I've talked about how our classifications give in-depth info on soccer products listed on SSR. Now, I want to point out what goes into our ratings for those items.

Each product is put into a category (books, DVD’s, Magazines, etc) and each category is assigned a list of unique rating criteria. For example, Books are rated on “Quality of Information”, “Quality of photos/diagrams” and “clarity of ideas”. Equipment have “Quality of construction”, “Value for the money” and “Functionality” as their criteria. I then use the very familiar “5 star” rating scale to determine how the item rates for each criteria.

It’s important to note my philosophy on reviewing and rating. First, when I rate a product I look at as an objective examiner. However, when I write my review, I try to write it from the viewpoint of who I think the intended user is (or should be). Even though, I can’t ignore my 20+ years of experience with soccer products, I feel looking at it through the eyes of the user gives a more accurate assessment of the product.

No matter what angle I take, I’m sure you and I won’t always agree. That’s why I want your opinion- your user review on the items you’ve used. That’s when we’ll get a truly accurate picture of how good a product really is.

Yours on the far post,

-Rob