A few words about my "reviewing credo" and star rating system
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Since I post most of my reviews on Amazon, it made sense to adopt their Star Rating system of five stars, which goes as follows:
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I try to evaluate and rate each item on its own merits, but also taking into account the description and any claims made by the manufacturer. Reviewing is not an Olympic sport, where there can only be one winner. If a product is as described, of good quality, and appropriately priced, I have no problem giving it 5 stars. If I notice some drawbacks that impact its value and enjoyment, but still make the purchase worthwhile, I rate it 4 stars. The rating I use the least is 3 stars, perhaps because I tend to be, in my husband's diplomatic-speak, rather opinionated. If something is no better than okay, I see little point in buying it regardless of price, especially if there are other options. I also use this rating for the occasional product that performs well for a year or two, and then fails or becomes unusable. My thinking is that I've had my money's worth, but to keep a top ranking, a product should really exceed the average in both quality and life span.
Most items I have bought online have turned out to be as good or better than I expected. I think it's down to research more than good luck. Poor merchants exist, but they are quickly weeded out by the review process. However, sometimes a purchase disappoints and I try to explain my reasons, as your expectations may be different from mine. A satisfactory long-distance shopping experience is entirely dependent on accurate descriptions and clear, unretouched photographs. So I use 1 or 2 stars to flag items that are:
I try to review only the best products, but share my experience if something disappoints me. I also try to be realistic about quality versus cost. Sometimes if you want the best, you've got to spend more money. A good example would be stereo systems or headphones.
As for free items and samples which I am offered for review: I research them as though I were about to buy them and only accept those that seem top quality. My time is too valuable to waste testing rubbish or unsafe stuff, and I already have enough Bluetooth speakers, headphones et cetera for my needs, so I pass on about 90% of the free offers. On the other hand, I truly enjoy discovering a terrific new product or brand, and being among the first to spread the good news. Good examples would be skin care products. There are many new, all-natural manufacturers that make the big-name brands appear both overpriced and undesirable.
I spend a huge amount of time and energy testing and evaluating products, according to my husband, far too much. However, it's the only way I know. I hope you find my reviews helpful but if you have a specific product question, I'll try and answer it.
Most items I have bought online have turned out to be as good or better than I expected. I think it's down to research more than good luck. Poor merchants exist, but they are quickly weeded out by the review process. However, sometimes a purchase disappoints and I try to explain my reasons, as your expectations may be different from mine. A satisfactory long-distance shopping experience is entirely dependent on accurate descriptions and clear, unretouched photographs. So I use 1 or 2 stars to flag items that are:
- misrepresented, described incorrectly or in a misleading way
- substantially different from the photographs (i.e. of inferior quality)
- hugely overpriced
- unsafe or of such poor quality that they are essentially a waste of money.
I try to review only the best products, but share my experience if something disappoints me. I also try to be realistic about quality versus cost. Sometimes if you want the best, you've got to spend more money. A good example would be stereo systems or headphones.
As for free items and samples which I am offered for review: I research them as though I were about to buy them and only accept those that seem top quality. My time is too valuable to waste testing rubbish or unsafe stuff, and I already have enough Bluetooth speakers, headphones et cetera for my needs, so I pass on about 90% of the free offers. On the other hand, I truly enjoy discovering a terrific new product or brand, and being among the first to spread the good news. Good examples would be skin care products. There are many new, all-natural manufacturers that make the big-name brands appear both overpriced and undesirable.
I spend a huge amount of time and energy testing and evaluating products, according to my husband, far too much. However, it's the only way I know. I hope you find my reviews helpful but if you have a specific product question, I'll try and answer it.
