Why do you do (or not do) video reviews?

The New Intimacy

Why do you do (or not do) video reviews?

Skip to last post
Set alerts
Updates
Forum search
Contributor: Carrie Ann Carrie Ann
Hey guys! We're looking at some changes in the video review program and, as always, we want your input so we make the right changes. In order to make the program as easy to use and beneficial to all of us, you'll be seeing a few polls in the next couple week.

Please answer as honestly as you can. No one will hold any answers against you and we really do want to make this program the best it can be -- which means good, honest communication between us and you!

Thanks in advance for your answers and keep an eye out for more polls early next week.
Answers (private voting - your screen name will NOT appear in the results):
I do them for the gift cards
33
I do them to add information to my reviews
39
I do them because I enjoy being on camera
9
I do them for the points
7
I do them for other reasons (please explain in comments)
6
I do not do them because I need to maintain my privacy
43
I do not do them because I do not have the equipment
26
I do not do them because I didn't know I could or do not know how
18
I do not do them because the approval process takes too long/is too many steps
7
I do not do them because all the products I have already have videos
11
I do not do them for other reasons (please explain in comments)
21
Total votes: 220 (121 voters)
Poll is closed
12/15/2011
  • Save Extra 50% On Sexobot Attachment
  • Upgrade Your Hands-Free Play!
  • Save 70% On Selected Items. Limited Quantity
  • Complete strap-on set for extra 15% off
  • Save 50% On Shower Nozzle With Enema Set
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
  • 5
All promotions
Contributor: ToyTimeTim ToyTimeTim
I do them to add additional info to my review. Sometimes words cannot convey everything. I also feel that letting people see and hear a product helps them to make the decision to buy.

And ya, the GC is a nice bonus.
12/15/2011
Contributor: Kindred Kindred
Originally I did video reviews to add to my written reviews and for the GC. I became a bit bored with the format of just sitting there and talking and so I don't do them much anymore. I now prefer the adult video format because I feel like I have more room for creativity.
12/15/2011
Contributor: unfulfilled unfulfilled
I don't really have a video camera so I can't do them, but I like the ones that give me extra details that you just can't get out of reading a review. There's two new video reviews on the Uma and they're both very beneficial to see how it works instead of reading and deciding on how it works. I like watching the videos on products that I'm interested in getting. Allows me to make a more informed decision.
12/15/2011
Contributor: Nazaress Nazaress
I don't have a video camera and I'm not likely to get one anytime soon. And by this, I mean years to come. My boyfriend and I need to save money to get our own place so a camera (even just a regular one, which we also do not have) is definitely NOT on the top of our "To Buy" list. Also, to be honest, I'm trying to keep my identity private in case my family or certain friends find out. We're not a close family and talking about sex toys with each other is definitely not something we do. I'm only 21 and I think that the older I get, the more comfortable I'll be with being open about my identity but for now, I'd like to keep a low profile.
12/15/2011
Contributor: js250 js250
I would love to add video reviews to my reviews, however I want my identity kept private, and my cam does not have a mic anymore (long story-lets just say the one time I deleted something that I did not mean to delete, it fricking worked!), so talking or sound is out. The approval process seems ok, but most of the products I review already have videos. Thank guys for working on the site to keep making it better and easier to use!!!
12/15/2011
Contributor: Hallmar82 Hallmar82
I have a fairly sensitive job so I wouldn't do it even if I do not show my face. The risk is too high.
12/15/2011
Contributor: OroNomi OroNomi
It's been something I have wanted to do for a while, but it was a matter of timing. I just recently uploaded my first video and plan on doing more when it is appropriate. Too many videos for one product can be a bit much so I want to focus on toys or products that don't already have a featured review vid.

