What a Tangled Web of Trust We Weave
Jan 25 '00 (Updated Apr 23 '00)
In theory, the Web of Trust is a great idea. In practice, it's as tangled and sticky as any good spider web we would encounter in the real world. There are as many different opinions on the Web of Trust and how to use it as there are Epinionators themselves. What follows is my take on trust and the rating system as it stands today.
My Web of Trust is something that is always evolving. Just as a spider consistently refines and repairs her web, so do I with mine. I spend hours and hours reading epinions, way more time than I do writing them, in hopes of expanding my horizons and learning something new. I seek out talent and diversity. The only boundaries on my web are the trust I feel and my responsibility to those who trust me.
How do I trust thee, let me count the ways...
-You hands down, write great epinions.
-You make me laugh, or cry, or feel something in between.
-Your reviews are knowledgeable and consistent.
-You see things from a unique point of view.
-Your words create images, your sentences flow easily.
-You may tell a personal story that illustrates your use of a product or service.
-You obviously take time and care in the reviews you produce.
-You have your own style, your own presence.
-Your profile reveals something of yourself.
-You make a positive difference.
-You have a sense of humor.
-You are honest and real.
-You demonstrate care in the building and maintenance of your WOT.
-You utilize your WOD when you feel it is appropriate.
-I value your judgement.
-I don't care who your friends are or what clique, if any, you are in. In fact, if you're a new person, I'm more partial to you, wanting you to feel appreciated and have a good start.
-I'm willing to take a chance on you, because I feel you add value to the Site as a whole, and to me personally.
How do I rate thee?
Highly Recommended: Well written and thought out, the review has provided me with the information I need to make an informed decision. The review may be witty and contain personal details and insight. The reviewer is familiar with the product and has added value to the Site with their epinion.
Recommended: Although still reasonably well written and thought out, I wish there was more content to assist me with making an informed decision. The review adds value to the Site.
Somewhat Recommended: I don't feel comfortable recommending this review to people who trust me, but I still think it has some merit or interest, and adds some value to the Site.
Not Recommended: I would not feel comfortable recommending the review to those who trust me. The review does not add value to the Site.
Every time we write a review, we give a part of ourselves, and in so doing may sometimes feel vulnerable. Take heart, because just like in real life, there will always be people who criticize and judge us harshly. We may get a not recommended from someone for no apparent reason, or maybe no rating at all. It may seem like no one notices us because we are new, or not part of a special group. Take heart, because there are a lot of us out there, and we care, and we notice, and we appreciate, as we spin our webs.
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Epinions.com ID:
netKat
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 - Top 200 |
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Member: Kat
Location: Maryland
Reviews written: 166
Trusted by: 885 members
About Me:
Analytically inclined mom, bank officer, freelance writer, and internet addict.
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