Making Reviews Count

Making Reviews Count

A common saying asserts that "Opinions are like bellybuttons--everybody has one." So it is with opinions about rating and reviewing the various items found on Writing.com. This essay explores the possibility that the traditional three-pronged admonition to write "honest, encouraging, and respectful" reviews should be expanded and re-phrased. It also proposes that the rating system of assigning stars to a poem, story, chapter, etc. . . . is subject to human error in that each reviewer uses his own "system" for determining the number of stars the piece receives. Additionally, the star rating does not provide any helpful information to the reader about effectiveness of the writing. They may be correctly compared to the various movie ratings given by viewers. A three-star rating may simply indicate that the reader did not enjoy the content of this writing, and may, in fact, have nothing to do with the craft of writing.

The ability to write a helpful review relies on the reviewer's own understanding of what it takes to create something that appeals to the reader, draws them in, and holds them captive to the end. Even a newcomer to the site can offer helpful reviews. However, a seasoned reviewer, by all accounts, should show remarkable improvement in his reviewing technique, in direct correlation to his growth as a writer. Any particular reviewer may give thousands of reviews, as calculated by the Writing.com system. However, there is no system to measure how many of those reviews were actually helpful. Typically, a new reviewer grasps one or more of the three-pronged guidelines to good reviewing, then becomes more adept at using all three, with guidance and practice.

A single-pronged approach to reviewing provides a comprehensive tool which, not only incorporates the three elements of the traditional review, but adds a fourth essential element--that a good review must be helpful to the author. Since a writer is not inclined to give credence to suggestions offered from a haughty attitude, a review that does not show respect for the author's ideas and his right to share them is not a helpful review. Furthermore, a review that abuses the honesty prong by tearing the author's work to shreds can leave the author disheartened and defeated. On the other hand, a flowery review that offers no substance on which to base the praise leaves the writer with no specific understanding of why his piece was effective. The most helpful reviews are those that provide a balanced mixture of suggestions for improvement and specific examples of what is effective, encased in a warm, encouraging atmosphere.

It is apparent that the traditional three-pronged approach has merit. To simply state that all reviews should be helpful to the author adds another dimension. It stands as a beacon to remind reviewers that each review is unique, just as each writer is a distinct individual. Though there will certainly be common focal points in most reviews, it is important to become acquainted with the writer at some level before beginning a review from his port. Noticing his preferences in genres, his level of experience as a writer, and even geographical information helps the reviewer determine the best way to present his comments to the author.

All reviewers, from beginners to seasoned, can write reviews that really count by focusing on being helpful. This skill can be refined and improved over time, by studying and practicing the art of reviewing. Members who are serious about reviewing can take classes on-site or off-site. New Horizons Academy offers an excellent class called "Dynamic Reviewing." The instructor, A.J. Lyle , has done her homework in developing a thorough, well-rounded series of lessons that are sure to have an impact on any hard-working student.

In addition to classes, there are numerous articles and essays that provide a range of information from the basics of giving those first reviews to guidelines for writing in-depth and specific kinds of reviews. There are differing opinions about what a good review should include. Some articles and essays propose that the use of a review template is essential, and just as many argue the pitfalls of using templates. The wise pupil gleans as much as he can from all of them. The diligent reviewer discovers his own philosophy about reviewing and rating, thus finding his own voice.

In keeping with the goal of providing helpful reviews, it is necessary to address the function of rating an item. There are essentially two main problems with using a rating system. The most obvious defect is the system's inability to ensure that all members use the Writing.com standard rating guidelines correctly and consistently. The average rating is thus skewed and completely unreliable. A more subtle flaw is its inherent failure to sufficiently provide the author with a sound explanation of the rating he receives. Far too many ratings blatantly fail to match the comments in the review. In some cases, the rating seems to be inflated. The review contains numerous suggestions for improvement, but the rating is high, leaving the author confused. Other ratings seem to be pulled from thin air, since the review contains no suggestions for improvement. This discourages the author.

It cannot be refuted that those shiny rows of four or five stars pasted atop a piece of writing are lovely ornaments, adored by most writers. However, those quivering flickers from two or three stars cast a discouraging shadow over some of the most promising pieces. The earnest reviewer, wishing to provide the most helpful review, finds himself in a dilemma. His conscience prods him to assign those stars based on the amount of editing the work may require. His heart urges him to remember the painful impact of receiving a "low" rating. Whatever choice he makes, it is certain that the stars are void of any true value to the writer, and the reviewer has no avenue in which to cushion the blow of an unexpected low rating.

This constantly frustrates the reviewer whose goal is to provide helpful reviews. A seasoned reviewer develops many ways to use words to create an atmosphere of respect and encouragement, while giving meaningful suggestions for improvement. His masterful use of words can teach and encourage each time he visits a member's port.

Only the author can turn this growing problem around, by setting his reviewing preference to "Reviews Only, No Ratings." Unless that selection is made, reviewers will frequently be forced to make a choice between honesty and kindness. That should never have to be an either/or decision. Using words, honesty can always be kind. With shiny, cold stars we remove the human factor.

Pat Nelson
June 29, 2011
1000 words