The bottom line is that you should do what you feel most comfortable doing. Write the reviews for YOU--not for anyone else.

That said, I tend to familiarize myself with the video and just watch it for enjoyment before I sit down to write. When I do write, I usually write while I'm watching it again (either with a laptop in the living room, or the disc playing on DVD-ROM with another window open to write the review). I'm very comprehensive, especially in terms of going into analysis of what I liked, what I didn't like and why, but that's my niche. It may not necessarily be yours. I also have a professional background in some of the more technical elements of production, so I sometimes make detailed comments about those aspects.

I'm sure a number of people will respond with their ideas for you, and you can look at a number of previous threads that cover various aspects of reviews for further ideas and considerations. Ultimately though, do what makes you comfortable... write what you want to write about. Variety in reviews and in reviewer opinions and format is the key to really helping people know what to buy. And writing what you like to write about is the key to making sure you continue to enjoy writing reviews.

Good luck, and I look forward to seeing what you come up with!

Mike L.

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If I had a laptop I'd probably be doing more reviews and watching a whole hell of a lot more porn. I also don't watch, usually, a whole DVD in one sitting. Because I save my reviews in Word, and add to them, complete them as I find time and want.

I do review some titles in a day, over 5 hours plus, due to my pausing and brainstorming, but if I know I'll be the first to review a title, a day or two after it was released, then I push to complete that review.

But the important thing to remember, do the reviews honestly.

I personally try to be as honest as possible without resorting to name calling, or using harsh words to describe performers. But that's me..

---BIGmike, going and going and going since MCMLXXX---

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When writing your reviews, write about what is important to you as if it is important to you, it is important to other people. And watch the length of the review, this is something that I have a problem with, trying to keep my reviews down to a digestible level.

Most importantly, have fun with it!

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Step 1, I watch the DVD on my big screen with no thoughts of the review. It may take one night, or several sessions... in my mind, the better the scenes the more sessions it will take. I get the feel for the DVD, ambience, quality, likes/dislikes, really hot/cold scenes... whatever. Then, I take a day or two away from the DVD. Maybe I'll watch another in the hiatus.

Step 2, I sit down at my desktop and bring up the DVD on my computer. I bring up my review template (you will undoubtedly develop one) in notepad. I fill in the expectations, technical, extras, director... all the stuff at the top of one of my reviews.

Especially important to me is the capsule review that I do, and I do this from memory of having watched it previously. This, to me, is an indicator of replay value. What do I think of this disc after having set it down for a bit.

Then, I crank up scene 1 and watch it in one window, while documenting it in another window, using a stream of conciousness style. This works best for me. I just let it all hang out and say what I feel! Be honest! I repeat this til I'm done with scenes.

Finally, I write the conclusion and assign the overall rating to the disc. Note that this is done after the detailed scene analysis, versus the capsule review which I did before starting the review process. I like this because it's two different windows on the same landscape.

Anyway... I suppose it seems a goofy, convoluted process to go through, but it works for me! I'm really pleased with the way my style has evolved and I feel that I'm providing a useful compass point for consumers.

Edited by - aybesea on 12/13/2002 12:51:11 PM

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I heavily go into the techinical aspects of the disc so when I have a disc with multiple language tracks or stereo and surround tracks, etc, I'll randomly pick 4 spots in the film and do an A-B repeat of an area with each track so I can get a good idea of what each one sounds like. Then I'll watch the film with the track of my native language or the best sounding if it comes down to a stereo or surround choice.

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As others have said, write what you are comfortable with and what you like. On this note, even if it may come out negative, just include what it was that you liked or didn’t like to tell why. If you check the reviews posted, there are some that were rated with only a half-star or less.

Opposite of BIGmike, or more along the lines of MLyons and aybesea, I watch the DVD first without any thought of reviewing. I want to get the feel of the whole presentation as a package, including impression, quality, sound, etc..

(I watch this on my 36” TV which is in a different room from my desktop computer.)

Then I sit down with a printed out copy of a review template (I’m sure you will develop one), pen, and a pad of paper. Most of the time I will just make notes to myself and then go sit down at the computer and type it up. Sometimes I will pause after each scene and go type that one up, and then go back and watch scene 2, scene 3, etc..

Sometimes after writing, I will let it sit for at least one day and then take another look at it. There are usually changes that I want to make in what I said, and then I post it.

I have yet to find a real shortcut method, so it takes some time. In that respect, kudos to the reviewers that have been much more prolific then I have at writing them.

