I don't know about qualified. but I watch a lot of DVDs and have never (and never plan to) written a review of one. My problem is I watch for the entertainment value and don't really care who wrote it, who directed it, or even who acted in it. Those who read movie reviews seem to want to know that information and I just don't care enough to provide it. So I watch and enjoy without thinking of how to write a review of the movie. I often, in contrast, have a review of a book in my mind while still reading it. For books the author counts for me.

I don't review my place of employment. I know too much. They'd have to shoot me (-: Just kidding. It would just seem odd to review a place where I worked.

I don't review beer, liquor, etc.  I enjoy drinking it, but don't think very deeply about what I'm having.  I also probably would never review my bank, credit cards, insurance, etc. because I am financially-illiterate and let my husband deal with all of that.  All I need to know is that the card will work when I use it to pay for something.  =)  I probably would never review a TV or sound system either simply because I don't know or care about the details that consumers who care enough to read reviews want to see. 

I have written about my car, my GPS, my TiVo, my iPhone, etc. so I have broken out of my Pets-Beauty-Cleaning Products comfort zone... a bit.

epsgambler said…
I don't know about qualified. but I watch a lot of DVDs and have never (and never plan to) written a review of one. My problem is I watch for the entertainment value and don't really care who wrote it, who directed it, or even who acted in it. Those who read movie reviews seem to want to know that information and I just don't care enough to provide it. So I watch and enjoy without thinking of how to write a review of the movie. I often, in contrast, have a review of a book in my mind while still reading it. For books the author counts for me.

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I think that's interesting about the movies. I'm not sure that everyone reading movie reviews want all of the facts, but I realize after reading several here that many people are probably into the details. Some may just want a quick opinion. I haven't done a movie review either.

CyndiA said…
I don't review my place of employment. I know too much. They'd have to shoot me (-: Just kidding. It would just seem odd to review a place where I worked.

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I've thought about that area as well and don't think I could write a review on my place of employment--past or present.

njchicaa said…

I don't review beer, liquor, etc.  I enjoy drinking it, but don't think very deeply about what I'm having.  I also probably would never review my bank, credit cards, insurance, etc. because I am financially-illiterate and let my husband deal with all of that.  All I need to know is that the card will work when I use it to pay for something.  =)  I probably would never review a TV or sound system either simply because I don't know or care about the details that consumers who care enough to read reviews want to see. 

I have written about my car, my GPS, my TiVo, my iPhone, etc. so I have broken out of my Pets-Beauty-Cleaning Products comfort zone... a bit.

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I hadn't ever thought of people writing reviews on credit cards and such until I joined ViewPoints. I've actually learned a lot from reading other people's reviews. One of my first reviews was on my digital camera. Well, I was proud to be able to put in the battery, SD card, program the date/time and make some cool pictures. I don't even know how to do half of the stuff that the camera is supposed to do. I did post a really cute shot of my 4-year-old with her hair standing straight up as she was sliding down a sliding board. I guess a photographer would read that review and shake his/her head. But perhaps another person who is technically challenged might find it helpful.

I will never, ever write a review that is highly technical in nature.  It is too hard to make something that is very complicated simple to understand, especially for free.  I enjoy writing reviews about stuff, but I won't tax my brain that hard without getting paid for it.

Katrena said…

You're qualified to write a review on a product or place. But you won't...never will.

Will you write about any product or place or is there a topic or area that you won't touch?

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Even though I have enough experience using PCs, I doubt that I'll do a review of my Compaq Presario.  I've toyed with the notion of doing a review like that, especially at "the other site" where it would earn a bit of dough for my efforts, but given how tough TV and DVD player reviews are, I think I'll take a pass.

Hmmm...I suppose there are a few things and places I wouldn't review. Mostly that is because I am associated with them in some way and I don't want to insult the people involved by pointing out flaws and I don't want to come off as pandering to the people I know if I write a glowing review.

The wrestling magazine I write and research for is the best one I have read (It is UK based.) but I never reviewed it and probably never will. I once made fliers, placed advertisements, and ran promotions for a topless club (LONG ago) where my older since bartended (with a top on) but I wouldn't review the place. I saw it in an entirely different light than those going for entertainment purposes. It was just another job for me. I did watch the girls and the way things went down but I just don't think I could review the place. Plus, I know the owner really well still and it wouldn't be cool for me to say anything.

In fact, any place I worked, I probably wouldn't review. And I sure wouldn't review the place where my husband works. Not ever.

I have a few items I would never review simply because a girl's gotta have something she keeps to herself. If you read my reviews, you will practically know everything about me from my bra size to my weakness for bad boys. I need to keep SOME mystery about me. lol.

Except for items that would be physically impossible for me to use (e.g., breast pump or IUD), I could review anything. You are always safe if you describe your direct observations and opinions about using a product, whether it is hair color, an LCD TV, cleaning supplies, a frying pan, a car or a book. I never quite understand when perfectly brilliant reviewers (and there's a bunch of you reading this) say that you can't review cars, books, music CDs, electronics, computers or pet food. Just sit down in front of the computer and write four sentences of observations about the item. Then write four sentences with your opinions about the item. Fill it out with an intro and conclusion, and format it in your style. That's a review that will help consumers.

