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Excellent... (Reply to this comment)
by shadow8
Ari,
Although you appear to be a newbie, I must say that I am more than thoroughly impressed with what you have contributed to this site already. You write like a seasoned veteran of Epinions. =)
Getting on the subject of encouraging newbies, I must concur with what you have to say. I kinda like the concept of a "mentoring" program where the veterans of Epinions actually tutor and help out newbies to acclimatize to the environment known as Epinions. And most importantly, the veterans can help the newbies improve their writing skills not only for Epinions--but for life. (I sound cheesy, don't I?)
You might want to contact an Epinions member named "eplovejoy". (http://www.epinions.com/user-eplovejoy). He has this program called the "Commentsment" where veterans get involved with inducting newbies into their own hall of fame. It's definitely a great way to get proteges involved in Epinions.
Great and sound advice Ari. And it's cool to see another college student chillin' at Epinions. =) Hope to read more of your stuff soon.
-shadow8
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Mar 05 '02
11:23 pm PST
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Ari... (Reply to this comment)
by Lisa_J
It is always nice to offer support to one another. Very nice idea Ari!
Thanks and Hugs~
Lisa_J
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Feb 18 '02
7:01 pm PST
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Great idea! (Reply to this comment)
by spalmero
I do try to leave comments now and then, and to help out if someone asks a question. I'll try to do so more often. Thanks!
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Feb 18 '02
11:59 am PST
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I'll Help If I'm Needed (Reply to this comment)
by education1
But you need to know that I don't always get VH's either. I'm still learning, but I think I can offer some suggestions to Newbies who want them. My first review, I had no clue how to title it and gave it something that described me, not the product. That's how much I understood!
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Feb 17 '02
5:20 pm PST
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This is an excellent idea. Personally, I believe I benefited (Reply to this comment)
by addedview
a great deal from the comments/suggestions of "old-timers" who rated my early reviews. BTW, thank you for adding me to your Web of Trust. I've been kind of inactive the past week because one of my kids has been sick for the past ten days. I did find it rather humorous, though,that when I went to get my son's schoolwork out of his locker a few days ago there was a ten-day old carton of chocolate milk in there. Humorous, but gross...
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Feb 17 '02
3:35 pm PST
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Sounds like a great idea... (Reply to this comment)
by urwiller
Although I've been with Epinions over two years, I think maybe I should be on the receiving end of the mentoring process. :)
Anyway, this is a very constructive piece... I may have to go check out your Yahoo group. I know I've been guilty of dropping a less than stellar rating on a review --and in a rush-- not bothering with the feedback on a couple occasions. Shame on me- how quickly I forget what it's like being a newbie.
Thanks for writing this,
Monica
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Feb 17 '02
4:05 am PST
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I was lucky.... (Reply to this comment)
by pearl-drum-man
Within minutes of completeing my very first review search66 rated it accordingly(SH) but left a detailed comment on what I could do to improve it. I was able to go check out his stuff and see what it takes to get those VH ratings. He also brought my attention to formatting my reviews in an attractive manner (instead of one long paragraph) and also suggested the use of some html. He was also kind enough to re-rate it after I re-vised. This is the approach I have adopted when I come across new epinioners. The rest is history!
pearl-drum-man
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Feb 16 '02
5:52 am PST
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Nice title! (Reply to this comment)
by reviewer12
And a great review.
Dee
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Feb 15 '02
3:02 pm PST
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This (Reply to this comment)
by Lark729_89
is most deserving of a MOST HELPFUL. This is the most outstanding review I have ever come across. Congratulations to you for offering good sound advice.
Carol
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Feb 15 '02
12:35 pm PST
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Brilliant, Ari.. (Reply to this comment)
by elsa70
A brilliant idea, you've conceived, and brilliant your writing style, as always. I'm still a newbie myself, methinks, but if I can be of any help, count me in! danielabarone@tin.it
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Feb 15 '02
9:14 am PST
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Great idea (Reply to this comment)
by bobbo428
This sounds like a great idea--lately I have rated and commented on epinions by a number of newbies. It is hard to tell whether they will be one-epinion wonders or will have 400 epinions by 2004. Unfortunately, my advice has generally gone unacknowledged. I must have hit all the one-epinion wonders. I'll keep trying, though.
