6 years ago
After skimming (I hope it's not a derogatory word) the past pages of this thread, it was interesting to compare the development of the reviews here (and else) back then and now, and my own attitude.
It is difficult for me to find the balance between an absolute personal or a rather objective text (one careless step, and I'd be writing a monologue/diary entry, swayed by the oh so cosy stream of consciousness), where to place myself - as a 'commentator' telling from the side, pointing towards the fragrance on the table, keeping the view on the reader and the aspects that might be helpful, or telling of my experience, 1:1 sitting faced towards the fragrance?
I consider imageries extremely useful for grasping something that goes beyond rational analysis, same as for musical interpretation (and I'm sure, for acting); but then again, with all our different backgrounds, my association might not be the same as someone else's and rather close the door.
I also have to remember to detach myself from any negative emotion that occurred from the circumstances and not mix it with the perfume itself (if this happens, I edit the text, after 'cooling down'). It's very often the case with bad blind purchases based on (fabricated, hence untruthful) reviews, or the fact that people, for many reasons, prefer to only say nice things or nothing at all, and consequently, distorting the whole picture (this is one point which made me write a review in the first place).
When it comes to discussing a matter (and I find perfume reviews another form of dealing with a subject), I personally do not find the much-quoted advice "don't say anything if it's not pleasant" really useful, even though I understand how it is/was meant. From societies that do cultivate this motto more than it would be appropriate, I have seen how this can also work in the other, suppressive way. The art of considerate, objective and civilised discussion without veering into an argument is not easy and something that needs to be trained certainly, best from early on, but if not, it can still be learnt, I hope (at least for myself).
Aside from all that, I do enjoy reading the reviews, especially if I can sense that they are honestly felt and have not lost the focus - passion for fragrances, which we all share.