On my reviews here
I consider my epinions as ongoing projects, so I update them whenever I learn something new on the subject. I welcome any comments on any of my reviews.
About myself
Since six years now I have been a computer hardware enthusiast, having built several complete systems from scratch since I started, and having aided many people in deciding which systems to buy and also lending them a hand when either they upgrade or build a new PC. Actually the covers on my own PCs hardly stay on for long as I am changing the configuration of my computer park constantly, which often freaks out my operating systems.
I'm not that fond of branded computers as the manufacturers often cut corners by installing weak hardware components, so unless you are willing to dish out heaps of money for their top range models, you don't always get the best of things.
But I do understand why people are tempted into buying branded PCs, they often come in a nice design case ready to use with everything tested, installed and configured and with tons of software. It can't be denied though that most of them lack upgradability and that is why I dislike them. It is often possible to build a much better system yourself for the same amount of money, with the possibility of spreading the cost of the various quality components you long for over time. With lots of freeware/shareware available you can be productive too.
I try to follow closely the newest hardware developments by surfing the well known and lesser known hardware reviewer sites, but for my own use I steer clear from the latest component offerings as those often tend to be overhyped and overpriced. My special attention goes out to those components that offer the best value for money.
On Motorcycles
In line with my computer addiction I also like to mess around with other spare parts: those of classic British motorcycles to be more precise.
On Epinions
Digging a bit deeper in this whole Epinion community, I've learned a bit more about the Webs of Trusts (WOT) and the whole money making scheme. Let me clearly state my position on this: The only reason I write opinions is to help people, be it members or just passers-by who want to know how people who actually bought certain products feel about them. Because that's the way I discovered this site, I was looking for information on a monitor I bought, wanted to find out what others thought about it, and a search engine led me here.
I've decided not to invest myself too much in developing a WOT and whatever else it takes to become popular here and earn lots of dollars. Especially since I live outside the US and can only get paid if I make at least a hundred dollars, believe it or not, which means that I would have to rake up thousands of member ratings before seeing one cent!! After all there is life outside Epinions.com, I hope ;-)
To all you other reviewers out there : keep up the good work and don't spare those arrogant manufacturers, if what they try to sell us is utter rubbish let it be known!
Cheers,
ViK (is here or somewhere out there with the truth)