The lost art of a good review. - DetailCity.org

Dwayne · 09-30-2004, 04:35 PM

What has happened to reviews lately?

Lately I have seen people attempt to do a review but something like this just doesn't count:

"The product rocks! I love this product! I will love and enjoy this product for the rest of my life."

Sorry, this isn't a review this is an excited customer that enjoys using a product but this doesn't pass for a review in my book.

A review should paint an accurate picture of a product that is both descriptive of the product's physical characteristics and the product's performance.

You should review a product based on the attributes and traits of the product at hand.

Keep in mind that a side by side product comparison is not neccessarily the same as a product review.

Here is an example of what I mean:

In my oppinion, the Honda Accord EX is a very high quality car. Honda Accord's are known for reliability and the 4 cylinder models tend to be very good on gas. Honda's are an excellent buy because they retain much of their resale value.

You cannot compare the hauling capacity of a Honda Accord to a pickup truck! It would not be fair to put it next to a truck and declare that the truck is a superior vehicle.

The Honda was designed to be a smooth and reliable passenger car while the truck was designed for towing and hauling.

I hope this analogy helps those that desire to review products at Detail City.

Here are points that should be addressed when reviewing a given product:

1. Packaging & Labeling. Is it well packaged? Are the labels durable?

2. Helpful instructions on label?

3. Does product do what the manufacturer claims it does?

4. Value. Is the product a good buy? If a liquid product, how much per ounce? Does a little go a long way?

5. Easy to use? Hard to use? Did you read the directions and use as directed?

6. If known, what is the pH of the product? Is it safe for enthusiasts or should it be for professional use only?

7. Describe the product smell, viscosity and other physical traits if any.

By providing this information in your reviews you will help others to make more educated choices when it comes to auto detailing product purchases.

Thanks for helping to make Detail City a valid source of detailing product information.

Dwayne

The Woob · 09-30-2004, 04:42 PM

Dwayne,

These are useful points and guidelines. I highly suggest you write these steps straight and easy for the Reviews function. On that note, I think every products brings a different feel and touch. Its either leave it out of my bins or use it in a combo.

Use what you like and test what you want for your enjoyment! Thats the joy of detailing.

SouthernZ71 · 09-30-2004, 06:15 PM

Very well said, should be sticky

NYV6Coupe · 09-30-2004, 06:29 PM

I think it was marj who did these reviews, one for the new Poorboy's car wash shampoo and one for the wheel cleaner product, and she pretty much provided everyone with a template for a review format.

She included pertinent facts in her dialog & the pics were a nice added bonus.

Basically told me everything I needed to know about these products except the price 'cause they were still in beta release.

edschwab1 · 09-30-2004, 07:03 PM

Well said.

Eric

CharlesW · 09-30-2004, 07:13 PM

Dwayne:
Would you prefer reviews be posted in this forum or in the "Reviews" section of the city?

Charles

OI812 · 09-30-2004, 07:16 PM

I agree with Dwayne. It would be nice if you could put the steps up in a sticky.

Poorboy · 09-30-2004, 07:22 PM

after talking with Dwayne about it Charles, I believe this forum is for discussion of what you thought about it and a general review including pictures if you want and the Review forum is more for a formal and very descriptive review where you nit pick a bit more on every aspect of a product from bottling to instructions:dunno

JimS · 10-01-2004, 09:37 AM

This thread rocks Dwayne! Sorry for the sarcasm, couldn't reisit and I agree with your post completely.

Beemerboy · 10-01-2004, 11:48 AM

Thanks Dwayne

I bite at reviews so I think from onw on I will just list my phone number and you can all call me and I will tell you about it.....LOL

Really thanks good stuff to know if I decided to do another one day

rhillstr · 10-03-2004, 08:10 PM

Right on the money. If you want to send me some product, I would be happy to use it and review it properly for ya :naughty

Seriously, a solid review or product comparison has been hard to come by lately. Big ups to marj for her high quality reviews!

jaybs02 · 10-04-2004, 09:26 PM

Dwayne,
It would be nice if all the reviews were outlined as you described.

