Why don't you post reviews?

[Crothian]

Another thing on writing reviews for older books: It probably means you've had a chance to use it in a real game. Not just simple playtesting, I mean a year or two of real use. I know many of the new products I review I never really get the chance. But If I pick up a book I've never review but have been using on and off for three years my insight and ability to review it will be stronger and on a much firmer base.

 

[BigFreekinGoblinoid]

OK, cuz I love you guys, I'll provide an honest answer:

I buy a lot of books, but I don't write reviews because I'm selfish, lazy and it would require a lot more feedback than what seems typical for the investment of my time. Plus, I greatly enjoy the interactive experience of discussing the books on the messageboards.

I wrote a review here once ( the first review for the Penumbral Pentagon ), and it was a good experience. I think everyone should try it at least once, as it can help you better understand your own rational for product buying/usage decisions.

Some other rambling thoughts, some of which echo ideas mentioned in previous posts:

If I am investigating a product for possible purchase, two or three reviews is more than enough research. Maybe only one, if I have developed a sense of a particular reviewers style and tastes. That being said, I have been relying on reviews less and less to help me make buying decisions. Most products get either a 3 or a 4 rating, so that doesn't tell me much. Neither does the Table of Contents style of review with most of the text just DESCRIBING what the book is. IMO, the real value of a review is relating what the product has to offer that is new, better, or different - what type of person might enjoy or appreciate that - Suggestions for use and compatability with other products - Direct comparisons to similar subject matter from other books, etc...

I'd like to have a place where people could go to request a review on a particular book that hasn't been reviewed yet. Maybe these requests might prompt someone who otherwise might not write a review to try one.

 

[Umbran]

Over the past half year or so the amount of fan reviews has really decreased. Reviews are a great way to get your opinion heard and to tell people what your thoughts on a book are. So, I'm just wondering why people don't write reviews.

Well, for one thing, if I want to voice an opinion, I don't need to do it in a review. I can do it in a discussion thread, which I find more interesting, as there's more interaction and exchange of information and ideas. Reviews are a good way to state your opinion. The boards are a better way to discuss opinions.

I buy relatively few products each year. And by the time I do so, the community has already formed it's opinions on the work. So I don't have much to write reviews on, and any I did write would be superfluous.

 

[Crothian]

Well, for one thing, if I want to voice an opinion, I don't need to do it in a review. I can do it in a discussion thread, which I find more interesting, as there's more interaction and exchange of information and ideas. Reviews are a good way to state your opinion. The boards are a better way to discuss opinions.

Hmm, this brings up an interesting idea and I'll have to run in by some people but maybe we can do a little bit of both.

 

[Crothian]

That being said, I have been relying on reviews less and less to help me make buying decisions. Most products get either a 3 or a 4 rating, so that doesn't tell me much. Neither does the Table of Contents style of review with most of the text just DESCRIBING what the book is. IMO, the real value of a review is relating what the product has to offer that is new, better, or different - what type of person might enjoy or appreciate that - Suggestions for use and compatability with other products - Direct comparisons to similar subject matter from other books, etc...

Most books get 3 and 4 because 3 is average and 4 is what people seem to think is average. What a book does that is new better or different then what? Do I assume people only have the core rules or do I assume that they have all the books I do? It's a tough thing and I sometimes will mention related books in a review but only if I have them and are familiar with them. THere's a lot of books out there and it's just hard to know what will work well with what without using them side by side.

 

[(Psi)SeveredHead]

The last products I wanted to review were ones I playtested! Needless to say, there's an unwritten rule preventing that Speaking of which, two reviews for Mindscapes vanished from these forums and never actually made it to the review section One was written by Psion.

I can't write a review as well as the staff reviewers can, and the second-last product I wanted to write a review for (Complete Warrior) was one I wouldn't spned any actual money on, and it's unfair to bash a product in that manner.

 

[Crothian]

If you play tested a product and want to review it, just state very clearely that you play tested the item. I know there is an unwritten rule regarding this though.

 

[Ralts Bloodthorne]

Other:

I write supplements and gaming material. I feel it would be a serious breech of ethics on my count (my ethics, related to myself, not held up to anyone else) for me to review any products.

 

[Crothian]

Other:

I write supplements and gaming material. I feel it would be a serious breech of ethics on my count (my ethics, related to myself, not held up to anyone else) for me to review any products.

There are writers who review things. Steve Creech who is a big time reviewer has written some, and Monte Cook has writen some reviews to name two.

 

[Bendris Noulg]

I write reviews...

You'll find them in my Section 15.