DenverDon

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I stole the 19" from my father, and gave him another 19" for him to watch. Since the one I stole had A/V inputs, whereas the other did not, it makes for better picture.

The TV room, has the surround sound system, I've only watched porn on it twice. (Multiple speakers with ohhhs and ahhhs and fuck me's just seems like overkill to me.)

But I did show my dad the opening to Service Animals 7, with Melissa Milano walking in a school girl uniform, and some "scene highlights" when I was testing the DVD.

If I had the laptop, I'd most definitely watch the DVD while typing - I can type fairly well, not so much a "hunt and peck" typer, but still do from time to time.

So there's a positive for reviewing... building typing skills, lol.

---BIGmike, going and going and going since MCMLXXX---

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Generally what I do is have a Word template called "Porn Review" that has the format and everything ready to go. I'll put the movie on the DVD/TV and immediately not the running time and try to figure out who is who (i.e. the cast). After I have the basics I'll make short-hand comments on each scene. Honestly I'm usually doing other things but pay attention to details and hot-points. After the movie is over, I rate it then save the review. Later, I will come back and pretty up a review before sending to the rest of the world for consumption.

This works best for me.

I have a laptop so I can write reviews from my main system - big wide screen, oh hoh hoh... Usually that's when my girlfriend is over so that last thing I want on my lap is a computer. Also, most current consumer laptops are made with non-mobile processors or with older AMD processors and they run VERY HOT. Trust me on this... Higher-end Dell and IBM laptops are good but most HP, Compaq, Toshiba and other store bought laptops run VERY HOT. You do not want these things roasting your nuts... If you don't believe me, go to your local electronics store, put in a DVD for 10 minutes, come back and have a feel...

Save your NUTS!!! Lol...

Actually, doing a review ends up being more of a chore some times. If I really enjoy a movie, I want to enjoy the movie and doing a review sort of ruins the mood.

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The best reviews are to found at http://lezlovevideo.com, because customers write them, and you might find a dozen or so short reviews for guidance. If there is anything like it for other kinds of sex, I don't know about it.

I rely on Denis at http://cavr.com (Cyberspace Adult Video Reviews). You will find a little of everything there (except gay), and you don't have to cut your way through a lot of crap from the reviewer to get to the meat. Also, Denis does not review a video to death, as if he were writing for the Society for the Blind!

BC

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i should be so lucky, lucky lucky lucky

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You have all helped me to get some ideas flowing around my usual couch potato “grey matter”. also Iam almost definitely going to start with private the matador’s avalanche 2 sex in the alps

as i really enjoyed this offering from jy lecastel

have also given some serious thought to the ideas suggested about reviewing stuff i personally have not liked, and i will most certainly be doing some of these.

if i can help anyone avoid a stinker then why not.

eventually iam sure i will gain enough confidence to domarc dorcel justice
you’ll just have to wait a bit ayb

once i have completed the review i will post here, please be gentle with the old whitestar

and thanks again for al your help.

as i really enjoyed this offering from jy lecastel

have also given some serious thought to the ideas suggested about reviewing stuff i personally have not liked, and i will most certainly be doing some of these.

if i can help anyone avoid a stinker then why not.

eventually iam sure i will gain enough confidence to domarc dorcel justice
you’ll just have to wait a bit ayb

once i have completed the review i will post here, please be gentle with the old whitestar

and thanks again for al your help.

as i really enjoyed this offering from jy lecastel

have also given some serious thought to the ideas suggested about reviewing stuff i personally have not liked, and i will most certainly be doing some of these.

if i can help anyone avoid a stinker then why not.

eventually iam sure i will gain enough confidence to domarc dorcel justice
you’ll just have to wait a bit ayb

once i have completed the review i will post here, please be gentle with the old whitestar

and thanks again for al your help.

as i really enjoyed this offering from jy lecastel

have also given some serious thought to the ideas suggested about reviewing stuff i personally have not liked, and i will most certainly be doing some of these.

if i can help anyone avoid a stinker then why not.

eventually iam sure i will gain enough confidence to domarc dorcel justice
you’ll just have to wait a bit ayb

once i have completed the review i will post here, please be gentle with the old whitestar

and thanks again for al your help.

WHITESTAR

Edited by - whitestar on 12/16/2002 11:01:37 AM

Edited by - whitestar on 12/16/2002 11:04:09 AM

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