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Quick Survey
By Marvo | December 5, 2006
I’ve been thinking about changing the Impulsive Buy a little bit.
For years, I’ve been doing a long format review, which was great when I was unemployed, had no girlfriend, and had no life, because I could post three or four reviews a week. But now that I’m employed, still have no girlfriend, and still have no life, it’s been hard to post more than two reviews a week.
I try so many products every month and get many requests to review a number of products, but at a rate of two reviews per week, it’s impossible to review everything I buy. In order to change this, I’ve been thinking about doing much shorter reviews, perhaps less than half as long as they are now.
But I’d like to know what you folks think. Should I stick to the long format and continue to have two reviews a week or should I try doing significantly shorter reviews and possibly have 3-5 reviews per week.
Please let me know in the comments.
Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto!
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December 5th, 2006 at 10:12 am
I suggest shorter and faster. That’s what I always say…
December 5th, 2006 at 10:35 am
I heart the longer reviews.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:35 am
Quality over quantity. I’d prefer long, well-written reviews; I can wait a couple days in between. Maybe you could write one or two long ones interspersed with a couple shorter ones each week?
December 5th, 2006 at 10:36 am
Man, I really can sympathize with you on that one. People don’t realize how tough it is to write longer reviews and how much time it takes. So shorter reviews would seem to be the ticket. But the longer reviews are what sets the better blogs apart, in my opinion.
I would do both - as in mostly the shorter ones, but once in awhile when you have time throw in a longer one. I think I’m gonna have to start doing that soon.
Either way, I think most people will still come to the site to read. Since you’re such a farkin funny guy…
December 5th, 2006 at 10:41 am
I think you should do what you feel like doing. If you feel like writing a bunch of short reviews - go for it. Come across a particularly awful product that brings out extra snark - make it long.
I’ll read either way.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:44 am
I like posts more often, so shorter reviews.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:45 am
I would love a shorter version. I love the reviews but there is never enough.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:48 am
Talk about Sophie’s freaking choice…Umm I guess if forced at gunpoint I would say more frequency, shorter reviews, but what I really want is more frequency of the longer reviews. Why don’t you just get unemployed again already? I think that Bryan is the one with the right approach though probably, moderation in all things and all that, don’t give up the longer reviews entirely, but step up the number of shorter reviews and step back the number of longer ones…
December 5th, 2006 at 10:52 am
Short reviews are fine as long as they’re as entertaining as the longer ones.
December 5th, 2006 at 10:59 am
I think having more frequent shorter reviews would be good. I like reading new and interesting things daily.
Maybe you could write shorter reviews on a regular basis and then once every week or 2 you could write one longer review…?
~Monica
December 5th, 2006 at 11:01 am
Dude, whatever you want to do! You’re the one in the driver’s seat, and I’m the one coming along for the ride. You pick the direction you want to go.
I mean, I ain’t a paying customer here.
December 5th, 2006 at 11:13 am
I think that you should just do whichever feels better to you. If that means shorter, more often reviews, then go for it! By the way, where do you work?
December 5th, 2006 at 11:19 am
As long as the short reviews have the same wit as those that are long, I’d read ‘em. If they’re just listing the facts in point-form, I can find that else-where.
Witty reviews for the win!
December 5th, 2006 at 11:21 am
Longer. I can wait for the good stuff.
December 5th, 2006 at 11:38 am
Your longer reviews are set apart from all the crappy shite out there. I especially love the segways into your personal life and I’m fearful that you’d need to eliminate these in shorter reviews. Another vote for quality over quantity- The Impulsive Buy need not morph to quick fix format to please me.
December 5th, 2006 at 11:39 am
longer and harder. you are really good at that marvo
too bad you wont ever try that with a lady
December 5th, 2006 at 11:43 am
Distill the funny into shorter reviews.
December 5th, 2006 at 11:46 am
I think you should outsource to India, or maybe China. Most of the products you review probably come from India and/or China, so it just makes sense. Or, barring that, you could just write every review as a haiku:
This toothbrush made me so sad
My plaque still remains
Crest, I demand a refund
See? It’s as easy as that.
December 5th, 2006 at 11:51 am
I think you should do short reviews, but have a monthly (or bi-weekly, or is that fortnightly???….hell, once every two weeks) special, long review(s).
