The New Intimacy

Speaking from experience in reviews: Deferring to other reviewers?

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Contributor: Positwist Positwist
I'm a newbie, and I'm working through the business of learning to write reviews. Help, o experienced ones!

I'm trying to avoid guessing in my reviews. If I don't have knowledge of or experience with some use of a toy, I don't want to comment on it (obviously). But I recognize that folks who're reading reviews before they buy may not want to read through a bazillion reviews to find the info they're looking for. Is it kosher to link to reviews that cover something I can't comment on? I don't think reviews need to cover every possible use of a product, but linking seems like a nice way to cover glaring omissions.

For example, I wrote a review of a silicone-based lube. I didn't use it for anal play, but I recognize that it would probably be a good anal lube. Rather than pretending I can say such a thing (how the hell do I know?), I included a link to a great review that reflected on its use in anal play.

I haven't seen anyone link to other reviews within their own review, so I wanted to see what you folks thought about it.
02/13/2012
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Contributor: - Kira - - Kira -
I've done that before but for different reasons. I've most often used it to say "such and such wrote this review on X product, so I decided I had to purchase it" as a way to say thanks to the reviewer that called my attention to the product. I just kinda do that to be nice. I dunno. Probably not necessary, but I like doing it. I have done it if someone had a totally different experience than me and I want to have a "second opinion" in my review. Like: "I hated this, but such and such made it work for them (insert review link)".

I've seen people link to reviews to cover things they didn't in a review many times. Sometimes because the reviewer didn't test the product in that way and others if someone gave detailed specs and you'd basically be rehashing and don't want to or don't have room. I generally find it most useful to have all info on one page, but if you can't cover it all then linking should be fine.
02/13/2012
Contributor: Positwist Positwist
Quote:
Originally posted by - Kira -
I've done that before but for different reasons. I've most often used it to say "such and such wrote this review on X product, so I decided I had to purchase it" as a way to say thanks to the reviewer that called my attention to the ... more
Oh, good! Sounds like I haven't been seeing the reviews that link to others.

Thanks for your insight. I think I'll steal some of your linking strategies, since I'm pretty keen on the idea of reviews "speaking" to each other.
02/13/2012
Contributor: Crystal1 Crystal1
I'd say something like "I didn't use this for (whatever), but if you're curious about how it performs at that, (Reviewer) covers it in their review!"

That way you don't get a ton of comments asking about whatever use you're skipping, and it shows you put forth that little extra effort to find an answer to questions readers might have, even if it's not from your own experience.
02/13/2012