Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with reviews

Wine Advocate?

furiousxgeorge — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 16:11:03 -0800

Are there any wine review sites similar to Beer Advocate or Rate Beer? I'm looking for a site with a database that hits nearly everything in the world with a good amount of user reviews for reasonably popular wines.

BA and Rate Beer really helped me when learning about beer and how to appreciate it. They gave me a frame of reference for what I was tasting and what others tasted in the beer.

When I try to find reviews for wines I maybe find one or two and otherwise just links to online liquor stores or generic epinions type crap.

Music reviews? What are your faves?

cymru_j — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:36:05 -0800

Examples of really great music reviews? I'm trying to learn more about the genre of music reviewing/criticism and am looking for recommendations of smart album reviews, in particular those that use a sustained, essay-length approach.

Links to actual articles and reviews -- rather than just names -- are most welcome. However, I appreciate any feedback.

Thank you!

How can I filter out the bad and still hear the good?

Anonymous — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 07:12:14 -0800

How can I develop a thicker skin in my role as a public performer? I am an adult male and work in a creative industry, one where everything about me pretty much is "out there" for people to critique. I'm not famous, but I'm known of.

But I find it hard to handle some of the bile that comes my way.

I need to clarify, I can always take constructive criticism. Sure, sometimes it may sting a little bit, but I'm happy to receive it because I want to continue to hone my craft and be the best I can be at what I do.

However there are times when I will get these random pieces of hate, be it that someone e-mails me that it's been posted online, in an iTunes review of my work, etc. and it really, really bothers me.

I mean, often times these are personal attacks that aren't about the work but about me as a person. Other times they're presumably about the work but are just so hate filled that I can't think there's not something else going on.

My field is very competitive, and while I try to be the "good guy" never tearing others down to push myself up, my competition isn't so high-minded and I find all these little ways they go about trying to undermine my work (and it's not paranoia here, it's documented and agreed upon by many, many people I know).

While I have received thousands of compliments on my work, either via e-mail or in person, each one of these really harsh character assassinations undermines them all, and makes me think "screw it, I'm just gonna pull the plug" and go back to having a normal life outside of the public eye and without these hateful competitions going on.

But I enjoy what I do, and many people tell me I'm good at it...so how can I let these negative things roll off my back, instead of ruining my day? (Actually one really harsh attack can ruin my mood for several days...)

Reviews of employers?

Anonymous — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:27:51 -0800

What are best forums/websites where people post about their work experiences and about the pros and cons of various employers? I'm doing short term contract work in the Dallas area (financial and tax compliance stuff), going from job to job every three or four months, being placed by different recruiters. Working in some real dysfunctional places comes with the territory, but I do like to know what I’m walking into.

So I was looking around for forums and discussion groups where people essentially review their employers. I’ve come across several, but I figured somebody here has already found the good ones. And I do realize that most of these sites would attract disgruntled and negative types, but I can read between the lines.

Thanks for your help!

Recommend me a wireless booster?

biochemist — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:30:02 -0800

My boyfriend and I would like to play MMOs together, but unfortunately his wireless doesn't reach the basement where his PC is. We'd like to play in the same room, so I'm looking for some (~$30) USB wireless booster recommendations. I've searched google and amazon, and although I've found many products, there aren't many reviews about. I'm on a Macbook Pro, and his wireless router is a Linksys.

It wastes too much ink!

jbenben — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 17:39:47 -0800

Is there any way to tinker with this Brother printer/fax to disable the ink head auto-clean function? It wastes too much ink! After a lot of research, I am thinking of purchasing the Brother MFC 490. It's an all-in-one type unit, decent user reviews, etc. etc.

One frequent complaint which will drive me crazy is an auto-clean function that drains the thing of ink. In my experience, all of these printer/fax machines have serious issues and design flaws, including ink issues. For my uses, the MFC 490 is the best of a bad lot.

I'm interested to hear from other Brother all-in-one users on this issue. Do you live with it, or is there another way around this flaw?

If there is some way to alter the programming on the unit, I would love to know. I would also consider keeping the machine unplugged when not in use.

Your input and ideas are appreciated.... Thanks!

