FabSwingers.com forum: Club Reviews!

By (user no longer on site) OP
over a year ago

Two 'givens' first!

Some will be posted by regulars, who by that very definition will obviously like the venue enough to make repeat visits.

Some will be posted by first time visitors who've never entered the building before.

That's that out the way! So why this post? I've spent a whole over the last day or two browsing the review sections and have made a few interesting observations. It seems as well as the two categories above that the positive/negative nature of reviews often appears more related to the 'quality' of the night the reviewer has had in terms of play, rather than the fabric of the club itself - the building, the layout, the staff, the facilities etc.

Individual perceptions of any given evening will always differ - but when you see almost contradictory reviews of a club left by visitors on the same night it becomes apparent that it's almost more of a review of someone's visit rather than the club itself. I guess that in a way that's what people want to know - other site members views - but if the review is tainted due to a specific incident, something spotted only by them, the fact they didn't play (which could easily be due to them not putting any effort in to engage with others - or simply the fact nobody was attracted/interested in them), a quieter night than usual or just that in their own minds they were expecting a different experience - then is this down to the club, or the reviewer that attended?

Forget about the arse licking reviews where it's obviously a close friend of the owner (or the owner themselves!), the scathing reviews by regulars at rival clubs that may not have ever visited the venue, and the trolls (they're obvious!!) that bear a grudge for whatever reason.

I'm looking more at the 'honest' reviews left by people after a genuine visit. It often just seems at first glance that some people were at a totally different club on a different night. Don't get me wrong - personal opinions, like verifications on profiles - can never be 'wrong'. But I'm curious as to how much people pay heed to the club reviews section when deciding on where to visit? Do you look at who's left the review and assess their opinion based on their profile? Do you take everything as gospel and base your plans on what you read?

Or do you take reviews with a pinch of salt, do your own research, contact those that mention clubs in profiles or even have a natter with the owners - and then make a decision based on everything you've learnt?

Apologies for the ramble - I'd never previously put much thought into it. But having read several pages of reviews for several clubs - if I was a swinging club virgin I'd probably be more confused by what I read than confident.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I understand the point your making and agree with you completely.

Personally I see the review section as just light reading for amusement only.

If we are going to a club for the first time,we always ask someone that has been before.

Check to see if its worth traveling to and if its half decent.

Had good and bad nights at the same club more than once and I dont mean the playing side.

Every night can be different simply because of who else is in the club.

Because every body has different expectations/standards,2 reviews of the same night can vary immensely.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I have noticed something similar. I am looking to take a lady friend to a local swinging club. It will be our first time so obviously we want to make sure we thoroughly enjoy losing our swinging club virginity. However it has only been by sheer weight of positive or negative feedback, about each of the clubs, have we been able to make an informed selection.

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By *orthwest_cplCouple
over a year ago

Stretford

In general we take as much notice of club reviews as we do of Jackanory. The only way to know what a club is really like is to visit it, and then it usually takes a couple of visits to be sure of what it's really like.

I don't think we have ever left a negative review on a club, if we didn't like it we just don't go back. Most negative reviews seem to have an underlying agenda, as do many of the repeat glowing ones.

We leave the occasional positive reviews for places that we will return to frequently since clearly we enjoy them enough to be positive. The review will be more of our experience than the facilities though.

If we are going to a new club we will read the reviews out of interest but will take more notice of the facilities and 'themed' nights stated on the club's website.

For most of the clubs we have gone to on a first visit we had a 'word of mouth' review from people we've met at other clubs and trust. That has served us well but there is no substitute for trying it yourself.

I think we have only had one 'never ever under any circumstances go again' experience out of 40+ clubs (and that one closed many years ago) so with or without reviews a truly horrendous night is unlikely.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

The thing with club reviews is that one mans meat is another mans poison !

Unless there is an ulterior motive there seems little or no point writing one really .

It may be more useful to list 10 key points and reviewer marks out 10 on each and then a brief personal perspective .

The best bet is to actually talk directly to unprejudiced people who have been .