Is there some type of form that could be layed out where people fill in blanks? (After things settle down of course)

CalgaryDetail · 05-19-2006, 01:30 AM

Those are some good point thank you. i liked the basic outline. I hate to ask this but would you please post some links to what you think are good posts so that we have a general idea(somtimes its nice to see an example versus and outline) Thank you very much

The Chee · 05-19-2006, 08:09 AM

Here's a random one Mike,
Review: Meguiar's Safe D-Greaser

CalgaryDetail · 05-19-2006, 10:12 AM

Thank you that helps alot. thnkx

JaredPointer · 05-19-2006, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dwayne

No problem. Here is a link to some of the best posts ever posted at Detail City!

http://www.detailcity.org/forums/sea...earchid=451951

Have fun,

Dwayne

Okay.... All I get with that link is "sorry - no matches found." Am I missing the sarcasm or is the link just really not working for me?

Dwayne · 05-19-2006, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JaredPointer

Okay.... All I get with that link is "sorry - no matches found." Am I missing the sarcasm or is the link just really not working for me?

It was working earlier but I guess it expired so I deleted my post. It WAS a link to the search results that showed MY last 500 posts....

JaredPointer · 05-19-2006, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dwayne

It was working earlier but I guess it expired so I deleted my post. It WAS a link to the search results that showed MY last 500 posts....

Haha.

That's classic.

Jngrbrdman · 08-18-2006, 04:21 PM

This is an interesting thread to rise from the ashes. I'm seeing the same trend reappear. When someone asks for a process, don't just tell them what you used. All I want to say is that a list of the products used is not the same thing as a list of the processes performed. I'm seeing that happen a lot lately.

09-30-2004, 04:35 PM	#1 (permalink)
Dwayne Founder & Former Owner Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Stuart, Florida Posts: 1,527	The lost art of a good review. What has happened to reviews lately? Lately I have seen people attempt to do a review but something like this just doesn't count: "The product rocks! I love this product! I will love and enjoy this product for the rest of my life." Sorry, this isn't a review this is an excited customer that enjoys using a product but this doesn't pass for a review in my book. A review should paint an accurate picture of a product that is both descriptive of the product's physical characteristics and the product's performance. You should review a product based on the attributes and traits of the product at hand. Keep in mind that a side by side product comparison is not neccessarily the same as a product review. Here is an example of what I mean: In my oppinion, the Honda Accord EX is a very high quality car. Honda Accord's are known for reliability and the 4 cylinder models tend to be very good on gas. Honda's are an excellent buy because they retain much of their resale value. You cannot compare the hauling capacity of a Honda Accord to a pickup truck! It would not be fair to put it next to a truck and declare that the truck is a superior vehicle. The Honda was designed to be a smooth and reliable passenger car while the truck was designed for towing and hauling. I hope this analogy helps those that desire to review products at Detail City. Here are points that should be addressed when reviewing a given product: 1. Packaging & Labeling. Is it well packaged? Are the labels durable? 2. Helpful instructions on label? 3. Does product do what the manufacturer claims it does? 4. Value. Is the product a good buy? If a liquid product, how much per ounce? Does a little go a long way? 5. Easy to use? Hard to use? Did you read the directions and use as directed? 6. If known, what is the pH of the product? Is it safe for enthusiasts or should it be for professional use only? 7. Describe the product smell, viscosity and other physical traits if any. By providing this information in your reviews you will help others to make more educated choices when it comes to auto detailing product purchases. Thanks for helping to make Detail City a valid source of detailing product information. Dwayne

09-30-2004, 04:42 PM	#2 (permalink)
The Woob Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Vancouver BC/NC Posts: 2,030	Dwayne, These are useful points and guidelines. I highly suggest you write these steps straight and easy for the Reviews function. On that note, I think every products brings a different feel and touch. Its either leave it out of my bins or use it in a combo. Use what you like and test what you want for your enjoyment! Thats the joy of detailing. __________________ Happy Detailing Owner/Obessive Detailer of Liquid Finish

09-30-2004, 06:29 PM	#4 (permalink)
NYV6Coupe Livin' the good life Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Western New York Posts: 816	I think it was marj who did these reviews, one for the new Poorboy's car wash shampoo and one for the wheel cleaner product, and she pretty much provided everyone with a template for a review format. She included pertinent facts in her dialog & the pics were a nice added bonus. Basically told me everything I needed to know about these products except the price 'cause they were still in beta release. __________________ 2000 Accord EX V6 Coupe Satin Silver Metallic There's a fine line between "hobby" and "mental illness".

09-30-2004, 07:03 PM	#5 (permalink)
edschwab1 Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Rochester, NY Posts: 1,130	Well said. Eric __________________ Have you AIO'd today? Done, or Done right? You decide. Score early, Score often. You can not win from the penalty box. You can not score from the penalty box.

