Poll on reviews, reviewers, and you

[ivocaliban]

I read as many reviews as I can for a particular book and I often take reviewers advice if the vast majority say something is trash. Reviewers are the only reason I've yet to pick up the Forgotten Realms Player's Guide for instance. On the other hand, I don't buy books just because they receive good reviews either. Actual content is far more important than what one individual has to say about it. I bought Complete Divine despite lukewarm reviews because I really enjoyed the content itself, even if I didn't always agree with how it was handled. Eberron, on the other hand, has received generally favorable reviews and yet I have no interest in another campaign setting.

To sum up, reviews are very important in my decision to buy or not buy a certain book, but, overwhelmingly, it's my want or need for the material that serves as the deciding factor.

 

[Swiftbrook]

Other - I read all reviews of a product I am interested in, taking it with a grain of salt.

Ditto

-Swiftbrook

 

[shilsen]

Ditto

-Swiftbrook

Same here.

 

[CalicoDave]

I'll read a few reviews on a product I'm interested in and take them with a grain of salt. If there's a product that has a wide range of ratings, for example a 2 star review and a 5 star review, I'll be sure to read both of those to find out why the reviewers rated them the way they did.

I also find the ENWorld staff reviewers good and will read reviews by them.

 

[Lyriel Aelorothi]

Read 'em all but take 'em with a grain of salt.

Reviews are a matter of opinion and personal taste. However, there are certain reviewers whose taste reflect my own.

 

[Mexal]

As I generally read reviews to find out what is in a particular product, I also tend to write reviews the same way. I feel that if I can give a clear picture of what is there, that will give a potential purchaser the best guide as to whether the product will be of use to his campaign - or not!

Mexal.
http://www.rpg-resource.org.uk/

 

[pogre]

I usually only read Billy and JGK's reviews these days - their tastes are most similar to mine. JGK is particular is overly generous towards some products, but I usually find what he writes in the review to be accurate and helpful. There are occasions when he could use an editor though

 

[DragonLancer]

I read reviews only to see what the contents of a given book are. I couldn't care less what the reviewer thinks, as my opinions will probably be very very different.

 

[Glyfair]

Mine doesn't neatly fit into any of those categories. Overall, I try to look at reviewers I know. For example, for movie reviews, I find Roger Ebert & I usually have very similiar tastes. So, I look at his reviews. Also, I have a feel for the local movie critic. I sometimes don't agree with his reviews, but I can usually tell by reading them where I'll disagree with him.

For ENWorld reviews, I'll look at the staff reviews (except one who I almost always disagree with completely). After that, I'll sample the extremes, the very good reviews and the very bad reviews.

 

[Crothian]

some good responses so far thanks and please keep them coming...