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By *tasiaCouple
over a year ago

West Bromwich

As a club owner, I just wish people would talk to us. Very often there is a good reason for something being the way it is at a club, and it would be great to get the chance of explaining, face to face, rather than just getting "post visit comments" in the review section, that we, as clubs, can't respond to. This weekend we entertained another 4 club managers or owners at our Free night parties. All said the same thing about the reviews section on here. We just wish people came up and said they didn't like something, rather than leave saying "Yea was lovely" and then having a go 24 hours later for something that might have been easily explained, or rectified, on the night. Talk to the owners...most of us would appreciate your face to face comments, good and bad.

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By *uietlyKinkyUsCouple
over a year ago

midlands

The club reviews are a farce. It's like a kindergarten.

The club review should be about the club, the staff, the facilites and not about the other clients, or their 'success' or not.

I've stopped leaving reviews because the abuse from pm is not worth it.

I do wish they would stop the regulars from posting over and over again; as often this is just to increase numbers.

This has come up in clubs too;

I understand why people feel ripped off from the reviews, because it's membership and entry. Often petrol, babysitters and possibly over night accomoation also.

Even worse than the reviews though.

In my opinion is those that always rave about a place and encourage someone to go, often using a second profile to post, making it seem a few different people will be attending that night

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By *MFC PartiesWoman
over a year ago

Here, There & Everywhere

As a party organiser who is lucky enough to be recognised by FAB and therefore allowed a section within the reviews area, i'd love to add my pennys worth too!!

I certainly take note of the reviews that guests have taken time out to leave, and i always endeavor to thank them for their comments

I do agree with Paul (Xtasia) that its so much easier to deal with any issues during/straight after a party - whether its in connection with guests' behaviour, numbers, facilities or music

Its always much easier to rectify any problems there and then and its also an opportunity for me to offer a 'freebie' to a future event if warranted

I appreciate that FAB have recently tweaked the review section, but i would personally like guests to complete a form where a star rating can be left for different aspects of the evening along with an ''overall experience''

Obviously reviews will always be subjective but at least someone reading it may see that even though the guests for example rated their overall experience as '1 star' (because they didnt play for example) they actually rated the venues facilities a 3 star, friendliness of staff 3 stars and cleanliness as 4 stars

This breakdown would assist the reader to interpret the reviewers comments and maybe relate it their expectations too

The review section is a useful tool if not abused by guests, 'non' guests, trolls, and key board warriors

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

We have been thinking about posting something similar to what Obi haive has done here, as we were at a club on the weekend and have seen the reviews that have been left describing a completely different night to the one we experienced! Its left us wondering if we were at the same event, We were not d*unk as Mo had a little too much on a previous visit so she was taken to one side and had a friendly chat so we know d*unkenness is not tolerated (nice that they were looking out for her). We totally agree that you get out what you put in. Clubs can only ley on facilities for everyone to make to most of be it a wet club a pub style club or any other its totally up to you. We always make the most of it for example Morrigan and myself spent lots of time in the jacuzzi some time in the private room having fun plenty of time chatting in the bar meeting new faces and Morrigan spent a lot of time on the dance floor and getting some pole practice in. Its been very interesting the totally different experiences people have.

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By *luffy_bunniesCouple
over a year ago

Ilkeston

We tend to leave reviews, but also ignore them ourselves, due to the regulars kicking the arse out of it. They have become a waste of time generally imho.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"As a club owner, I just wish people would talk to us. Very often there is a good reason for something being the way it is at a club, and it would be great to get the chance of explaining, face to face, rather than just getting "post visit comments" in the review section, that we, as clubs, can't respond to. This weekend we entertained another 4 club managers or owners at our Free night parties. All said the same thing about the reviews section on here. We just wish people came up and said they didn't like something, rather than leave saying "Yea was lovely" and then having a go 24 hours later for something that might have been easily explained, or rectified, on the night. Talk to the owners...most of us would appreciate your face to face comments, good and bad.

Paul if only it was that simple..

Sometimes we go to clubs, we've no idea who the manager/owner is..

It was the 3rd visit until we knew who you were (phukt 2).

