I might have posted this in the past, but I'll post this again for clarification in regards to upcoming review posts.
When I write reviews, I run on what many would call a 5-Star scale... Here's what each level for me represents:
***** (5 Stars) -- Strongly Recommended -- This is pretty much the highest rating I will give anything that I'm reviewing. It may not be 100% perfect, but it's something that is so great that I can look past the flaws. You may see "Buy It NOW!" as well, but that's in the same class.
**** (4 Stars) -- Recommended -- This rating is for stuff that's mostly good & tend to be the "default" I start with. There might be flaws, but they're typically minor & I'll be able to look past them. You typically won't be disappointed with this rating.
*** (3 Stars) -- Recommended with Reservations -- This "middle of the road" (aka Neutral) rating is generally given to stuff that is typically good, but has some unfortunate flaws (like a deal breaker) in it that could an issue for some. If you go with the proper expectations, you'll likely be OK with this.
** (2 Stars) -- Recommended with SERIOUS Reservations -- This rating is generally given to stuff that has disappointed me a lot (like a fair number of deal breakers), but still has something that keeps it from being irredeemable. There's some good in there, but it's buried underneath a bunch of issues or headaches that only the dedicated person would go after it.
* (1 Star) -- Not Recommended -- This is pretty much the lowest rating I will give anything that I'm reviewing... even if I want to go lower & see "AVOID AT ALL COSTS" as well. This rating means something has so many flaws that you'll easily be disappointed & it's best that you look elsewhere. If something gets this rating, it's practically irredeemable.
For businesses, I usually won't give a rating the first few visits. This is because I'm fairly new to the place & unfamiliar with. Generally around the 3rd visit or later is when I might commit to a review. The only time I may break this personal rule is with a rage-review. Rage-Reviews will always be the lowest rating available (1 Star or worse, as permitted by the rating scale) & will typically be a "Scorched Earth" style review as I'll note every grievance I experienced as the reasons why I will NEVER RETURN to such a place... even if the owners try to entice me otherwise, as I'll burn the bridges in the process (hence "Scorched Earth" style). Such reviews will serve as a personal reminder NEVER to return to a place.
For games, merch, services, food & whatnot... it won't be an immediate or "First Impressions" review, but more of a general experience deal. I'll run through the "honeymoon" phase of getting something new by the time I start writing & post a review.
I know that everything I post here will be MY OPINION & may not properly reflect everything offered, but I'll take my time & due diligence before posting a review.
Hope this sheds some light on my methods as you can expect some reviews going down the road.