Why ask for measurements?

Contributor: Darling Dove Darling Dove
I'm all for detailed reviews- I really am. I see the logic behind putting lube and cleaning info in reviews too- those things are on separate pages and not everyone would find them otherwise.
But why ask for measurements? When every toy on the site is provided with accurate measurements and often a realsize image, I do not believe reviewers should be asked to do this every dingle time. Comments on the size of a toy, sure- for example if it seems bigger than the measurements or image would imply, or seems smaller... But the measurements themselves? I don't see the point.

What irritates me the most is that people usually do this to new reviewers with nothing really wrong. I don't think I've ever been asked for exact size measurements, nor have I seen the other older or more established reviewers get asked.

Is there this urge, this precedent set that we MUST find something wrong with new reviewers? Anyone who knows me knows I have conflicting and unpopular opinions on the subject, but sometimes there is honestly nothing wrong with a new review, or maybe there is something- but instead people ask for details clearly provided on the product page.

I'm just not getting it. Why ask for measurements? Some people do include it, and its nice, but the people at EF have already sat there with whatever the product is and a measuring tape.. so I suppose I just dont understand why it is becoming expected of new reviewers. I've seen it more than once now and I am very confused.
02/12/2010
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Contributor: Lynk Lynk
Quote:
Originally posted by Darling Dove
I'm all for detailed reviews- I really am. I see the logic behind putting lube and cleaning info in reviews too- those things are on separate pages and not everyone would find them otherwise.
But why ask for measurements? When every toy on ... more
I am one of the newer advanced reviewers, and I haven't been asked for measurements on anything, but I have willingly posted them on several reviews.

I think in some cases people ask for the measurements to hassle newcomers, but in other cases I don't think people always trust the measurements posted on EF.

I have found several of the measurements to be inaccurate or misleading.

For example, Tex is listed as 7 inches long and 1 5/8 inches in diameter. This measurement does not match the dimensions posted on Vixen Creations website, and it certainly doesn't match up when it is measured in person. EF claims that the insertable length is 6.5 inches. This is impossible, considering that the dildo on a whole is only 6 inches long from base to tip. That is with straightening out the curve as well. It is also only 1.25 inches in diameter.

I know there is the actual size button, which is handy, but sometimes it's nice to have an objective party, with the item and tape measurer in hand, give you the dimensions.

I believe the dimensions on the O2 Revolution were also misleading. The head is significantly larger than the diameter stated, and the shaft tapers off to less than the diameter stated.

So considering the errors in measurements I've found, I like when people post them. I don't think it is totally necessary, or anything to hassle someone about, but I can see where it is a legitimate question.

Also, saying it's huge or tiny is really relative depending on personal preference. So it's nice to have numbers to back it up.
02/13/2010
Contributor: Lara Lara
Quote:
Originally posted by Darling Dove
I'm all for detailed reviews- I really am. I see the logic behind putting lube and cleaning info in reviews too- those things are on separate pages and not everyone would find them otherwise.
But why ask for measurements? When every toy on ... more
With respect to asking for measurements.... I can think of all sorts of cases where additional measurements can go a long way towards supplementing the standard information on the product page.

Take wrist restraints - the product information page provides the length of the wrist strap. That's great information, but it doesn't tell you how tight or loose you can make the band given that all manufacturers place their holes and restraint hardware in different places. In those cases, I think it's useful to whip out the tape measure and actually see how small/large a wrist/ankle has to be to fit. When I write/read reviews on vaginal balls it's also nice to have an idea of how long the string is. The product page gives you the length of the balls, but the length of the string can also matter.

With respect to the criticism simply for the sake of criticism... I don't know what reviews you're referring to, but just on principle I agree that's completely not necessary.

