Epinions Champions Who Deserve Recognition Aug 22 '03 (Updated Aug 24 '03)    Write an essay on this topic. Tweet Popular Products in Books Mildred D. Taylor - Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry: A Literature Unit From $8 Olivier Dunrea - Ollie From $7 The Bottom Line The Hall Of Fame should become a reality even if only to record milestones of Epinions' real successes. Business in the Internet is like war – success is in the surviving. Even as I have seen dot-coms crumble around the Silicon Valley like the discarded sugar cookies from a bag of Mother’s Variety Pack, I’m amazed at Epinions’ endurance. While “robust business plan”, “keen penchant for timing”, and “creative management” might work in the board room and in the corner office of a high rise office building in Brisbane, no one doubts that it has been the site’s content that fuels Epinions continued survival. But not all of its content mind you. And not most of its content. It’s been those rare personalities that emerge and all-too-often disappear from its roster that have driven the site to whatever prominence it enjoys today. The folks about whom I write have inspired, motivated, influenced and led a vast number of other Epinions contributors in ways that go well beyond a count of their posted reviews or the number in their Webs of Trust. They, more than any other factor, are responsible for any of the positive aspects about the site. Some have been recognized with a hat or two and some haven’t. Unfortunately, many have left the site or have become inactive for a variety of reasons, which merit another discussion. It would be a shame not to recognize the folks who truly built Epinions. It would be a bigger shame not to recognize these folks by those who draw a paycheck at Epinions. Surely, the following belong in an Epinions Hall Of Fame: KCFoxy – the original face of Epinions whose interview in the nascent days of the site in “Wired” magazine drew thousands of curious on-lookers to Epinions who remain today. Casey’s eligibility goes far beyond her intelligent and thoughtful reviews. She has inspired and fostered music review writers who focus on talent just off the mainstream of pop music. She shows one doesn’t have to be a screaming, teenage hack to gain review read hits. Her grace and class are a fine example that one doesn’t have to engage in turf battles to build a high level of trust in the Epinions community. Sordid1 – for caring, for raw truth, for fun. Howard Creech – for his amazing dedication and leadership in the Electronics category and for the honorable ways of dealing with folks. His hard work and long hours go mostly unnoticed but the result is the Electronics category being the pride of Epinions. I would venture he’s the hardest working non-employee of the site. He built a vast network of trust through his unwavering quest for excellence in his own work and high expectations and fostering of new and established members. And he writes a dang good camera review. Counsel – for his establishment of a safe haven for discussion in the early days of Epinions. Dwight’s “Cantina” has served as a forum for many of Epinions’ most influential contributors who have sparked a number Epinions innovations. The Cantina, while still cloaked in mystery, is a locale where educated insolence leads to some pretty dang good ideas -- An Epinions Hall Of Fame in Brisbane for instance. Taurusmoon – for her classy lead in moderating a site in which members could develop their own styles. Sara’s nurturing style encouraged a vast number of members and her enthusiasm was contagious. Leah – who demystified wine drinking for the rest of us. Her wit, talent, and enthusiasm drew even those who never imbibe and left us thirsty for more. Laura’s passion for wine and for life itself made for compelling reviews. Even as she was published in “Wine Spectator” her excitement about Epinions drew me deeper into the Epinions’ fold. The idea of an Epinions “write-off” sprang from her imagination and write-offs are virtually an Epinions institution. I’ve certainly left off a few who deserve a permanent etching in brass on a plaque in Brisbane and for that, I apologize. A quick note to Epinions with mention of your champions might inspire to make the Hall Of Fame a reality.

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