Aug 26, 2001 10:44 AM
1229 Views
Writing a review starts with an idea and ends with a feeling of satisfaction. It should be enjoyable for both the writer(you) and the reader(the world). Writing tips can be had for a dime adozen, but the most important critic should be yourself.
A solid review starts with finding a topic that you have 1) knowledge of, 2) concerns a product you have actually tried, or 3) contains information or an opinion that you feel the incredible urge to share with a larger audience. As consumers in a very commercial world, there are endless ways that one little review can decide the fate of whether there is a sudden sales increase on a certain shampoo. What you write may influence the masses. The better you get your opinion across, the more you will be taken seriously as a reviewer.
In order to due justice to the concept of a writing site, such as mouthshut.com, it is important to put your best efforts into what you decide to post. It does not mean that you need to spend hours editing, or days shining up a brand new review before you attempt to send it to online publishing. I believe that this is a site designed for everyday people to share their knowledge and experiences. Not everyone will have the same abilities to put ideas into words. I do think, however, that a good review will convey the message that the writer put some effort into attempting to review a product. I am sure that there are those that could reel out reviews in an assembly line fashion, into the wee hours of the night. If you can keep the pace, then roll out those reviews! The important thing is to remember what your pace is. Quality will always improve the site over quantity.
The other tidbit of wisdom that often conjures up heated debates, is the idea of punctuation and proofreading before sending a review to the public. I am not writing this review to stir the pot on that issue. I will say that it is easier to highly recommend a review that shows an attempt to convey an easily readable couple of paragraphs on a topic.
If you are just starting out as a writer at mouthshut.com, my best advice is to read other reviews. It not only sets the standards for your own review writing, but it will improve the way you understand the site, and influence your writing. Search for categories that you have interest in, or knowledge of. If you have a topic in mind, a movie you just saw, maybe a favorite soap, search for it and write with zest. The more details you add to your review will help the consumer AND your ratings from other members. It is a win-win situation. Sooner than you know, you'll be adding to your trusted list!
Mouthshut.com welcomes everyone. The experiences of people from all walks of life are what makes this site successful. So what are you waiting for? Start that review!:)
