Focus on Peer Review
Created | Updated Apr 14, 2005
Well! It would seem that against our warnings, reviewers did sit back on
their laurels! Peer Review has vanished off the '5 Busiest Conversations' list into the ether! If you like the idea of helping entries into the Edited Guide, or have been lurking without posting then scurry down to Peer Review and voice those opinions. Many people feel that they can't comment because Peer Review is 'educated' and 'proper'. It's perfectly okay to post requests for explanations, or to say that you find something boring or that the entry is rubbish as it stands. Just make sure that your comments aren't actually mean and do include a mention of a way to improve the entry1.
Your Peer Review Needs You!
Peer Review always needs new reviewers. It's not hard, you don't have to
be hot on spelling and grammar, or know quantum physics. All you need is
to be willing to read entries from hopeful Edited Guide researchers.
To help you get started, every week or so we're going to give you a list
of a few entries that have hit Peer Review. Hopefully you'll find
something you enjoy. If you're an author and your entry isn't in this list then don't despair, you are very welcome to advertise it at the bottom of this page, or reviewers can always find it on the main Peer Review page.
Asexuality - This new addition to Peer Review tackles a controversial subject which is not often in the public eye. If you have any knowledge, interest, or even if you aren't sure what it means exactly at all, get along to this entry. Peer Review Thread
How To Measure Your Bra Size - There are
currently two entries on bras in Peer Review, and seeing as over half of
us are likely to wear one, this entry would seem a very good thing to
check out. Peer Review ThreadCommon Childhood Fairies - With a long Peer
Review thread, the reader may think this entry can be passed over, but
that's definitely not true! All entries need looking at, and how can you
resist one with such a cute title? Peer Review ThreadSouthborough, Kent - It's always good to see geographical entries on H2G2 and this entry is a very good one from a new researcher. All praise and suggestions are welcome! Peer Review Thread.
Ear Wax - Well eeeww! However gross this
entry might be, it's really interesting and tells you all about things
such as 'candling'. There's also a rather interesting discussion about
cotton ear buds in the review thread! Peer Review ThreadMegaman-the Video Game - This entry covers
the Megaman series from its beginnings in the late 1980s. With a bit of
help this entry could be a gaming enlightenment or a nostalgic cure for
any gamer. Peer Review
ThreadChoosing The Right Garden Plants - We
know there are some avid gardeners around on H2G2, so this entry is definitely for the masses. Whether you are an experienced planter, or are just starting out with a cactus, you can help this entry get into the Edited Guide. Peer Review
Thread
Not sure what to say in Peer Review after you’ve read an entry? Here
are some ideas:
What do you like best about the entry? It's great for authors to get to
hear what really works, not just where the problems are!
Are there pieces of the entry that you don't understand? Let the author
know!
Can you think of additional pieces of information that would help make the entry more complete? Share your knowledge!
Do you see any errors in the entry? Help make the entry as polished as
possible before it hits the Front Page!
If you're still stuck for ideas, try taking a look at what other
researchers have said in the thread.
Remember that reviewing isn't just for scouts. Everyone can do it and new reviewers are very welcome. Don't be afraid to point things out just
because you are new to reviewing, it's all important.
Hopefully this has given you a bit of a jump start, so get down to
Peer Review today and help build our Edited Guide
