The style is the same as for arts reviews:
(1) WHAT IS IT/ WHAT DOES IT DO?
(2) IS IT ANY GOOD
Consumer journalism is dominated by the extraordinary growth and success of WHICH magazine and in the wake of the crusading "consumer's rights" movement pioneered in the United States by journalist Ralph Nadar ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ralph_Nader).
Consumer review format works by comparing ALL the available products within a consumer section (eg car insurance, university courses) and MUST provide valuable information which, if followed, will actually save readers money when making purchases.
Avoid the consumer magazine product reviews where, again, somebody just says "I like this" as it is simply not objective, this feature format is all about comparing facts and taking conclusions out of the research and creating an advise based on the research.. It might work in a (low value, no pay) freesheet, or as an adjunct to a fashion magazine purchased because of the quality of pictures. But it is no good in the trade press or in serious "consumer" journalism - which is where all the quality and the work for journalists is to be owed.
The same approach can be applied to all areas of consumption - travel, personal finance, housing, cars, fashion and clothes, consumer electronics etc.
There is a massive consumer press devoted to computers. All of these titles are bought because they are genuinely useful in saving money and avoiding making mistakes on major purchases.
TV equivalent: Watchdog.
Radio: You and Yours.
*From Chris Horie's notes
Radio: You and Yours.
*From Chris Horie's notes