December 5th, 2006 at 11:56 am
I say, shorter reviews, 3-5 reviews per week.
December 5th, 2006 at 12:39 pm
Even though I enjoy reading the comments section, and that means therefore that there’s always something new to read even if I come every day, I wouldn’t mind having more reviews, since that’s what I really come for. But I agree that I’d still like to have long ones once in awhile, when your muse strikes.
December 5th, 2006 at 1:01 pm
either way sounds good to me. I’ll be coming back REGARDLESS because I heart Marvo.
December 5th, 2006 at 1:06 pm
I think shorter reviews will work but some of the set-ups for the long review are classic. You should be a writer in Hollywood with some of the comments on this site. For my money, which is none because this site is free. Keep the long reviews.
December 5th, 2006 at 1:17 pm
I vote for more reviews, even if they’re shorter. But we’ll all still love you whatever you choose.
December 5th, 2006 at 1:21 pm
Actually, I vote for a mix - Long and short. Let your deadline be your guide.
Yeah, yeah. Some friggin’ help *I* am…
December 5th, 2006 at 1:23 pm
I agree with Lola and Bryan. Try to mix up the lengths as your schedule permits. I have an RSS feed for TIB on my Google home page, so it’s always a nice surprise to see a new entry whenever it’s posted.
December 5th, 2006 at 1:25 pm
Coming out of the woodwork here–
I’ve been reading your blog for some time now, and I must say that the unique charm of “the impulsive buy” is your ability to carry on jokes for 1/2 page or so.
Keep’em long.
December 5th, 2006 at 1:36 pm
I would prefer more short reviews per week.
December 5th, 2006 at 2:46 pm
I vote for frequent short reviews with the occasional long one. We’ll know the product really something (good or bad) when we see a long review coming.
December 5th, 2006 at 2:58 pm
it’s your blog, do what you want. But I know how it is to have too much going on so I say shorter reviews for your sake. But I’m happy either way.
December 5th, 2006 at 3:35 pm
I’d personally prefer the longer reviews. For whatever reason, when you do the shopping cart reviews, I always find myself skimming over them rather than fully reading through them. But, like others have said, it’s your blog, so do whatever you feel most comfortable with.
December 5th, 2006 at 3:59 pm
I like the longer reviews, myself, even if we can only get served a couple times per week. If you occasionally want to throw in a “shopping cart” of mini-reviews like you’ve been doing, I have no problem with that, but my preference would be to continue seeing the longer reviews rather than a bunch of short ones. And it may help you find a girlfriend if you tell her that you have a very long…review….to share with her.
December 5th, 2006 at 5:01 pm
I agree with the people that want short reviews and a long one every so often. The best of both worlds.
December 5th, 2006 at 5:09 pm
It has taken me all night to write this, I keep thinking of more things to say. Well, here it goes…
As much as I want to say more reviews, it’s the quality that counts, not the quantity. As I can see from the Shopping Cart PoC, one-liners are not what I come to this blog for. I love the whole stories, you just have so much room for detail. My vote is for the lengthy reviews. I would also like to put an amendment to the floor, about the other blog. Write some more. Write about why the taco bell guy annoys you, why they give you the free penny at the gas station. The other blog should be a review of life, and I am willing to sacrifice a TIB review for a blog post.
Thank the lord they found James Kim. If anybody doesn’t follow tech news, just read all of the headlines on digg or search for “James Kim”.
December 5th, 2006 at 5:28 pm
I like the longer reviews. That’s not to say the shorter reviews wouldn’t be any good, but, like many others have said, I wouldn’t want to see quality sacrificed for quantity. Also, like others have said, it is your blog, so do as you like, and I’ll keep reading.
December 5th, 2006 at 5:48 pm
Longer reviews give a lot more story, rather than a small paragraph about something sucking/being awesome.
Longer reviews have more heart, and I hardly ever read the “Shopping Cart” ones because they just seem a tad bit too short and lack the depth I enjoy from the long ones.
December 5th, 2006 at 6:38 pm
I know exactly what you’re going through. I found that writing more than a couple of reviews a week meant a definite decline in quality. Thank goodness for multiple reviewers on my site.
