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Hmm... (Reply to this comment)
by bigskeptic
Though provoking. Thanks!
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Oct 22 '01
12:24 pm PDT
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Starting from Scratch (Reply to this comment)
by Diversity646
Hi, Jeff...
I don't know if you remember me, but here goes...two years ago, when I joined epinions, you were one of the first of my "fans" to add me to their "web of trust" list. Going back, now, and reading those reviews, I can't really see what you saw in me since my reviews at that time were horribly short, trite and , in my opinion, not my best work, which I can say proudly has been rectified.
Reading your comments here, I saw and felt the same things I have been feeling about Epinions, of late. In fact, I dropped out for a while (the reason you dropped me from your "web of trust", no doubt), but I'm back with a vengeance. Had I stayed with it last year, I would probably now be one of Epinion's top movie critics. Instead, I'm starting from scratch.
Anyhow, the reason I'm writing this is to let you that I am back...and I'm still reading your work, albeit, sporadically...and you're now the first name on my "trust" list...a place you well deserve to be, since your writing is among the best I've read on this site...
Keep up the great work...
Bernie
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Aug 27 '01
4:56 am PDT
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Thumbs Up (Reply to this comment)
by crb1487
Well written. Great job... Keep up the good work
Carol
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Aug 11 '01
4:33 am PDT
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Strains of Twilight Zone (Reply to this comment)
by pogomom
Dearest Jeff:
Your twenty months and my personal twenty month anniversary seem to share an amazing number of parallels. I, too, went from Member to Expert to Advisor to Member. That notification arrived this past month informing me that my participation level did not meet the requirements of Advisor status. Finally, I write for the same reasons you quoted. Being read and knowing that the work and energy expended to create one of my extensive commentaries is not simply lost in space really are the only reasons to write.
Thanks for posting this - it's worth a million!
Much love,
Helen
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Aug 10 '01
7:35 pm PDT
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Wow. Inspiring. (Reply to this comment)
by mikolainis
Thanks for sharing your Epinions experience - it is very interesting to see how others, especially the Epinions pioneers, approach, enjoy, and succeed at this site.
Karen
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Aug 10 '01
2:32 pm PDT
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I had heard of you early on... (Reply to this comment)
by suzig
when I first joined in May 2000,and your excellent writing. I too, went up and down in the "status" here. I received an email not long ago that I had "lost" my advisorship due to not writing lately enough. Well, I had a life to live for a while...haha. I never really totally left, just had to take some time off to do some things. Momentum was lost during the Epinions break too...it is hard to get back into writing on here. I don't write often, but I will write. I sure never made as much money as you did, but I was sure happy with what I did make. At the pay scale now, it seems the money counter changes so slow...oh well.....those who write well, write because it is their desire.
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Aug 09 '01
1:40 pm PDT
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Well said... (Reply to this comment)
by BlackCat2
and to answer your question...
yes.
~,,,^..^,,,~ BlackCat2
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Aug 04 '01
5:30 pm PDT
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Doubt you remember me... (Reply to this comment)
by 32_Footsteps
And this comment is a little late, but that happens at times.
As I told another member, every writer of some worth on this site has another writer here as a mentor. Although I don't think you remember it, you were mine.
You read my earliest reviews, you gave me my first member hit. And I fed off your reviews, I took parts of your reviews, worked them into my own words, and made my own style. Even though you aren't much beyond me in terms of 'site seniority,' I learned from you most of all my craft.
At this point, I can now say I'm one of the longest serving Experts/Advisors, with a consecutive 19 months as an Advisor in Video Games.
Thanks.
Rick Healey, 32_Footsteps
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Jul 10 '01
3:46 pm PDT
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Sure wish I had found epinions earlier (Reply to this comment)
by momofchris
Oh well, I still enjoy writing, but not as often as I did before. Nice article.
Janice
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Jul 10 '01
9:30 am PDT
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Hi Jeff (Reply to this comment)
by Lucky47
I haven't written in awhile but I still read my favorite writers. Everyone has pretty much expressed my same feelings about your presence here. But I would like to add that it's your "freshness" and your positive attitude about what you do review that brings you your following. You are like the sunshine for Epinions.
Talented in knowing how to present your passion for something, someplace or someone. And I will continue to look forward to your writings. :)
Carol--Lucky47
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Jul 09 '01
8:40 am PDT
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Curious: Where does Epinions get the money to pay us? (Reply to this comment)
by frwhiskey
Is this question lame? Am I a sceptical peasant?
Yes and yes. Inquiring nitwits would like to know. Please inform ASAP. From advertising?
Meanwhile, I'll keep churning out my opinions for the thrill of it. Whatever I read or see or do, it's grist for my mill.
You're right that one should polish things up a bit, however, not just spit them out. That's a downfall with me, but slowly I'm getting less spurtish... to use a teenager locker term.
