Balloon Chat
Uncategorized Boards => Balloon Review => Topic started by: SoniaPayne on July 21, 2012, 09:05:32 AM
Just wanted to say really enjoying these reviews Darren (nippy99) and CJ Nelson. DVDs cost quite a lot of money so it is amazing the time you both take to make these models and review the content for the rest of us :) Thanks a lot xxx
And the great thing for me is CJ is reviewing two DVDs I actually do not have! I am equally impresses with the quality of his reviews. We need to keep up the high standards ;-)
Me too. I think the time and effort you put into it is something else. Some of the end results are fantastic. I'm a frequent reader of your reviews.
Thanks a lot!
Ian. :D
Sorry for the delay over the last week - I hope normal service will be restored over this weekend.
Cheers
Quote from: "nippy99"Sorry for the delay over the last week - I hope normal service will be restored over this weekend.
Cheers
was thinking you have been a little quiet this week. Am hoping you are well and have just been busy and enjoying the sunshine whilst it graces us with its fleeting presence :) xxx
Spent a few days with my daughter in Great Ormond Street Hospital but all is well thanks.
Oh no Darren! How awful :( I hope your daughter is okay! Take care
Sonia x
Darren - did you see any clown doctors?
I hope all is ok.
Danny
Everything is fine thanks - no clown doctors - my daughter is 15 and prefers to go celebrity hunting when she goes there although we didn't see anyone this time around.
Quote from: "nippy99"Everything is fine thanks - no clown doctors - my daughter is 15 and prefers to go celebrity hunting when she goes there although we didn't see anyone this time around.
hi Darren so glad to hear your daughter is fine :) take care Sonia x
I didn't know how old your daughter was but I can understand celebs over clown doctors!
:)
We missed the time by one day a few years ago when Johnny Depp turned up, put on his pirate outfit, read the kids stories and then left leaving a cheque for £1m. I don't even remember reading about this in any of the tabloids - what a true gent.
Wow that would have been amazing! I have seen Prince William in there a couple of times. I believe he used to visit there with his mother and still does from time to time. In my travels around the London hospitals I have seen a few celebs - trouble is I am useless at recognising anyone lol but I have seen Angela ripen, seb Coe and Helen Mirren. (Probably spelt all their names wrong). I have also had the privilege to treat a few wasps players with broken ankles. Again don't follow rugby but my boss decided to come out with me that day and he seemed to really enjoy it!!!
It's time to start another new review - any requests?
I will continue to work on the outstanding reviews. I like to have 4 or 5 on the go at once just for a bit of variety.
Quote from: "nippy99"It's time to start another new review - any requests?
I will continue to work on the outstanding reviews. I like to have 4 or 5 on the go at once just for a bit of variety.
How about the Adorable Buster Balloon Collection? I've been on the fence about getting it, and it would be quite nice to see your take on it. I've enjoyed the rest of your reviews immensely.
Quote from: "Sick & Twisted"Quote from: "nippy99"It's time to start another new review - any requests?
I will continue to work on the outstanding reviews. I like to have 4 or 5 on the go at once just for a bit of variety.
How about the Adorable Buster Balloon Collection? I've been on the fence about getting it, and it would be quite nice to see your take on it. I've enjoyed the rest of your reviews immensely.
I am pleased you are enjoying my reviews. Yes I can do this review for you - watch this space ;-)
Quote from: "nippy99"Quote from: "Sick & Twisted"Quote from: "nippy99"It's time to start another new review - any requests?
I will continue to work on the outstanding reviews. I like to have 4 or 5 on the go at once just for a bit of variety.
How about the Adorable Buster Balloon Collection? I've been on the fence about getting it, and it would be quite nice to see your take on it. I've enjoyed the rest of your reviews immensely.
I am pleased you are enjoying my reviews. Yes I can do this review for you - watch this space ;-)
And you're already off to a great start. Thanks so much!
It's certainly been a busy week for Balloon Reviews - I am looking to start another new one whilst I finish the outstanding ones - does anyone have any requests??
Hi All,
Sorry about the lack of reviews over the last month but I have been a little busy.
Hopefully normal service will now resume.
Good to see you back Darren. We've been missing you :)
Take care
Sonia x
Thanks Sonia - I have been on the boards just not done any reviews. I need a break now and again plus I've been extra busy with gigs which is always good to support my addiction to balloons!
I would like to offer my thanks as well for all the wonderful reviews! You guys do a great job, with very detailed reviews. It sure does help when trying to decide which DVD to purchase. So, thanks again!
I am trying to finish up all 'in progress' reviews and start a fresh batch. Does anyone have any requests?
I am going to start another DVD of Shonna's (as she supplied then for free) and the 12 DVD by Scott.
Any other suggestions?
