Have you ever purchased a comedy CD only to toss it into the garbage can within two minutes because the language or subject matter is too offensive?  Have you ever bought a book and regretted your purchase within the first 10 pages?

SOMEONE SHOULD HAVE TOLD ME!

You think you know a comedian's work.  You remember the hilarious spot he did on the Tonight Show in 1975.  Your kids have heard you talk about him for years.  One evening, you see a listing for the performer on eBay and decide to buy it to play during a family trip.  You set off over the river and through the woods, pop the CD in your car stereo, and the third word out of the comic's mouth starts with "F."  Your purchase becomes a manhole cover on some small town's street.

It happens.  Performers and writers change.  That's where eBay reviews can be helpful.  If you're going to spend good money on an item, why wouldn't you take 30 seconds to get an idea about the content of what you're buying?

HOW GOOD REVIEWS CAN SAVE YOU MONEY

One of my favorite parts of the newpaper is the movie reviews.  More than once, I've spoken to my daughter about a movie review I'd read only to hear her say, "I wish you'd told me that before I went and spent all that money!"

But how do you know whether the review is legitimate? 

A good book, or CD, review may include glowing comments about an author or performer.  It may even use superlative comments like "best writer" or "most hilarious comedian."  But a well-balanced review should also include any potential content problems like foul language, offensive subject matter, or flagging plot-lines.  Reviews that only trash, or praise, the work are probably written by persons with an agenda.

INVEST YOUR TIME BEFORE YOU INVEST YOUR MONEY

An investment of your time can save you a lot of money.  It can help you to make an informed decision and keep you from funding public works projects in adjoining towns.  So read the reviews BEFORE you bid and, odds are, you'll enjoy your purchase when you receive it.