Has Phil Lost it?

[tricci]

The only way I find juice reviews helpful is when the reviewer has the same taste in juice I do. Example: I never trust Grimmgreen on juice because he and I have very different taste in juice, however I trust PB as he and I have similar tastes in juice. Of course taste is subjective, what tastes like wet dog to one person is the nectar of the gods to another.

 

[y cherry y]

I understand why people don't "trust" liquid reviews, but I think the true culprit is that too many reviewers don't know how to review juice. I don't jive with everything that Dr.Vapenstein, billherbst and Chef Josh say about what they like, but I doubt if anyone would say anything other than they KNOW how to review juice, period--all three have vastly different styles of reviewing but they are a few of the best at it. Once again, it's not that people ought not watch/read reviews, but you should pick your reviewer like you do anything else: wisely.

They're no different from reviews of music or food or wine. You read reviews and listen to music. Over time, you'll figure out which reviewers' opinions tend to be similar to yours. You then use that knowledge to make purchases of stuff you otherwise might not have tried, and to decide against things you were on the fence about. I never understand why people don't get that (not addressed to Mann, but to the many who say, Why would I need to read reviews?). People who are very involved with music (or art or food or e-liquids), and enjoy understanding it and finding connections to similar artists, read reviews. Everyone who spends a lot of money on an interest, and has to make choices where the money will go, reads reviews.

OBVIOUSLY, no one will be in total agreement with you over any subjective measure. I think people who argue against reviewers deliberately misunderstand their purpose. It's up to you to do the work of learning who you generally agree with and who you don't. If your taste leans toward really cheap juices made with bargain flavorings, mixed in large batches and left to sit around for weeks or months, and the taste of chemicals doesn't bother you, you're right, you don't need reviewers. You already know where to go for that.

P.S. You might read or watch reviews by someone you almost never agree with too, if they're entertaining. I love watching Busardo, even though I often have no interest in the topic. He's funny! And he really does care about helping vapers. I think he's better at what he does now than he was a year ago too. He hasn't lost anything.

 

[cags]

I also don't watch or read liquid reviews
the only liquid I will recommend is unflavored, because although you might not love it, it will almost never offend your palate......
and there is that whole voltage/wattage might change the taste thing.........

 

[VIPOD]

100% agree....I wonder if Phil even enjoys the juice reviews he does.

 

[y cherry y]

I also don't watch or read liquid reviews
the only liquid I will recommend is unflavored, because although you might not love it, it will almost never offend your palate......
and there is that whole voltage/wattage might change the taste thing.........

You don't want to know what other people think, or tell them what you think? Umm. . .why?

 

[cags]

They're no different from reviews of music or food or wine. You read reviews and listen to music. Over time, you'll figure out which reviewers' opinions tend to be similar to yours. You then use that knowledge to make purchases of stuff you otherwise might not have tried, and to decide against things you were on the fence about. I never understand why people don't get that (not addressed to Mann, but to the many who say, Why would I need to read reviews?). People who are very involved with music (or art or food or e-liquids), and enjoy understanding it and finding connections to similar artists, read reviews. Everyone who spends a lot of money on an interest, and has to make choices where the money will go, reads reviews.

OBVIOUSLY, no one will be in total agreement with you over any subjective measure. I think people who argue against reviewers deliberately misunderstand their purpose. It's up to you to do the work of learning who you generally agree with and who you don't. If your taste leans toward really cheap juices made with bargain flavorings, mixed in large batches and left to sit around for weeks or months, and the taste of chemicals doesn't bother you, you're right, you don't need reviewers. You already know where to go for that.

hmmm, I don't agree with your review of people who don't like reviewers lol. just because I don't listen/read liquid reviews doesn't mean I don't understand the point of reviewing! it means that in the 2 1/2 yrs I've been vaping I have learned that for me they are useless. reviews on customer service, hardware are a different matter.
and I don't think everyone who has an interest in something reads reviews.
also, I have had some "cheap" "bargin" liquids that I loved, loved. and I've tried some expensive ones I hated, hated.

 

[cags]

I also don't watch or read liquid reviews
the only liquid I will recommend is unflavored, because although you might not love it, it will almost never offend your palate......
and there is that whole voltage/wattage might change the taste thing.........

