I’ve received a somewhat mean message saying that my reviews of the Halo Mega Bloks sets are boring and generic. What I’d like to know from you folks is, do you think that’s the case? Be honest folks.
Do I need to add some pizazz to them? If so, what would you like to see me add to them to spruce them up a bit?
In my reviews, I go for the no-nonsense approach. I show the set in the box, the parts, the build along the way, orthogonal views of the figures and often times the set, and then a final shot of the whole set, usually set in an action pose.
All during that, giving descriptions of what you’re looking at, any issues of the build along the way, what cool features the set has and so on.
I put a lot of work into those pics. Not just taking shots and loading them up, but color correcting them if the pic is too dark/too light/to much blue or red or green for example. I put them in composition shots to show stages of the building process, etc. For me, it’s fun, but it does take time and doesn’t just magically happen.
I know other reviewers add it lighting affects that do not accurately reflect the actual set. That can lead to misinformation, so it’s one HUGE reason I do not do that.
However, if you folks would like to see pics with the sets in scenes and/or special lighting, please let me know. That is something I can easily do. It’s just something I’ve deliberately avoided so as to not cause confusion with what is actually the set and what isn’t.
Reply below or e-mail me at [email protected] and let me know. I’m all for making the reviews better. I just want to know from you good folks what it is that you think would make them better.
-Sal
I think your reviews are right on. I like the way you show different pictures. You also do a good job describing the build and anything that stands out. Your rating/opinion at the end is also useful. Since I am also a collector I try to buy each set in the collection, but your review helps me decide whether to buy the set immediately or wait for a sale. Only thing I would like to see would be more pictures of the build. Not several more just a couple depending on the size of the set.
More pics? Sure thing. That is something I can easily do. Thanks!
I forgot to add the two reviews I wrote and you posted were inspired by your reviews. I have always wanted to do a blog like what you do here, but have never had the time or resources. Finding your blog and your willingness to post reader reviews gave me an outlet to get started. Keep up the good work.
But of course Chad. I tout my blog as being one by a Halo fan FOR Halo fans. I don’t mind sharing other’s Halo related reviews, artwork, crafts, etc. In fact it’s one of the things I prefer to do as most people don’t get the opportunity by the bigger sites or Halo Waypoint to be seen.
I appreciate your no-nonsense approach to the reviews. I am not a huge mega-blocks collector, but do have other hobbies (model airplanes) that I collect and read reviews of. A good example of this is http://www.aircraftresourcecenter.com. In comparison, I would say your reviews are on par for most reviews that I have read on that site. The one thing I think I might change would be your scoring system for ranking the sets. I don’t think I have seen one yet that you have given less than a 9 out of 10. I generally like reviews that have average kits in the 4-6 range with relatively few true 10’s or 0’s. I feel this gives a little more context to how good a really good kit actually is. This is definitely an example of personal taste and I have heard arguments both for and against it but it is the one I find most helpful. Other than that, I think your reviews are just fine as is. If you do come up with new ideas to “spice up” your reviews, definitely try them. It is good to experiment. But as the old saying goes, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”
Thanks Kevin. I used to score these on a 1-5 scale. Perhaps I’ll go back to that method. Thanks for the thought and I appreciate you reading the reviews, even if you don’t collect the toys.
I for one like how they are , for exactly the reason you said – accuracy. I like seeing exactly what I’m getting.
Thanks Kevin. I’ll make note of this while I consider chaining anything about them, IF I do.
Hey, Sal. I like your MB reviews. I’m a rabid Mega Bloks collector myself, so I’m always excited to see pictures of a set out of the packaging. I don’t think there’s anything wrong with your reviews, but it never hurts to try and improve things. If this turns into an opportunity for you to try that, then why not? If you are looking to improve, I would think about what specifically YOU can bring to a MB review that maybe some of the other reviewers don’t/can’t.
For example, you stick to Halo and don’t review CoD or AC sets. Maybe turn the Halo nerding up to 11 for the reviews. Use your extensive Halo knowledge to include some lore trivia on the vehicles or figures included in the sets, or maybe add a short segment to the end of each review that discusses what you would have done differently if you had designed it (more set pieces, different figs or color scheme, etc). Those are just examples. I’m sure you could bring something unique to the reviews that people wouldn’t (and couldn’t) get anywhere else – that would make you stand out very quickly. =)
Hi Aubrey. Yes, that’s a great idea. I definitely can bring lore/history into the reviews. I will definitely do that!
Being someone else who is heavy onto the lore, I am completely in favor of this idea. Extra trivia bits about the vehicles or figures included in a set would be interesting to see.
Thanks, Kevin. Yeah, I think I’m going to add some lore to the reviews as well.
IMO there’s nothing wrong with the way you currently do your reviews. They are good honest, have lots of good pictures and are to the point. As a collector of Mega Bloks myself I enjoy getting your thoughts on a set whether or not I already have it. I really enjoy how you show all the little things you make with the extra pieces. I do agree with the other readers about experimenting being a good thing, as you never know till you try. One thing you might consider is perhaps showing how you would change or reconfigure a set, such as you did with the Mantis docking station or the countdown launch center. It’s up to you but you could even show the steps you took so other readers could replicate the altered set.
All in all, I like your reviews the way they are, and there’s nothing wrong with switching things up a little so long as you enjoy doing so.
Thank you Russell. If I make any alternate builds, from here out, I’ll show that too. Good suggestion.
Don’t change a thing.
There tare always going to be “slow” folks out there who can’t keep up.
You are the king of the extra piece builds. That is till one of my favorite parts of your reviews.
PK
ha! Thanks Paul. Yeah, I know that extra pieces build is one of Mega’s likes about my reviews too. Rest assured, if there is something to be made from the extra pieces, I’ll make it! And thanks for the words as well my friend.