy grail, that has induced women to squirting, drooling, blithering puddles for days. A toy that is supposed to be a gazillion times better than all that came ... more
I was the same way with the Gigi. To this day, it's just been a ridiculously expensive clitoral stimulator.

I wonder what toy this was about!
07/17/2010
Contributor: Tuesday Tuesday
This happens all the time with me too. This may be why I feel that expensive toys don't work for me. I'm looking at you Form 2, Ina and Intrigue. I know you had positive reactions to the last two, but they were unfortunate purchases for me.

I'm certain I would have been disappointed with these toys without high expectations, but I might not have bought them.
07/17/2010
Contributor: PassionQT PassionQT
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann
I recently got a toy that has been hyped half to death. A toy that has been called the holy grail, that has induced women to squirting, drooling, blithering puddles for days. A toy that is supposed to be a gazillion times better than all that came ... more
Meh, one of my favorite words!

That's why I try to be honest in my reviews, & point out what I like and don't like about a product, even if the main, descriptive review hypes it up.

Then again, what works miracles for some people won't do a darn thing for someone else. I'd been admiring the Lelo Ina for a long time, because it appears to be this super toy made by good company, but I'm trying not to get caught up in the "brand-lust" that CLP describes, especially after reading why some don't like it.
07/17/2010
Contributor: removedacnt removedacnt
That's how I felt about the Hitachi. I really didn't care for it. Another one that I didn't like that had a lot of great reviews was the Turbo Glider Blueberry.
07/17/2010
Contributor: Red Vinyl Kitty Red Vinyl Kitty
That's happened to me a couple of times. And then, when I write a review about it, I feel kind of "bad" because I tend to get a whole lot of "Oh my GOODNESS! How could you NOT LIKE that toy?" questions and responses. *Sigh* We don't all have to like the same toys.
07/17/2010
Contributor: Envy Envy
I relied on hype when i got the Gigi. And i admit it's kinda meh as well. Doesn't do too much for me. However, due to the shape, the fact it's rechargeable, and that it's pretty and small (I got the blue one) it somewhat makes up for it. But I've never had the great things happen so many raved about. I tend to use it externally the most. Maybe someday as I age I'll experience the good things internally.

Now that I know my body more, I know to look for things that *I* might actually enjoy rather than following the crowd.

I think the only toy that i followed the hype with and actually enjoyed was the Pure Wand. I lust over that Eleven though.... So close with my funds....
07/17/2010
Contributor: sarahbear sarahbear
All the time. I'm even more disappointed in them when I've spent money on them, rather than got them from a company to review. I've learned a lot about my body and what I like over the last few months so it's happening less frequently.
07/17/2010
Contributor: Gunsmoke Gunsmoke
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann
I recently got a toy that has been hyped half to death. A toy that has been called the holy grail, that has induced women to squirting, drooling, blithering puddles for days. A toy that is supposed to be a gazillion times better than all that came ... more
Yeh - this has happened to me a few of times. The ones that come to mind are:

JimmyJane Little Platinum - so much money - no orgasms to show for it!
Bcurious - so cute - but sooo useless!
Lelo Elise - so much technology - but not enough intensity to finish the job
07/17/2010
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann
I recently got a toy that has been hyped half to death. A toy that has been called the holy grail, that has induced women to squirting, drooling, blithering puddles for days. A toy that is supposed to be a gazillion times better than all that came ... more
You are not psycho. Everybody's body is different. I feel the same way about the Hitachi. Meh. It's OK, not the Orgsmatron everybody talks about.

That's why there are so many toys, it takes all types.

07/17/2010
Contributor: Alan & Michele Alan & Michele
It's happened to us too, to me more often than Alan because I'm weird when it comes to what toys feel good internally. Then I'm like "WTF?! This is *supposed* to be awesome!" and I get totally bummed out, particularly if we had to save up to buy it. It's a lot more disappointing than when we get less hyped-up toys that don't work out.

I've actually started to feel a little leery when toys are hyped up now, but that too can be a bad thing because it took me forever to try a VixSkin toy (which I wound up loving).
07/17/2010
Contributor: Alicia Alicia
Yep, that's happened to me too. And for some things I end up thinking "am I doing something wrong here?? where is the awesome??"
07/17/2010
Contributor: Blinker Blinker
First of all I think I'm dyslexic because I thought this post was about Hitler...

...anyhoo, this is the exact reason I haven't laid down bank for a LELO vibe (or Ella). I feel they're so hyped and loved and if I pay that much for a pretty vibe that hurts me or doesn't do a thing for me, I feel like I'm using it wrong or I'm broken and I suck, not the toy.
07/17/2010
Contributor: Carrie Ann Carrie Ann
I'm glad it's not just me.

I'll spill now.

I recently got the eroscillator, which I swore I never would, because I just knew it was not going to be "all that" and then I got it anyhow and am still irked because it's NOT all that.

I mean, it's nice. It's good. It's even a little bit awesome. But I was totally expecting rainbows and shooting stars and magical orgasms and it's just not that damned good. It's not even better than most of my favorites.

*sob*
07/18/2010
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Quote:
Originally posted by Blinker
First of all I think I'm dyslexic because I thought this post was about Hitler...

...anyhoo, this is the exact reason I haven't laid down bank for a LELO vibe (or Ella). I feel they're so hyped and loved and if I pay that much for ... more
Exactly why I haven't plunked down the cash for the really expensive ones yet either.
07/18/2010
Contributor: P'Gell P'Gell
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann
I'm glad it's not just me.

I'll spill now.