Some management actively make themselves known (like Atlantis/F Club when it was around), some you just find out by chance..(like yourself), some you have no idea who they hell they are.. (take liberty elite for example after ade/brig left).

Unless your a regular, you don't always know who the management are - it's not like they walk around in orange day glow uniform with "management" printed on the front & back..lol

But agree with your sentiment though!

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By *yrdwomanWoman
over a year ago

Putting the 'cum' in Eboracum

I always post a review that is based on the type of evening I have had, because I don't know what its like when I am not there! However I do tend to concentrate on the club itself, and not on whether I didn't get a shag.

I believe the club review section could be improved. I don't think people would be able to put 'Avoid' as any visit to a club will be subjective. Maybe 'Not for us' instead? And I reckon a marks out of 10 for ambience, music, cleanliness, rooms etc etc would be good so people could show where the club excels or might need some work.

The fact that club reviews are being used for inter-club strife and point-scoring against various owners means I will never take a review to heart before visiting a club, but it does make for entertaining reading!

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Always look for regular posts by the same people then ignore those - telling you how ultra busy it was and how all the good looking hot people go there only.

Read the reviews that are left on occasion by those that visit many clubs.

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By *yrdwomanWoman
over a year ago

Putting the 'cum' in Eboracum

Always look for regular posts by the same people then ignore those - telling you how ultra busy it was and how all the good looking hot people go there only.

Read the reviews that are left on occasion by those that visit many clubs.

I thought the site had changed rules so there couldn't be multiple reviews close together by the same people, but I have seen people posting them on 3 consecutive days so am assuming there's a way round that restriction.

As you say, I take them with pinches of salt. Especially because I want lots of single men at clubs I go to, and it seems many don't.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Always look for regular posts by the same people then ignore those - telling you how ultra busy it was and how all the good looking hot people go there only.

Read the reviews that are left on occasion by those that visit many clubs.

As you say, I take them with pinches of salt. Especially because I want lots of single men at clubs I go to, and it seems many don't.

Agree with this. Would also like to add we have never been to a bad club but have had good and not so good nights

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

There is currently a club getting undeserved negative reviews that look suspiciously driven by another agenda. We won't say which one, but others in this thread will most likely know which one......

This always happens...

Like everything in Swingland, take a common sense approach and it will more often than not make the journey easier.

We think the best policy is to read and sift the reviews like we do profiles and the unnecessary soon become easy to identify.

We would say to all people considering any club, get out on the scene, try it for yourself. There is nothing to loose but your inhibitions.......

And every club we have been to it is the people the make the place, we have made some fantastic friends, had some very erotic experiences with people we will never see again, and have some regular playmates....

life is too short don't let "I wish I went to swingers club" be your epitaph.....

us 2 X

VIVA SWINGLAND !!!

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By *ucykockoffskiCouple
over a year ago

Rochdale

As club owners we find it increasingly difficult , yes we have locale / regulars that love the club and wish to promote it , then we have rival clubs placing damming reviews on which we can do a grand total of nothing about !! One in particular calls a visitor to the club a blind prostitute as well as other damaging content , i would place it under the heading of abuse but as we speak it remains on our club review page !!!Then we have passerby's which add their opinion on the club which we completely accept good review or bad reviews are appreciated it lets us the club owners have an insight on how general swingies view our club . To echo what has been said previously a word with owners or hosts on the evening you attend goes along way to rectifying a problem.

Yours Sincerely Lucy & Stef New Liaisons

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By *abioMan
over a year ago

Newcastle and Gateshead

the problem is that so many people get wrapped up in the fact of whether they "play" or "get action" or by the numbers of people in on a given night determining their views, that the actual clubs and facilities are missed out....

I would, like alot of others, like to see the amount of reviews left by a person regarding a club reduced......

I think there is a place for negative reviews, but in the spirit of the things the club can control...

if the hottub wasn't working for example, thats fair...

if the club was quiet, thats not!!!

in the club events sections.. i think should only be the club itself that promotes.. not everyone, or you get 4 or five posts on the same topic that then looks like spamming.... if people are going on these nights, post in that thread rather than starting new ones...