I'm looking to start some new reviews soon - does anyone have any requests?
I would like to see a review on "Speed Twisting" by Ken Stillman, "Balloonicature" by Larry Moss, and "Big and Bad Buster Balloon Collection" by Don Caldwell.
These are 3 dvd's that I am considering buying next.
Ok - anyone else?
I just buy em when you review them, trying soooooooo hard not to read your thread too often! Lololololol
Sorry Millie - you need to be more selective and spend your pennies wisely :-)
Question for you all - for those people who release multiple PDFs/on-line videos (Dylan Gelinas, Mike Floyd, David Brenion etc) - would you prefer to see each item as a separate review? This may help with indexing and for ease of searching.
What do you think?
So taking a recent example, Dylan would have a separate review thread for his Leprechaun and another one for his Magic Mouse?
Let me know
Actually thinking about it I've made my own decision - I am going to split the reviews... It will take a while but will make more sense in the long run.
Hi Darren,
Seems amazing, you have done over 70 reviews.....Wow !!
Can I ask what may seem a stupid question, but here goes :roll:
I am one of the old fashioned types, that want something physical in my hands when I buy something, so I don't buy downloads .
However, Dylans recent releases are so good, and his youtube tutorials are excelent, and he has been so generous sharing those, that he is the first person I have wanted to buy downloads from.
What I am asking is can you physically print off the tutorials to bind the pages into a booklet, or put them onto a cd, to keep, as I don't trust stuff hovering in cyberspace, I want it where I know I can hold it.
Sorry if this is a daft question :?
Hi Darren
Love the reviews! Thanks so much for them!!!
If you are looking for ideas, i'd love to see more don caldwell stuff and more editions of balloon magic.
Your review are excellent,
Jake
Quote from: "phoenix"What I am asking is can you physically print off the tutorials to bind the pages into a booklet, or put them onto a cd, to keep, as I don't trust stuff hovering in cyberspace, I want it where I know I can hold it.
I'm obviously not Darren, but yes, you can print PDF files without any issues. Now go be happy! :)
Hi Kevin
Lynnae kindly answered but as Dylan emails you the PDF you can download, burn to CD, print to paper, store on your harddrive, USB stick or whatever.
The same applies to any download.
You will need to stock up coloured ink if you print it.
It really is a lovely design. I am thinking of taking Roger's column structure, putting Dylan's mickey on top with Shirley Ray's water bucket carrying broomsticks on either side. That may look nice..
More balloon magic magazines are planned. Buster Balloon (the artist formally known as Don) has had plenty of coverage in the balloon reviews section so I would like to showcase some new artists. I am happy to accept requests but do have a bit of a backlog right now so you may have to wait a while.
I am pleased you enjoy my reviews. It is a lonely task and if anyone buys an item based on my review then why not make something and post it to the end of each review and post a little comment about what you think? I am not always right...
Quote from: "nippy99"It really is a lovely design. I am thinking of taking Roger's column structure, putting Dylan's mickey on top with Shirley Ray's water bucket carrying broomsticks on either side. That may look nice..
Where can I find Roger's column structure? This sounds like a fantastic idea!
It was shown at one of Graham's care and share days... here is an example...
[attachment=0:2kcs5udi][/attachment]birdsmall.jpg[/attachment:2kcs5udi]
Thanks Lynnae and Darren,
I will now get the PDF's
The Balloon Review index has been updated - we are now at the 80 mark with 20 more reviews to get to the big 100...
I must think of something special to mark the occasion! - any ideas?
Don't forget if there is anything you would like reviewed please let me know. I still have a few active reviews to finish and have a few items in the queue that have been kindly donated to me but I am happy to take suggestions.
If anyone has any ideas on how to improve the review section or wish me to change anything please let me know. Equally if you find them a waste of time let me know and I will stop at 100!
Cheers
Darre
It would be nice if you could make a short guide about ratings.
What means A, A+, B, B-, C, D, E, ..., etc.
Hi Leslie,
You are not the first person to ask me this question over the last few weeks. When I first started these reviews it was very easy to make a distinction between each item I reviewed. Now as I am reaching the 80 review mark, it is so much harder. I have had a number of people raise concerns over my generosity of ratings.
I try to judge each item based on the value for money, the advertising claims on the packaging, when it was made, the quality of production etc. I really do not want the overall rating to be the deciding factor on whether to purchase a particular item as I am sure people can form their own opinions by reading what I have written. I also do not want to start arguing over ratings so with this in mind I think I will remove all existing ratings and allow you all to form your own opinion.
Everyone is welcome to post comments on every review, so if you don't agree.... speak up!
It will take me a few days to remove all the ratings but this makes sense.
Thanks for your feedback.
I vote you leave the rating in, well at least for those already done.