I get the impression that part of your post is simply imploring people to be good citizens in this community. Give useful information. Play nice. Treat others as you'd like to be treated. All pretty good ideas I think.
02/13/2010
Contributor: Darling Dove Darling Dove
Wolfboi-
I've only found the measurements to be wrong once, but I also do not have the toys you mentioned so it probably does happen. I suppose its not something I've worried about too much since honestly EF is one of few sites that even provides measurements.
I don't actually own a measuring tape, and I do know a lot of things are up to personal preference, so I guess I do see where it is useful in these cases.
To be honest with you, the one time it was wrong for me and I tried to state the actual measurements I was told not to because the measurements on the page were correct. it turns out the product they were given as a prototype was not representative of the actual product the company had been sending out and so it has thusly been discontinued. The review program was under different management then so perhaps now such a thing is useful...
I suppose I'm just not seeing why when on most new products there is an actual size picture that's more accurate than measurements would be. If the numbers are wrong it should probably be noted though and I'll be more wary of that from now on.

lara-
Well the reason it bothered me is because I have only seen people bother to ask for it from very new reviewers. I guess it seemed as if people were nitpicking? But Wolfboi raises a good point, the numbers can be wrong sometimes and big and small are both very subjective.

I certainly don't mean to be rude with the post. I'm sure the people asking have good intentions but, I dunno.. It seems like sometimes people just ask for the sake of asking. Someone's mentioned it before, how people seem to have this laundry list for new reviewers and they just post it without reading carefully or without consideration sometimes- I've seen people ask for something the reviewer had provided more than once as well, but figured it was a mistake.

I suppose it might be essential info now, but I rarely include it and so I'm wondering why its not being asked to everyone? I mean most other reviewers only include it on offsite reviews- and rarely then. Perhaps it is being asked and I'm just not noticing or something... ?
02/13/2010
Contributor: Rockin' Rockin'
I measure toys when I review them and I have found that many times my measurements are different than those posted on the site. Of course I can make errors, too, but sometimes a small difference is important to people. I still report my measurements even if they are different (I guess *especially* if they are different) because I think that helps people decide if a product is right for them. Someone who doesn't want a toy that's too thick might be pleased that a reviewer measured it to be 1.25" instead of 1.5" thick (or vice versa w/ thinner toys). On certain toys the diameter varies so I'm not always sure where they've measured the diameter.
02/13/2010
Contributor: Adriana Ravenlust Adriana Ravenlust
Quote:
Originally posted by Rockin'
I measure toys when I review them and I have found that many times my measurements are different than those posted on the site. Of course I can make errors, too, but sometimes a small difference is important to people. I still report my measurements ... more
ditto. Measurements are frequently wrong or just incomplete when there are some many toys with different parts that have multiple lengths and girths. also, I suck at sizes so it REALLY helps to drill in how big a toy is to read it several times or with descriptions in relation to real life objects.
02/13/2010
Contributor: deceased deceased
I measure toys when I review them, even harness holes. If you are the consumer and ordering something like a dildo for a harness, you need to know measurements. Its like buying clothes. One medium sized shirt is not equal to another manufacturer's medium sized shirt. Or buying pants. If you don't have an accurate waist size and inseam, the fir will be less than optimal. As someone in science and health (all you people with degrees in chem or physics or math would agree, or engineering or carpentary, etc) that measurements are far more important in a description than " iredescent lime green and strawberry scented".

I don't care if you had the orgasm of your life with a toy. That doesn't make great consumer sense to me, its fluff or entertainment. I like facts and things I can quantify.

When I go to a hardware store I don't ask for excellent nails, I need a specific size and length to do the job. Same with sex toys. What's it made with, what's the size. These things are not left up to the imagination. What you can do with an item is...
02/13/2010
Contributor: Juliettia Juliettia
I think that it is important to include at least some product dimensions and sizes in a reader friendly way. Perhaps compare it to a common household item if you do not want to include numbers. You don't have to include every detail of how wide a vein is, but it is helpful to think of your review as being the only or first thing a customer sees.

When I read reviews for products I have not tried I don't go and click on product page to find out the material type or basic dimensions. I believe that for the most part these should be included somehow. Kudos if you go all out and give me some extras, like how far apart the holes are in a collar which can help determine if I need to go up or down a size.


