In addition, a subjective review hits things that the manufacturer's
specs can't cover, such as:
- Ergonomics of control, menus, etc.
- For a kit, how difficult is it to build, how good are the instructions
- How is the manufacturer to deal with, should there be a problem
- How do the specifications translate into usable features and performance
A more thorough review, such as that conducted by the ARRL, can verify
the claimed specifications. Those detailed reviews are, unfortunately,
difficult for the average ham to conduct, as they require specialized
test equipment and fair bit of experience to interpret the results
correctly.
I also think that a negative review that is a rant without reason is
appropriately discounted by the readers, compared with a negative review
that cites specific faults or dislikes.
In the interest of disclosure, I'm also the seller of a panadapter kit
that is purchased about 95% by K2 owners, although it was not originally
aimed at that market. I have one review of the Z90 on Eham.com under
Third Party Equipment rating it a 5/5.
Jack K8ZOA
www.cliftonlaboratories.com
Larry Phipps wrote:
I assure you it is! I market a digital wattmeter kit and almost every
customer I poll says that eHam.net reviews were either the source of
their initial exposure to my kit, or the deciding factor in
purchasing. Some visit the site regularly looking for products with a
rating of 5.0 or close and a large number of reviews, while some go
there to verify performance claims, which may seem hard to believe
otherwise in my case. Either way, it's by far my best marketing tool
followed by comments on reflectors and word of mouth OTA, at club
meetings, etc... all basically someone's opinion. I suspect it's the
same with Elecraft.
In other words, an impartial third party opinion counts more than a
manufacturer's claims.
73,
Larry N8LP
www.telepostinc.com
Wyn Hughes wrote:
A little marketing is good and well deserved for the Elecraft line up
in general, but I do wonder who with any average intelligence would
rely on a purely personal or subjective view. Marketing execs tell us
that people do listen to this kind of stuff, but do we? Is this stuff
worth powder and shot?
Anyhow, like Drake gear, all Elecraft stuff is by definition "great",
so who are we to argue or cause dissention among the foot soldiers or
centurions?
Best for the Lunar New Year to all
Wyn, VR2AX
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