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By *reasyontheeyesMan
over a year ago

out in the sticks..

Agree with the op.

People tend to review the people who attend rather than those club itself.

It's got to the point down here where even theeevents listings have got personal

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"the problem is that so many people get wrapped up in the fact of whether they "play" or "get action" or by the numbers of people in on a given night determining their views, that the actual clubs and facilities are missed out....

I would, like alot of others, like to see the amount of reviews left by a person regarding a club reduced......

I think there is a place for negative reviews, but in the spirit of the things the club can control...

if the hottub wasn't working for example, thats fair...

if the club was quiet, thats not!!!

If a clubs says it's going to be busy or the advertising makes out it's going to be busy and you go and make the financial effort to get there and it's not.. then that is just false and should be reviewed on.

Take liberty elite and their hotties parties, which are aimed at the younger members.. we've been to many which didn't have that many younger members there - that needs to be reviewed - a number of people we are in contact with have said similar.

If the clubs says they are running a night for 30's and you get mainly 40/50 years old there.. it's not quite what it says on the tin.

That IS something that the clubs can work on, and look to control and should be reviewed on.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

As promoters we agree with all the above, the club review section needs to be monitored more. Whilst we understand that admin / mods have a lot to do perhaps a volunteer could be asked to review the section on a daily / bi daily basis and remove NON reviews/ malicious reviews as these just turn into slanging matches.

Totally agree with the point regarding saying something to the management on the night, giving feedback in person whether good or bad ensures its heard and noted instead of being posted in a review which gives those who read it a false perspective.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

we used to read them .but this one time a club had 3 out of the last 5 bad reviews .two days latter all the bad was had been taken off.its a waste of time it really is.

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By *inkySCouple
over a year ago

Manchester

I agree with op.....we are regulars at a club and I like to leave an honest review when we have been, although we feel the staff and owners are welcoming and friendly we are not friends that are doing promotion for them we are just giving our opinion of how the club is and how the night was.....regardless of if we played on that visit. Definitely feel it's unfair to criticise a club because people didn't talk or play and noticed a few comments on some reviews about that this weekend (surely thats a review of yourselves NOT the club)

Anyway we chose which club would be the one for us after lots of research directly on club websites we joined fab a month after that decision was made and would never allow a review to change our opinion

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By *extoysareusCouple
over a year ago

kinky heaven

I would, like alot of others, like to see the amount of reviews left by a person regarding a club reduced......

I think there is a place for negative reviews, but in the spirit of the things the club can control...

if the hottub wasn't working for example, thats fair...

if the club was quiet, thats not!!!

If the clubs says they are running a night for 30's and you get mainly 40/50 years old there.. it's not quite what it says on the tin.

That IS something that the clubs can work on, and look to control and should be reviewed on.

That could be the same for _tasia, we were expecting a mmuch younger crowd from reviews etc, but seemed on par with abfabs.

As for _tasia it has a lot too offer, and just needs tweeking here and there.

Lighting for example. Needs more mood lighting, especially bar,chill out room, and hot tub.

Dogging area is a great touch but is a bit poky.

Better if everyone was laying down

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Its all a bit deep to me i lost will to live halfway through the o p

Having only been to one club once and likely to be last not because it was bad quite the opposite.

It was far better than expected as i went to greedy girl night with mf couple i know that helped me to relax.

Without getting into the debate about costs for single blokes it was and is major reason for not going again. Real pity as was fun but reality and economics are important.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I spent over a hour last night looking at the Reviews for a Club I may go to. I must admit I was slightly put off, but I will go and make my mind up myself

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By *RUEGENT1234Man
over a year ago

Dorset

"There is currently a club getting undeserved negative reviews that look suspiciously driven by another agenda. We won't say which one, but others in this thread will most likely know which one......

This always happens...

Like everything in Swingland, take a common sense approach and it will more often than not make the journey easier.

We think the best policy is to read and sift the reviews like we do profiles and the unnecessary soon become easy to identify.