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Feb 14 '02
4:34 pm PST
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Count me In! (Reply to this comment)
by jlava73
I was thrilled to see at least two other new reviewers greatly improve their work after a few people left helpful tips and they e-mailed later with updates that were VH Reviews. Epinions needs new writers and we should do our best to encourage and help the newcomers!
Great Essay!
Jenn
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Feb 14 '02
10:36 am PST
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Great Idea! (Reply to this comment)
by cathyjones
That sounds great! I heard of epinions and thought to myself - I could do that, how hard could it be? Well, I didn't put the time or effort needed for VH ratings. Shantel575 was very gracious in introducing herself to me and giving pointers as to what needs to be included. That was a wonderful way to begin epinions! KMINER has also been invaluable. Not all of my reviews have gotten VH but recently they have because of the support I have. Thanks for letting everyone know how helpful a few comments can be!
Cathy
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Feb 14 '02
7:16 am PST
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well... (Reply to this comment)
by jkkelley
...I certainly can't fault your motivation and enthusiasm. I'd probably be of more value to the site if I still had much of either, but that's the march of time. I make no claims to be an asset to Epinions.
Others have already pointed out that there are many avenues by which new people can get encouragement and input. Let me point out one reason why they don't: initiative.
There are dozens of people writing H and lower reviews each day. Many are fairly new (though some have kept on in such a manner for fifty or so reviews, and still others have turned out hundreds that received VH ratings that they mostly didn't merit). The ratio of such newbies to experienced people (much less those who still have the motivation to initiate such contact) is very high. Therefore, I and, I suspect, most others, take the following approach: "if you (general you, not individual you) want my input, it's up to you to come to me. If you don't like my rating, or want to know why you got it, then by all means write to me and ask, and I'll do the best I can to explain it or help."
I'm not going to volunteer the input very often, because the ratio of negative to positive replies is high. A lot of people consider a rating of H or lower a declaration of war. If you take time to explain the rating, a lot of people won't respect the fact that you took a moment to do so--they'll either come back with a snotty comment, or otherwise behave immaturely.
And lest it sound like I'm being too rough on the new breed: experienced members, fully convinced of the sublime superiority of their thought and writing, are even worse. "How dare you give me H!" Had one recently that outright insulted me, and after all the effort I'd gone to so as to tactfully explain to a spoiled child why his/her review sucked, not saying half of what I really thought (which would have blistered paint off a tank; the work not only sucked, but gulped) and how to do better. "Ok, fine, you're on your own."
I guess it's sort of the same philosophy that applies to a certain segment of teenage youth today. This segment cries out to be entertained, threatening to develop early vices if not given means to entertain itself. I see it in letters to the newspaper all the time: "give me toys or I'll take drugs!" As the person who's being asked to contribute time/money/etc., I think I'm fair in placing that burden of initiative back on them: "it's your life, kid, you're always telling me how much of a big boy or girl you are. Very well; act like one, and work to develop your own productive forms of entertainment. And if you want my help with that, ask, and ye shall receive. Until then, if you want to screw your life up, ok--look for me in the jury box, the one with the cold eyes, who looks like he would vote for life without parole in a heartbeat."
Not that your idea doesn't have merit; on the contrary. It does. But my experience is that only a small percentage of new people are receptive to any volunteered help or advice from the likes of me, and the way they tend to signify that receptivity is to take the initiative and request such aid. They always get it (and here's another point; they then often don't have the common courtesy to thank me for the half hour I spent poring over their stuff and offering ideas).
Thought-provoking stuff. If you run into any inertia from those of us who've been here awhile, and seem jaded, maybe this will partly explain why.
