I'm not sure if this has been explicitly suggested before, but I think it's time to clean up the "reviews" section.

It seems to me that this could be done rather simply by having a section called "Hype" of "Buzz" or "Coming Soon" or whatever, where people could talk and hypothesize about upcoming effects, tricks, DVDs. A simple rule would be that until an effect (or dvd, book, etc.) is released, all talk about it should remain in the Hype section NOT the review section.

I realize people like to speculate about things pre-release —I like to myself- but I don't think this type of talk could in any way be considered a "review."

I think this would make the Café an even more helpful tool for people because it would differentiate the actual reviews from unsubstantial pre-release chatter.

Amen.

YES ! great suggestion. I'll drink to that

I'm not old enough to drink, but I'd take a sip of Coca Cola for that!

That's a perfect idea if ever their was one. It could solve the problem very neatly.

One way of handling this would be to create a simple review form that would be filled out. It would include, name, cost, creator, availability, etc. and a space for the actual commentary. A fully filled review form would be required in order to open a thread. After that, people could comment as per normal. This would ensure that the review threads began with reviews and not hype.

Just a thought.

Brad Henderson

I second Brad's idea.

Curt

Brad's suggestion, however, does not address the whole picture; it should be obvious by now that people love to speculate about an upcoming effect, while still others like to advertise about upcoming effects.
Placing such a srict requirement might keep the review forum clean of hype, but it wouldn't satisfy the lust people have for discussing upcoming effects.
A "Hype" forum would give everyone a place to "vent" for lack of a better term.
(At least I didn't type "rant" )
Both suggestions aren't mutually exclusive however, so .. I vote for both !

I like the idea of a "hype" section alot! Not only would it clean up the review sections, but it would just be a good section to have. Who doesn't love to talk about the upcoming things??

I want to thank everyone for your ideas, suggestions, opinions and input concerning this very important matter.

By definition, the review area is suppose to be just that, an area for reviews. Yet, we do indeed recognize that folks still have a need to discuss and/or speculate about upcoming tricks, DVDs, etc that appear in the magic community.

That said, I am currently taking the whole affair under review and will no doubt take action one way or the other in the coming weeks ahead. Stand by...