Let’s All Join Hands And Sing Kumbaya
Posted on February 8th, 2009 in This And That
I posted my first review on this blog early in 2006.
At that time there were no affiliate programs. There were no retailers offering piles of free bling. In fact, I think I was one of the first bloggers to begin reviewing items on a regular basis, and it sort of happened by accident.
Since then times have certainly changed.
I hadn’t planned on saying anything regarding the recent uproar over reviewers and how many of them we really need. I generally keep my nose out of such things, since I don’t care, and I’ve been around long enough to realize that next week it’ll be forgotten. However, I feel inspired, and so I’m going to offer my own humble opinion on the current ‘Real Sex Blogger’ VS ‘Lowly Product Whore’ drama.
Do I think that there are excessive numbers of toy reviews being published weekly? Yes.
Do I think that it’s such a bad thing? No.
There is plenty of Internets to go around. If 15 different people want to post a review of the same item, I have no problem with that.
Do I want to be part of that? Not really
Do I read those blogs? Nope.
I have nothing against them, I just find them dull, and that’s ok. I am certain that lots and lots of people find my blog dull as well, and I’m ok with that too.
Stats show that people continue to search out reviews, opinions, and product information. I believe that reviews and the people who write them provide an important service to the sex industry.
That doesn’t mean that everyone who does it should be, or is even any good at it. Consumers need to do their research, consider more than just the opinion of one person, and shop around for the best deal.
I do think that something is lost in the sheer number of reviews floating about. Nothing seems special or unique about doing them anymore. It’s old hat. Anyone and their dog can write reviews these days.
Having written over 80 reviews, I won’t argue that it does require some skill to do it well. It saddens me that these days it would seem that the only pre-requisit required is having a website and the ability to string some words together in a way that is generally understandable.
I don’t say this to be elitist. I will continue to write reviews, although I will never allow them to completely overwhelm the rest of my content. I will also continue to avoid reading blogs which only post reviews. In my opinion a blog is far more than reviews, and I like it that way. That’s just me, I don’t believe that I would impose that sentiment on anyone else.
We are all free to have our own opinions on the matter. If you’re going to get all butt-hurt because someone doesn’t agree with you, I think you’d better stay off the Internets.
February 8th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
It seems to me if someone is getting butthurt over comments on their own product review…then maybe they are reviewing the wrong products.
I like online reviews on sex toys because if I actually get up the courage to walk into a “toy store” alone, most of the time no one there knows anything.
I remember asking for some nipple clamps at the “local” porn shop. I was shown a set for men….at least I assume it was for men. I have never seen post pubescent female nipples small enough for those to have fit. The person “helping” me just shrugged and walked away.
I read not just the reviews, but about who supplied the items. Then when I do wish to buy something, I also have a company to put with a product.
Oh, and if you ever get bored with any of the items you HAVE reviewed (for girls) I would be MORE than happy to take them off your hands. My current stash is dwindling due to overuse.
[Reply To The Above Comment]
Shasta
reply on February 10th, 2009 3:53 pm:
Lizzy,
I think I may just have an item or two for you
We’ll be in touch!
Thanks for the comment and for the thoughts as far as reviews go. I am so glad that you find value in them.
XOXO
Shasta
[Reply To The Above Comment]
February 9th, 2009 at 12:29 pm
Yeah I stumbled across the “raging debate” (or whatever) about review saturation this weekend. It amazes me that people get bent outta shape about this stuff. Its a free world - read what you want right? Seems like if I pay attention, every 3 or 4 months there’s some sort of opinionated “everyone’s blogging wrong” debate happening.
I’ve always had the stance that my blog is a passtime for me. I used to obsessively watch my stats and stuff, till one day I realized that my life was already full of enough stress - why not just enjoy blogging for bloggings sake and let the cards fall as they will.
That said, I have noticed that the people that give me feedback on reviews - or say “wow I totally must have that” - are consistent. By that, I mean I have readers that take my recommendations into careful consideration. I would imagine that you’ve got something similar going on as you’ve been reviewing longer than I have. To me, that’s success enough
And I hear ya - I don’t like reading review only blogs - but I will do a quick search of their archives to see if they’ve reviewed anything that’s totally new/awesome/unique
By the same token, I don’t tend to read sex blogs that constantly analyze the authors sexuality/human condition (some is good, but not 100% of the time). I needs my reality-smut, that’s all there is to it 
But hey, that’s just me, right?
Stay Classy! And for the record, your reviews are probably the only ones I consistently read. Funny hey?
[Reply To The Above Comment]
Shasta
reply on February 10th, 2009 3:56 pm:
I also get a ton of positive feedback on reviews, which is one of the main reasons I still do them. After taking quite a long hiatus from writing them last year, I’ve come back to doing them again because as I said, I do think that they serve a purpose.
I know I like never comment (I’m such a shithead when it comes to commenting) but I read you regularly too 
People will always have differing opinions. That’s what makes the world go ’round. I don’t get what people are all irritated about, LOL.
Thank you for the comment, and I am totally flattered that you read my reviews
XOXO
Shasta
[Reply To The Above Comment]