I never really know what will tickle the fancy of readers in a review. All I know is that the people who say they can't review a certain kind of product are the ones who need to review it most. You probably have some powerful insight that those of us comfortable with the product will never have.

--Bob

dukethepcdr said…
I will never, ever write a review that is highly technical in nature.  It is too hard to make something that is very complicated simple to understand, especially for free.  I enjoy writing reviews about stuff, but I won't tax my brain that hard without getting paid for it.

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I think there are people reading reviews here that aren't technically oriented and may just be looking for some basic information and your thoughts on how it works for you. Sometimes I think my reviews are too long and might contain too much information that people could care less about. I'm new here, so I'm still trying to develop a style that I can call my own.

Fardreamer said…

Katrena said…

You're qualified to write a review on a product or place. But you won't...never will.

Will you write about any product or place or is there a topic or area that you won't touch?

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Even though I have enough experience using PCs, I doubt that I'll do a review of my Compaq Presario.  I've toyed with the notion of doing a review like that, especially at "the other site" where it would earn a bit of dough for my efforts, but given how tough TV and DVD player reviews are, I think I'll take a pass.

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Well, if you decide to write that review, I'll be glad to read it.

PattyTherre said…
Hmmm...I suppose there are a few things and places I wouldn't review. Mostly that is because I am associated with them in some way and I don't want to insult the people involved by pointing out flaws and I don't want to come off as pandering to the people I know if I write a glowing review.

The wrestling magazine I write and research for is the best one I have read (It is UK based.) but I never reviewed it and probably never will. I once made fliers, placed advertisements, and ran promotions for a topless club (LONG ago) where my older since bartended (with a top on) but I wouldn't review the place. I saw it in an entirely different light than those going for entertainment purposes. It was just another job for me. I did watch the girls and the way things went down but I just don't think I could review the place. Plus, I know the owner really well still and it wouldn't be cool for me to say anything.

In fact, any place I worked, I probably wouldn't review. And I sure wouldn't review the place where my husband works. Not ever.

I have a few items I would never review simply because a girl's gotta have something she keeps to herself. If you read my reviews, you will practically know everything about me from my bra size to my weakness for bad boys. I need to keep SOME mystery about me. lol.

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I had wondered about being associated with a product. I think you brought up some valid points about that. Do you or anyone else shy away from a review if you feel that it might hurt someone's feelings (someone you know)?

bkovacs said…
Except for items that would be physically impossible for me to use (e.g., breast pump or IUD), I could review anything. You are always safe if you describe your direct observations and opinions about using a product, whether it is hair color, an LCD TV, cleaning supplies, a frying pan, a car or a book. I never quite understand when perfectly brilliant reviewers (and there's a bunch of you reading this) say that you can't review cars, books, music CDs, electronics, computers or pet food. Just sit down in front of the computer and write four sentences of observations about the item. Then write four sentences with your opinions about the item. Fill it out with an intro and conclusion, and format it in your style. That's a review that will help consumers.

I never really know what will tickle the fancy of readers in a review. All I know is that the people who say they can't review a certain kind of product are the ones who need to review it most. You probably have some powerful insight that those of us comfortable with the product will never have.

--Bob

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I think you've given us some great advice. I would have to think that readers have different personalities like we do. Some may want ALL the details. Others may want just the facts and nothing but the facts. Then there are probably those who enjoy a good story and perhaps even a laugh now and then. Perhaps others would like to correct our grammar, spelling, and punctuation!

I also think that quite a few reviewers are quite trusted by readers that are regulars here. They may think their opinions fall right in line with a reviewer and would look for that person's review on a product before buying or not buying.

I can't bring myself to review anything too personal.  Even thought of doing a review of Veet or Nair, which is probably not all that personal, but I just can't bring myself to do it.  There are certain things that people just have to learn for themselves in my opinion :)  I actually don't read reviews of things that are personal in nature either.

I also think a lot of these things are more person-specific than other products out there.  Underwear for example is something that is different for each and every girl.  Not that I go talking about this with friends a lot, but from the ones I have talked to I found that almost everyone I know is into something different.  I really don't want even my friends telling me dirty details of their undergarments - just a general "it's comfy" or not is about all I'm willing to hear.  I will however review a store that sells such things, just not the items themselves.

vivasuzi said…

I can't bring myself to review anything too personal.  Even thought of doing a review of Veet or Nair, which is probably not all that personal, but I just can't bring myself to do it.  There are certain things that people just have to learn for themselves in my opinion :)  I actually don't read reviews of things that are personal in nature either.

I also think a lot of these things are more person-specific than other products out there.  Underwear for example is something that is different for each and every girl.  Not that I go talking about this with friends a lot, but from the ones I have talked to I found that almost everyone I know is into something different.  I really don't want even my friends telling me dirty details of their undergarments - just a general "it's comfy" or not is about all I'm willing to hear.  I will however review a store that sells such things, just not the items themselves.

