Product/vendor review section? - Orchid Board

Marty · #1 (**permalink**) 07-13-2006, 06:47 AM

What do you guys think? Is it worth having a product/vendor review section? This would be a no brainer if this was an electronic forum. What would we be reviewing here ???? clear pots and clay pebbles???

do we really have that many products in the hobby to have a section like that ? Cost of the software would be approx $200

Just say the word... any feedback will be much appreciated

littlefrog · #2 (**permalink**) 07-13-2006, 10:00 AM

Interesting. Actually there are a plethora of products to review. I for one would like to find some new sources of plastic pots and clips and the like, and can certainly recommend against certain kinds of pots.

But, I don't know that it is worth 200 bucks... Seems like you could just start a forum section called 'reviews' and let people take it from there. Might need a little moderation.

Mahon · #3 (**permalink**) 07-13-2006, 01:00 PM

First question before i post my opinion:

Is this the already existing part that is: Vendor Feedback?

...or are we talking about adding another section?

-P.A. Mahon

cb977 · #4 (**permalink**) 07-13-2006, 01:13 PM

Hi Pat,
we're trying to decide what to do with the section we already have. Do we keep it with some little changes, or do we go at it from a totally different angle?
What's your take on it?

Tindomul · #5 (**permalink**) 07-13-2006, 02:45 PM

I think everything is fine the way it is since orchid board members have pretty much vowed not to bash anyone.
However a product review would be a good idea, but I don't see the need for fancy programing.(thats just the cheap skate in me talking though, $200!!!!).

cb977 · #6 (**permalink**) 07-13-2006, 02:57 PM

Marty, I think Tin has a point. As far as I know, the only time this has come up while I've been here is for one vendor only. It's really not a very huge problem but...something else Tin just said set off the light bulbs in my head!

Why not rename the section in question "Product Feedback" rather than Vendor Feedback? Our members would be posting their opinions on a specific "product", rather than their experience with the vendor. I'm sure whoever is posting a thread about a product will mention where that product was purchased.
I really can't see spending so much money on software for something that we should be able to resolve ourselves.

Oscarman · #7 (**permalink**) 07-13-2006, 04:49 PM

- Call it Vendor and Product Reviews.
- Have all posts moderated before they display.
- We eliminate bashing.
- Have a sticky post stating what is/is not acceptable, that all submissions will be reviewed before they are posted to the OB and disclaimer to cover legal issues.

stuff to include:
We encourage all users to first attempt to work out an unsatisfactory experience directly with the company, and if that doesn't work, to make sure their feedback is constructive and factual.

Tindomul · #8 (**permalink**) 07-13-2006, 04:55 PM

Dave, I think thats the best way to do this.
Marty,
Do the vendors in the vendor feedback section have to register for feedback like on dendroboard? If not that would be a good idea, no?

ScottMcC · #9 (**permalink**) 07-13-2006, 05:29 PM

maybe some kind of a 1-10 rating scale would be beneficial too? I know that there's always potential for abuse but it's another data point that may be useful to know about.

it's a sad world that we live in where the fear of a lawsuit is so great, but unfortunately it's a very valid concern.

overall I think the idea of product and vendor reviews is good, and having it highly moderated seems like the only real way to go. the question is...would negative feedback still be permitted, if worded constructively? and what really constitutes constructive? it's a fine line for the moderators, and I don't envy them. also...only posting good feedback presents a distorted view of a vendor/product.

anyway, best of luck with a solution!