On a side note, I do wish the videos were moderated a little better. Some video reviews aren't reviews at all and sometimes tell the viewer nothing about the product...
12/15/2011
Contributor: SilverIsis SilverIsis
I like doing video reviews because I am more comfortable talking about a product then I am writing about it. I really wish there was not one review limit on toys. I say that the first one gets the card and the rest just get the points.
12/15/2011
Contributor: Silverdrop Silverdrop
I don't do them. Half for privacy reasons, and half out of not wanting the hassle of figuring out how to use my webcam and editing software. It's something I might consider doing in the future. Maybe. Maybe not. If I wanted to earn a giftcard, I'd probably rather write something for Eden Cafe than spend the same amount of time making and editing a video. But I wouldn't rule it out.

I suspect this might be the subject of a future poll, but I almost never watch the video reviews. I pretty much only watch it if I'm making the decision to buy and want to see the product in action. I tend to find them really boring and think most of the 'sit and talk into the webcam' videos are way too long.
12/15/2011
Contributor: Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
I love love love doing video reviews and yes - it is largely for the gift cards. But I'll be honest with you - a video review helps me make up my mind on a product more than almost anything else. I watched a video review of G-Ki and then showed it to my husband and we bought it that same day.

When it comes to the more expensive items, I just really need to see that video to help me decide.

I saw a couple of videos on lingerie and those also made me put the item on my wish list.

I'm not sure how you're going to change the program - I really hope the gift cards don't go away completely because that is a big help to my budget for toys.

However, I am sure that whatever ya'll do - it will be the right thing for Eden and it will work out great!
12/15/2011
Contributor: Antipova Antipova
I love doing videos---I started doing it for the gift cards, but also because one of the most important things about a product, to me, is its rigidity or flexibility. As I got better at doing video reviews, I've started enjoying it for its own sake, and because it's a fun way to get information out to people who don't always want to read. Also, now that I'm in the Video Review Program, I'm looking forward to the products themselves as much as the gift cards.

I also feel like it's helped me get better at public speaking in general, so I want to keep doing it so I stay in practice Thanks for the unintended benefits, Eden
12/15/2011
Contributor: MeliPixie MeliPixie
I would love to do videos for a multitude of reasons! But the approval process is too long for me, and all the products I have already have videos. Plus I have the equipment, but not the correct space, to do videos. But I definitely would if all that weren't an issue ^_~
12/15/2011
Contributor: El-Jaro El-Jaro
Usually do them to investigate an issue with EdenTube that someone's reported. When I do, I pick a product that doesn't have a review on it.
12/15/2011
Contributor: Owl Identified Owl Identified
I used to do them often, but since there are now SO many video reviews up, I don't feel like my voice is as needed. I do video reviews every now and again when a product is new and I want to give the low down, or if I have something that there isn't a lot of info out there on. I wouldn't review something like, say the Ella, because there's tons of info out there about it.
12/15/2011
Contributor: Jobthingy Jobthingy
I like to talk, even if it is by myself to a camera. I love showing different aspects of a toy that can't necessarily be seen in a written review. Although I really haven't had time do do them lately.

I'm not gonna lie, the GC is sweet also.
12/15/2011
Contributor: SexyTabby SexyTabby
I don't do them because I just don't know how. I actually have everything to do them I just never have and I haven't had a need to really figure it all out. Cute lil video camera but it's become the kids and they got videos of themselves all over my computer so I know it can be done lol

I've never even read the rules or looked at the point values of doing them. Maybe I'll look at em but not sure I'd be bold enough to do them.
12/15/2011
Contributor: AU AU
Many reasons why I do not. I've actually made one but didn't upload. While people seem kinder here than say, on youtube, I am a little insecure about how worth my work will be. It is hard to know what I could do differently from a written review that will be better than one. And I hate the sound of myself talking so very much!! But more than all this, I have to make sure my identity is safe. I like to keep "this stuff" away from my normal identity. Nothing wrong with toys and all that, but it is just how I like to keep things.

I won't throw the possibility of video reviewing away, though, and might try again if I feel it would make a better presentation than writing would.