Also, I do not believe that anyone is specifically targeting new reviewers. If the questions are being asked on reviews it is because someone read the review and wanted to know. OR it was asked/suggested so that the reviewer could improve on their review. Especially if it was a very short review with little information about the product and more information about how intense it got them off.
02/13/2010
Contributor: Liz2 Liz2
Overall, I think measurements are important. I too have found listed measurements off. Also, when reading a review, I don't want to keep flipping back to the specs for the basic dimensions, I am lazy this way. If I see a dimension that isn't for me, I pass by on the toy.
For me sizing is most important on lingerie, I have been so misled by the sizing that I overall shy away from buying lingerie w/o trying it on. When a reviewer says the med is tight and she says she is "usually" a med, I consider this comment.
02/13/2010
Contributor: J's Alley J's Alley
We also have to keep in mind that not everyone reads the specs, so if they are looking at your review and they see that an item is larger than they want they can just move along.

I do look at specs, but I am really insane about the sizes of my toys. I know what size I like and I stick with it. If the specs are on, often the reviews state a different size, I take those as more accurate so I know what I am looking at.
02/13/2010
Contributor: Carrie Ann Carrie Ann
I was told, around a year ago, by those who were more highly ranked than I at the time, that measurements are important so that people don't *have* to go looking in multiple places for all the toy info.

Same for cleaning info, material safety, etc. Even though all the info is readily available site wide, it's considered a thorough review only if people can find every scrap of info they can imagine in it.

I do not necessarily agree but have conformed.
02/13/2010
Contributor: Heartthrob Heartthrob
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann
I was told, around a year ago, by those who were more highly ranked than I at the time, that measurements are important so that people don't *have* to go looking in multiple places for all the toy info.

Same for cleaning info, material ... more
I was told the same when I started.
02/13/2010
Contributor: Carrie Ann Carrie Ann
You will be assimilated...
02/13/2010
Contributor: TitsMcScandal TitsMcScandal
I don't see the issue in posting it. I figure, if someone is reading my review, without looking at the EF specs, they should know all the info. I actually don't really measure my toys, I usually just pull the specs off of the overview page. I state it as such. I figure, if it makes your review better, than why leave it out? Would you leave out material composition just because it is on the overview page???
02/13/2010
Contributor: Carrie Ann Carrie Ann
Quote:
Originally posted by TitsMcScandal
I don't see the issue in posting it. I figure, if someone is reading my review, without looking at the EF specs, they should know all the info. I actually don't really measure my toys, I usually just pull the specs off of the overview page. ... more
I'd like to!



Honestly, I find all the repetitive details in reviews to be boring. Then again, I'm not the average customer who doesn't already know the info so it's not my opinion that counts.

I guess that's what we all have to remember and why we include all the crazy information overload; to make it easier for the customer to find everything they need, to make sure they know the important stuff.
02/13/2010
Contributor: J's Alley J's Alley
Quote:
Originally posted by Carrie Ann
I'd like to!



Honestly, I find all the repetitive details in reviews to be boring. Then again, I'm not the average customer who doesn't already know the info so it's not my opinion that counts.

I guess ... more
That's what I tell myself while writing my reviews..."they may have never made a toy purchase before." *Sigh* It can get old, which is why I write all that crap up as soon as I get the toy, then I am off to try it and never have to look at the specs again
02/13/2010
Contributor: Sammi Sammi
It does get awfully repetitive at times, but it does make it easier for a customer to find it all in one place. It's a lot easier to just read it in the review rather than having to flip back and forth. It's also handy on offsite reviews.

I do find it particularly useful on items like collars and restraints, where information on hole spacing, etc, is not on the overview page.
02/14/2010
Contributor: Pleasureman Pleasureman
Quote:
Originally posted by Darling Dove
I'm all for detailed reviews- I really am. I see the logic behind putting lube and cleaning info in reviews too- those things are on separate pages and not everyone would find them otherwise.
But why ask for measurements? When every toy on ... more
For myself, I find it useful for a review to have the measurements included as I may or may not look at the specs page for info before buying the item. Also, if someone really doesn't know the measurements, I question whether or not they have the toy. Of course, that's a question in my head and not something I post, but there are a few reviews floating around where I got the impression the person just didn't have the toy anymore or maybe had something similar.
02/14/2010
Contributor: sarahbear sarahbear
Perhaps we could just request that Neuron Geek add a section to all reviews, perhaps a widget in a sidebar, that has all the measurements and specs of the item. Then the technical and hard to include information -would- be on the same page as the review and we could just add stuff we felt was important to know but not listed. I.E. hole spacing, lingerie measurements, texture of material, size in relation to common household items, etc.