Yours is a slightly different issue once you consider the cult of personality on TIB.
December 5th, 2006 at 6:51 pm
I agree about keeping the longer reviews. I love the stories about asian prostitutes or naked britney spears, post-hillbillying.
Choose Quality (length and hilariousness long) instead of quantity (five pithy reviews/week). Although Quantity should be chose about quality when it comes to matters of your stripping videos, this is not true for the written word.
December 5th, 2006 at 7:07 pm
I vote for both. I think your humor has a chance to come out more in longer reviews, and that’s what I like.
But anyway, sometimes you’re in the mood for short & fast, and sometimes long & well, long, so whatever you feel like.
December 5th, 2006 at 7:24 pm
I vote for the combo deal -mostly short, but if it’s something that deserves a bit more length, then go for it. Just don’t stop being funny. And don’t get a girlfriend or you won’t have time to post at all!!
December 5th, 2006 at 7:53 pm
Longer. I like lengthy posts much more than I do short ones. More opportunities for creativity and amusement.
December 5th, 2006 at 8:25 pm
I know what you mean, Marvo. When you have the free time, it’s a lot easier to write. But when you’re working and stressed, it’s a lot harder, and the more you try to write, the more stressed you get.
You’re doing us a public service with these reviews, so I honestly think you should do what feels best for you. I would try both. You’ll eventually find one you prefer.
God, that sounds like a commercial for feminine products or something. But I think you know what I mean.
December 5th, 2006 at 8:40 pm
Would much rather have shorter reviews. I never read the longer ones. I just come to see what new products there are and how you felt about them.
December 6th, 2006 at 12:55 am
long reviews, please! I read your blog because of your reviews, not the products itself…
However, if a product is so dull it gives no story for a long review, make a short review.
December 6th, 2006 at 2:09 am
I like the shorter ones, because HAVING a life, I don’t always have time to read the whole of your rant… even though I DO want to.
December 6th, 2006 at 2:48 am
I like the long reviews but I can deal with the short ones.
December 6th, 2006 at 3:25 am
Longer puh-leaseeeeeee
December 6th, 2006 at 3:45 am
I’d prefer the longer reviews, even if they are less frequent.
December 6th, 2006 at 4:11 am
I just look at the pictures - so shorted reviews will give me more of those and I will be happier
December 6th, 2006 at 4:31 am
“I think you should do short reviews, but have a monthly (or bi-weekly, or is that fortnightly???….hell, once every two weeks) special, long review(s).”
i agree with kagai.
+ pictures, still.
December 6th, 2006 at 4:36 am
Frequent, shorter reviews. Thanks.
December 6th, 2006 at 5:22 am
If you can manage to pull off MORE impulsive buys, I’m down for the quick and dirty. The problem is, it’s STILL gonna take time to buy that one, new, weird product.
Hey! BTW… Have you tried the Wassabi Funyons? Shoot me an e-mail and I’ll send you a bag.
December 6th, 2006 at 5:36 am
I say quality over quantity… would much rather have the long reviews that are actually worth reading, even if it means waiting longer between reviews. That’s what sets this site apart from others.
Keem ‘em long, please.
December 6th, 2006 at 5:39 am
I love the longer reviews, I really do! Your writing keeps me laughing and entertained… but I’m going to have to put my vote for shorter reviews so I can get my Marvo fix more frequently! Sometimes the long reviews are too long… I love the shorter & more frequent… oooh sounds sexy!
December 6th, 2006 at 6:10 am
Quality over quantity.
How about what some game mags do, like EGM.. have a couple of longer reviews but then a “Stuff we couldn’t get to” wrap up section between them that goes over the things you bought to review but never had the time to get to. That way we’ll have the best of both worlds.
December 6th, 2006 at 6:31 am
More reviews!
December 6th, 2006 at 6:35 am
I agree with reluctant housewife; write ‘em however you like on any given day. It’s your blog; and it’s all good.
December 6th, 2006 at 7:17 am
2 long, 2 short? Just write the longer ones at work, lol.
December 6th, 2006 at 8:19 am
Shorter & more succinctly
December 6th, 2006 at 8:25 am
Quickie’s are also welcome, as long as you throw in a few long, slow sessions to satisfy us.
