"Equipment Review" Minding My Manners

I've been after this DFS forum thing for a long time now.  But not as long as I've been in the Jolene Rasmussen Darrington (my mom) school of decorum.  For some time now I have chosen to praise products that suit me but to remain cautious or mum on those that don't.  I realized that whether corporate or artisan, each of these products has a pedigree and a name and reputation attached.  For me to get all "sour grapes" about a product, based on my experience with it does nothing to assist the artisan, the community, or the economy.  Hey, I get it.  Today's market rolls via reviews but I can leave a truthful review without damning the maker or the product to a ride over the falls, at the same time not harming my buddies in the community simply through my choice of words.  example:  Stirling makes a soap, Pumpkin Spice, whose scent is out of this world.  I wanted to try it and bought a tub.  Rod Lovan stated clearly in his description that it contained cinnamon, known as an irritant to some skin, and if you are sensitive to not purchase.  I didn't know i was sensitive and boy did it light me up!  I contacted Rod and told him of my experience and he tried to refund me my money.  I chose to not let him do that.  he had warned me.  i took my chances.  I lost.  he still got a glowing review and many stars because the soap performed, smelled great, was packaged perfectly, and customer service was top shelf.  my review did state that it lit me up though. If a product doesn't work for me i will let you know but i will share the other variables too so you can decide if my thoughts have any value. Additionally I resolve to never let my poor experience with a product or company to devolve into being a personal attack.  Again, i can choose to tell the truth without name calling or defamation.  poor performance or service can be determined but what is NOT written almost as well as what is written.  what do you all think?  

Excellent post Lipripper660  and I completely agree with your approach to reviews.  I apparently also have a cinnamon sensitivity at least in higher concentrations and I really appreciate honest feedback so I can inform my purchasing decisions accordingly.  Nobody likes to be deceived by overly enthusiastic reviews only to be disappointed later.  I also ascribe to your mother's school of thought regarding issues or negative comments - you can be honest without being crude or rude.  If you don't like a product you can say nothing about it or, if you feel you must review it, then a simple "I don't care for it" with a coherent rationale as to why - ie, scent too strong/weak or not slick enough or I had a reaction to the scent oils in the soap.  The entire shaving community benefits from honest reviews and feedback clearly, calmly and respectfully articulated.  The artisans definitely benefit from the feedback on what to improve and what works and the rest of us get a broad body of data to inform our purchasing decisions.  win - win

I think criticism of a product/merchant can be helpful if it's at least constructive. for me, I try to work out issues privately first..

I have never seen 100% agreement on anything for years.

Criticism with factual reasons for the comments should be welcome. Highly biased or non-factual reviews should be deleted or edited. A person with a reaction to menthol should be very careful reviewing menthol shaving products.

I think it is important to be both truthful and diplomatic. One can express a negative opinion of a product and still be polite. Sometimes a product just won't work well for you. If that happens, then sharing your opinion, along with the reasons behind that opinion, can help others assess whether or not they want to try a product. If lots of guys have the same take on the product, either good or bad, then it would be something the vendor needs to know about.

Sometimes a vendor will flip out if you express any disapproval of their products no matter how politely stated and well reasoned. That is on them, and would be an unreasonable response. We the wetshavers of the world need to know the good and the bad.

I think it is important to be both truthful and diplomatic.  One can express a negative opinion of a product and still be polite.  Sometimes a product just won't work well for you.  If that happens, then sharing your opinion, along with the reasons behind that opinion, can help others assess whether or not they want to try a product.  If lots of guys have the same take on the product, either good or bad, then it would be something the vendor needs to know about.

Sometimes a vendor will flip out if you express any disapproval of their products no matter how politely stated and well reasoned.  That is on them, and would be an unreasonable response.  We the wetshavers of the world need to know the good and the bad.

I really like your reply.  "Truthful and diplomatic".

Good thread. One of the things that DFS has consistently worked towards is maintaining a respectful atmosphere on the forum.  The posts on this thread strongly embody that respectful approach.  We want it to be enjoyable and informative and everyone likes a spirited discussion now and then especially when it’s done in cheerful and respectful manner.  Nobody is interested in hearing someone post that product X sucks and everyone who likes it is a loser.

I believe that the thread as well as the replies were excellent.  In my opinion I believe that it is incumbent on the buyer to read and know what the ingredients in a soap or cream are.  Soaps and creams are a very personal thing because it can affect the body.  Some people can not eat certain things while others love them.  As long as the person who is commenting is prudent in their comment and does not attempt to trash the manufacture I believe it is worthwhile.  I have known for some time that cinnamon as well as other ingredients can cause skin irritation.  If people use common sense the way [font=Roboto, sans-serif]Lipripper660 did we can all lean for these threads.
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I come from the Donald J. Trump School of Decorum...    

Seriously, it is always best to be honest and let the chips fall where they may. Naturally, one should word such as their subjective opinion. The bigger issue is the conundrum regarding bad reviews re products that just happen to be sponsors/advertisers on that very forum. One wet shaving forum is infamous for banning people for that very reason.

I agree. Honesty is the best policy regarding reviews. There's no need to go over the top with hyperbole but saying something didn't live up to the hype. I think everyone here realizes that it is just one person's opinion.