I do have a question--I usually see a review paired with a written review. Must a written review accompany a video?
12/15/2011
Contributor: Jul!a Jul!a
I've always enjoyed being able to add my opinion in video form to my reviews and while the gift cards were a great incentive they were never the driving force behind doing the videos. As I've done more and more videos, I try to keep mine consistent and show the things that I would want to see if I were playing with a toy in the store in person. I know that my videos aren't anything extraordinary and are what some might consider boring, but I think that they're at least helpful and effective.
12/15/2011
Contributor: Ryuson Ryuson
(Review Program Mentor)
I do it because I think it really helps give a better idea about the actual product. Pictures of something bending are nice, but seeing how much force it takes, how it bounces back ect. are really more helpful. I feel like I make a difference! And the gift card allows me to buy even MORE awesome toys to do video reviews of!
12/15/2011
Contributor: GonetoLovehoney GonetoLovehoney
I can't do video reviews as I don't own a camera that can record video without it being horribly grainy and I'd be too embarrassed to hear my accent. -is 80% deaf-
12/15/2011
Contributor: Kindred Kindred
I know I've mentioned this before, but I would love if there were some type of video mentoring program as well.
12/15/2011
Contributor: null null
I'd like to do video reviews, but I need to stay anonymous.
Also, my chewed fingernails are not exactly camera ready
12/15/2011
Contributor: indiglo indiglo
I do them for a LOT of reasons. They can add great information to the reviews that you just can't articulate with words. I also love making them because it's a creative outlet. I'm not a big fan of the "5 minute talking torso" motif that are most video reviews, so I try to get creative and do something fun and original and BRIEF. I feel like it also helps my reviews get better ratings too, and I find it extremely easy to make them now that I have the process streamlined. The way I do my videos makes it easy to protect my privacy, so that's not an issue for me.

The GC is an awesome bonus too!
12/15/2011
Contributor: Taylor Taylor
I don't do them for several reasons. the biggest reason being that I don't have a webcam/know how to use one. I am also not confident in my ability to make a good video because I get very nervous when I am being recorded. I also wouldn't really want to be recognized so I definitely wouldn't want to have my face be in a video.
12/15/2011
Contributor: K101 K101
I'm really glad this came up! About a month ago, I spent days trying to make a good video for one of my glass toys. I finally figured things out and had a good video to add to my review and then I got on here to load it and find info. From the info I found on forums, I just didn't really know how to go about it. I would love to do some video reviews though! My main reason for wanting to do vids is because with many of my items like 2 of my glass toys and the pleasure swing (for example), have some things that I wanted to explain about them, things that aren't easily explainable by photos and words. You know what I mean? Also, my videos have a problem showing up a bit orange so that's probably not so pretty, but I've been playing around and have found ways to help with that problem.

Anyways, I would like to know more about the process of getting to do vidoes. What would I need to do to "apply?"
12/15/2011
Contributor: 12345678 12345678
Honestly, I just feel weird about how my voice sounds, especially over my mic on my laptop. Otherwise, I really do like watching the video reviews here.
12/15/2011
Contributor: klyte klyte
I can only speak for my girlfriend with this one, as she does video reviews and I'm sticking to text reviews. I'm new here. But I know she talks about doing them because there needs to be more videos on products that have NONE. A lot of great, but cheaper products don't get bought because there aren't any videos.
12/15/2011
Contributor: Kayla Kayla
For those who are mentioning that they had issues knowing how to upload videos, we do have an uber-helpful tutorial.
12/15/2011
Contributor: Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
For those who want to do video reviews - here are a couple of tips.

First of all - you can do a video review and post it without getting gift card or getting approval. However, you need to have a written review - so write the review and get it published. Then go to your reviews and if you look to the far right there is an "add video" option. Click on that - upload your video and write the descriptions and tags and you're done!

For those who want to get the gift card - your video must be on an item that doesn't have a video review or you must have a reason to feel like your review would be better - then email Carrieann. It helps to give her a link back ot the item (I like to include the item number too). She usually gets back to me within 24 hours if its not a weekend.

Once you have permission - upload the review the same way as listed above - only when it gets to the last page you will add links not only to your page and the review's page but also the main page about that product.

Then - you email Kayla with a link to the review and your screen name.

I almost always have a gift card from JR within 48 hours.
12/15/2011