Is this a better way to do the Ski Reviews?

[Horton]

Below is a fast and dirty re-review of the Denali C65. I actually missed some key points about the ski but the questions is - Do you like ski reviews in this form better than written text.

 

[Than_Bogan]

If a video format would replace the written review, I would be much less pleased. But this video definitely has merit, and if you're willing to do them in addition, I think that would be great!

 

One thing I've been meaning to suggest is that you pin the reviews as "Announcements," or something like that, for a long time. I'm thinking maybe the two most recent reviews are pinned such that any review will run atop the forum for at least a month.

 

I was really surprised how many people flat-out missed the Denali review, even though many people were eagerly awaiting it. What seemed to happen was that few people commented on the review thread itself, and so it very quickly faded from the front page.

 

Considering all the work you put into these, I think you should make sure people see them!

[thager]

Being ADHD I only made it to 01:25. Squirrel!!!

[slow]

The video review with some skiing footage included as well would be best.

[LanceHCook]

I'd like both.

[Booze]

Both are useful.

 

Is it just me or does Horton have a comical flare, like he could be a stand-up comedian or satirist? So the video has a certain entertainment element.

:)

 

 

[dhofert]

I would like the video in addition to the written as well. I can't always watch the videos depending where I am, and I also have a short attention span.

[andjules]

But maybe with practice.

I like that you've got a consistent structure to your written reviews, and this seemed more like a collection of idiosyncratic thoughts. Interesting, but not as helpful.

On the other hand, Buford is thoroughly entertaining.

[disland]

both

[BraceMaker]

Saying yes from the perspective that I think you can do more with the video review in regards to reaching audiences. For instance you might reach people who are searching youtube, or have your video posted on other forums.

 

The written reviews I think are more hidden.

[gregy]

Both. I said same only because there was no option for both.

[Horton]

Great so what I've done is volunteer for additional work. Shit

[sunvalleylaw]

Like the others said. I like the written, but some vid with some skiing in it would be a cool addition.

[mlange]

Both. I like it written so I can search on keywords easier. I like this because you're elaborating a bit more.

[Than_Bogan]

@thager SQUIRREL!!? WHERE!?

[pgmoore]

I think the written review is good material for reference down the road. But... the video supplement is an awesome addition.

 

I vote for both!

[jipster43]

Maybe have Manon Costard do the video portion.

[ScottScott]

Both are good. As @mlange said, the keyword search in written form is probably pretty useful. I 2nd @jipster43 's thought on the video, Manon or some of the other female skiers would make for a better visual version.

[lpskier]

Damn @jipster43 beat me to my suggestion.

 

I like both formats. One complements the other.

 

BD is too cute to truly be @Horton 's. What does the UPS man in his neighborhood look like?

[Wish]

Maybe the mid review can be a video. Usually you have good things to say about most skis at that point. Would certainly be a shorter video for @thager and others. The written reviews are good and reviewable at any point. Videos would be harder to find the points you want to search out on any particular ski.

 

What you added in the vid I liked and feel the same:

 

-Wide enough...yep

-Allows skier to easily be more technical and calm..yep and I over skid it initially

-Never an out the front despite the deceiving flat look...yep, continuos rocker I believe

-It's a different ski, strange product...yep and it shows in really good meaningful ways

-Smooth...yep auto pilote

-Customer support..yep. Andy was the closest I know of that had as much personal care for skiers on his skis.

Buford Danger is cute...yep and then some.

 

 

 

[Chef23]

I like the written reviews but I also really enjoyed the video. I like the idea of maybe a short mid video or both a written and video review.

 

I love having BD in the videos.

[Obrienslalom]

Which way do you prefer to do it? Both have their merits.

[ALPJr]

I liked the written. Some skiing video and brief comments during the review would be good too.

[LanceHCook]

Never ask a question you don't know the answer to.

 

Dumbass.

 

Yes, you have created more work for yourself, but both formats are helpful, the video brought up different points than the written and Buford adds a great new dimension.

[Fehlindra]

Refers to @BraceMaker post and you can chime in timestamp from an testskiing video where you describe what you liked or disliked in different segment of the course and maybe what the feel was on different ropelength... im going to try this ski out

[vtjc]

Horton thanks for doing these reviews!

 

I don’t think this video is comparable to a parsed written review. This video seems to be more free form; some comments about the ski, follow up to feedback on the written review and discussions with Denali staff. A better comparison may be made with a video in which your following a script.

 

I think either way people like your thoughtful comments on the products. The delivery method video or text likely maters less than what you say.

[bigskieridaho]

I like this better because I am more of a visual in person kind of learner. However, as cute as b danger is, I have 2 young daughters and gets distracting. Find mom, or give her the iPhone:) Great notes on the ski tho!

[mwetskier]

so far every written review has been prefaced with a video of the ski in action so having access to both is obviously better coverage of the important info. to me this question is like my cellular carrier asking me if i'd like them to reduce the area of non roaming coverage they give me but still charge the same fees.

[chris55]

I really love your written reviews and the video is absolutly great as well. So like others, the best is both. So more work for you.

[aupatking]

The written review gives me something of a reference, to go back and look at. Especially for new skiers, on old equipment, to understand the Ski for them. I don't need to ride the thing, to help get it set up for them, knowing the skis tendencies, and the riders, your old reviews have been invaluable.

I like the format, and breakdown of, wake to ball, turn, ball to wake. I believe it's very helpful.

I also think that pinning them, as @Than_Bogan suggested is good, as well as locking them down to advanced topics for those qualified to throw down their input/setup. I'm guilty of tailing on the latest Vapor review, looking for setup thoughts. That would probably be better suited for the 2018 Vapor thread, rather than the review.

[ShererSkier]

I like the written reviews more because as others have stated, they are a nice reference to go back to. Also they are more structured and give a more comprehensive analysis of how the ski performs. I think the written reviews help draw people to this site as well because there have been numerous times I have used a search engine to find something about a specific ski and been directed to BoS.

 

I did like a few of the random thoughts that seemed to pop into your head throughout the video review though. If you were going to consider doing both, maybe after you complete your ski tests do a short video review about a few key points that stand out. Kind of like a prelude to the written review.

 

Also definitely pin the reviews, I have missed a few and forgot about them. It would be nice if they stayed at the top of the page for a while. Just my 2 cents.

 

Thanks for doing the reviews @Horton!

[DaveD]

Written reviews because you need as much practice spelling as you can get.

 

I think it would be very entertaining to have a video of B. Danger breaking down your skiing on each test ski.

[kingshredd]

The only reason i voted for written is that sometimes i might be in a place i can't watch the video for different reasons, but if there was a both choice i would have taken that.

[Nando]

Both are helpful, but the greater detail and the though that goes into the editing process makes the written more cohesive. The added entertainment value of Buford Danger's cameos in the video review does make that format appealing, though.

[DW]

Both are very informative, keep up the good work.

[Jmoski]

I would love to a summary page/comparison chart of the skiis that have been reviewed with links to the in depth reviews, that would be super handy for people looking for a new ski.

 

The summary page could have metadata and individual reviews hung off it - much like tirerack does for tires. Not sure if the software used to power BOS has support for that.

[GaryWilkinson]

Both.

Especially if you have both gals sometimes "guest hosting" BD and Manon, Breanne Dodd could also help. Whitney,...

Sheesh I think I've gone off,... SQUIRREL!

[Higleyskier]

I like them both! Together...