Writing Product Reviews

Schindler also discusses the types of reviews.

For example, the soda.

There's the review in which you just review that soda.

Another type you compare that soda with all the other sodas on the market.

Another you delve into the technology and history of soda-making.

Another type of review would ask whether or not this soda is a solution to the problem of drinking healthy drinks? For example, because certain schools are no longer including soda in their vending machines, is this the true reason? Maybe all of these soda companies might come up with healthy substitutes for the ingredients in their sodas? Again, is this ethics or the marketplace? Certain consumer demand plays a role in the marketplace.

Also, Schindler does note that certain articles classified as reviews are not reviews. A product announcement is not a review. An opinion piece, similar to an editorial, is not a review.

These type of articles are important, however, they're not reviews. You need the product announcements. You also need the articles about a personal opinion/point of view about a product. Nevertheless, these are not necessarily professional reviews.

For example, when there are movie debuts. There's announcements, personal opinions of many different people, and then there are the so-called expert reviewers. Asking moviegoers their personal opinions about movies is not necessarily a review. People should not confuse "box office appeal" with the greatness of a movie or an entertainer or a product. Nevertheless, all of these types of writings are important in the introduction of a product to the marketplace.

Writers must tell the difference and readers must also tell the difference.

Let's say writers want to fulfill the call for content on product reviews or on celebrities like Jennifer Lopez or Angelina Jolie.

What is the category of that review? Personal opinion? Editorial opinion? Is it a true review? A true professional review?

If you're just writing about the personal appeal of a product or a celebrity (product?) then it should be an editorial not an "article." Not a review.

So you evaluate the product, you think of all these questions. Then you write the review. Most reviews, however, are a combination of the personal appeal, the importance for the reader, and an effort at objective and factual (including researched) information.

Schindler gives the structure of reviews from the introductory paragraph which also includes whether you like the product, then your details with product description, your likes and dislikes, how the product works, etc. Included in your conclusion is "is this [product] worth the money?" Since products are to be purchased in this buy and sell economy, then of course the principle resolution is should you pay your good money for this product?

That's the same as movie reviews. Should you pay your good money to see this movie?

The same with these American Idols. Should you pay your good money to buy their albums, to go to a show in which they're the lead attraction?

The same for these American Inventors. Should you pay your good money for their inventions?

What is a product? A product is something to be purchased. So, of course, the conclusion must involve, should you pay your good money for this new soda?

What is good about a product? What is unique? What is interesting? What makes you want to buy this product? Why should you buy this product?

These are the questions for products.

These are the guidelines offered by bizrate.com in their product reviews:

1. Focus your review on the product. Try to avoid comments that are off-topic.
2. Explain why you do or don't recommend this product.
3. Stick to the facts. We encourage your opinions but when stating a fact, try to be as accurate as possible.
4. Please do not use offensive language.
5. Please do not include URLs in your review.
6. Be thorough and use proper grammar, spelling, capitalization, and punctuation.

Read the Schindler article for the basics in writing a professional review. Do you agree or disagree? Also, generally reviewers, like Randy, and Paula, and Simon must also include their credentials, why they're qualified to present this evaluation of these American Idol? And why they are qualified to tell you what to do with your "hard-earned money?"