📦📖💻👏🏻 “Just Learn from the Review” 👏🏻💻📖📦 (2023 Edition)

WHAT DO I DO WITH BAD REVIEWS?

I wasn’t sure where I wanted to put this – either my “Soapbox” blog or here on Reading Excursions.

 

But, I chose this blog because it deals with the main subject:

 

REVIEWS

 

While most of my reviews are about books – which I have absolutely LOVE doing …

 

I also review items on Amazon, especially for their “invite only” Vine program. I also review items I’ve bought (electronics, clothing, home goods, etc) too.

 

I’ve been a member since July 2020.

 

I’ve gotten great products, I’ve gotten products that slide either way, and some ROTTEN products.

 

Whether you’re a product manufacturer, seller, or author – NO ONE WANTS TO BE TOLD “you aren’t good at this”, “I don’t like this”, “this is awful”. I hated it in school with bullies and with teachers.

 

I remember one book report I got a “D” on.

 

Yeah, I know, hard to believe with the reviews I write.

 

The main reason? Something I wrote:

 

“I’d recommend the book if the subject material is of interest to you, no if it is not.”

 

As a ninth (9^th) grader, I saw NOTHING wrong with that. And, even according to word – no grammatical issues, no punctuation issues, complete sentence, and to me – PRETTY SELF EXPLANATORY. 

 

After all, some of the teachers had given me “cheek” over me saying I’d recommend a book and when I said I wouldn’t.

 

Recommend response: “what if I don’t like the book, would you still recommend it?” (don’t remember the book).

 

Not recommend response: “what are you doing reading a book you wouldn’t recommend to your classmates or me?” (don’t remember the book either).

 

Not to be pain in the butt … WHO NEEDS TEACHERS LIKE THAT? I’m sorry those attitudes aren’t helpful. Not at all.

 

So, I thought I’d curtail that with this response:

 

“I’d recommend the book if the subject material is of interest to you, no if it is not.”

 

Simple. Pretty straight forward. If you’ve read to the end of the book where this sentence is – YOU KNOW WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT.

 

WRONG!

 

That brought my “C” to a “D”. Why?

 

✔️ Too vague

✔️ Doesn’t answer the question

 

Um … you may not like it, but it DID answer the question. So, I went and asked the teacher “what’s this?”

 

Sorry, but when you’re raised by a grandmother and mother who talk like grown adults, you tend to speak like one. It was REQUIRED at home.

 

The teacher said I got a “D” because my “recommendation” was too vague.

 

This was basically the gist:

 

TEACHER: “It’s too vague”

ME: “How?”

TEACHER “Doesn’t answer the question.”

ME: “How doesn’t it answer the question?”

TEACHER “It’s too vague”

 

Not kidding. That went a few rounds before I got irritated. She really wasn’t answering the questions just using two phrases to answer each other.

 

The teacher FINALLY says the answer makes it look like I am indecisive and can’t make up my mind 🤦🏻‍♀️

 

Yup! Okay, she doesn’t get what I’m saying.

 

I grabbed the paper, walked back to my desk calling her an idiot. She asked what I said, I told her.

 

Did I get RPC’d (Required Parent Conference)?

No. She likely heard what I told the other kids:

 

“Is she going to like it any better when my mom calls her an idiot?”

 

BUT … I learned from the book report. I learned from that grade. 

And, guess what …

 

I STILL USE THAT PHRASE AT TIMES IN MY REVIEWS! 

 

So, the teacher did NOTHING to curtail it. I still write it. And, guess what? It is a great way of remaining neutral with recommendations.

 

Now … 

 

I’ve given 2-star reviews to books (according to Goodreads that’s an “it was ok”), and 5-stars (it was amazing). 

 

Last year, I gave a modest and honest 3-star to a writer who threw an un-holy conniption over it. Not only did she send a scathing email, but she even “ghost-targeted” me on social media with a post or two.

 

The worst part? 

 

Everything I had an issue for – WAS BACKED UP BY RESEARCH and actual fact, some legal facts as well. 

 

Not kidding. I think some of you remember. If not … be glad you missed it. NO, I didn’t tag her name in it as it was a 3-star review. I only tag for 4 and 5-star reviews. 

 

And, while someone (likely one of her fans) was quick to point out it was fiction, last year an author wrote in her notes about research and why it was essential to bring SOME reality to fiction. Talk about vindication.

 

Yet, Ms. Conniption forgot the MAIN point of the review – LEARN FROM THE BAD. Nope, she missed that train – and the train hadn’t even left the station. (Couldn’t resist a Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows reference). [As of note, I am only referencing the review for the point of this blog, not to rehash old issues I have LONG since gotten over and laugh about.]

 

That brings me to product reviews. 

 

Again – the point is the user’s experience and to alert potential buyers of issues that might influence their purchase. After all, who wants to spend $280 on an item that might not function how you think it will. 

