Hardware and Software Reviews forum

[Pi rules]

I think that it would be nice to settle on some kind of standard for anyone wanting to post a hardware or software review. Such as possibly using the thread rating tool or a poll to rate the hardware or software out of 5 (or whatever, maybe 5 if using a poll to keep the size down) along with a list of pros, cons, publisher description, etc.

Does anyone have any comments about this?

[mylanta]

PI That is something Adam and I haven't really set the standards for yet but have to do before the Grand Opening. Originally this forum was to be for our "approved" reviews and was to be made available to vendors who enabled us with product for testing...

[PeteF]

I think that it would be nice to settle on some kind of standard for anyone wanting to post a hardware or software review. Such as possibly using the thread rating tool or a poll to rate the hardware or software out of 5 (or whatever, maybe 5 if using a poll to keep the size down) along with a list of pros, cons, publisher description, etc.

Does anyone have any comments about this?

I agree that standards are great, but in a free form forum like this, how
could you control it? The other issue that comes to mind is if we
require too many standards it will cause people to not to post.

IMHO: Best thing to do is form a standard amongst yourself and
maybe a couple of other people. Then post to that standard and
allow others to follow your example if they so choose to.

---pete---

[Pi rules]

Pete, that's what I meant by that. Just a standard format that anyone could follow if he/she wants.

PI That is something Adam and I haven't really set the standards for yet but have to do before the Grand Opening. Originally this forum was to be for our "approved" reviews and was to be made available to vendors who enabled us with product for testing...
Oh, I see.

[RAK]

Good concept; but, of course, there would have to be rules or limitations on replies. Opinions on AV's and Firewalls could easily bring on a visit from the arson squad.:flame:
Your rating standard could be 1-5 mules(Or is that an donkey up in the top left corner; never could tell the difference:)).

[dbarrow]

The debate is between "new" software and "reviewed" software.

I frequently run across some interesting utility download that proves handy but never gets a full and complete review process.
Placing it in the Tech News, it tends to easily get lost.
Placing it in Software Reviews, it stands out better and you can try it and add your opinions of it.
You can find a few in there I have marked "ADD TO YOUR TOOLBOX" as they are items you may want to keep in inventory but may not use all that often.
Should you find a need for one of them, this is the place to search for it.

[athomsfere]

I agree that standards are great, but in a free form forum like this, how
could you control it? The other issue that comes to mind is if we
require too many standards it will cause people to not to post.

IMHO: Best thing to do is form a standard amongst yourself and
maybe a couple of other people. Then post to that standard and
allow others to follow your example if they so choose to.

---pete---

I think thats about right. You don't want to rule the free help. Everybit of input helps, and others can always add useful info to any review here (The beauty of a forum style review)