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I only read the last few paragraphs

Paul's Posts — 15 June 2012

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I only read the last few paragraphs

Magazine reviewers work hard at writing a review – many thousands of words written to make sure you understand a product and really get what the reviewer feels about that product.  It’s a long time tradition of a thorough piece of work.  Yet I only read the first few paragraphs of a review and then flip through to the conclusion.

I know some of you devour every word from beginning to end – but I suspect many are more like me.  If a customer calls me and starts raving about a particular piece of equipment he just discovered, I want the meat of the product – what does it do and how does it do it – and then I want to know what the person thinks about it.  How does he emotionally react to it?  Has he really played with it?  That’s really all I care about.

What must be tough for a reviewer is writing all those words only to have the first and last of them read.  And the funny thing is, if a magazine decided to conserve space and give us only the first and last – I’d be disappointed and turned off – and I suspect others would as well.  Why?  Because the lengthy substance of the review lends credibility to the review and verifies the reviewer spent enough time to form an educated view.  Once I am convinced of this, then I can accept his conclusion.

Odd that I need the lengthy review to accept it but rarely ever read it.

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About Author

Paul McGowan

Paul McGowan is the CEO and co-founder of PS Audio Inc. a Boulder Colorado design and manufacturing company of high-end audio products and services. McGowan has been designing and building high-end products for nearly 40 years. Hobbies include skiing, music, hiking, artisan bread baking, kick boxing and cooking. He lives in Boulder Colorado with his wife Terri and his 4 sons.

(10) Readers Comments

  1. June 15, 2012 at 2:31 am

    Well of COURSE I read the whole thing. How else am I supposed to keep up on the misapplied or outright fabricated adjectives to describe barely tangible differences between amazing electronics and accessories?

    I mean, do I want to the ‘danceable’ Pear cables, or should I be seeking the ‘fluidity’ that adding carbon “racing” cones may provide?

    Choices, choices…

    Joking aside, I like the nuts-and-bolts sections of the reviews, and the subjective analysis of the item in use (have morons ruled the ergonomics planning? if there is an graphic interface, was it done well?)

    I am not fan of the goofy writing that makes the obtuse ramblings of Wine Spectator read like an engineer’s manual.

    Be well,
    -2R.

  2. DanielM

    June 15, 2012 at 5:16 am

    I hope that you are satisfied with following one for PPP (on Croatian language) – http://www.audiofil.net/hifi_item.asp?NewsID=324

    All the best,
    Daniel

    • Terry Franklin

      June 15, 2012 at 7:36 am

      Amazing! This was the very review that convinced me to purchase the PPP. The last paragraph was the clincher.

  3. gibheid

    June 15, 2012 at 6:47 am

    Ah, that explains it. I only listen to the first and last tracks of any given CD when using equipment you have designed.

  4. wrschrick@centurytel.net

    June 15, 2012 at 7:03 am

    Gee Paul, that was a revelation. I thought they got paid by the word!!!

    Warren

  5. June 15, 2012 at 7:22 am

    As a reviewer, MY primary criteria when writing any review is that it be FUN and THOUGHT PROVOKING to read. Otherwise, why bother, no matter what the content or length?

    Cheers -

    Jeremy

    Kipnis Studios

    http://www.kipnis-studios.com/The_Kipnis_Studio_Standard/KSS.html

  6. Ed S

    June 15, 2012 at 7:51 am

    These days I first check the retail price of the item under review… If it’s in the stratosphere, as it so often is, I skip the entire review.

  7. oliver T. Finch

    June 15, 2012 at 10:09 pm

    I was reminded of the time when T.A.S and stereophile were smaller an thinner yet the articles were chalk full of relevant information… The pattern changed . The magazines became bigger and fatter. With this came the necessity to fill the extra space. Padding material became necessary. Going on and on became the fashion. The readers played their part. Instead of a technical, informative magazine they wanted an audio version of the entertaining ‘Peoples’ magazine. Most of the relevant information is in the beginning and the end of the review. The padding material does little to lend credibility. Regards.

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