My Rating System -- October 27, 2009:
I recently rethought my system. Mostly tweaks, but for any review written or significantly edited after February 1, 2009, here's what they mean (The rating system was tweaked a bit on October 2009.
In writing my most recent review, I thought for a bit about why I rate products the way I do, why do I give 4 stars instead of 5, or instead of 3. Consider this explanation a work in progress. It has been said that "A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds." In other words, this system will evolve. It probably doesn't work perfectly for the reviews I wrote a few years ago and may not work for those I write a few years from now, but here we are today.
First off:
Read the Review. Star systems are great -- they provide a basis for comparison with very little effort on the part of the reader. Come on, everyone knows 4* are better than 3* However, ratings are ultimately subjective. Features that result in my upgrading a rating may be meaningless to you. A missing feature that is irrelevant to me may be crucial to you. In the reviews, I try to explain what I think is important to me in the review, and why. After writing, and composing my thoughts, the actual stars assigned are usually obvious (to me, at least). So, read the review please -- this is where the information is, and the words are more important than the Stars. And, after all, it's your money. The fact that I think something is neat shouldn't matter, unless you agree.
Basic Criteria.
A rating is based on 4 criteria -- (1) Product Classification, (2) Performance and Features, (3) Price and (4) Intangibles/Other.
The starting point is: Does the product do what it's supposed to. If the answer is no. 1* no recommendation.
Once we cross this hurdle, the question is how does the product compare to similarly priced products.
Consider 3* to be average. If a product has similar features to others in the price range, and it performs about as well. This is an average product 3* it is. Essentially, I feel that amongst 3* products, it's largely a matter of personal preference.
4* In most cases, this is where you should be looking to buy. A 4* product generally is superior in either features or quality to similarly priced products (or you can say, it's cheaper than other products of the same quality -- take your pick).
2* On the other end of the spectrum a 2* product works, but IMHO is overpriced. Alternately, if I'm not happy with a product, but it's reasonably priced, and better than 1*, it will fit here. Basically, I won't give a 3* rating if I don't like the quality, no matter how cheap it is.
This leaves 5*. I think this should be reserved for special products. Either, amongst the very very best in quality. Meaning, if you want this quality, you have to pay for it. Period. Alternatively, a lower priced product can win 5* if I feel it is superior to the competition in function, feature and price. Essentially, this means to me that there are few or no trade offs involved. For the money, I think it's a no brainer.
Final word.
I try to write informative reviews. I generally research what I buy, and sometimes go back to a store and test some alternatives if I plan on writing a review here. For this reason, expect to see a lot of 4* reviews. If I've done my homework, I've found the bargain. That's why I bought it. However, I am not a professional reviewer, I don't test all products and all alternatives. The review is ultimately only my opinion. I may be wrong. Your mileage may vary.
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