In any event, best of luck and success to you with whatever you try. I'd like nothing better than to be the lone naysayer, fuddyduddy and grump, standing all by himself and admitting that he was too pessimistic over a tasty meal of broiled corvine.
jkk
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Feb 14 '02
1:19 am PST
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Why,Why,Why? (Reply to this comment)
by bwanamdevu
Why do some ops get so few reads and here on epinions,I seem to get so few comments left on my work?Very good opinion with many pertinent comments.Paul.
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Feb 14 '02
12:37 am PST
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Website (Reply to this comment)
by arihamilton
Hi everyone, I only hope that you read this because I'm not sure who will be coming back here to check.
I've created a group on yahoogroups called EpMentors. If you are interested in being a mentor, please visit http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EpMentors/ for more information; you'll be taken to the main site for EpMentors where you can join if you're interested.
Otherwise, email me at arihamilton@hotmail.com and tell me your email address so I can add you!
I'm really looking forward to this - so far we have 5 members and I can definitely see this group growing and reaching out to the community!
-Ari
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Feb 14 '02
12:01 am PST
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I've read all of your reviews... (Reply to this comment)
by dashblast
...and I love each and every one. You are a great writer and a great addition to the epinions community. Great work, keep it up!
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Feb 13 '02
5:21 pm PST
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When I first came here (Reply to this comment)
by twunschl
I wrote a few reviews that got rated H. Luckily, I had wonderful kboo help me along. She gave me suggestions for writing VH reviews and even gave me a suggestion for another review topic. I was so surprised that people were so nice here, to give me advice and encourage me to write more reviews. I rarily see comments left on H reviews anymore. Maybe your review will encourage more people to help those who are just starting, because those that write H reviews compared to NH reviews are probably more likely to be a long time contributor with a little help. This is a great idea. Maybe, someday there will be red hats, blue hats and GREEN hats for MENTOR!
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Feb 13 '02
4:43 pm PST
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Thanks! (Reply to this comment)
by lorace
Great review, as usual, Ari. I'll never forget the ones who helped me and it's easy to forget how strange it all seems to a newcomer.
I love your idea. At least an awareness of the newcomers is needed. I do try to help, and I will try to help more. Lately it has gotten so I barely have time to read/rate/rite as it is, but I will try to pick a newcomer a week, at least.
Great writing.
Lorace
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Feb 13 '02
3:59 pm PST
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Re: Clarification (Reply to this comment)
by fyvel
Ari:
Good points!
Hey do I need to send you an email? You know I want to help out too, right? :P
~Mandy
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Feb 13 '02
2:50 pm PST
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Clarification (Reply to this comment)
by arihamilton
I just wanted to thank everyone who has rated and left comments and links to where the names of newbies are posted (message borads and so on).
However I feel the need to point out that, as far as I can tell, the names that are posted on those message boards are of those newbies that are already on their way with VHs ratings, not those with Hs or SHs.
Also, what I was proposing was not a place to merely list names but to develop more of a community. A mentor would develop a one-on-one friendship with the newbie to show them the ropes and help them out if they have questions, not to just leave comments as to how they can improve their writing. I also feel that if a friendship is started, not only will the newbies feel more welcome in Epinions but they will take the suggestions to heart instead of possibly ignoring them.
I understand that some people have little or no extra time or their hands, which is why I'm not restricting this group to Editors or TRs (otherwise I couldn't even be in it either!). But I was just suggesting this to those who WANT to help and who have a little bit of time to maybe time an email or two and answer some questions.
If you are interested please e-mail me... I will email those who seem interested soon to give them more information.
Thanks for reading... I appreciate your thoughts!
-Ari
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Feb 13 '02
1:33 pm PST
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Ari... (Reply to this comment)
by telynor
You will become one of Epinions assests, I am sure of it. You're already on my watch list, and soon to be on the trust list. Keep writing -- we need more like you! -- Telynor
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Feb 13 '02
11:52 am PST
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New and Noteworthy (Reply to this comment)
by bonniesayers
That is the heading found at EpinionAddicts to post members of interest.
http://www.eaforums.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=29
I have posted newbies there and saw you were posted there as well.