09-30-2004, 07:13 PM	#6 (permalink)
CharlesW The Rainmaker Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Ankeny, Iowa Posts: 6,881	Reviews Where? Dwayne: Would you prefer reviews be posted in this forum or in the "Reviews" section of the city? Charles

09-30-2004, 06:15 PM	#3 (permalink)
SouthernZ71 Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: NOLA Posts: 53	Very well said, should be sticky

09-30-2004, 07:16 PM	#7 (permalink)
OI812 Join Date: May 2004 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 507	I agree with Dwayne. It would be nice if you could put the steps up in a sticky.

09-30-2004, 07:22 PM	#8 (permalink)
Poorboy Detail City Sponsor Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: New York Posts: 8,080	after talking with Dwayne about it Charles, I believe this forum is for discussion of what you thought about it and a general review including pictures if you want and the Review forum is more for a formal and very descriptive review where you nit pick a bit more on every aspect of a product from bottling to instructions:dunno __________________ life is short ..do it while you can www.poorboysworld.com web site www.poorboysworld.net Poorboy's info forum

10-01-2004, 09:37 AM	#9 (permalink)
JimS Adopt a shelter pet! Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Galeburg, Il Posts: 752	This thread rocks Dwayne! Sorry for the sarcasm, couldn't reisit and I agree with your post completely. __________________ Dream big and be willing to do the work to get there. Last edited by JimS; 10-01-2004 at 09:38 AM.

10-01-2004, 11:48 AM	#10 (permalink)
Beemerboy Just One More Coat Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Sonoma County, CA Posts: 6,906	Thanks Dwayne I bite at reviews so I think from onw on I will just list my phone number and you can all call me and I will tell you about it.....LOL Really thanks good stuff to know if I decided to do another one day __________________ Old Enough To Know Better, Too Stupid To Care.... Dave's Detailing Sonoma County, CA

10-03-2004, 08:10 PM	#11 (permalink)
rhillstr Recovering Postaholic Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Columbus, OH Posts: 379	Re: The lost art of a good review. Right on the money. If you want to send me some product, I would be happy to use it and review it properly for ya :naughty Seriously, a solid review or product comparison has been hard to come by lately. Big ups to marj for her high quality reviews! __________________ Ask a question, be a fool for a minute. Don't ask a question, be a fool forever. -Chinese Proverb

10-04-2004, 09:26 PM	#12 (permalink)
jaybs02 You're Dessssspicable Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: relaxing where ever i can Posts: 2,903	Re: The lost art of a good review. Dwayne, It would be nice if all the reviews were outlined as you described. Is there some type of form that could be layed out where people fill in blanks? (After things settle down of course) __________________ 02 Bronzemist Oldsmobile Alero Acronym List (update) / Mfg. Pad Colors / Picture Posting & Resizing

05-19-2006, 01:30 AM	#13 (permalink)
CalgaryDetail Mike Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: calgary,Alberta Posts: 1,383	Re: The lost art of a good review. Those are some good point thank you. i liked the basic outline. I hate to ask this but would you please post some links to what you think are good posts so that we have a general idea(somtimes its nice to see an example versus and outline) Thank you very much __________________ 06 Nissan Altima 3.5SE

05-19-2006, 08:09 AM	#14 (permalink)
The Chee I'm back YIPEE Refreshed! Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: S.E. Asia/Bn Posts: 1,504	Re: The lost art of a good review. Here's a random one Mike, Review: Meguiar's Safe D-Greaser __________________ A man has got to recognize his limitations, and then learn how to adapt within those confines. Then go out and conquer.

05-19-2006, 10:12 AM	#15 (permalink)
CalgaryDetail Mike Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: calgary,Alberta Posts: 1,383	Re: The lost art of a good review. Thank you that helps alot. thnkx __________________ 06 Nissan Altima 3.5SE

08-18-2006, 04:21 PM	#19 (permalink)
Jngrbrdman Obsessive Compulsive Detailer Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: ...a state of confusion Posts: 3,052	Re: The lost art of a good review. This is an interesting thread to rise from the ashes. I'm seeing the same trend reappear. When someone asks for a process, don't just tell them what you used. All I want to say is that a list of the products used is not the same thing as a list of the processes performed. I'm seeing that happen a lot lately. __________________ ~ ~ www.OCDetails.com ~ ~ Obsessive Compulsive Detailing shouldn't be cured.... ....it should be Encouraged!