Upcoming nonfiction review sites?

beautifulcheese — Sat, 27 Jun 2009 14:32:05 -0800

Is there a place like fantasticfiction for nonfiction books? I like fantasticfiction as I can check out what is upcoming in books (so I can put them on my reserve list at the library and add to my to-read list on goodreads) and would love it if such a thing existed for non-fiction.

I always find it hit and miss at trying to find nonfiction that grabs me and having a site that lists upcoming ones and gives "similar recommendations" would be uber helpful.

If that's impossible, any recommendations on where I can find good reviews of nonfiction? I've checked out the nonfiction group on LibraryThing and it seems to be just ppl listing off the books read but w/ no reviews.

What is the best hindi movie review site?

shalam — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 06:07:50 -0800

what is the best hindi movie review site? i can not find any decent hindi movie reviews site - like say rottentomatoes or any other. any that readers can suggest, swear by?

Release the Stars!

mrhaydel — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 11:37:50 -0800

Where might I find a list of Publishers Weekly's starred reviews? I'm not always one to trust PW's judgement of every book I ever buy, but I will say that if I notice a book I'm interested in on Amazon has a starred review from PW, I'm at least a little more intrigued in reading it.

Which lead me to wanting to find a list of the books that PW has given starred reviews to, preferably one that's updated on a regular basis.

However, my Google-fu has failed me. It would seem that I could look through a number of reviews on PW's site, but, manually culling through them doesn't exactly get me what or where I want, not to mention the fact that I don't think they even allow (free) access to their archived reviews.

So, MeFites, does anyone know of a place out there to find such information?

Where to find updated info on (graphic design) hardware?

filthy light thief — Tue, 05 May 2009 11:57:10 -0800

How should I keep up-to-date on hardware for graphic design? I'm not a graphic designer by trade, but I would like my personal (WinXP) computer to be suitable for hobby-work graphics. More details and criteria inside. I have a WinXP system I cobbled together a few years back. My flat-screen monitor is a bit odd (pink dots are noticeable from time to time), and my printer/scanner combo is pretty much a POS for both functions. I make do with all of it, but I keep thinking I should start looking into upgrading elements. Primarily I'd like a new monitor and scanner, but a good printer would be nice, and I keep lusting after tablets, even though I don't do that much drawing by hand any more.

I've found what I think are good reviews, but I feel that if they're over 6 months old, I'm missing out on something. I don't need cutting edge, and it seems like there are probably some reliable resources for computer-based artists that I haven't found. So, hive-mind, what should I look for? Do you known handy sites? Thanks!

Appliance review site suggestions

crookedgrin — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 18:33:30 -0800

Looking to replace an old refrigerator - where can I find reliable ratings / reviews online (that I don't need a subscription for)? I'm basically looking for a free alternative to Consumer Reports, perhaps with a combination of user ratings and expert reviews. I am always a bit leery of purely customer-rated rankings because it's so easy to cheat. Do I need to pay to get good info?

Whither Pacifica?

Mr. Anthropomorphism — Sat, 07 Feb 2009 18:16:48 -0800

Does anyone have anything to say about the Chrysler Pacifica? It seems to be a really good fit for our growing family's needs, but searching online for reviews has turned up polarized opinions. It seems they either last forever or fall apart as you drive off the lot.

We're looking at 2006 AWD Touring models with low miles.

I am aware there was a recall on some during this model year, and also see a lot of complaints about ABS sensors breaking.

What have been the experiences of the hivemind?

Experience with telecom companies

fracturing — Thu, 05 Feb 2009 11:25:32 -0800

What has been your experience with One Communications and other telecom companies? We are trying to select a new telecom carrier for my small office and have it narrowed down to the following carriers:

One Communications
Paetec
Nuvox

Do any of you have any experiences, good or bad, with this companies? I'm trying to find out as much as I can about the customer experience after being burned pretty badly in the past by Cavalier.

A short trip to D.C.

hxc — Sat, 31 Jan 2009 14:47:36 -0800

Things to do in Washington, D.C. on Feb 6-8th. My girlfriend and I are heading up to D.C. on the 6th of Feb. and staying until the 8th (two nights). We are planning on staying at "The Donovan House" in/near Foggy Bottom / Georgetown. I am wondering if there is anything going on special that weekend or if there are any hidden secrets that would be cool to see.

