Kevin Whilden wrote: > Ralph, it sounds like you think the anonymous reviewers are a bunch of > schmoes who don't know bow from stern. What basis do you have for thinking > this? Have you have ever met or paddled with one of the reviewers? Let me > assure you that all of the reviewers I know are very skilled and highly > experienced paddlers, who are capable of discerning the really important > aspects of kayak quality. Some of the reviewers also write longer articles > for Sea Kayaker and are dedicated kayaking instructors in local clubs or > professional schools. I never said they were all schmoes nor do I think it. My objection is to the sound bite approach which comes with the committee approach to review. I rather have any of the more knowledgeable ones be fully identified as being so and so of such and such experience and such and such type paddling. Then that person, you--whoever, write a full thoughtful review. It would not take anymore space. And if it did, so what. Paddlers hunger for good information and length is welcomed not detested if it is good. If there is a desire to get as many different views as possible, then filter them through an editor who also does some overall descriptions. Look how Backpacker handles its gear reviews. A good deal of summation and overall and summary analysis centers the review. Then individuals are quoted basically because of torso/body size differences (reviewing packs, tents), foot size (shoes); perspiration propensity (breatheable rain gear). ralph -- ----------------------------------------------------------------------- Ralph Diaz . . . Folding Kayaker newsletter PO Box 0754, New York, NY 10024 Tel: 212-724-5069; E-mail: rdiaz_at_ix.netcom.com "Where's your sea kayak?"----"It's in the bag." ----------------------------------------------------------------------- *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - All postings copyright the author and not to be reproduced/forwarded outside PaddleWise without author's permission Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************Received on Sat Aug 12 2000 - 11:57:59 PDT
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