How I give my trust and why.
Nov 07 '00
I've been asked many times how I've built my Web of Trust and what I consider important factors in deciding to trust someone. I've been a member of Epinions for about 10 months now and even though I'm sure that I don't know everything that I'd like to know about this place, I do feel that I can give some new members help in this area.
When I first started out, I thought this site was great (and I still do) and immediately starting looking for other people to sign up so I could get credit. I then added them to my Web of Trust because I figured that's was what I was supposed to do. I found out down the road that some of these people were either not writing at all or writing bad enough that most people wouldn't even consider trusting them.
This was my first mistake when I joined this place because I found out from my sister that if other members don't trust the opinions of those on my list then they wouldn't trust me. I thought this was crazy because most of us are not professional writers so it stands to reason that these people may not write the best reviews.
The other question that was asked of me more than once was how could I trust someone that hasn't even written a review yet? The first answer out of my mouth was because they're friends of mine and I already trust them! This was not an acceptable answer and after much thought, I figured out why. The trust was not in the person but the way they expressed their opinion about what they were writing about. If they can't put it into the proper words to form an opinion then how is what they're writing about going to help someone that knows nothing about it.
So, I decided to change the way I added people to my trust list by reading some members reviews in the Just In Section of Epinions and then wait to see if they added me to their Web of Trust. Once they did this, I would then read at least 10 of their reviews and if I liked what I read, I'd add them to mine as well.
The problem with this was I was reading all these opinions but yet, no one was reading mine. Now, I realize that we are here to help people become better informed but most of us are here to make a few bucks as well. Thinking that maybe they didn't have the time to read mine right away, I continued reading more of theirs but it still didn't change things.
Again, I was told that I was doing it all wrong because members knew that I would continue to read theirs in hopes of being trusted by them and that most of them had no intention of reading my reviews. They figured since I was new, why not get some hits off of me and then just toss me aside...which they did by removing me from their Web of Trust and leaving it that way.
Now, I was getting irritated because even though, I knew that my reviews weren't that good, I was hoping for some feedback from them by telling me what I could do to improve my writing. My dollar amount never moved so I knew that they didn't even read mine much less rate it but I was determined to find a way.
My latest way of trying to build my Web of Trust is by looking at the people that take the time to read my latest reviews. I figure that there are three basic reasons for them reading my review and they are:
1. They've already read some of my other reviews and liked the way that I write.
2. They're interested in reading about the particular subject that I'm writing about.
3. They're looking to build up their trust list and they know that I'll put them on my list if I like their reviews.
I like all of these reasons because I firmly believe that the majority of these people agree that one hand washes the other and regardless of my main reasoning for being here, I like the idea of making a few bucks as well.
I consider everyone that's on my list to be great writers and I not only fully trust their opinions but I honestly think that when they have the time, they'll read and rate some of my reviews...and that's all that I ask of anyone.
My Web of Trust is very important and not just anyone can get on it but I don't just toss you aside just because you're a little rough around the edges. Instead, I put you on my email alert and continue to read and rate your opinions as you write them because I'll tell you this. I've taken the time to read some of my first reviews and I couldn't believe I actually wrote them so now, I'm taking the time to edit them by adding more information and smoothing out the rough edges.
My advice to new members is to not rush into building your Web of Trust by putting just anyone on it but rather check out some of their reviews and visit their profile page because that's the quickest way to get to know someone. Most people don't trust total strangers until you get to know them and then they're no longer strangers which will make your decision to trust them a lot easier.
I consider everyone that I've met here a friend and I enjoy being a part of this community. Every one of you are great writers and I want to thank you all for that because you've helped me to be a better writer and make better decisions. If anyone needs help in any way or has questions that I may be able to answer, don't hesitate to call on me. You'll find my email address on my profile page and I'd love hearing from you!
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Epinions.com ID:
moneymaker2000
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Member: Don...
Location: Pittsfield, Mass.
Reviews written: 170
Trusted by: 231 members
About Me:
Check out my homepage for making money - click the Moneymaker's Den link above!
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