chinesewhispers: Tips for Reviewing Music

Calc 04.14.15	people loooove metaphors so cram them in there! and don't do track by track reviews until you get really popular on the site.
ScuroFantasma 04.14.15	Well, most of my favourite reviewers are contributors now so start with those guys for examples of great reviews (: As for tips in general, I know what helped me write reviews I was happier with was brevity. Not necessarily writing short reviews, but focusing on what you want to say and concisely illustrating that point. Also, writing well in general is a must, as is a certain level of 'professionalism' I guess. Don't devolve the review into a quasi track-by-track, try not to go through every aspect individually and focus on the whole product more, but use examples from tracks to give people an idea. Flow is important too; try and keep the review interesting so that people want to read on. Above all accept criticism when it inevitably comes and focus on the areas you're weakest in. You will improve for sure if you listen to feedback, I know it certainly helped me out and continues to do so. Good luck reviewing mate (:
Jots 04.14.15	1. read your review out loud after you finish; it'll help you pick up on a lot of mistakes and awkward sentences. 2. not a bad idea to start with some older, unreviewed albums to get warmed up. 3. read more reviews. identify writers whose style vibes with yours, and take note of little techniques they use. 4. you'll never please everyone. what one person might love and find unique about your style, someone else might identify as a fault. definitely listen to advice, but don't be in a rush to completely change your approach just because of one person's feedback. take bits and pieces while you shape your technique. 5. if you plan on getting promoted or w/e, it doesn't hurt to cover some sort of niche to help stand out. there aren't a ton of solid writers covering dank BM so maybe make that your thing to start with before you get comfortable enough to cover styles that aren't as familiar to you. 6. ignore anything ever Calc ever says ever 7. keep in mind, reviewing is a sort of journalism. it should be entertaining, so ask yourself what sort of thing you would enjoy reading and try to replicate it.
SharkTooth 04.14.15	^^to add to that 1.don't get yourself worked up if criticism is too harsh 2.be sure to use this thread to get your reviews checked http://www.sputnikmusic.com/forums/showthread.php?t=577035&page=31 3.be wary that when you post a review here, there is a chance nobody will look at it, which is why when you do so you make sure to ask someone like Johnny here to look over it
Gameofmetal 04.14.15	Everything these other guys have said is good advice. Another thing to be careful with is humor in your review. Nothing wrong with working in something amusing for the sake of an entertaining read but it seems easy to mess up and if done incorrectly can make the review seem less professional.
Sowing 04.14.15	Honestly, just review things you're passionate about. Good or bad, doesn't matter. If you have any writing skills, that will bring them out. Can't hurt to refine/learn from others though. In that case, I recommend reading from a wide range of publications, not just Sputnik.
Archelirion 04.14.15	Informality is OK to a certain degree, but 9 times out of 10 it's a bad idea to write like you're having a chat to the reader like they're your best mate.
chinesewhispers 04.15.15	Thanks a bunch guys, might try to review something fairly soon