OK, all the ratings have been removed. So now you can read my reviews and form your own opinion. It probably makes sense in the long run.
I see and accept. Finally the textual evaluation is enough beside the pictures to see what you think. Thanks.
I'm torn, but in the end I think you made a good decision. The truly valuable part of your reviews is the attention given to each individual sculpture, and your report on your trials and tribulations in making them. I often felt that your letter grade did not reflect the thoroughness of the reviews themselves. While I greatly appreciated the high marks you've given me thus far, it's your brutal honesty that makes the reviews helpful, not the superficial letter grade in the end.
Hi everyone - sorry the review section hasn't been updated for sometime, I have been a little busy sorting out some other issues but normal service will soon be resumed.
Nippy99, although I have missed your reviews (actually it saved me some money because I didn't buy anything more) I think we all realize there is unfortunately a life outside of balloons. I do appreciate the reviews you have already done and you are doing a really great service to the forum by spending the time to do them. Thank you!!!!!
Yes I would like to publicly say thank you to Darren for all the hard work that goes into the review section which I'm sure has helped many forum members but also the lurkers from outside, thanks Darren :D Could we tempt a few lurkers to become members and to join in?
Hi Millie
You are welcome - I do enjoy doing them, just a bit time consuming. It's nice when you have a book or DVD with lots of nice original designs but if I have to make another variation of a balloon I have made 10 times already it gets a little boring!
Thanks for your support - best you get your credit card ready :-) x
Quote from: "funat60"I think we all realize there is unfortunately a life outside of balloons.
There's a life outside of balloons?? ;)
Thank you Darren for all the work you put into these reviews - we really do appreciate it.
Lisa
So glad to hear your reviews are coming back. I have certainly found them useful and purchased designs on the strength of them.
Thanks for all the time and effort in putting the reviews together :D
Yeah, I really appreciate the reviews Nippy. I have bought 15 dvds so far because of your reviews and look forward to purchasing more.
Keep up the great work!
It's been a little quiet in this forum in recent months but as I feel chilled and relaxed with a balloon in my hand let the reviews commence again...
Glad to see you back, hope everything is sorting itself out for you.
Woo Hooo !! I love Nippys reviews!!
Thank you so much! Hope I can send you some stuff sometime!!
Thanks FuDD - I have lots of new reviews in the pipeline plus some old favourites....
It has been wonderful to have some of your reviews again! Thank you for doing them!
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk - now Free (//http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1)
Yeah, they are great! Just another reason why this site is one of the very best when it comes to balloon knowledge and community involvement.
I know I haven't finished all of the reviews in progress but what should I do for balloon review #100 ??
How about some that I stock and do not sell very well :) :D
You have some great DVDs for sale... I'm surprised they haven't all been snapped up by now.
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I guess no-one is that fussed so I will just pick something myself.
How about a David Grist DVD, I think that might be nice.
Yes perfect idea - i will pick one.
I am thinking which DVD, PDF, download or any other balloon instructions to review next - does anyone have any they particularly want to see?
One of graham lee
Www.twistandmake.co.uk (http://www.twistandmake.co.uk)
Www.facebook.com/twistmake (http://www.facebook.com/twistmake)
Quote from: "cashmagic"One of graham lee
Darren did a review of one balloon wonders already. Maybe I will review one of my DVD's, that might be fun and I think could get a good review.......glowing in fact :) :lol:
How about Twelve by Sam and Scott (balloon blast) http://www.balloon-animals.com/catalog/ ... ucts_id=89 (http://www.balloon-animals.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=36&products_id=89)
I have been thinking of getting this for a while now
Scratch that, I just bought it. Perhaps we could team up on this one? (Review not download)
Quote from: "Areyouhappydad"Scratch that, I just bought it. Perhaps we could team up on this one? (Review not download)
I bought that one a while back, the tank on it gave me the idea for the one I make now so for me it was well worth getting.
Not sure the other models on it now, it was a while back now.
063-twelve-dvd-scott-sam-progress-t6330.html?hilit=Twelve (http://balloonchat.co.uk/063-twelve-dvd-scott-sam-progress-t6330.html?hilit=Twelve)
Review done!
:D
Quote from: "Danny the Idiot"//http://balloonchat.co.uk/063-twelve-dvd-scott-sam-progress-t6330.html?hilit=Twelve&start=10
Review done!
