Bad Review vs. Good Reviews

[Quasqueton]

I just bought a major book based on a couple of ENWorld reviews. The book concept sounded pretty cool, and the two reviewers gave it a 4 out of 5. So I handed over the substantial amount of money (more than a core rulebook costs) and took the book home.

After reading it fairly thoroughly, I'm highly disappointed. Actually disgusted. I'm going to return the book to the store today.

Should I write a review and post it alongside the two good reviews? I would rate the book at 2 out of 5 -- a serious contrast to the other reviewers.

Although I have several D&D3 books now, I didn't buy them immediately upon release, except for the three core rulebooks. By the time I've bought a book, it has been out for a few months and there are usually several reviews already posted. Posting another from me at that point just seems redundant.

So if I post about this book, it will be my first and possibly only review. And it will be negative. I'm a Southerner, so politeness is ingrained in my being. Posting a negative review just breaks that old "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" rule.

So I'm at a bit of a quandary. Should I post a negative and contradictory review (compared to the others) as my only appearance on the ENWorld Reviews section, or should I just keep my mouth shut and return the book quietly. What is polite and appropriate?

Quasqueton

 

[Nightfall]

Do you mind if I ask what book it was? And why you felt it was so poor? You don't have to worry about reprocussions if you explain yourself in a calm and rational manner.

 

[Crothian]

I say post the review. We need reviews from people who like and dislike the books to give more complete over all view of the books. Besides, you may enjoy writing the review and might decides to do another one in a few months.

 

[EricNoah]

By all means post it if you think it will help other people avoid the same problem. But be warned that writing a negative review is probably harder than writing a positive one. You might want to avoid emotion-laden terms like "disgusted" when it comes to the actual review.

 

[BiggusGeekus@Work]

I try to bear the reviewer in mind when reading a review.

d20 Magazine Rack tends to rate products a little high. Simon tends to like crunchy bits and mechanics. There isn't anything wrong with either reviewer per se, but it's something I try to keep in mind when reading the review so I know how to judge it accordingly.

 

[Viktyr Gehrig]

Reviewing books is a worthwhile service to the other members of the community. It'll save other people from being disappointed. I'm tempted to say that negative reviews are even more important, but too many people take that as license to say any rude, pointless critique they can think of.

Since you're worried about being impolite, I can scarcely see how you'd fall prey to that bad habit. Post your review.

 

[Krug]

Keep in mind that you shouldn't refer to the GOOD reviews in your own review. Just give your opinion; refrain from ranting.

Everybody is entitled to their own opinion. Go for it.

 

[Morrus]

Absolutely post the review! There's nothing wrong with writing a bad review if it's hoest - but be careful not to fall into the trap of being unnecessarily rude or insulting. Keep it polite, but make it clear what you thought.

One thing is important - please don't give it a score designed to "compensate" for other scores which you feel are too high. When you write your review, pretend those other reviews don't exist, and that you're writing the only review in the world for that book. Score it according to what you think the book is worth, not what you think will make the average score closer to what you think it should be - if that makes sense.

 

[Quasqueton]

Well, I didn't want this thread to be a review itself. That would get it moved out of the General Discussion forum. I wanted an idea of what the general ENWorld populace thought of my situation.

Actually, I've already written a review of the product, but I've not posted it. The review is not inflamatory nor spiteful. I don't say "this sucks, don't buy it". But it is negative. So it sits on my HD until I make a decision on it.

Usually when I read reviews on a new product I'm considering buying, I start by reading the extreme reviews first. I read a 5-star review, and a 1-star review. Then I read those in the middle. Often when a product has several good reviews, the lone bad review reads like someone has an axe to grind against the publisher or else just wants to be contrary.

I didn't want to come accross like that. Especially if it would be my sole review.

Quasqueton

 

[Nightfall]

Well then by all means post it.