December 6th, 2006 at 9:09 am
You my friend are Marvolicious. So whatever you decide- quickie or not, I’ll show up with bells on.
However….I am a fan of the long review because you are so hilarious!
December 6th, 2006 at 10:13 am
I’m going to put in a vote for “longer and less frequent”. I’m not so sure it’s a “quality over quantity” thing, as I’m sure the quality would be good regardless, but the length of the reviews as they are right now seems just about perfect. Of course, if every now and then you mixed it up a bit and did a few short ones instead, that would be cool too.
December 6th, 2006 at 12:27 pm
I say write how you wish. If you want to review more products weekly, go for shorter. If you enjoy writing the longer reviews, go for it. I know that I’d enjoy seeing your posts more often, so if I had to choose, I’d say more shorter reviews
December 6th, 2006 at 2:18 pm
Well, considering that only have a job, but no girlfriend or life, you should still have enough time to keep up with the lengthy reviews. What do you think we pay you for? Oh, whats that, you still haven’t received the check in the mail?? Hmmm, it should be there any day now!
December 6th, 2006 at 2:30 pm
Shorter=better.
December 6th, 2006 at 4:56 pm
Shorter, more frequent reviews will lead to more frequent longer reviews. The more you write on varied topics, the easier it is to write long on varied topics in less time.
December 6th, 2006 at 11:10 pm
A girlfriend could definitely help in trying and reviewing products. I’m sure there are many out there available for hire.
December 7th, 2006 at 4:54 am
i read for the writing and not the actual review, since you eat like a sugar and caffeine crazed frat boy…
December 7th, 2006 at 7:10 am
U R a goud riter so whatevr format you choose will be fun to read.
that said, i gravitate slightly towards “longer”, only becuz you have a unique skill in your ability to keep it up on a longer review - which is something that not-everyone-else can do
December 7th, 2006 at 1:55 pm
I would love it if you would write shorter reviews. I really enjoy your writing but I am rarely on the computer long enough to read a whole one. I too don’t have a life but I do have a job. Even though it seems like a lot of people are attached to the longer reviews, my vote is for shorter, more frequent, but equally enjoyable reviews of an assortment of different products. I seem to enjoy the food ones the best. So for what it’s worth, SHORT!
December 7th, 2006 at 5:12 pm
Marvo, your long reviews are what brought us here. It’s why you’ve become so popular. Writing condensed versions just doesn’t seem like they would be as good since it would be tough to squeeze in the actual pros and cons of the item along with your humorous take on it.
I know most people want to see you update more often, but I think that in the long run they would feel shortchanged. Like one of the posters said- quality over quantity. Sure, I can go to Jack in the Box and get a crappy “sirloin” burger in 3 minutes, but I would prefer to go to a real steakhouse and wait 15 minutes to receive perfection.
December 7th, 2006 at 5:35 pm
I’d bet you could go somewhat shorter without losing your unique style. What I’d ask is this: Is the difficulty with posting daily in (a) finding the time to write at length or (b) finding the energy to think of your hooks and clever bits?
If it’s (b), it doesn’t really matter what length you write — when you’re tired, you won’t be up for it, and when you’re not tired, you will. (Words to live by in so many contexts.)
If it’s (a), you’re probably busting out with ideas and would do your readers a favor in getting them expressed, whatever length they come out at.
December 8th, 2006 at 10:13 am
Even though you can’t post as often I really love the long reviews. The things like the shopping cart just don’t have the heart of the long review. It’s not about what you review or how often, it’s how you do it that counts! (END PEP TALK)
December 8th, 2006 at 10:42 am
QUIT YOUR JOB.
December 9th, 2006 at 5:24 pm
Damn, Marvo! If you change a thing I will hunt you down and kill you. I have your address somewhere.
December 11th, 2006 at 8:26 am
keep the longer ones!!!!
December 12th, 2006 at 4:50 pm
Short and fast. Just how I like my men.
December 13th, 2006 at 10:50 am
You could alternate….one week have the longer reviews and then the next week have the shorter reviews.
December 19th, 2006 at 9:20 am
I don’t read you because you’re consumer reports…I read you because you’re hilarious. So, short, long, whatever, as long as you keep your humor =)