Let me know about your group I would be interested. I try to comment as much as I can.
Bonnie
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Feb 13 '02
11:19 am PST
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Great idea Ari! (Reply to this comment)
by Suzer
Editors pretty much have their hands full leaving hopefully encouraging/helpful comments on reviews that are SH. Sometimes they are taken in a positive way.
We try to encourage newbies with what we call Star Search in our Top Reviewer/editor Yahoo group, and Peter, eplovejoy, also has what he calls commentsments, where vets promoto newbies, and they do that once in a while.
So, there are people/groups that do try to help newbies. Your idea is a good one, and as you know I have a lot of admiration for your writing, and for you as a person.
Suzi
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Feb 13 '02
8:58 am PST
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Thanks for the great review! (Reply to this comment)
by eyestar
This is a great idea! I would love to help mentor newbies! About a year ago I used to post epinions all the time and I was a featured reviewer. Because I kept moving and running out of time, I stopped posting frequently. I'm trying to start posting regularly again.
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Feb 13 '02
7:08 am PST
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I agree with you - (Reply to this comment)
by jo.com
I think and I'm sure the other 10 comments may have said the same thing that people are so busy helping those with SH reviews that the Hs get left by the wayside. I do, sometimes, (in fact I just did) explain to someone why I gave her an H on her Water Pik (warranty, cleaning??) because I was the only H and others gave her a VH so I felt the need to explain. Often when there are all Hs..they get ignored. I will pay more attention to that, now that you have so nicely put it. Thanks..I enjoy your writing. jo
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Feb 13 '02
6:43 am PST
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Isn't it refreshing... (Reply to this comment)
by jag2112
...when a 'newbie' like Ari, who now acts like a seasoned member, portrays the type of enthusiasm that this site sorely needs?
Ari's idea (completely her own mind you) is ambitious and filled with possibilities that could very well lead to the 'next' Epinions stage.
Helping new members develop their skills.
Helping new members understand the importance of WOTs, Rating, Writing meaningful reviews.
Helping new members...period.
In today's world, sometimes we forget to lend a helping hand to those in need. Lately, due to events that have occurred since 9/11/01, we've all improved in that area.
Now it's time we reflect that energy here at Epinions.
Lend a hand. Help a 'newbie'. And watch the site grow and improve like never before.
Great work, Ari - as always...
-John
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Feb 13 '02
6:00 am PST
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Hey... (Reply to this comment)
by Greatpilgrim
We must be on the same brainwave. I wrote my own "helping newbies out" article only six months after joining. Here's the link if you're interested: http://www.epinions.com/content_1454350468
Not trying to be promotional here, just saving you the inconvenience of tracking it down. It's great to begin your career here knowing the ropes, and so I always have an eye out for newbies who are truly dedicated to being a great writer. I always like to help those kinds of people out!
Excellent article, Ari. You should do more editorials. :-)
Victoria
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Feb 13 '02
5:54 am PST
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OOps, forgot to put a title (Reply to this comment)
by flamepillar
Sounds like a really nice idea !! You can also direct newbies to Epinion Addicts and Bluehawq's Nest; they're both great to hang out at and kind of get to know everybody, and get advice.
http://www.eaforums.com/?styleid=1
http://pub76.ezboard.com/bbluehawqsnest
I think those are right..lol
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Feb 13 '02
5:52 am PST
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Comments are golden; (Reply to this comment)
by BrendaMetcalf
When I first joined Epinions I would receive some very nasty comments, was always afraid to click on my page for fear someone had left a comment...As time went on the comments got kinder and helpful, now I love checking my comments and actually read comments on most all reviews I read and rate. For someone here only three weeks,You are off to a excellent start.
Brenda
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Feb 13 '02
5:23 am PST
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