[request/rant] To all reviewers, amateur and pro...

[Shadowslayer]

My post count? I'm but a child drifting among the stars compared to some of my contemporaries.

I was referring to you effectively dismissing me earlier because I don't post as often as some.

 

[JoeGKushner]

I was referring to you effectively dismissing me earlier because I don't post as often as some.

Well, not effectively dismissing you just noting that out of 10K people, I'm not extremely worried about a handful of people's (sometimes extreme) opinions.

 

[Barak]

Here's my opinion as an ex-"professional" reviewer.

First, the background. I used to be a regular at a pretty popular/high-traffic D&D website. Nowhere near EnWorld or RPG.Net, but that second tier. The owner of said website received -many- unasked for Comp copies, from small and big companies (including WOTC). All D&D 3E, as that was the focus of the board. Since the owner of the site barely had time to care for the site itself, or play D&D, he looked for reviewers. Here I came.

First of, I -do- agree that in most cases, reviewing a comp copy is more likely to make you harsh on the product than nice. When you buy products, you chose what you buy. "Pro" reviewers review what they are sent. Chances are, you'll buy a product you figure there's a decent chance you'll like. Not so when it's sent to you out of nowhere. An example? I hate elves, and half-elves. So.. I'd never buy a product that centers on them. I -could- have been sent a product that centers on them. Would mky hat of elves color my review? I'd like to think not, but chances are, it would have.

Secondly. There's always a price on a product. Even when I reviewed a product I got for free, at the end I gave my opinion as for value. I can easily imagine having paid, say, 12.99$ for a book. The fact that I haven't won't really change much.

So, really, it's not a big deal if they got the product for free, stole it, or downloaded it off Kazaa. What matter is the consistancy, and how close to your preferences the reviewer is. Learn what they like, and what they don't, and judge the reviewers off that.

P.S. I wasn't paid for this post. I did access the thread for free, however.

 

[Arnwyn]

but looking at the number of different posters on this thread, unless it strikes me as a brilliant idea, I'm not bowing down to the few as opposed to the many who seem to have no issues.

You're doing it again...

 

[JoeGKushner]

You're doing it again...

Silent majority rules afaic.

 

[Arnwyn]

Silent majority rules afaic.

Only when you can prove that it's the majority, of course.

 

[Psion]

Only when you can prove that it's the majority, of course.

I call that assigning the burden of proof. I don't have to prove anything. I am not going to entertain major changes in the way I do things unless I am convinced that it's not just a few hecklers, as is to be expected. I am entirely unsurprised that Joe feels no different.

(And considering I get plenty of compliments and kudos when I do visit the chat room, wandering around gencon/gameday, or any other casual "chatty" environment, I have every reason to beleive that those who might have major problems with my reviews are in the minority.)

 

[Wystan]

I really need to write more reviews... I love doing it. It helps the community and the Authors/publishers to grow the industry. I will never give an undeserved score (check out my review of EN-Guild Monster Hunters)

 

[Barak]

And it's a well-known fact that people are much, much more likely to communicate with someone when they have a grievance, then when things are smooth.

Look at the news. Not much "Well, nothing bad happen in Normaltown today, but Mrs Smith sold two pies!"

 

[JoeGKushner]

Only when you can prove that it's the majority, of course.

Hmm... seems to be less than 10K people posting here with requests for changes so yeah, I feel pretty sure that it's not the majority speaking here.