In the last few weeks there have been a number of threads - all with a current theme: How can One Contribute Reviews? Just published is a little feature which hopes to help people make take the first step in contributing reviews with a series of ''Tips'' as to how to make the first steps. This article does NOT have the inention of being the last word on the subject, rather as a means of ''de-mystifying'' the process and encouraging more contributions. The feature, can be seen-.

Link to Item

If you have comments or questions please post them here.

Thanks!

Good write up. I remember someone asking several days ago about reviews. This one sums things up nicely. There was a question regading word count in that post but don't recall seeing it mentioned in the feature.

I don't think word count is too much of an issue. I wrote up a simple review last week and the word count was over 1300 words. I didn't even delve into a full-fledged correct the errors review either.

Word count is an issue quite often. 400 words is about minimum, although it can depend on what is being reviewed.

Vinnie

Good work Jim!! Thanks for writing this up it will prove very useful for review beginners like myself, I keep pondering over what to write and more importantly what to review-although I have got rather a lot of Hobby fan figures and I see the reviews section doesnt have too many reviews on HF stuff, better get writing.

Very useful tips, and exactly what I was looking for as I read the other threads concerning this topic. I have a large stash of kits still in production that I think would be perfect for "in-box" reviews, covering aircraft, armor, and naval subjects. I just haven't been comfortable with what was really needed. This article helps a lot.

Mike

Great article Jim, was able to get a better in-sight of what is to be written, and what was missing in-between the lines. Thanks for taking the time out in preparing the article.

Definitely a much needed article and would certainly be at the top of the Writing Reviews 101 class.

Being a researcher by nature, the part i often tend to be careful with is this part...



- Taken from Jim's article

Proper referencing and acknowledgements are often as important as the article itself. In this day and age, copyrights and intellectual property are overlooked with the blink of an eye.

When writing either research articles or model kit reviews, i make it a point to reference back to the source so as to give credit where its due.

Very helpful article Jim. It will definately help answer lots of General questions that we see asked in forums.

Keep it up

Hi Jim

I agree - a useful article. There are areas where I'd differ, but this is down to personal preference. However, there's one point I do think it's important to clarify for our members for whom English isn't their first language:




Please don't let this deter you. All our editors are here and ready to help you present your text in the clearest form. It's the quality of the text that counts, not the best use of English in the Review's draft form. We will always consult with you over any changes we feel are needed for publication.

All the best - and keep 'em coming

Rowan

I couldn't agree more, however, I do feel that many Non-Native speakers actually write considerably better (grammatical) English than Native speakers.

It's got quite a simple explanation, in both Britain and America, grammar teaching has taken a back-seat in the last few years, whereas in non-English speaking countries, there is still a large emphasis on construction...Jim

Jim. I would like to thank you for taking the time to write this guide on how to do reviews. There are some really good tips, and a basic outline for what is required to do a review for this site.

At some point I would like to try one. I took writing courses in college, so it should articulate well. My only hold-up at this time is a digital camera, so it may be a while. Then again, my birthday isn't that far away.

Cheers !!

Robert