Getting ready to post my first review

[Tom Sparks]

I am writing a review of the Pentax 50-135mm F2.8 lens. I'm planing on posting it with sample images tomorrow evening.

One query and one request.

The query is, if you have written a review, what do you hate most about other reviews? Any other advise on writing a review?

The request is that you be brutal with my review, kind, but brutal. I hate useless generalized comments that leave me wondering what part of me sucks, or if there is any aspect that doesn't suck.

I once participated in a Flickr group that claimed to offer brutal/honest critique and was advised not to join unless I had a thick skin. I left the group not because people where jerks, and the where that. I left because there was no opportunity to learn how I could be better.

Recently I posted a photo to Flickr and John Schaffer offered a critique of the image based on my choice of color temperature. I have not modified the image, but I have pondered the comments long. I may go back and see if I like the image edited in the way he suggested. His comment was useful to me because it challenged my perception and gave me something to consider. I'm not sure if he or I am right about the image. My stubborn nature has left it the way it is. But my next similar image may well reflect Johns advice.

So, when I post my review, please feel free to guide me to be a better reviewer.

Tom

[ken1953]

One of the greatest things about PR, Tom, is that we try to give honest, positive critiques. Most of us feel that negative critiques tend to do more harm than good. At least that is what I have felt over the past 5 years I've been on here.
As for reviews of equipment, I like to see a lot of techical specs but with some nice laymens explanations as well. I have a lot of difficulty reading and sometimes it helps to read something explained both simple and in detail so I can compare notes as to what my dyslexic mind is mixing up...hehe...
That being said, there are a lot of novices on here, but also a lot of technos as well, so I think if you just be yourself, consider your audience as a very general, family and friends type of setting, I think you'll do a great job.
Good luck and look forward to reading your reviews.

[Transit]

Good on you Tom
I will be brutal
Pete

[Photo-John]

I'm glad you appreciated my comments on your photo, Tom. I realize when I make a critique that the photographer may not agree with me and that's fine. But it's important that I offer advice as I see it and not dillute it. That doesn't mean being rude, though. It's not a problem to be both honest and encouraging in a critique. In fact, I think both elements are required for effective criticism

Looking forward to your review. The review section has a rating system and comments for feedback and questions. We can discuss your review here on the Pentax forum, too. I think some exchange on what makes a good review could be really good for the site. I'd love to see more and better user reviews here.

[Transit]

Tom did I miss the review ?
cheers
Pete

[Transit]

edited this message

[zindagi dagabaz]

As for reviews of equipment, I like to see a lot of techical specs but with some nice laymens explanations as well. I have a lot of difficulty reading and sometimes it helps to read something explained both simple and in detail so I can compare notes as to what my dyslexic mind is mixing up

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Arslan ( Dill E Nadan)