Twinkle Twinkle little star. Review on Writing Reviews on MouthShut

Twinkle twinkle little star

How I wonder what you are

Seeing you as a star writer on MS immediately raises the expectations of any visitor. Does he/she write well? Is it popularity that counts here? Is it a totally random pick? Well, we may never really know for sure. There are many kinds of star writers – some that elicit a “hail fellow well met”, others that make you scratch your cranium in utter bewilderment with a “whozzat?” expression and yet others that hit you with utter shock. “You also here?” the random visitor inquires. I’ve met all three kinds.

There are also many attitudes towards being a star writer. It raises some to utter heights of ecstasy while some others cast about in sheer embarrassment for the appropriate words. There are those who shudder so at the prospect of being star writer that they refuse to post a pic while others with a mugshot gracefully decline the offer. There are some who have hastily wriggled out of being star writers after a brief stint. There are those who shyly admit to a desire for brief glory and then again those who unabashedly shout their ambitions from the rooftops. Many different types are chosen.

Being a star writer immediately brings you under pressure –

You haven’t written a review in some time? Why not?

Are you smiling too much / not smiling? Why /Why not?

Are you wearing the right colours? Why not?

Are your writing skills stupendous?  Why not?

Do you RRC others? Why/ Why not?

Are you really deserving to be a star writer? Why?

The list goes on.

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Here then are some of the really breathtaking reviews that I have ever read, some of the unique styles I have encountered, some of the most individual thoughts as closely as I can categorize them.

I warn the readers well in advance – pigeonholing people itself is something of an aberration, since no one person fits well. It’s also unfair, but well, I hope my friends will allow me to take the liberty.  Also, because of an abysmal memory(and of course, lack of space) I might leave out someone of whom I’m otherwise peculiarly fond of. The intention is not to include everyone or to exclude a few but a general discussion of the writing styles.

Let me start then with the stalwarts of MS –  these are the original thinkers on this site. Don’t expect them to write run-of-the mill reviews to grab public attention. They’ll write when they have something worthwhile to say. But the review, when it comes, shows some inclination to think beyond the ordinary. The topic may be offbeat, but the approach is always original. Both Criminal and Parikhmunirfall in this category.

I was tempted to put Sujatain the above category but finally opted for a separate category for her because she has a rather unique ability to strike a chord with the reader that makes the review about you. She brings a fresh, intelligent, analytical approach to the mundane.

I also put Amolin a separate category – because he is so erratic. He can write a stirring piece in one instance that strikes at your heart and soul or completely miss you in the next one.(Amol, peace!)

Then come those I call the emotional writers. Not too much objective analysis goes into their reviews, but reading them is like being hit with a blast of fresh air. They write from the heart. They might not be perfect writers, but the raw feeling in the review comes through. In this category, I put Tanmay, Jaideep and Keatsmadeline, Chimera, Bindaasguy and Falsparsh.

There are also the whacky out-of-the-box thinkers. Each review is a laugh riot, yet, look beyond and you find the keen edge of cutting wit, ready to cut through layers of sham. Whether these people write about the ordinary or the mundane, their humour keeps you riveted all the way. These are Nikamma112, Psyxx, Zuludancing, Manoj and cticize.

There are also those who are known for writing on a particular topic. Gia’s music  reviews were always in the Hot reviews but the ones I liked best were those that were not about music at all.Whitedevil’s reviews on movies provide some rare insight into human nature through the older hindi movies.

Last but not the least are the practical writers Keerti, Anuj Bhatnagar and Swaraj Mishra.Their writing in a steady and stable vein keeps them among the well known faces of MS. Keerti’s insights are absolutely priceless. Rachitvats’sreviews are sharp. Standing apart in this group is Mbfarookh,for utter class.

I’ve literally run through a who’s who MS, pointing out those things that I like best about any one reviewer. But then, of course, are the newbies coming in everyday, who are yet unknown. They also form the lifeblood of MS. Through them we discover fresh viewpoints, attitudes, thoughts, flaws and discussions.   I happened to come across one such rare gem across MS today by the id of visgarg.It’s members like these that keep MS happening.

Here’s to more of them!