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Jun 07 '01
1:38 am PDT
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And back to advisor again, I see... (Reply to this comment)
by amysmum
...I did enjoy your opinion on your Epinions journey. I think you make some important points about setting your own standards.
Catriona
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Jun 01 '01
6:08 am PDT
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A positive spin... (Reply to this comment)
by lernerj
Thanks for the great review, Jeff. I love to read about the experiences of people who have been here much longer than I have (and I can hardly believe I've been here nearly a year myself!), and it was even nicer to read a positive take for a change!
jennifer
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May 27 '01
7:26 am PDT
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Bravo! (TM) (Reply to this comment)
by Hard_To_Please
Jeff-
I enjoyed only one month of thirty-cent hits and didn't plan on sticking around after that.
But then you came along and inspired me with your trademark "Bravo!" and accompanying encouragement on several of my early reviews.
You taught me that comments are the most important tool we have and I still take pride in commenting on at least a quarter of everything I read.
I realized early on that I'd never be one of the most prolific members on the site and in a year and a half I've whipped out an underwhelming 42 reviews. But I believe you're correct that most of us prefer to read members who spend more time on fewer reviews than the opposite scenario.
To bring this full circle, last night I was once again inspired by your "Bravo!" and kind words on my latest review and it means as much today as it did a year ago!...Mark
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May 23 '01
5:23 pm PDT
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Excellent (Reply to this comment)
by grandgram
So glad the epinions alert is back working and your review on San Jacinto popped up. I missed reading your good reviews, as it always took so much time to check on all my pass favorites.
Good Luck and keep writing
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May 23 '01
7:07 am PDT
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Re: Expert-Advisor+Emeritus?+ (Reply to this comment)
by kcfoxy
By George, I think she's really onto something here, my dearest Jeff! What a gentleman you have been through all the sturm and angst here through the many changes...and savvy at that!
Very enjoyable editorial, and wonderful food for thought as ever. You have made an example for us all. Working fulltime and coming up with 441 articles hasn't been easy, but hopefully there are a few semi-prolific types (hehehe) who can combine the best of both words.
Your words are so wise, Jeff. For every 5 books I read, I may review just 1. I often don't share the middle of the road or mediocre with my Epinions Community.
In my humble opinion, a 3 star rating could either be a yay or nay, but is definitely not something that will cause me to pour out a "quickie" epinion.
I will have to say I dislike waiting a month or more to hear from the group of writers here I most admire. The combination of entertainment and knowledge imparted is simply too divine.
I rest my case, dear friend.
Casey
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May 22 '01
1:06 am PDT
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Beautiful Article (Reply to this comment)
by mpanderson
When I first started writing for epinions, I was told that travel reviews and others would bring a much better return than a review on a book when reviewed by another member. I set a "personal standard" as you called it for myself then that I would write what interested me and not what paid. I love books, hence I review books. Like you said in your article, I feel that sense of satisfaction from within. Thanks for the great article.
mpanderson
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May 17 '01
2:08 pm PDT
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Expert-Advisor Emeritus? (Reply to this comment)
by DAnneC
Jeff,
My position on your work (and it has been work) at Epinions is simple: you are our Expert-Advisor Emeritus. There's no mistake in the punctuation of that title, by the way. You are both the expert and the advisor, not one or the other as the winds may blow. I recommend that Epinions consider creating this new leadership category and strictly limit its bestowal to, say, a dozen members . . . or perhaps just seven, since that's such a mystical number.
I have been pleased to receive a number of gracious and helpful comments from you during the 14 months since I posted my first review. Some of those comments were for public consumption on my various reviews, and some came through private emails. All have been thoughtful and helpful. I appreciate your leadership, your example, and your quiet mentorship. You are one of a dwindling handful of "originals" here at Epinions, and your loss to such community as we have would be sad indeed. I'm happy to know that you will be sticking around.
Further, I greatly appreciate your continuing advice to write well rather than often. It has been a guiding maxim for me since I joined Epinions. I don't always live up to your standard, but the objective of quality rather than quantity is nonetheless worthwhile.
Regards to you and best wishes for whatever you are pursuing these days.
DAnneC
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May 13 '01
9:27 am PDT
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You are the perfect example of (Reply to this comment)
by tamik98
why the automated Advissor selection process is NOT a good idea, or beneficial to the site.
I have been reading you since I joined in January 2000 and am awed by your excellent writing skills to this day. I actually remember how excited I got the first time you rated one of my reviews HR, and I was beside myself the first time you left me a very complimentary comment. You gave me hope and pride.
Like you, I was an Expert/Advisor for over a year (in Kids & Family) and lost my title last month. I was a little saddened, but not surprised.
I hope you stick around!
Tammy (tamik98)
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May 12 '01
6:33 pm PDT
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Having never read you before - (Reply to this comment)
by KMINER
I was extremely impressed by this -
I always wondered how easy/hard it was to keep the title - for example how many auto reviews can a person write? We only buy so many cars ...
