The Extended Review - What is it? Why use it?

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The Extended Review - What is it? Why use it?

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Contributor: LicentiouslyYours LicentiouslyYours
When you begin the process of writing a review, you usually see some choices - Standard (this is the original/classic review template. It can be used for free-form writing in longer boxes/sections without content prompts or examples) and Extended (this more formatted review template. It provides specific boxes/ sections for a more detailed review, there are content prompts and examples for each section.)

Often I, as well as other contributors, will suggest to a new reviewer that they try out the Extended templates. Some of you may be wondering what the heck is so special about these Extended templates.

With the Extended review, the system provides a template based on and unique to the type of you will review. There are 14 different templates! Each is tailored to request, from you, specific information that will be helpful to the reader on a particular type of product. Some sections are required and some are optional, but each has an "inspirational" example of the type of information we have in mind, provided directly from reviews written by other reviewers.

These templates were created in an effort to help new and old reviewers alike to provide better quality information. I use them myself, sometimes, when I am having trouble figuring out where to start, when talking about a toy. They are great for writing late-night reviews when you are trying to figure out "hey, what did I forget to say?"

So, if someone has suggested you give it a try or if you have been doing reviews for a while and never checked it out, give the Extended Template system a shot.

Then come back and share weather or not you felt it made your reviewing job easier, or more difficult (my first time using the template, I had a tough time adjusting to the format, but I got over it).

And of course, those of you who have used the templates, chime in and tell us what you think and if you have other good reasons to choose the Extended template over the Standard (or not) share those too!
12/01/2009
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Contributor: Kinky Guy Kinky Guy
Quote:
Originally posted by LicentiouslyYours
When you begin the process of writing a review, you usually see some choices - Standard (this is the original/classic review template. It can be used for free-form writing in longer boxes/sections without content prompts or examples) and Extended ... more
I had a similar experience with the Extended format, it felt so awkward dividing up my review into a bunch of little boxes/section and not really transitioning into them at all. Now though, I love it. When I'm getting ready to write a review I open up a blank document and create an outline and list out the main points for each section which makes the actual review writing go very smooth for me.
12/01/2009
Contributor: Juliettia Juliettia
I find that if I have trouble coming up with a review that flows together that using the extended template sort of helps as it takes the pressure off of making each content area flow into the next.
12/01/2009
Contributor: J's Alley J's Alley
Quote:
Originally posted by Juliettia
I find that if I have trouble coming up with a review that flows together that using the extended template sort of helps as it takes the pressure off of making each content area flow into the next.
I totally agree. Plus when you are looking at the reviews you can skip straight to what you want to know. If you only care about the texture of the toy you can just read the texture and material section. Love it.
12/01/2009
Contributor: Liz2 Liz2
I have been using the Extended Review, but the "original" format for some items can be more informative to the reader, if (big IF) it is complete. Unfortunately many times the reviews were not complete thereby lacking information.
In the extended format, I so hate reading or writing about packaging of the product, I am interested in the toy. The package can be great with a toy that sucks, much like what is found in some of the stand alone adult toys stores out there.
12/01/2009
Contributor: Gary Gary
It's all tools in the toolbox! I do tend to prefer using the extended template most of the time, but it's all about what is going to work best for YOU, to allow YOU to write the most informative review you can write.

The extended template can be a little more work, and tends to yield a slightly longer review, but I really hope that is not a reason anyone would choose not to use it. In the end what matters the most is how well your experience translates to anyone reading your review, considering the purchase of the item you reviewed.
12/01/2009
Contributor: Dragon Dragon
Quote:
Originally posted by Gary
It's all tools in the toolbox! I do tend to prefer using the extended template most of the time, but it's all about what is going to work best for YOU, to allow YOU to write the most informative review you can write.

The extended ... more
Different tools and probably more effective for Eden overall given the nature of how reviewers turnover and how many much some reviewers actually do know.

I still dislike when I'm forced to used the extended template though.
12/01/2009
Contributor: Twist Shimmy Twist Shimmy
I'm getting used to the extended template since I came back to reviewing, and I really do like it. I'm to the point where it's starting to feel a little confining, but it's getting me back into the habit of making sure I'm thorough enough, so when or if I switch back to the free-form reviews I'll be better for it.
12/01/2009
Contributor: Sir Sir
I enjoy using the Extended Template, actually! I know that it's easier for people to read, since it allows them to stay on task or read only the parts that they want to read! For some products (the ones that I really, really, really enjoy) I will write free-form, because I have more flowing words to say. But for others, the extended template helps me to think "Well, what do I have to say now? Ah, the care and maintenance!"
12/01/2009
Contributor: Carrie Ann Carrie Ann
Quote:
Originally posted by Dragon
Different tools and probably more effective for Eden overall given the nature of how reviewers turnover and how many much some reviewers actually do know.

