Writing styles in reviews or how-to's: Does this irritate anyone else?

TomZ2

echolmberg:

The one thing about reviews that angers me the most, however, is when the reviewer mentions all the "out of production" or "no longer available" paint, decals and aftermarket parts they used.

 

AMEN BROTHER!!!

"Unobtanium - a part (usually aftermarket) that looked good on another modeler's work but unfortunately is no longer available for your model."

That said, it only bothers me in a "how to" article, that is, one where there's at least the intimation that the piece could be duplicated. Work that is a one-off, e.g., a museum model or a presentation piece, I can just stand back and admire.

Hans von Hammer

 

fermis:

 

When looking at a review, the price is always sought out first. This usually mean that the review will not be read, because that particular kit will not be bought for that price, by this guy!

 Both ways kinda bug me, in their own ways.

 

 

Double-dog ditto!

Reviews, for me at least, are generally just long-winded ads... I'd love to read a review that ended with, "Frankly, I wouldn't buy this kit with YOUR money"...  But what really happens is that the reviewer always ends up generally praising the kit, even if the "undertone" is negative... 

Also, I'd like to see the reviewed kits built WITHOUT paint or decals.. I wanna SEE how much filling and sanding is actually required if you want to convince me a kit's worth the money...  Bits of white plastic filling gaps, and feathered putty all over would be far more informative than any number of words... I can look at a photo of the finished and painted model on the side of the box...

But, to answer the question posed, nah... The writing style doesn't matter to me because, as Fermis said, after I look at the price, I can generally skip the review anyway... 

Usually, if I'm looking up a review of a kit, I've already got a pretty decent idea of its price, so that's never really been a concern.

I'm with you, though, Hammer, that most reviews do end up on a positive note. I take phrases like "fit is a bit iffy, but it builds up into a nice representation of..." as code for "IS TERRIBLE!".

I'd also love to see kits built without paint or decals. Though I do like seeing the kit decals evaluated, I think seeing the "naked" kit would be as if not more valuable.

Personally, I am kind of a fan of first person active voice. Probably because it is what I am used to.

While on patrol of the forum I encountered a German General. I could tell by his muppet-like appearance, and love of cats this was likely the forum member know as "Manny."