You don't want to know what other people think, or tell them what you think? Umm. . .why?

there are lots of opinions out there, mine don't need to add to the confusion. as I said, I will recommend unflavored because most people won't hate it. they might not like it but it probably won't end up down the drain. also I don't think anyone is waiting with bated breath for my opinion lol

 

[Mr.Mann]

I have no idea why juice reviews even exist! It's just like food. If someone told me they love Brussels Sprouts and I went ahead and tried them I'd puke! There are no great or bad flavors, only ones that YOU love or hate.

See, that's is the point I was trying to make. A review's purpose shouldn't be to convey how much "I love Brussles sprouts"; but if it does, it could be stated at the end of the review, or at least not letting that determination cloud the synopsis. A review should give you enough information, usable information, that can help assist you in whether or not that flavor is something you'd want to try. Raving about how much you hate (or love) a liquid and using generic descriptors isn't necessarily a review; because if that's the best you can do, then one would believe HHV's tobaccos tastes like Halo's tobaccos since I've seen similar "reviews" of the two. Ranting or praising is only useful to people who like ranting or praising (which does have its place) or have, as tricci said, the same tastes as the reviewer.

 

[kiwivap]

I'm not against juice reviews, or people watching/reading them. I just don't bother much myself - and never have. I started off vaping whatever the corner store had for the tiny ecig I bought. Then I went online and ordered what looked like I might like. Then I ordered lots of small samples to try. I still guess on new flavors - usually my guesswork pays off. If I want a new apple flavor and some-one on the forum mentions they tried an apple flavor that really tastes like apple I will take some notice. But generally I've just found my own way with it. MBVs Moo Juice is a good example. Could not figure out from others what it is. Tried a sample out of curiosity - I love it. Would never have guessed I would from others reviews though.

 

[y cherry y]

hmmm, I don't agree with your review of people who don't like reviewers lol. just because I don't listen/read liquid reviews doesn't mean I don't understand the point of reviewing! it means that in the 2 1/2 yrs I've been vaping I have learned that for me they are useless. reviews on customer service, hardware are a different matter.
and I don't think everyone who has an interest in something reads reviews.
also, I have had some "cheap" "bargin" liquids that I loved, loved. and I've tried some expensive ones I hated, hated.

Well, all righty then. Those are opinions, and I'm glad to see 'em -- because I like to hear what other people have to say.

We learn about everything and advance by expressing opinions, discussing them, and arguing. I don't mean vapers; I mean mankind. We have language, and in this country we're allowed to use it as we please. Seems a shame not to take advantage of that and talk to other people about the things you care about. Sometimes you learn things, sometimes you change someone's mind, sometimes you walk away a little less sure of your own beliefs. It's good for everyone.

 

[Mr.Mann]

Well, all righty then. Those are opinions, and I'm glad to see 'em -- because I like to hear what other people have to say.

We learn about everything and advance by expressing opinions, discussing them, and arguing. I don't mean vapers; I mean mankind. We have language, and in this country we're allowed to use it as we please. Seems a shame not to take advantage of that and talk to other people about the things you care about. Sometimes you learn things, sometimes you change someone's mind, sometimes you walk away a little less sure of your own beliefs. It's good for everyone.

Hell, I find hardware reviews to be more subjective than liquid reviews. Oh, this mechanical mod produces tons of throat hit!

Another thing I don't care for is liquid reviews done on camera upon first taste. I get the whole "first impressions" thing, but all too often all you get is a perfunctory "take" on a liquid that barely has time to scratch the surface. How often have we all had flavor that revealed itself through retrospection/introspection, further tasting, steeping, different wattages, etc.? A simple puff, puff, smack, smack and "hmmm...," does not do much for me aside from telling me the reviewer has only tried the flavor for two puffs.

 

[Vash]

Hell, I find hardware reviews to be more subjective than liquid reviews. Oh, this mechanical mod produces tons of throat hit!

Another thing I don't care for is liquid reviews done on camera upon first taste. I get the whole "first impressions" thing, but all too often all you get is a perfunctory "take" on a liquid that barely has time to scratch the surface. How often have we all had flavor that revealed itself through retrospection/introspection, further tasting, steeping, different wattages, etc.? A simple puff, puff, smack, smack and "hmmm...," does not do much for me aside from telling me the reviewer has only tried the flavor for two puffs.

Good point Whether its my own DIY or vendor juices it takes more than a few vapes to know if I really like something.Some seem great right of the bat and then become so so while others take time to grow on me and turn in to juices I would or do vape daily .