Effective Reviews
WEAR IT[i] for Web by W. R. Mineo – Special to EvenReviews.Com
Effective Even Reviews
Writing a review that states only the great aspects of a product or service, or only the bad features, can be informative, but it’s only part of the story. A holistic and effective evaluation – an even review – is one that objectively looks at the whole product. That does not mean you need to write to a particular format or length, but an effective, even review is one that is objective, and hence useful – and believable.
Whether you are taking on the important task of writing an even review, or reading and evaluating other reviews as part of your own purchase decision making process, there are a few easy things to remember and look for in an effective even review. This easy process is merely a modified AAR[ii], or lessons learned report, but simply putting the overall assessment, like a thesis, at the beginning.
BLUF – Bottom line up front. Introduce yourself, the product and your overall review, grade or rating as the opening or introduction to your even review.
What is it supposed to do? What did the product or service provider promised you as a consumer? Actual uses and benefits are most helpful in describing a product or a service versus merely feature and accessories. A cell phone has an FM transmitter; does that mean I can listen to the morning traffic report on it?
Outline the Pros. What does it do well? Does it live up to expectations and promises? Sometimes little things standout; point them out. For example: easy to read instructions, 24/7 help desk, free installation, free shipping, and other amenities can mean a lot to many; share the news.
Identify the Cons. What promises can the product or service not live up to? Does it have limitations? This is not an opportunity to bash and trash, but an objective, realistic assessment of any drawbacks or limits that you have noticed or are aware of through your personal knowledge.
Compare, Contrast and Cost. Expand a little on what is likely part of the rational for your overall assessment, the reason behind your BLUF. If you have tried similar products, services or providers, the variances of experiences is valuable information. Benefit, cost, feature and other criterion analysis give evidence to your claims, making your evaluation and even review.
Participate in the consumer community. Writing an effective evaluation, an even review, is an easy, powerfully useful tool – and it all begins with you. Happy writing!
[i] Writing Effective Abstracts and Reviews to Inform and Teach (WEAR IT ©)
[ii] AAR – After Action Review
