Feedback on reviews

To your point of "doing it only for yourself," I liked the idea of being able to "like" a well-done review as a way of "rewarding" those putting in the time to construct something thoughtful and potentially useful for others. I mean, you get Beer Karma credit for saying something in a forum that someone "likes," regardless of whether it's constructive or useful. Why not do the same for useful reviews since that's a pretty vital piece of this website's purpose? I assume there was a good reason why they removed this functionality. But if we want more real reviews submitted, and of better quality, maybe that would be a way to encourage it.

Don't think I would want to allow for running commentary on an individual review, however, as we know how that tends to go in the forums. I fear that would eventually end up acting as a disincentive for writing reviews.

 

I’m not looking for validation, however every now and then I come across a review that just reads well—whether it’s witty, insightful, or so incredibly descriptive in singing some praises or detailing a critique that I want to seek out the beer in question, or revisit it if I’ve had it before. Sometimes I’ll share these with a friend, even. Rather than feedback I’d suggest some sort of rotating “featured review” or “featured reviewer,” showcasing some of the best writing on this site.

 

I'm not a fan of this idea.

Reviews are meant to be one person's experience with that beer, at that time, under those conditions, based on their current skill level of reviewing beers.

You disagree with someone's review. Review the beer and express your opinion about the beer there. You like a review? Then follow the person, as was suggested earlier, or make note of them and give their reviews more weight when reading reviews. Maybe even PM, as suggested and yet to know them.

We also have the forums for discussion. Want your review debated, post tasting notes in appropriate threads. Many people do.

I can tell you, I was a lurker on this sight for many years. Never wanted to post a review. who am I? I'm not a cicerone. It took another BA to get me to engage. Today, I've developed a pretty think skin to trolls, so I can take the criticism, on my reviews, comments, etc. online or in person. But my concern is the new guy. The guy like me years ago, that didn't engage. Feedback exposes new reviewers to trolls, discouraging reviews. Not to mention popular opinion bias. Imagine people writing review just to get likes or positive feedback, rather than just documenting their experience with a beer.

Frankly,. I think the bros have it right, as it is.

Just one man's opinion.