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May 12 '01
11:26 am PDT
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Beautifully said. (Reply to this comment)
by nwinston
I will strive for quality.
I will strive for quality.
(how many times should I repeat this?)
Thanks.
Nancy
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May 11 '01
11:43 pm PDT
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It is so refreshing... (Reply to this comment)
by maggsmomm
To hear positive feedback about Epinions, by someone who genuinely writes for the recognition, not the pennies. Great editorial on your time spent here. :0) Jana
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May 11 '01
9:32 pm PDT
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Wonderful job! (Reply to this comment)
by ImAmes
Your writing is beautiful and I hope to read more of your writing in the future!
Amy aka ImAmes
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May 11 '01
9:23 pm PDT
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BRAVO! (Reply to this comment)
by chrisceb
It's to nice to read a review that's not bashing Epinions in some way, shape or form. And it's nice to see an "old-timer" (no, not as in age, but length of stay here at Epinions), stick around rather than bolt. Oh, and I just thought I'd mention this...you are one of the very first member's I ever read here on epinions :)
Chris B
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May 11 '01
9:11 pm PDT
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You have been a mentor to so many of us, (Reply to this comment)
by frazzledspice
and the "advisor to advisors."
I believe in your expertise and know that you would still be in the ranks of advisors if you had the time to participate more.
I will always enjoy reading your work, and praise, as always, the positive attitude you maintain in all the ups and down's of life.
You are a true mensch.
Maryanne
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May 11 '01
3:58 pm PDT
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You're one of the best... (Reply to this comment)
by Don_Krider
... and I hope you'll decide to contribute now and then, Jeff. I know you were among the first to offer me a high rating and comments on some of my articles. I'm sure your encouragement has meant much to many other members the last two years.
My story is much like your's, of course. I was an expert/advisor in the music and books categories, something I didn't ask for but which I was proud of. I stopped writing for a long time last May while recovering from the second of two heart attacks and being diagnosed with diabetes. I had to reshape my personal to meet these problems, and I couldn't see just writing reviews when my heart and attitude weren't in a place to do a quality job.
So, I wasn't surprised when the form emails arrived and I was removed as an advisor first from music and then from books. It wasn't done with a "what's the matter?" or "is everything okay?" --- just a form letter saying I had lost the status.
I expected it, of course, but the timing and manner of removal only added to my depression, but that's okay. I agree totally that quality should always come before quantity when writing for Epinions. I've met a lot of good people here, like you, so I have nothing but good things to say about Epinions overall.
So I've returned to writing here after a year off. I hope that you will return whenever the mood strikes you ("...I must inform the world about this great product..."). Thanks for all you've done for Epinions and your fellow writers.
Don :)
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May 10 '01
11:47 am PDT
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Missing hat? Not you, too? (Reply to this comment)
by counsel
Well, you're in good company, if that makes you feel any better, and I'm glad you're not sacrificing quality just to appease the Adviso-Meter. I enjoyed getting to know you; still remember those fun conference-call days and still get a kick out of your reviews on those times I manage to stop by this (now pop-up-window-laden) site.
Eyes on the horizon, Jeff; vaya con Dios.
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May 09 '01
9:28 am PDT
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Sound familiar? Indeed! (Reply to this comment)
by linda1527
Jeff, you absolutely hit the nail on the head. Though I was never an expert or advisor, this was like my home away from home. I absolutely lived for epinions. I've laughed and cried, and gotten to know so many wonderful people just by their own writings, not to mention learning more information on products than I thought I would ever need... but it has definitely been a God-send to say the least.
Even though I write so infrequently, I still find epinions to be an invaluable web site and frequent it as time permits. Thank you for sharing your experience in this piece!
~Linda~
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May 08 '01
10:40 pm PDT
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The God of Epinions (Reply to this comment)
by viper1963
You, along with the likes of Poseidon, forkids and ptiemann were some of the first Epinionator reviews I read! It is all your fault I am hooked on Epinions.
I look at your WOT and say, "How does he do it?"
In comparison, my numbers are paltry - mostly anemic.
As one of the first members that I trusted from way back when, I hope you do not leave this site.
Great review!
Steve
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May 08 '01
9:07 pm PDT
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I joined epinions in July of 1999, (Reply to this comment)
by Howard_Creech
so my story here is much like yours (except for the fact that I have never been one of the top writers on the site) I have never grown tired of the challenge and fun of writing the best reviews that I could and reading the reviews of writers with far more talent than myself (like you) all the changes have been interesting, and while they have discouraged many of the old timers here, I just take them in stride. Epinions is like a live thing, always different...and always the same
it never ceases to amaze and fascinate me. I look forward to reading many more of your fine reviews. Congratulations on your many accomplishments here, you've set a wonderful example for the rest of us to aim for. Howard
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May 08 '01
7:48 pm PDT
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