:D
That will teach me not to check the list :oops:
And this is the tank I made from seeing the DVD from Scott and Sam, 053-balloon-blast-video-show-scott-tripp-t5318-70.html (http://balloonchat.co.uk/053-balloon-blast-video-show-scott-tripp-t5318-70.html)
Quote from: "Graham Lee"Quote from: "cashmagic"One of graham lee
Darren did a review of one balloon wonders already. Maybe I will review one of my DVD's, that might be fun and I think could get a good review.......glowing in fact :) :lol:
But you have more then just one dvd he could do more you shouldn't complain if he only has one balloon wonders he would buy one think it would be good to see romantic twist
Www.twistandmake.co.uk (http://www.twistandmake.co.uk)
Www.facebook.com/twistmake (http://www.facebook.com/twistmake)
Quote from: "cashmagic"But you have more then just one dvd he could do more you shouldn't complain if he only has one balloon wonders he would buy one think it would be good to see romantic twist
I don't think I complained Craig, just mentioned that Darren reviewed one of my DVD's.
As I said jokingly I will review one of my DVD's, well I think I will now. DVD Three "A Romantic Twist"
This is the one, I just noticed someone gave the DVD a 5 star review on the website and the DVD is only £20.
I like to think a bargain :D http://www.balloonartwholesale.co.uk/quala ... dvd-vol-3/ (http://www.balloonartwholesale.co.uk/qualatex/a-graham-lee-dvd-vol-3/)
Very much looking forward to reviewing my own DVD shortly.
I'm sitting here at ten past one in the morning in stitches having read the start of your review Graham, I'm gonna have to be careful not to wake everyone up. Looking forward to seeing the rest come up :D
I'm not even sure I have it - actually it must be on the shelf somewhere - will go search.
Just found Graham's review - sooo funny and surprisingly unbiased!
Quote from: "nippy99"Just found Graham's review - sooo funny and surprisingly unbiased!
Here is the review Darren mentioned, 134-balloon-review-romantic-twist-graham-lee-t9509.html (http://balloonchat.co.uk/134-balloon-review-romantic-twist-graham-lee-t9509.html) ;)
Quote from: "cashmagic"One of graham lee
A review of "A Romantic Twist" has just been completed for the forum Craig, hope you find it of some use.
This is the link, hope you enjoy, 134-balloon-review-romantic-twist-graham-lee-t9509.html (http://balloonchat.co.uk/134-balloon-review-romantic-twist-graham-lee-t9509.html)
Can I ask if people still find these reviews helpful / enjoyable?
I enjoy them and read each one. I find them informative and they do influence my purchases. I know I have done the odd one (which I hope you don't mind) but feel you give an experience view (which is clearly your own thoughts and not that expected by others).
I think, like other areas of the forum, things are a bit quiet at the moment and it may feel like it is producing for the sake of it but hopefully others will agree that it is much appreciated.
Quote from: "nippy99"Can I ask if people still find these reviews helpful / enjoyable?
I read them all, do not always agree with everything but it is your view on them and you have viewed more DVD's than I have Darren. I still have many here unopened :(
But I do find them a good read so do hope you carry on. I keep plugging away trying to get some over from facebook but it does seem an uphill struggle but I will keep on trying.
So thanks for taking the time to do the reviews, it is appreciated.
The reviews are very useful - it helps me decide if I need to buy the DVD or not. But I also like to read what you think and like Graham, I may not agree with everything you say.
Please keep going as long as you are enjoying doing them!
Ha Ha - if you don't agree feel free to post your views - it is always helpful to read other opinions - reminds me of going to see a movie. I read the review on imdb.com and has a rating of 8.4 - see the film and I think it is a load of rubbish. :-)
Ha, a good example of that is the film 'lost in translation'. It won many awards including oscars ans I thought it was one of the worst films I have ever seen!
I enjoy reading the reviews too, well the ones I see anyway. I don't and haven't researched different twisters from around the world, and my time on here is limited but my time on Facebook even more so (I like the forum better ;-)). So getting back to my point, I only really know people by what they post on here, and more often those I get to see on the active topics bit whenever I log on. So it's nice to see the work from other people that I might have heard of from care & share days. :)
Sorry I've been away for a while Guys - busy life means lack of time for reviews - hope to increase production again :-)
Quote from: "nippy99"Sorry I've been away for a while Guys - busy life means lack of time for reviews - hope to increase production again :-)
Nice to see you back Darren :)
I not only read and enjoy them, but I always check the review list before investing in *any* twisting/decor DVD or PDF. In fact, there are several I had considered purchasing -- just within the past couple of months -- and these reviews saved me not only a lot of money, but a lot of frustration as well.
The fact you find them useful is my reason for carrying on :-)
The fact you find them useful is my reason for carrying on :-)
The reviews are making a comeback... my review on Shopkins will be posted tomorrow...
[attachment=0:hhi6g8pa][/attachment]20160223_222017.jpg[/attachment:hhi6g8pa]
:D
And there I was thinking it was going to be on geo's ;)
That one is coming soon!
All - there is going to be a slight pause for reviews as I am away over the next week. I have been making plenty of new balloons to share with you when I return - don't worry I haven't given up again!