Test: Equipment Ratings System

[Craig]

Hey there. I need some people to test drive a software package to do product reviews.

I have a few products uploaded right now, but don't have reviews. I'm looking for some people to go through and enter some product reviews based on your past experiences.

Check out the following url:
http://www.fencing101.com/censura/

That's the current URL for the review system. Please send me your comments on it.

I'm also trying to decide what besides an "overall" rating is needed. I've included some other rating types (fit, durability, value) in some categories, but not all. I can modify this as needed.

So, go through it and review any products that you currently own/use that are in the database. If it's not in the database, there is a form that allows you to add products.

Known issues - Though it is tied in to use the forum system for authentication, you still need to enter your forum userid and password in order to submit a review. A future version of the software will integrate the two more closely.


Thanks!
Craig

[Barry Paul]

The problem with this is: if the reviewer thinks he knows what he is talking about, but does not apreciated design, fit for purpose, and function aspect of a product. There is a product review already which gives a five star well built. My review would be: over engineered, poorly designed so the wire is flexed over a sharp edge, the three pin plug is old fashioned and wears out requiring the screwdriver tweaking. Difficult to repair. Am I missing the point? Barry Paul MD Leon Paul

[Craig]

Barry,

This is intended to let the online fencing community do what the regular fencing community has done for a long time - provide their input on product recommendations.

If you go through messages on this board, questions on what equipment is good/what to buy are a pretty good segment. Since there is no "consumer reports" for fencing equipment, it behooves the fencing community to share their experiences and rate the product.

If a product gets a large number of reviews, any outliers are averaged out, and the true product rating, as by the fencing community, can be seen.

It's an attempt to put some numerical value and have a one-stop place for some of the equipment discussions that go on today.

(Every fencer that I mentioned this project to has latched onto the idea. Now I'll just need to build up the actual reviews and get more products added over time.)

Cheers,
Craig

[jeff]

In addition to Barry's concern, I worry that this could wind up being a way for people to tout their wares or that of the companies they like, slime the competitors, and so forth, without any recourse to non-partisan review. A little plugging now and then is okay, but this could be a popularity contest. Merely ensuring your/your friends' products were listed would be an arms race.

I think the existing armory pages and equipment discussions handle the interests of the list nicely.

The page *is* very nicely designed by the way (even if that body cord wasn't

Just my .02

[Craig]

Hence the community of reviewers. Sites like epinions.com are very successful due to the number of people willing to give reviews that include their experiences.

As an editor, I could easily go in and remove any reviews that breach editorial guidelines that have been set for the site.

The main problem with the existing format (forum) is that each discussion begins as a new state - there is no way for a newbie to come in, read over some reviews, and get an idea of what products to try out. Instead, they have to search threads (which most don't do), and

Also - the experienced members here have pretty good BS sensors and they already alert me to posts that cross the bounds. I would expect the community to work the same way for reviews.

Cheers,
Craig

[Artisan]

Its a great idea Craig. Stick with it. Well worth the effort. I'll make some contributions when I return from Austin.

[PeterGustafsson]

Hi!

Originally posted by Craig

The main problem with the existing format (forum) is that each discussion begins as a new state - there is no way for a newbie to come in, read over some reviews, and get an idea of what products to try out. Instead, they have to search threads (which most don't do), and

Cheers,
Craig

So - what comes after the *and*? Seems as if you just forgot to write what you were thinking.

Have a nice time!

Peter Gustafsson

[Barry Paul]

Craig. Product reviews of cars in independant magazines often include manufactures data, reports by experts and a vote from the public. At least then the alleged benifits of products can be stated. Barry Paul

[Craig]

Originally posted by Barry Paul
Craig. Product reviews of cars in independant magazines often include manufactures data, reports by experts and a vote from the public. At least then the alleged benifits of products can be stated. Barry Paul

Barry,

That's a good point. I'll have to find a way to incorporate that.

Do you happen to know if the FIE makes available any of the data from the testing done to certify equipment as passing FIE specs? I remember some companies making claims as to how many flexes their blades went through on the FIE testing compared to other blades.

That engineering testing data would be very valuable and would provide a good counterpoint to the user opinions.

I'm also looking at ways to distinguish some reviewers as expert reviewers based on some other qualifications.

Overall, this review system is one part of a multi-part effort. The community is one part, and another is the proposed e-zine where we may be able to get some more feature length reviews.

Thanks for the suggestions.

Cheers,
Craig

[Craig]

Peter - Yeah. Let me redo that paragraph:

The main problem with the existing format (forum) is that each discussion begins as a new state - there is no way for a newbie to come in, read over some reviews, and get an idea of what products to try out. Instead, they have to search threads (which most don't do), and end up rehashing old discussions. Also, b/c each one starts new, there is a lot of archived knowledge that never again sees the light of day (or the glow of the monitor screen.)

There are equipment comparison discussions going back as far as 1999 on this site if you look hard enough.

[Barry Paul]

F.I.E have alist of approved blades and results Try the semi or Dan.
Off now to USA. Barry Paul

[CvilleFencer]

Craig, I think it is a good idea, and while some might play favorites instead of trying to be impartial, having something to go by is better than nothing! Thanks for all the hard work!