I recently got the eroscillator, which I swore I never would, because I just knew it was not going to be "all that" and then I got it anyhow and am still irked because ... more
I've heard other women say that about the eroscillator. From what I have read and heard, this vibe was developed for "pre-orgasmic" women and I have seen that women who are already orgasmic may LIKE the eroscillator, but it only seems incredible to women who maybe haven't orgasmed much before.

For some reason the "Double Rainbow" video was going through my head when I read your post.
07/18/2010
Contributor: Tuesday Tuesday
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann
I'm glad it's not just me.

I'll spill now.

I recently got the eroscillator, which I swore I never would, because I just knew it was not going to be "all that" and then I got it anyhow and am still irked because ... more
Did you buy the regular eroscillator or the extra strength deluxe one? Can't remember the name of the latter and its not sold on this site.
07/18/2010
Contributor: Kynky Kytty Kynky Kytty
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann
I'm glad it's not just me.

I'll spill now.

I recently got the eroscillator, which I swore I never would, because I just knew it was not going to be "all that" and then I got it anyhow and am still irked because ... more
Oh... right, I completely understand what you mean, but in my case, I've often liked toys that didn't get much hype. It's like the Purr, which wasn't getting much hype before I reviewed it. Then I suppose people gave it another chance, and we saved its reputation.

I'm easily satisfied with the toys I try, and I think it's because I do not generally have any expectations. Without any expectations, you cannot really be disappointed. I guess the same is true when you go see a movie. You've seen trailers, and you have an image of what it should be. I do not watch TV and I never see those trailers, so when I do go watch a movie, I'm not influenced by what the trailer wanted me to believe about the quality of the movie.
07/18/2010
Contributor: Airen Wolf Airen Wolf
(EF Review Program Mentor)
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann
I recently got a toy that has been hyped half to death. A toy that has been called the holy grail, that has induced women to squirting, drooling, blithering puddles for days. A toy that is supposed to be a gazillion times better than all that came ... more
OMG we KNOW that there probably isn't going to be a toy that will reduce " women to squirting, drooling, blithering puddles for days" but we keep looking don't we? Hope springing eternal and all that I suppose.
I actually had the opposite experience. I was all geeked to try the funfactory click n charge line and I was blown away by how much I loved it...even Sigel was blown away by how much I liked it. I dunno maybe I refuse to get all worked up because I am too afraid of the let down or something.

You probably are psycho but I don't think having trouble writing an objective review on a product that is just not living up to your expectations is a good litmus test! I mean if you truly enjoy putting human leather masks on and playing with chain saws...that's a better test of whether you fit the psycho profile. I know there are some who will disagree with me but that's my opinion!

Personally, I like it when a reviewer actually admits that the hype has affected their objectivity and that the toy didn't live up to it in their opinion. It doesn't really change my desire to own said toy but it does give me a more down to earth expectation...I hope that makes sense.

Anyhow you'll do an excellent job in your review as usual and if not well then we'll have something to drama about! (kidding just kidding. I'm kinda enjoying the lack of drama )
07/18/2010
Contributor: Airen Wolf Airen Wolf
(EF Review Program Mentor)
Quote:
Originally posted by Blinker
First of all I think I'm dyslexic because I thought this post was about Hitler...

...anyhoo, this is the exact reason I haven't laid down bank for a LELO vibe (or Ella). I feel they're so hyped and loved and if I pay that much for ... more
Good lord you shouldn't take it so personally! You are fine and as has been mentioned before that's why there is such a variety of toys...cause we are all built differently! Sort of like when I reviewed the cloverleaf nipple clamps, I LOVED them, raved about them, drooled all over them and a lot of people reacted with complete shock and amazement cause they look so evil. They are but they work for me.
07/18/2010
Contributor: Carrie Ann Carrie Ann
Quote:
Originally posted by Tuesday
Did you buy the regular eroscillator or the extra strength deluxe one? Can't remember the name of the latter and its not sold on this site.
The regular. It's plenty strong enough for me, I can't even use it on high, it's just not that extraordinary in feel compared to other faves.

To me, while strong and deep feeling, it's still just a vibe.
07/18/2010
Contributor: ~LaUr3n~ ~LaUr3n~
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann
I recently got a toy that has been hyped half to death. A toy that has been called the holy grail, that has induced women to squirting, drooling, blithering puddles for days. A toy that is supposed to be a gazillion times better than all that came ... more
I'm hoping the cone won't be this way!

But yea it can't heighten your expectations which makes it sOOOOO much worse if you find the toy average or slightly above.
07/18/2010
Contributor: Gary Gary
Too much hype can mess with your expectations of anything.
07/19/2010
Contributor: Mr. John Mr. John
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann
I recently got a toy that has been hyped half to death. A toy that has been called the holy grail, that has induced women to squirting, drooling, blithering puddles for days. A toy that is supposed to be a gazillion times better than all that came ... more
My wife feels that perfection was obtained by her. My wife's best all time favorite toy is the Eroscillator 2 deluxe with the grapes attachment
03/29/2013
Contributor: TheirPet TheirPet
This has happened to me with a few toys as well.
03/29/2013
Contributor: Munko Munko
This is part of the reason I haven't put any big money down on toys - I'm just too worried I'll be let down! I tend to get my hopes up for things that other people rant and rave about (not toys in specific) and often find I must be a much tougher critic because they just weren't that great for me. I do still want to try some of the more expensive toys, because I might be missing out on a whole new world of pleasure...but, I just don't know!
03/29/2013
Contributor: Carrie Ann Carrie Ann
Hah. I'm glad this thread came back up cuz it turns out the Eroscillator ended up being my favorite toy ever -- once I got the smooshy marshmallow attachment.
03/29/2013