New Review Category?

[Big Perm]

It occurred to me that perhaps I've been going about things the wrong way this season. I've seen a good number of posts about a general stagnation of the market. Personally, I've visited a few attractions this season and I've noticed some of the good and some of the bad.

That said, what about a new category that rates how much an attraction has changed. This doesn't mean that they are bad, I've seen some really good ones this year but the problem is that they were the same as last year. Again, that doesn't mean they're bad, I quite enjoyed them but for someone on a limited budget or schedule maybe there are some that would take higher priority.

It could be pretty easy to police, I'm not asking you to document minute changes just to get an overall feel from the place: does it look awfully familiar to last year or are there some notable changes or if it sits somewhere in between. I don't want to see this make or break attractions but it might be a good piece of info. to throw in to narrow down the criteria for the consumer to get the "most bang for the buck." I really haven't thought of a point value for this, it could be as simple as a 3 point system or a brief write-up in the review.

I'm not wanting to make your job tougher but I thought this might be a simple solution to give a more informative review. Any thoughts?

[Luv2BScared]

We had actually discussed having several areas that we might add input: Most improved, Best new theme, most innovative, etc...
What would be the categories you would like to see?

[Shade]

That would be rad. I always wanted to implement something like that but always seemed to run out of time to modify the format. I think you guys should go for it.

[Scarica]

I don't see that as being practical for the "official" categories...I mean, how can I rate how a haunt has changed if I'm a new critic or one that hasn't been to any of the current haunts...like my fellow critic Kharman? What if the haunt wasn't there last season...like the Chilling Hour. That would give that haunt a big fat ZERO in that category and is going to skew the ratings.

We've discussed adding "Most Improved," etc. but those are going to appear on the boards...that way we can have fun with some of it, without it affecting the numbers...sort of like "bonus" points!

[Shade]

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (Scarica @ Oct 15 2007, 06:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}> (index.php?act=findpost&pid=2698)</div>
We&#39;ve discussed adding "Most Improved," etc. but those are going to appear on the boards...that way we can have fun with some of it, without it affecting the numbers...sort of like "bonus" points![/b]
That&#39;s a much better idea. Speaking as just a hauntgoer now, I think I&#39;m much more concerned with reading the actual write-up than with the actual score to help me make up my mind on a few haunts.

[Big Perm]

Well, Scarica, I don&#39;t think I really explained it sufficiently. I see what you mean and again, I&#39;m not talking about a make or break section in the write-up. My way around it is an N/A; obviously if it&#39;s new or if there is a new critic then there is no basis of comparison, you can&#39;t rate something when there is no starting point. Secondly, most of the critics are veterans and do have a basis of comparison. Perhaps something being new, as the case with the Chilling Hour, maybe it is worth checking out on that fact alone (or not).

Like I said, it&#39;s not too difficult to police, not much more effort in the writing front and should be an intuitive call, not a checklist with strict criteria.

Luv2B, I&#39;d have to get back to you on what I&#39;d like to see because there are a few different things I&#39;d like but ideally I would like to see some point value assigned because people really should get credit for reinvesting in their business but mostly I&#39;d just like to know what attractions I should go to if I want something good and new, I&#39;m a little disappointed when I spend $14-$16 and get a similar or the same show as last year.

[Luv2BScared]

Well let us know....and I do agree with Scarica that for this year at least we would have to put it up here on the boards...not enough time to get it on HD, but we can still get the same effect. I&#39;m sure we can come up with something, and even brainstorm for what we might like to add for next year so we can plan ahead. I&#39;m game!! Fellow critics???

[Big Perm]

I&#39;m definitely not talking about implementation for this year, something for next year. This way all of the owners can have a heads up as to what&#39;s coming. If they want to ignore it, fine. If they don&#39;t care, fine. If they&#39;re happy, that&#39;s fine too. I&#39;m not saying they have to conform to it. I&#39;m glad you&#39;re open to it, 2B, feel free to contact me anytime. I&#39;m really trying to be the nicer, more approachable "Perm."

[jasonbach]

I have been trying to include information about how much the haunt has changed in my reviews from last year, hopefully with some insight. I think having categories like Most improved and such is a great idea, but for this year it&#39;ll have to be posted in the boards...

[That one guy]

I personally like the idea, it would be nice to see something about how much the attraction has changed. It doesn&#39;t have to be a part of the review or anything, even input from actors, worker, owners, etc... Hopefully it would be posted early in the season for those of us who like to go early.