I still dislike when I'm forced to used the extended template though.
I think the only time it's required is for descriptive reviews since the individual sections make up the description on the product page.
12/01/2009
Contributor: Sir Sir
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann
I think the only time it's required is for descriptive reviews since the individual sections make up the description on the product page.
Yes, that's what I've noticed too.
12/01/2009
Contributor: Sammi Sammi
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann
I think the only time it's required is for descriptive reviews since the individual sections make up the description on the product page.
I think that's true.

I like using it on occasion for other reviews, especially if they are somewhat longer. I kind of get in the swing of dividing the review up in the sections like that, and some products seem easier to put into the template.

Although, this messed me up on the first video review, which I completely wrote that way and then had to shrink it into the regular format
12/01/2009
Contributor: removedacnt removedacnt
I got used to using the extended when doing descriptive reviews. And I found that if I'm struggling with writing a review freeform/standard, that the extended helps a lot. Otherwise I tend to go with the standard.
12/01/2009
Contributor: Jen&Clint Jen&Clint
I really like the extended format it really helps me remember what all I need to add in the review. I did have a question what if you are writing a review in extended format and about half way through it you figure out that in every section it looks short is there a way to delete it and go to standard? Does the 300-800 word still apply even in extended? I really don't think that even in standard I could take it to 300 words.

I am having such a hard time with this one review and have put in just about everything I can think of, it has been setting in draft mode for over a week now, I just can't think of anything else I would like to say or share. It really didn't help I didn't even like the product. Can I just delete it all together?
12/04/2009
Contributor: Dragon Dragon
Quote:
Originally posted by Jen&Clint
I really like the extended format it really helps me remember what all I need to add in the review. I did have a question what if you are writing a review in extended format and about half way through it you figure out that in every section it looks ... more
Not really.

If it's a product that Eden gave you for free, then you need to write a review. If it's one that you bought on your own and wanted to add a review to improve your ranking then you probably should write a review even if it's difficult. In that case, it is completely optional and you can give it up though.

I've never tried to back out of an extended template into an standard. One of the advantages is that in the extended you can save elements. The standard you didn't use to be able to do that. (Maybe you can now - I'm not sure.) If you actually want to switch I recommend copy/paste all of the text into a word document.

Even if you don't like a product you can still write an honest review. You don't have to call it a "piece of crap" but you can be objective. Think about it from the point of view of it's actual attributes. Firm vs. flexible, mild stimulation vs. powerful vibration, made of plastic and likely to break (or already broken) or made of silicone and easy to sterilize and maintain, maintains heat or cold.

If you discuss the products objective strengths and weaknesses, how it should be cleaned, stored, cared for, who it should be used for and in some cases what it should not be used for (some toys are NOT anal...) it shouldn't be too hard to get to the word limit.

You can state why you didn't like a product, but remember others may actually like it for those same reasons.
12/04/2009
Contributor: Alan & Michele Alan & Michele
For us, the Extended is nice from a reviewer standpoint because it helps make sure we don't miss any pertinent points, but it's even better from a buyer's standpoint because we can skip sections we aren't interested in. The only beef (as a reviewer) is that there are times when it would be nice to swap the order of the Extended template's sections to make the review "flow" better. That's when we usually go back to the Standard template.
12/04/2009
Contributor: Jen&Clint Jen&Clint
It would be nice to change up the format. The review I was trying to get done was on some lube. I have 2 going but the bad one is just giving me problems all around, the other is going quite well I just haven't finished my editor (hubby) gets side tracked into doing other things he forgets. He is really good at picking up on things I missed or misspelled.

As far as the extended format it just rocks, I usually never miss giving info using it. The standard I don't think I can ever use again once I get going I just lose track of what I was trying to get across and it just looks a mess in the end. You can even look back at my first 2 reviews and the ones now and tell a big difference.
12/04/2009
Contributor: gone77 gone77
I like the extended review format for vibrators and dildos. I tend to use the standard for things like lubes and furniture accessories (like the throe). My reviews for vibes and dildos tend to be far longer and requiring much more detail given the different materials, shapes and sizes, and other stuff.
12/08/2009