We have been to D.C. before and we stayed at the L'enfant Plaza hotel. We already did the whole museum and walked the mall the last time, we might try to go to a few that we didn’t have much time to really explore.

I am really looking for event, food/restaurant, places, and if anyone has stayed at “The Donovan House” some reviews would be nice too. If it helps we really enjoy shopping, exploring and other things like that. I am 23 and she is 21, so if you have any good bar suggestions that would be great too...

Most piano-like 88-key portable digital keyboard under $1000.

shmooly — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 11:06:24 -0800

I've searched desperately and extensively for reviews on digital pianos and find them lacking. Please share your experiences with looking for pianos and/or your (dis)satisfaction with your digital piano. Differences between brands welcomed. I'm looking for an 88-key portable digital piano that feels and sounds most like a real, acoustic piano, I don't care about bells and whistles. The only thing is it must have USB/MIDI ports. Thanks!

Help me research a new bike

thelost — Wed, 24 Dec 2008 12:02:07 -0800

My bike just broke spectacularly, while I was riding it. I want to research getting a good, new hybrid bike for city riding. Can anyone recommend good websites for research? I am looking for good websites that review bikes, but recommendations regarding possible bikes would be welcome too.

I want a new hybrid with slicks. I bought my last bike 7 years ago so I feel a bit clueless. What do I need to consider, other than budget? I am going to put aside £400.

All advice very welcome. Please ask any questions if there is anything obvious I haven't stated.

Could you please recommend me...

sixcolors — Tue, 02 Dec 2008 07:55:53 -0800

I need some new blog recommendations. A video game one, too. In the winter months, I seem to have more time on my hands.

I'm looking for more blogs/websites to read and more video games to play.

1. As for blogs, I'm looking for something that is humorous and left-leaning (think Stuff White People Like). And, something really humorous and "guyish".

2. Good review sites...that are geared towards PLACES, such as restaurants, bars, tourist attractions, rec plexes, or whatever. City doesn't matter.

3. This may sound bizarre. What I find the most therapeutic for my winter blues is not turning on more lights or getting more sun, it's playing hours of video games that has a tropical or sub-tropical setting. What are some games (for X-Box 360, Wii, or PS2) that has this setting?

Thanks a bunch.

Need more info to pick an on-demand photobook publisher

blueshammer — Sat, 08 Nov 2008 07:00:34 -0800

Trying to pick an online photobook publisher to make family Christmas gifts, and am overwhelmed. Who has had recent experience with blurb, lulu, iPhoto, MyPublisher, Picaboo, Smile Books, etc.? I just want to make a family photobook as economically as possible (softcover, 20 or 40 pages, square or landscape format), and most places have comparable prices, so it seems like the movie is definitely to differentiate on quality. But reading reviews, blogs, etc., I'm getting the impression that the quality of any given publisher's printing process, paper choices, etc., keep changing over time, and so Googling isn't doing a lot to make me able to make a reasonable comparison of what each publisher will deliver in November 2008. Does anyone know of a resource that I'm missing, or have personal experience to share?

1) web-site idea, 2) ??? 3) The Awesome

indiebass — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 10:52:23 -0800

Can the hive help me get a web site started? I have very specific ideas, but I'm a dinosaur when it comes to everything about the insides of websites. Back in the day when I set up a website, it was the late 90's and everything had to be coded by hand and ftp'ed to someplace. I realise we are in the 21st century and there are much easier ways to go about things.

I already have a domain purchased. What I want to make is a site that is very similar to the old Pajiba setup: graphic banner across the top, assorted goodies in one or two side columns (probably just links in one, at this point) and a main area in between. The idea behind the site is that I'll be reviewing things, but they won't necessarily be new things. That is, whatever my netflix might be, an album I listened to... things like that. So in the middle I'd like to have a photo, a title and one sentence, where you can click on the title and it takes you to a separate page that is cataloged as http:www.mydomain.com/review_title.html (or whatever) and looks like the front page, except the middle bit is just the extended article.

