April 5, 2007

Now, That's a Good Show:

The Art of Review

By Stan Dyer

Probably my first experience with reviews was "Rate a Record" on American Bandstandsomewhere back in my distant youth. The very first time I heard, "It has a great beat and you can dance to it", I knew something was missing. A review so general says nothing specific, distinctive or important. Now, through the miracle of aging, I am older, more experienced and more educated in such matters. Unfortunately, I'm still hearing those Bandstandesque reviews. People say, "It's a great show, and everybody loved it". Something's missing. I need more information. What makes this show different? Why is this a great show? What about the entire entertainment experience? I know I want to know, and I hope my readers do too. That is why I use the Diamond System of review.

When we look at diamonds, one looks pretty much like the next to the naked eye. When, however, we put on a jeweler's loupe, we can compare clarity, cut, color and carat size. When it comes to writing a review, we can do something similar. Whether it's a movie, a play, a restaurant, a museum, an exhibit, or a gallery there are four aspects anyone can use to rate and review their overall entertainment experience. The four aspects of the Diamond System are convenience, cost, comfort and quality. I tried to find four C's, but I couldn't find an adequate synonym for quality that fit my criteria.

CONVENIENCE

Convenience is very important to consumers, and often overlooked by club owners and promoters. Think of convenience as ease of "getting" as in getting tickets, getting there, getting in, and getting out. People like things to run smoothly. The easier it is to "get" a show, the more enjoyable the show will be, and the greater the likelihood people will attend. Always consider convenience first when considering a show.

COST

Club owners and promoters have bills to pay, and, of course, they like to make money. We all do. Cost, however, is a bigger consideration that just "what the market will bear". If the cost of the experience is high, someone had better deliver a product equal to the price tag. On the other hand, lower prices also lower expectations and allow some room for forgiveness. Most Americans seem to appreciate high quality at a low price. That is value and a very attractive aspect.

COMFORT

Most people enjoy most experiences more when they are relaxed and comfortable. To enhance the overall experience, comfort should start at the front door. People prefer being treated like valued customers and that is basic to hospitality. After all, the customer pays all the bills and, essentially, writes all the checks. Businesses that know this will work to keep their customers coming back. A well-trained, well-compensated, and highly motivated staff is important for developing that lasting, positive relationship with the customer and making him comfortable. Comfort also means comfortable seating with plenty of leg and arm room.

QUALITY

A great performance is a thing of beauty in and of itself. Yet, it still takes an excellent product to trump convenience, cost and comfort. If the three C's are good, they will positively affect the perception of the show. Still, a quality show always requires a good crew including lighting, set design, wardrobe, choreography, music, musicians, directors, and all the helpers who flip the switches, turn the dials and pull the ropes. Talent is nice, but it is even nicer when it is teamed with professionalism and people who know how to work together to make their customers happy.

This is just a brief primer, but it is the basis of all my reviews. A show does not have to excel in every area to be great, but the higher the marks in each area, the higher the overall rating. I also understand people are different. Some people just don't care about anything but the show itself. My money and my time are too valuable for that. I like good value and I like it on a consistent basis. I look for and appreciate places that consistently produce a good product. That way, I know I can chance any offering without taking much of a chance. When an establishment fails too often to provide the level of product I expect, I don't go back. Other places want the business just as much. The next time you see a show or visit a restaurant, think about these aspects and do your own personal review. If this type of system appeals to you, then read my reviews because you know I will work to provide the consistent quality I expect from others and I will use the Diamond System for all my reviews.

When I work, I never accept any perks and I don't take free tickets. I even avoid the reviews of others because I do not want any outside influence to affect my perception. I show up anonymously and leave the same way just as any of my readers would. That way, I can assure everyone is getting the same, equal treatment and that my reviews will accurately reflect the overall entertainment experience wherever I go. I hope using the Diamond System will enhance your enjoyment of your entertainment dollars, and the next time someone tries to give you an American Bandstand review you'll be ready with all the right questions to discover why that song has a great beat and what makes it easy to dance to.