Reviewing the arts

                Everyone is an art critic, but not everyone can put those valuable opinions into words.   Even then, not many of those words are read by others.  To be a recognized and respected reviewer of art seems to be as difficult as being an artist who’s good enough to have his or her work reviewed.  It seems to me that anyone who has an audience as a reviewer has a large responsibility.

                So many of us turn to the internet and other outlets in order to properly research subjects before going to a movie, buying an album, or even getting some new artwork for the living room.  However, what do people look for in reviews?  What is the difference between a good review and a bad one?  Why trust the opinion of someone you never met?

                After both reading and writing the most reviews I’ve ever been exposed too, I now realize that a good review offers information about a subject and explanations of why a particular topic works or does not work.  I see now that if a reviewer offers a deep analysis; the examples used to support the reviewer’s opinion will help me, the reader, decide if this opinion is relevant.  A reviewer may have a problem with something that I find perfectly acceptable, but this does not make for a bad review.  I now feel more informed about the subject and I have an understanding of why one might have an issue with something I do not.

                To review the arts is to share important information about a subject while offering a strong opinion.  Not everyone will agree with your opinions, but if the review is backed up by solid analysis and examples, the information gained will always be valuable.