We would say to all people considering any club, get out on the scene, try it for yourself. There is nothing to loose but your inhibitions.......

life is too short don't let "I wish I went to swingers club" be your epitaph.....

us 2 X

VIVA SWINGLAND !!!

You know I guess it comes down to instinct and trusting your own. So I've decided in new year to go to Angels, just on my own, see how it is, nothing to lose but inhibitions as you say.

Yea for sure I will be a bit nervous but won't sit at the bar expecting everyone want to chat to me, but then again Id hate to get the feeling that my company wasn't wanted, a fine line but again instinct plays a part.

Will be sober, friendly, open cos Im genuinely interested and really want it to be a positive experience and maybe repeated. YOLO Right !!!!!

If anyone is interested will post a thread after to let others know how it went. All I can say now is Im looking fwd to it.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I've always gone directly to the link for the club, I'm wanting to try. Seen what was on offer and attended because I've wanted to. I will continue to make my own choices as to where I go and that way, my opinions of a place, are just that...my opinion.

I'm guilty of leaving more than one review, for a club or two, for no other reason than I've wanted to. I have also chosen not to leave reviews, as I would only ever be able to leave negative comments and wouldn't want them to be mistaken as malicious or untrue. I then just judge by my feet, by not returning.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

Personally I would rather make up my own mind than take notice of what other people say; what they like and I like are two entirely different things

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By *r mrs pCouple
over a year ago

taunton

Hi Obi,

Like yourself, we had a good read of the reviews & decided there the only way to know if a club was to our liking, was to actually go there.

Having now visited 2 clubs in the SW, we can confirm

take reviews with a large pinch of salt lol.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

"Hi Obi,

Like yourself, we had a good read of the reviews & decided there the only way to know if a club was to our liking, was to actually go there.

Having now visited 2 clubs in the SW, we can confirm

take reviews with a large pinch of salt lol."

Lol....We recommend 'suck it and see' ....;)....works for us anyway

Sam xx

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By *rummiePartyManMan
over a year ago

birmingham

Now if only the club reviews could be done, "Egon Ronay" style, with an independent review team that gave out "Michelin Stars" on a set format, without bias, without allegiance to any club, done in an unannounced way, maybe with an average result from several visits. It might mean something then.

Personal agendas, multiple posting, turning the club reviews into a personal blog, self-hype and opposition slagging has turned the current review section into a nonsense and maybe something else is needed.

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By *r mrs pCouple
over a year ago

taunton

[Removed by poster at 14/12/13 11:44:12]

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By *r mrs pCouple
over a year ago

taunton

"Hi Obi,

Like yourself, we had a good read of the reviews & decided there the only way to know if a club was to our liking, was to actually go there.

Having now visited 2 clubs in the SW, we can confirm

take reviews with a large pinch of salt lol.

Lol....We recommend 'suck it and see' ....;)....works for us anyway

Sam xx

Sounds good to us, cant beat a good sucking lol.

( we sure are better at sucking than typing

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By *kmale421Man
over a year ago

wirral

I would, like alot of others, like to see the amount of reviews left by a person regarding a club reduced......

I think there is a place for negative reviews, but in the spirit of the things the club can control...

if the hottub wasn't working for example, thats fair...

if the club was quiet, thats not!!!

If the clubs says they are running a night for 30's and you get mainly 40/50 years old there.. it's not quite what it says on the tin.

That IS something that the clubs can work on, and look to control and should be reviewed on.

I agree with most of the above except for the numbers/quiet night aspect.

Whatever facilities a club does/doesn't have, the numbers of people attending is a factor as it would be in a pub, a nightclub, a restuarant etc in that if there are very few people in it definately affects the ambiance of a club.

Now I've been to several clubs on the last more than once and experienced quiet and busy nights. The point bring if a club is always quiet and no one states that in a review then people may get a false impression on thier visit that its a one off.

A regularly quiet club is in the owners control to change because it's clearly indicating something is wrong about the club else it would attract the numbers in.

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By (user no longer on site)
over a year ago

I visit lots of clubs and do reviews - I dont ever post " avoid" reviews though based on one visit as its not fair but will comment on the layout etc if bad as thats less subjective x

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