Blog Journeys of a Lifelong Learner

I have a mantra on reviews: Rave reviews are really worthless (RRARW).

They are usually irrelevant because they are most likely to come from people whose opinions are uninformed or excessively favorable.

Rave reviews teach the recipient nothing.

They serve only to bolster the ego of the recipient, and egos are naturally oversized.

Rave reviews fail to address specific strengths and weaknesses.

They gloss over the challenge of objective analysis by resorting to hyperbole.

Rave reviews do not truly encourage.

They are generic and overused, so they lose significance.

Does this mean that negativity must rule? Of course not. It does mean, however, suggest that specific credible praise and criticism is far superior to irrationally excessive exuberance.

If you receive rave reviews, learn to seek out credible evaluations of strengths and weaknesses.

If you are in a habit of dispensing rave reviews, consider whether it might be better to exercises greater discipline in thought and communication.