 

Between 2020 and 2021, some sellers would track me down on social media, begging how UNFAIR my review was. Some would offer a replacement (which I didn’t need), some would say that others rated it higher (good for them, that means what to me), some offered money to change the review (yup, they’d pay me to bump it up). 

 

I didn’t change my reviews and blocked some of them on social media. 

 

Some decided to use Amazon’s system to message me. No, they’re not to supposed to. But, they will. 

 

This recent incident is a bit more … interesting and shows the desperation and lack of respect some sellers have. And, it shows some a completely tone-deaf with a buyer’s needs).

 

Back in November, my beloved Roku died, and I had to send it to Assurion to get my money back (that was an experience I don’t want to repeat). 

 

I saw something on the Vine program … and it looked interesting: 

 

No, I didn’t pay $280. It was “free” only counted towards my “tax” allotment. 

 

Thinking it could be used for home (which the seller later waffles on), I was happy and thought it would work as a temporary replacement. 

 

Long story short – it was overall a 2-star product. 

 

Key issues: 

 

🚩 NO REMOTE

🚩 Cannot personalize screen

🚩 Unable to connect to an HDTV via HDMI cable

🚩 Having to exit the app (be it Paramount, YouTube, Disney, etc) to turn the volume up or down as needed (you know dialogue can be lower than that great movie score, right?)

 

Why the issue of a remote for a backseat unit?

 

Let’s take a moment and talk safety in a car …

 

This is marketed more for those with kids than adult passengers. Naturally … kids, when sitting in the backseat, typically are in car and/or booster seats and can’t reach something like this.

 

Leaning forward to change the app or turn the volume up/down … DANGEROUS if not FATAL in a collision. I don’t sit right behind a passenger – NOT safe for the front or back seat occupants to do so.

 

Kids? Uh, definitely not.

 

The seller was upset about my UNFAIR review. You can read it here with the update (which I dont’t think they’re going to like): https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-reviews/R2O49QTBWBHSUB

 

On January 14^th, the seller apparently sent the standard “can we address your concerns” type of Amazon message. Nope, no concerns, said what I had to. 

 

Monday (1/16), it turns into this exchange:

 

SELLER: We can send yoiu 13.3 headrest monitor to try,it's more better than 11.5,Can you accept it?

 

ME: I sincerely thank you for the offer, but honestly, at this point; I don’t need another one as I would have no practical use for it. No one rides in the backseat of my car as it is just myself in the household. And, I only got it to replace my Roku devices which have since been replaced. I appreciate the offer though.

 

[The size wasn’t part of the concerns … it wouldn’t have helped them either]

 

SELLER: As a TV player, Roku is more widely used and its functions will become more mature. The headrest player for cars is a new brand and we will constantly update the configuration.

We hope you can give us a chance to develop. Your review are very valuable. We have made a PPT to improve as much as possible.

We hope you can understand that we are also actively updating the software and configuration. For example, we used to use 2RAM and 16ROM, but now we are implementing 2RAM and 32ROM.

1. Since this is a touch screen, there is no remote control, but it supports remote control, and you only need to insert the USB port to realize it. We can also give you remote control to try.

2. Its application scope is mainly in the car.

3. Disney+ has been able to update and be compatible with APKPure since google has disabled access. We are also in talks with google about continuing to provide services in the future.

At present, your comments have caused great pressure on our database. This review is really unfair to us. We hope to update your review as much as possible.

 

[Not important to me about the specifics and applications. Notice the real issue – update my review as much as possible]

 

ME: [reducing for a bit of clarity, but making the point]:

 

I can respectfully understand where you think my review is unfair – no one wants a negative review, be it for a product or book.

 

As a member of the Vine program, I am bound to give fair and unbiased reviews of a product without influence – either from Amazon or a seller. That keeps the review system fair, balanced, and addresses issues that potential buyers might be looking for – the entire point of a review.

 

I agree that this product is mainly for use in the car, yet it is advertised as potentially being functional outside the car (perhaps unintentional on the part of who updated the product page).

 

The item itself is apparently designed more for adults than children given the current features and functionality. I mention that as most of these back-seat entertainment units are usually sought after by parents with kids. So, it should be more “child-friendly”; this is unit is not.

 

As far as a remote, that was not part of the instructions or information packet enclosed. As you just told me about it, no one buying this would know it would be available – this is a key feature for some people; and should be mentioned on the product page or included in the package, at best alert potential buyers it is available.

 

I say this as a touch screen ONLY functionality is really unsafe when a vehicle is in motion as it requires the viewer to reach forward to select channels/apps, as well as adjust the volume. In a collision, this is dangerous if not fatal, even more so for a child – something I did not list in my review. A remote is FAR safer for backseat viewers, thus I find it 100% essential.

 

There are also other key factors from my review – the volume control functionality (having to leave apps to control volume), and the screen personalization that affected the review.

 

In addition, this advertises as HDMI compatible; and it was not compatible with an HDTV even with the HDMI cable provided. Anyone buying this would assume as I did and be disappointed that the item does not function that way.