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I'll probably review some of those more personal and perhaps embarrassing products. Nursing is one of the very few professions where introductions may immediately be followed by conversations regarding intimate body processes! I totally understand when people draw the line at writing and reading such reviews, but I think I might be able to help a person who is looking for something and may be too embarrassed to ask for added information on it.

I'd never review feminine hygeine products.  No way.  uh uh.  NEVER.  :-)  I can't even imagine how you could do that without completely humiliating yourself!

"When I'm not feeling fresh, I look to Massengil..........................."   hahahahahaha

jasyjen said…

I'd never review feminine hygeine products.  No way.  uh uh.  NEVER.  :-)  I can't even imagine how you could do that without completely humiliating yourself!

"When I'm not feeling fresh, I look to Massengil..........................."   hahahahahaha

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You can just laugh when I write reviews about medication for yeast infections, special guards for when my nipples broke open and bled when I had mastitis and yeast in my breasts after my first child, and the in/out catheters I had to use when I suddenly could not pee when I was pregnant the last time. It's OK--I'm not particularly modest anymore, but I certainly understand those who are! I can imagine that someone out there might read a review like that if they or someone they know had a similar problem.

Katrena said…

jasyjen said…

I'd never review feminine hygeine products.  No way.  uh uh.  NEVER.  :-)  I can't even imagine how you could do that without completely humiliating yourself!

"When I'm not feeling fresh, I look to Massengil..........................."   hahahahahaha

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You can just laugh when I write reviews about medication for yeast infections, special guards for when my nipples broke open and bled when I had mastitis and yeast in my breasts after my first child, and the in/out catheters I had to use when I suddenly could not pee when I was pregnant the last time. It's OK--I'm not particularly modest anymore, but I certainly understand those who are! I can imagine that someone out there might read a review like that if they or someone they know had a similar problem.

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That hurt to read! Nipples breaking open. OW! I don't get offended by anything reviewed as long as it is not done in a nasty/intentionally offensive way. If it is informative, I will read it and, if I use it and think I can help someone with a review, I will write it. I have written underwear and bra reviews (They are the some of the highest (outside) hit reviews. I hope for the INFO about them...). I have written about a lube/massage product and warned against it and have written other personal reviews. I haven't reviewed certain things like feminine hygiene products or pads but I would if I felt I could provide info that was not just me specific. My sister, on the other hand, would probably rather jump off a bridge than write a personal review although she did write a bra or panty review once or twice. That was a shock to me. She is sooooo modest. She won't even TALK about certain things to me because I am so in her face open about things.

I know someone who won't read deodorant, toilet paper, or tissue  reviews. I say that's fine. Someone else out there may just want to know about those products. I can't remember a review I skipped reading based on subject matter. To each his or her own though and that's why this community is cool.  

When reading a movie review, I don't care who directed it and what awards it won, etc.   I want to know what it's about (without giving away plot) and if you liked it.

The rest means nothing to me. :)

So I would probably like your movie reviews!!!

PattyTherre said…

Katrena said…

jasyjen said…

I'd never review feminine hygeine products.  No way.  uh uh.  NEVER.  :-)  I can't even imagine how you could do that without completely humiliating yourself!

"When I'm not feeling fresh, I look to Massengil..........................."   hahahahahaha

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You can just laugh when I write reviews about medication for yeast infections, special guards for when my nipples broke open and bled when I had mastitis and yeast in my breasts after my first child, and the in/out catheters I had to use when I suddenly could not pee when I was pregnant the last time. It's OK--I'm not particularly modest anymore, but I certainly understand those who are! I can imagine that someone out there might read a review like that if they or someone they know had a similar problem.

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That hurt to read! Nipples breaking open. OW! I don't get offended by anything reviewed as long as it is not done in a nasty/intentionally offensive way. If it is informative, I will read it and, if I use it and think I can help someone with a review, I will write it. I have written underwear and bra reviews (They are the some of the highest (outside) hit reviews. I hope for the INFO about them...). I have written about a lube/massage product and warned against it and have written other personal reviews. I haven't reviewed certain things like feminine hygiene products or pads but I would if I felt I could provide info that was not just me specific. My sister, on the other hand, would probably rather jump off a bridge than write a personal review although she did write a bra or panty review once or twice. That was a shock to me. She is sooooo modest. She won't even TALK about certain things to me because I am so in her face open about things.

I know someone who won't read deodorant, toilet paper, or tissue  reviews. I say that's fine. Someone else out there may just want to know about those products. I can't remember a review I skipped reading based on subject matter. To each his or her own though and that's why this community is cool.  

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I think the most "risk-ay" review I dare to do has been done.  I think my Anna Nicole Smith review was about as I care to push the envelope here.   I'm not exactly a prude, obviously, and I have managed to write reviews of adult material at "the other site," but I'm still somewhat skittish about adding the same products here....

OH MY GOD!!!  I'm going to have to look through your ALL of your reviews when I have more time! Bwahahahahahaha!!! You had me cracking up.  Ouch!

I'm going to search for your Anna Nicole Smith review RIGHT NOW!

jasyjen said…
I'm going to search for your Anna Nicole Smith review RIGHT NOW!

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But will you still respect me in the morning?