Further complicating things, is that I wanted to set up the website with free hosting, if possible, and if I actually start generating traffic outside my immediate circle of friends then I'd think about buying some space/bandwidth.

So how do I even start? I know you can use a unique domain name with, like, blogger - which is free - but do they let you structure the workings of it like I want to? (the title-link deal to pages behind the page) I feel confident that I would be able to make the page look like I want it to, it's more the workings and the hostings that I am unsure about.

I've put off asking this question out of embarrassment for a couple weeks, because of the n00b-ishness, and I've really tried to navigate it on my own, but put in "free web hosting" into the google and it's like the internet punches you in the face. Thanks in advance to anyone who can help!

How do I find reviews of Learning Tree's XSLT course?

dorcas — Fri, 19 Sep 2008 11:28:37 -0800

How can I find alumni reviews of the Learning Tree course, "Hands-On XSL: Transforming and Styling XML" so I can get some honest reviews of the course? I need this training and my employer is willing to pony up the cash but only once - I don't want to spend their money and my time on a dud course. The LT claim that the, "Privacy Act" means that even with my explicit permission, they can't give my contact info to former students who would be willing to answer questions about the course. The google didn't provide much by way of reviews either. There must be some way...

google search hits are not quite neutral

jak68 — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 23:23:01 -0800

is there a good web site that searches or collects product reviews? when investigating a product or gadget to buy, typing in 'review xyz' into google search more often than not produces hits on that item for sale somewhere, rather than actual blog-based reviews of the item. I often have to search very deep into the google search return to find blog-based reviews of the item. (I mean indepth reviews that 'unbox' the item etc - not simply the comments on the amazon page for the item).

Is there a website that collates or collects or links only to reviews? OR, is there a way to get google or some other search engine to only hit on blog-based (not including commercial stores like amazon) reviews of the product?

Is there a good website that reviews movie theaters, extra points for Massachusetts theaters,

jeremias — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 09:27:51 -0800

Is there a good website that reviews movie *theaters*, extra points for Massachusetts theaters, Please don't recommend simplemoviereview.com, which is the right idea but I only see two theaters in my state. Preferably all the reviews would be consolidated and categorized by digital projection or not, etc. There are scattered reviews in sites like yelp and insider pages but they are light on substance . . . .

Is there an equivalent of IMDB or Allmusic for books?

mairuzu — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 04:10:18 -0800

Is there an equivalent of IMDB or Allmusic for books? i.e. A site that lists all books written by a particular author with ratings, reviews, comments etc? English language based.

Is there a movie review site that incorporates the Bechdel Test?

Stacey — Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:33:27 -0800

Is there a movie review site out there somewhere that regularly applies the Bechdel Test as part of its reviews? After a bit of hunting, I can't find a movie review site that regularly includes information on whether the movies pass the Bechdel Test. I'd like to find such a site. In an ideal world it would review both current movies and older ones, but current releases only would be fine.

Is there a semi-regularly updated movie review site out there somewhere that my Google searches are failing to turn up?

Off the shelf HTPC recommendations?

MaxVonCretin — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 13:02:40 -0800

Does anyone have any recommendations on off-the-shelf WMC HTPCs? I've been searching high and low, and virtually all the information on the intertubes seems to be about building HTPCs. I know that's the more cost-effective route, but I just don't have the time. Here's what I'm itchin' for: - Stereo component form factor
- HD Recording Capable
- Oodles of storage & memory (min 1TB/4GB)
- Blu-Ray drive/ DVD-RW
- Integrated cable card
- Super-quiet! (perhaps liquid-cooled)
- On-board wi-fi
- Wireless remote/keyboard

I guess I like the idea of having a small touchscreen on the unit itself, thereby eliminating the need to turn on the big TV every time you want to change the music. But does anyone have any opinions on the relative merits of the touchscreen?

I've checked out the websites for VidaBox, VelocityMicro, Niveus, Alienware Hangar 18 - but don't really know anything about those brands. Anyone have any good experience with them - or can recommend others? I can't seem to find any comparison reviews for such off-the-shelf systems.

Any insights, suggestions much appreciated.