I rated the product fairly based on the features. And, unless the features change – I cannot update the review. It would be dishonest and unethical to do so.

 

I am sorry that this is NOT the solution you were looking for. Reviews like this can also aid in product and feature development down the road.

 

SELLER: Because it is placed in the back of the car and is close to people, the remote control is not widely used. We will also consider your suggestion. The remote control can be used as an option in the future. It supports home use and also presents corresponding home chargers. This is a good thing, but we really don't know what to do with your comments, which is really difficult.

 

About the output function, I can shoot a video for you. It needs to be operated at the input end. Many people operate at the output end. This may be a misunderstanding. Please trust our sincerity. Input and output are only used in the headrest player. For example, if you have two rear players, you can use them. We can take videos for you.Do you have a phone number? Don't worry, we just want to explain the use of the product.

 

We hope you can know more about our products and give us a fair review.

[They don’t know what to do with my comments? Uh … okay. And, folks, I’ve been doing cable, satellite, DVD hookups for over 25+ years. I was doing a VHS hookup (cable to VCR to TV) when I was 14!]

[Fair review? Yup … fair, not honest. Change my review to look favorable to them.]

 

ME (praying they leave me alone): I have already acknowledged that this is a backseat unit. However, as I stated in my reply, REACHING FORWARD WHILE A CAR IS IN MOTION IS DANGEROUS. I cannot make that any plainer. Not everyone has LONG arms and not everyone sits that close to the seat in front of them. It isn’t safe for the front occupants or the rear ones to do so.

 

All it takes is reaching at the wrong second to change the volume or navigate an app and someone could get injured or dead in a collision. When I’ve ridden in the backseat and reached forward, my seatbelt had to be either stretched or removed – UNSAFE ACT. As I said in the review, one has to exit the app to change the volume. That sometimes cannot wait for a stop sign or traffic signal – especially on a cross-country highway trip.

 

Also, little kids in car seats and booster seats CANNOT REACH IT at all as they are positioned too far away and have short arms. That would mean undoing their safety harnesses to change volume or navigate an app. Doing so prior to a collision can be injurious and/or FATAL to them. So, your reasoning is not sound as to why a remote control is not used.

 

Not everyone travels with a second adult passenger to change it on their phone. Single parents do exist. They cannot pull over every few seconds to change the volume or app at a child’s whim.

 

Also, your attitude demonstrates a complete lack of respect for disabled people. Just because someone has arms does not mean they have full range of motion either. Some have trouble reaching at the chest/waist level due to paralysis. 

 

I’ve self-installed cable hookups, HDMI hookups, even my Roku using the HDMI cable. In addition to using an HDMI to RCA converter for an older TV. I’m practically a tech consultant with 25 years of experience, but without the pay. 

 

My HDTV will NOT support this unit. After attempting 3 different HDMI ports (the cable can only go a certain way), as well as other methods – IT WILL NOT WORK. HDTV says “format not supported”. I only use two TVs in my home, and they each have a Roku with a remote. 

 

As far as what to do with my comments – learn from them! I provided a 100% HONEST critique and analysis of the product from all aspects that could be important to future buyers, as well as REASONABLE FAULTS with the item. I am sorry you mistake HONESTY for being unfair. That's life.

 

I already explained my position on this item. This back and forth messaging is borderline harassment, definitely time-consuming, and over all aggravating. In addition, asking me to change a review is against Amazon policy.

 

[I reiterated that home use does need a remote and updated my review to reflect why.]

 

If I seemed snippy – I was. No apologies will be given there. I was snippy. I left an HONEST review. Sadly, the seller views honest as “unfair”. I can’t help them there. It is truly life.

 

Folks, no one likes bad reviews. I get it! I feel that! I’d be afraid of them too. 

 

Realize this …

 

SOMETIMES they’re not always done out of meanness, spite, or some kind of superiority complex.

 

They’re not done because we don’t like your book/product or don’t like you as a person.

 

Sometimes, when reviewers like myself have negative things to say – WE’RE TRYING TO ALERT YOU TO A PROBLEM. WE’RE TRYING TO TEACH YOU SOMETHING!!

 

We’re trying to point out why something doesn’t work so you can IMPROVE it.

 

“we really don't know what to do with your comments, which is really difficult”

 

Be it an author who writes a plot line about a character obtaining a legal document in a way that wasn’t legal per state law, a writer who messes up their own age line causing a major continuity issue; or a seller who has a product that needs SOME revision, additions, and/or adjustments to make …

 

MY ADVICE??

 

Learn from the bad reviews. 

Learn. Grow. Adapt.

 

Not a lot to ask. And, don’t keep hounding us reviewers to change the review to suit you unless there is SUBSTANTIAL reason to do so. 

 

This is a favorite phrase of mine when dealing with people (though I’ve only said it more to myself):

 

“I wanted this to be professional, efficient, adult, cooperative. Not a lot to ask.” 

(Couldn’t resist a good Hans Gruber reference either).

 

Learn. Grow. Adapt.

 

Definitely NOT a lot to ask.