Are you prepared, do you wing it and get measurements, etc. while you write the review, do you like to write a casual or more formal review? Do you have a special ritual prior to writing that makes you 'ready' to write?
What is your review style?
05/06/2013
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
I need to develop some review discipline! I haven't written a review in a few weeks. Part of it's being busier than before, but part of it's just not being organized about it.
When I do manage to write a review, I like to do a thorough job. I take the photos first, although often I'll take more after I start writing and realize additional things I want to illustrate. I also take the measurements before I start writing, and look up the material. (Before any of this, we (or I) will have used the toy several times, enough to feel like I understand how well it works, and what I/we like/dislike about it).
I use the extended template. I like the writing style to be conversational. At the same time, I like to cover all the necessary details. I find experience to be the most compelling element in other people's reviews, so I make sure to spend the most time on that.
I usually save the review and walk away from it when I run out of time. It often takes me several days to finish. After I finish, I go back and revise/edit it until I'm fully satisfied. And sometimes I even revise it further after I've publish it if I see something I can improve. I want to make sure Eden feels like they're getting their 50¢ worth out of me!
When I do manage to write a review, I like to do a thorough job. I take the photos first, although often I'll take more after I start writing and realize additional things I want to illustrate. I also take the measurements before I start writing, and look up the material. (Before any of this, we (or I) will have used the toy several times, enough to feel like I understand how well it works, and what I/we like/dislike about it).
I use the extended template. I like the writing style to be conversational. At the same time, I like to cover all the necessary details. I find experience to be the most compelling element in other people's reviews, so I make sure to spend the most time on that.
I usually save the review and walk away from it when I run out of time. It often takes me several days to finish. After I finish, I go back and revise/edit it until I'm fully satisfied. And sometimes I even revise it further after I've publish it if I see something I can improve. I want to make sure Eden feels like they're getting their 50¢ worth out of me!
05/06/2013
If I'm using pictures, I always take those first. Then, after I've used it a few times, I'll sit down and just write it out, taking measurements and such then. I much prefer to write casual reviews, although I think they come out more formal than I'd like sometimes
05/06/2013
I take the photos and then edit them prior to the review. I also try to take the measurements in advance. I prefer the extended review form.
05/07/2013
Quote:
I wing it and I write casually. My goal has always been for my reviews - whether written or video - to feel like I am talking to my audience. For me that means a more stream of consciousness type style, a template that allows me to be creative and a fairly fresh memory of the product, since I rarely take notes.
Originally posted by
js250
Are you prepared, do you wing it and get measurements, etc. while you write the review, do you like to write a casual or more formal review? Do you have a special ritual prior to writing that makes you 'ready' to write?
05/07/2013
I try to keep my reviews detailed, organized, and thorough. I usually write it in one sitting, then I go back and edit it the next day to make sure I like how it sounds etc. I always keep the toy next to me for inspiration.
05/07/2013
I do measurements and pictures on the fly, but I know what I'm going to say.
05/07/2013
When I could include pictures, I would do them first, use the item a few times until I was familiar with it then write my review. I usually write the material and cleaning areas first, then go for the rest of the review...taking measurements, etc. and going over my little notes I wrote down while using the item.
05/07/2013
Step 1: I get the package in the mail from EF.
Step 2: Take the package home and open, wash all the toys that need washing, start charging everything that needs charging.
Step 3: Take pictures (before use) and usually post them on EF.
Step 4: Play.
Step 5: Play.
Step 6: Play and start thinking of how this thing rates to other toys.
Step 7: Play some more.
Get stuck in this play loop till I am ready to write a review.
I usually look at many people's reviews of the same item to get ideas on various ways to use the toy if it hasn't worked for me. When I am ready to write a review, I try to have fun. I like details, and I try to write a review as if I am talking to the people who are going to read it.
When sitting to write a review, I know that it takes me ages to write it, so I make sure that I have oodles of time to actually write it.
Step 2: Take the package home and open, wash all the toys that need washing, start charging everything that needs charging.
Step 3: Take pictures (before use) and usually post them on EF.
Step 4: Play.
Step 5: Play.
Step 6: Play and start thinking of how this thing rates to other toys.
Step 7: Play some more.
Get stuck in this play loop till I am ready to write a review.
I usually look at many people's reviews of the same item to get ideas on various ways to use the toy if it hasn't worked for me. When I am ready to write a review, I try to have fun. I like details, and I try to write a review as if I am talking to the people who are going to read it.
When sitting to write a review, I know that it takes me ages to write it, so I make sure that I have oodles of time to actually write it.
05/07/2013
Quote:
I just test the toy out and write an honest review. If the toy has a theme of some sort I often try to incorporate that theme a bit into the review. I really don't have any rituals. I just write the facts and how I feel about the toy. I guess you could say I go to the more formal reviews on average.
Originally posted by
js250
Are you prepared, do you wing it and get measurements, etc. while you write the review, do you like to write a casual or more formal review? Do you have a special ritual prior to writing that makes you 'ready' to write?
05/08/2013
The only thing I really do before anything is think of a title, sometimes I try to find a catchy one and sometimes it does not work. Then I will take pictures and edit them then find my borders which take me a long time to do because I am picky. In between that either I have already tried the product or going to try it before I write my review. Then when it is time to write my review I have to have quiet or when bored with camming I will start it and that never works because every time I do I get busy. I use the extended format for toys and the other one for other things.
05/08/2013
I tend to have a more formal review style. It's just how I write. I actually had a professor accuse me of plagiarizing a textbook on a paper since my writing style came off so formal and informative . I don't go into a review prepared but it takes me a few hours since I sit down and measure everything as I'm writing.
05/08/2013
For me, it varies! Sometimes I'll write out a list of measurements, positive and negative features, etc. before I begin; other times I just start with trying to find the right title, then setting up some headers (if I don't have the extended format available), and then taking my time with each section. However, I almost always write my summary first.
05/12/2013
Total posts: 13
Unique posters: 12