Reviewing CLs

I used to write reviews for every CL we visited on here M, much like Nellie does, but when the website was changed, many of the reviews I had created were lost. I was very annoyed, and decided still to write them, but over on another forum (you know where!). Two other aspects of writing reviews on here wound me up as well, the blasted time out feature, and  it is not easy to post photographs without cropping them or using a photo hosting site. Hence I have given up on here, but still try and  help CL owners by reviewing sites elsewhere. 

Agree. I always write a review, mentioning Access, facilities, What is local,(shops and attractions) and transport links .Always mention if prices are as advertised in booklet and web pages. Not interested in names, just facts that are wanted by other potential users.

I know what you mean Moulesy,  I find cl reviews really helpful, photos are good,  but can be deceiving. 

I always leave a review when we visit a CL, I know some members don't like to leave one in case they make the site too popular,  but that doesn't help the owners unless they can fill the CL all year.

I would like to thank all members who leave useful reviews and would also like more members to leave them.

Agree with everything you say Fisherman, with the exception of the pricing. The website and handbook usually only gives a " from £xx" advice, probably because of the need to charge more in Winter, and the handbook being published bi annually. However, some CLs could be better at updating their details on web pages, and their own websites. It's not uncommon to find old prices given. We always phone to get exact details, so it doesn't bother us, but I know it irritates others.

I think it was one of your reviews Fisherman that helped us choose the one we have booked in Wales later this year, Thankyou. 

Same as TDA, I too, have given up writing reviews on this site, I have tried to post my reviews on here on numerous occasions and have either been timed out or the review was lost in Cyberspace I'm afraid that my time is better served by reviewing on another website, these reviews are all available to view to none members.

After the appalling way that the CL network was treated, and let down, by the CMC during the so called "upgrading" of the CT platform, its not surprising to me why members don't leave a review here.

I'll go as far as to say that if anyone would like to read lots of very honest and informative reviews, then tune in to "The Caravan & Motorhome Chat Forum" and look up the thread "Touring Sites and Pitches"

Other forums are available to peruse as well....

It's all well and good writing reviews on other forums but as CL's can only be used by members its still worth a few lines here, after all it only takes a few minutes. Club Together has 400000 signed up members, obviously not all of them interested in CL's but a fair number will be. That is a big audience compared to a forum with 399 registered members if I am guessing the right one I would also suggest adding them to UKCampsites which has one the the largest campsite databases around. You are clearly an enthusiastic ambassador for CL's so the more information out there is the more popular they will become?

David

I've cut down the number of reviews I've written recently for the reason given by others. What I can't understand is why certain reviewers write a one or two line review but give no indication of that the site is actually like, what is in the area in way of places of interest and for getting provisions etc.

We've just visited a Cl following a few good reviews but in our opinion it certainly didn't match them, or the picture of the site in it's present form.

David, at least the reviews get posted on other forums!!!!

Members of CAMC can and do join other forums, so, in your infinite wisdom, how many of these members view other forums and retrieve lots of information not available on here due to the complexities of this Forum?

You don't need to guess the forum as I have named it, delete it if you like.

If you care to look, you will find lots of reviews posted on UK Campsites from CAMC members, does that not tell you anything?

Ok so your perceived knowledge of the small forum with 399 members holds true, but, do you know how many guests view this small forum?

I do use UKcampsites and review sometimes on there as well. The other thing is that like a few other members, my touring isn't restricted solely to this Club and it's CL network. Some of the best sites we have found in recent years are solely independent.

At the risk of upsetting some, I take a lot of the reviews written on here with a huge dose of reality. There are some very good reviews done, and I have come to rely upon the reviews of a few other members who I feel give an honest, thoughtful, well composed review, much as Fish stated with lots of details important to visitors, such as layout, spacing, noise, local transport, etc....... These are excellent and very useful, and there are quite a few whose needs and expectations aren't that far from our own.

However, some are not so useful. Some are just over high expectations not met and frustrations vented, some border on almost revenge if visitors don't get the red carpet they seem to think their visit deserves, and some are a complete farce where the reviewer hasn't stayed (usually reported if I happen to come across one). I found a lovely example of the site owner giving themselves a  5 star review a couple of weeks ago! Not sure if there is any merit to a review of these sorts at all. I have nothing but respect and thanks for CL owners who give up time, energy and expense to provide somewhere nice to stay, and find it difficult to be as harsh as some people can be. I think of it more as my research not being good enough in some way, and prefer to move on to somewhere that meets my expectations more, than trashing someone's small business. My needs may not be those of someone else's. 

I know some of my reviews on here, now gone goodness knows where, took a lot of thought, some careful wording, and that takes time. I was less than happy at losing some of them. Plus, as I say, most folks like to see photos, not easy on this website. I will give tips to anyone looking for something, somewhere if I can, but it won't always be a Club Site or CL.