From Those Who Review
As a reviewer here at d20 Magazine Rack, I'd like to say that I really appreciate the effort that Steve (our fearless leader) put into the new grading system that is used for reviews. Not only does it present a much more comprehensive score than the previous system, but it also helps me to spot weak points that might otherwise have been overlooked. It has really prompted me to go in-depth when looking at a product and examine [b]all[/b] aspects of the material, not just the obvious. If you haven't looked at it, take a moment to do so and see the rigorous standards that we put each product through (you can see the Excel scoresheet [url=http://www.d20zines.com/html/modules.php?op=modload&name=Downloads&file=index&req=getit&lid=84]here[/url]). It means a bit of extra work, mind you. When I first began, I could crank out a review in about an hour. Now it takes me just short of three hours. I'm not complaining, I consider it time well-spent. My goal, in fact, the very reason I agreed to become a reviewer, is to help you make an informed decision about whether a product is right for you. Steve's effort helps me to do that.
Thanks, Steve. And thanks to the many folks who work tirelessly to keep the game fresh and exciting.
Re:From Those Who Review
Yep, that point has been brought up before. Generally, 2 points don't really make a difference to the final score. If in doubt or necessary, fudge it.
Re:From Those Who Review
I do have an issue with a few of the questions though
Like the one about using established setting if I followed the guideline a reveiw would lose 2 points everytime a new setting was introduced or a product that is stand alone.
Re:From Those Who Review
I have to agree with these sentiments. I am a relative newcomer to the reviewing gig, and so I am still finding my feet as it were (as ever all comments on my reviews will help me to know how I am doing!). I would agree that it can take between 2-3 to actually write the review and that is on top of however long it takes to actually read/playtest the product in question.
I hope that my reviews are not too slow in appearing - I try to make sure I write at least one per week - but I hope more that the reviews come from the perspective of reading thoroughly from cover to cover and playtesting if at all possible. The playtesting is a little more difficult at times, but I make double efforts to do so if it is something I am unfamiliar with.
The grading system applied to most of the reviews is an invaluable aid during this whole process. It forces a reviewer to examine the product from every angle and to carefully consider their opinions.
Cheers
Llowellen
(Ian Hewitt)