It does get incredibly boring to try to find a way to include all that crap in your reviews all the time, and I feel like it takes away from some really great reviews to have to read through it too.
02/14/2010
Contributor: Adriana Ravenlust Adriana Ravenlust
Quote:
Originally posted by sarahbear
Perhaps we could just request that Neuron Geek add a section to all reviews, perhaps a widget in a sidebar, that has all the measurements and specs of the item. Then the technical and hard to include information -would- be on the same page as the ... more
That would be nice, actually.

One of the reasons I find myself asking is because I read many more reviews than I look at product pages.
02/14/2010
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Quote:
Originally posted by sarahbear
Perhaps we could just request that Neuron Geek add a section to all reviews, perhaps a widget in a sidebar, that has all the measurements and specs of the item. Then the technical and hard to include information -would- be on the same page as the ... more
Adding a side bar for things like lingerie measurements and how the material feels is something I don't think would work that well. I've done a few lingerie reviews and so far I have yet to see anything other than the "standard" measuring template and even among the same manufacturer it's varied, so what I do is include my measurements, how it fit me, and the measurements of everything laying flat as well as stretched as far as I can make it stretch. And the manufacturer will make the scratchy lace sound very sexy, but then you buy it and it just scratches you all up.

For things like lingerie I think that most of the review is actually about the actual measurements and a real person's opinion of the texture of the material, so I don't mind adding all that. I'd rather see a lingerie review that the reviewer gave me a measurement of everything involved than read the review that said nothing about how it might fit anybody other than the reviewer. But that's just me
02/14/2010
Contributor: sarahbear sarahbear
Quote:
Originally posted by Jul!a
Adding a side bar for things like lingerie measurements and how the material feels is something I don't think would work that well. I've done a few lingerie reviews and so far I have yet to see anything other than the "standard" ... more
That's what I mean. The reviewer would post stuff like lingerie measurements and textures, and how items are when compared to common household items. Then there could be a widget in the sidebar that is the same as the one on the overview of the product so that we don't have to waste our 800 words trying to cram in the length and diameter of every dildo and vibrator.
02/14/2010
Contributor: Airen Wolf Airen Wolf
Quote:
Originally posted by Darling Dove
I'm all for detailed reviews- I really am. I see the logic behind putting lube and cleaning info in reviews too- those things are on separate pages and not everyone would find them otherwise.
But why ask for measurements? When every toy on ... more
I ask for measurements and for product detail because I have seen so many times a reviewer insist that a toy would be great for a beginner nly to find out that it's a huge gorilla sized object that would frighten me. It is a good item to be included since most people don't read the product page and as both an older and more established reviewer I HAVE been asked for measurements even by email so people do want to see them.

I have had to correct people about product materials as well as safe cleaning practice which is also clearly stated in the product reviews, it's just a little piece of good information to include in a review. It's also supposed to be a suggestion not a "something wrong" with the review. It is more thorough and people do tend to like ALL the information you can include in a review at their fingertips.
02/15/2010
Contributor: Airen Wolf Airen Wolf
Quote:
Originally posted by sarahbear
That's what I mean. The reviewer would post stuff like lingerie measurements and textures, and how items are when compared to common household items. Then there could be a widget in the sidebar that is the same as the one on the overview of the ... more
That would actually be a great idea. I find that I have to almost cramp my writing style to fit all the important stuff in within the word limit. If the widget could include the measurements, product materials and other useful info just a few words reinforcing the information would be sufficient. Realloy though I have only seen these types of suggestions on very short or lacking reviews and I've never seen it to have been in a nasty or mean manner.
02/15/2010
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
Quote:
Originally posted by sarahbear
That's what I mean. The reviewer would post stuff like lingerie measurements and textures, and how items are when compared to common household items. Then there could be a widget in the sidebar that is the same as the one on the overview of the ... more
Got it. I was talking more specifically lingerie than everything in general. But yes, a side bar for measurements on toys could be immensely helpful
02/15/2010