Do reviews matter?

[BLACKDIRGE]

Hi all,

Just wondering, do good or bad reviews on an RPG product affect the chances that you will buy said product? Do you actually look for reviews before you purchase?

Publishers, what are your experiences with reviews? Do they actually affect sales?

Thanks

BD

 

[bento]

Reviews matter more for me than any other factor outside of the item's content. Even price is a secondary consideration. Reading reviews on ENWorld, RPGnet and even buyer comments on RPGNow are a must.

I really wish the review output on ENWorld was greater than it is. Does anyone know why it's slowed down? Was it the server crash from a few months ago making others gun-shy of putting the work into writing a review?

 

[Odhanan]

Reviews matter for me as a customer. I've decided to purchase some products based on good reviews more than once.

 

[Morrus]

For me, yes - and not just RPG products. I scour the web for reviews of almost anything I buy, from books to games to cars.

That's just me, thuogh.

 

[KB9JMQ]

I really pay attention to reviews here on EN World for the books I am interested in.

But I put more weight on the threads here in General Discussion after people have used the books in actual play. It is the best way to get insight into how it affects the game.

 

[GoodKingJayIII]

Definitely. $30-$40 for your average RPG book is pricey and I like to have a good idea what I'm getting. I don't always read reviews, but they always help when I'm trying to learn more about a product.

 

[Glyfair]

Reviews don't often matter much to me. I tend to rely more on previews, past history of the company or designer, etc. However, there are times when I'm not too aware of a product, or am looking for a book to fill a need (such as underwater rules, mass combat rules, etc) in which case reviews become important.

 

[Huw]

There are several things I've bought on the strength of reviews, and several I've put off buying because of reviews, so I'd say yes. Having said that, my main purchasing decision, for books at least, is made as I flip through it in the shop. If I'm still browsing after a minute, I'm probably going to buy it.

 

[Endur]

But I put more weight on the threads here in General Discussion after people have used the books in actual play. It is the best way to get insight into how it affects the game.

I voted yes because its the threads in the general discussion forum that cause me to buy a product. Like for instance Red Hand of Doom or the new Expedition to Castle Ravenloft.

 

[Umbran]

Yes. I don't have a huge budget for gaming materials, so I like to be well-informed of what I'm getting. Both the formal reviews on the website, and the informal reviews you find in discussions around here can be a big help in sorting through what you do and don't want.