Epinions Review

Another gripe- when rules only apply for those the herd does not like. If the herd likes you though, break, break, break away with no worry about consequences.

Suzi, I couldnt agree more. Its not the sites crappy search engine, or messed up missing reviews that keep me from it, its the childish junior high behavior Ive recieved from HIGHER THAN THOU members. lol. I know exactly what you mean... and hey did you know that if you write for another site, they get their panties in a bunch, and tell you to 'GO BACK TO (NAME OF SITE)' if you post in their boards. They have truly turned it into a 'only members we like can post' board. lol. Its so sad and disturbing, especially when they stalk you out on other sites, and make up false accusations about you. So sad, so so very sad, and pathetic.

Those are excellent points. I knew from the start that the staff here was FAR friendlier than Epinions. In fact it's a very warm feeling here...more than any of the other review sites I've been to so far. I just wish I had the time to write reviews. There's a lot of people from Epinions who have joined this site. I know quite a few. Some are folks who I have always liked and respected and some who were quite rude to me on the Epinions boards...but seem to be nice enough here. I guess it's like you said, many of the people at Epi follow the tone set.

***"I've noticed that even some of the people who could be quite nasty on the message boards on Epinions are as friendly as they can be on THIS site. Now why is that?"***

My theory is it comes down to leadership or the lack thereof. The staff at this site set the positive, welcoming tone right from the start. Those who have a herd mentality follow that lead. By contrast, the staff at epinions are generally rude and uncaring--setting a negative tone for the herd to follow. Speaking for myself, I am much better here than I was at epinyawns. I respond much better to fairness and mutual respect than I do to blatant hypocrisy and double standards.

Last edited on Jun 05, 2008 at 3:42PM

I've also gotten almost all VH's on my reviews. I'm so disillusioned with Epinions now. Between the pennies paid out for reviews, the crummy search engine that never really gets fixed after all these years, the petty and not so petty fights that go on between members and the cliques, it is as you mentioned...a high school type, childish environment. I've noticed that even some of the people who could be quite nasty on the message boards on Epinions are as friendly as they can be on THIS site. Now why is that? Despite all that, Epinions still has a fairly good reputation as a place to go for consumer written reviews. Maybe that will change, maybe not.

Last edited on Jun 05, 2008 at 10:48AM

I couldn't agree with you more. It's almost like they were my words! A couple of things I might want to change. The formula for payment isn't "random" though it sure seems like it. For instance, reviews on hotels, restaurants and movies will earn only a few pennies, while electronics reviews and specifically newer items will earn quite well.

Plus people who have what are called "hats" or titles will earn a lot more than the rest of us. The more reviews (and highly rated reviews) you have, the more likely your review will come at the top in someone's search so they will get more 'hits' and thereby earn more money.

I think if a person wants to just write reviews, not care about the money and just wants to socialize (because they don't have a life outside of a computer), Epinions may not be so bad.

I'm impressed how you so accurately captured the essence of the current Epinions.

"Technically, the site sucks"

Oh come on now. Don't go telling everybody that Epinions' technical competence is higher than it really is. They're not all THAT good.

Things must be getting worse. I see some of the biggest epinyawns Kool-aid drinkers posting at other sites now.

I'm so glad you found us here at Viewpoints. I must say it is a very cheery and helpful crowd here. I discovered Viewpoints through Mypoints. Enjoy!

Well I had a lot of ups and downs at Epinions and can say some of the journey was very good but ultimately I bowed out of there, tired of the never working search engine, the hypocrisy of some of the rules and the way they are enforced. There are some wonderful people at Epinons and some great writing there too. Proceed there with caution and know it is very very cliquish. Good review.. enjoyed

I know what you mean. I have one of those "greyed out" reviews, or better put, one that I know of. I also have reviews that appear on my member page but...for some bizarre reason, don't appear in the proper product page. As you say, the bug is annoying...to say the least.

And even the $10-4-10 promo is a bit...stress-inducing. It's sort of nice to see that Epinions will pay out the bonuses to reviews that wouldn't ordinarily gain traction, IS-wise, and it's sort of cool to see that some members make it interesting by setting goals and supporting other members in reaching theirs, but at times it's really hard to get motivated, especially with a new bug (the /review/ bug) that plays havoc with how many hits reviews really get.

The message boards are a swamp and should be fumigated to get rid of all the insects. I still write because I don't go in for the "high school confidential" schtick all that much. There are still some good folks, as you said. I think with Garrett gone it might take a turn for the better. We'll see.

Last edited on Jun 02, 2008 at 8:38AM

These reviews must be the buzz of that site! Good for you. Jo

Wow! Someone who thinks like I do! Can I bookmark this page? I think it helps a lot that this site lacks designated trolls with tiny blue wieners. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. You certainly don't wanna give it to high school kids--you end up with "Lord of the Flies."

I have friends over at epinyawns also. I guess they really need that exra dollar/per review. LOL! They could make more if they write a cardboard sign that says, "Will work for food." My friends over there tell me things have actually gotten worse since I left. How is that possible? Leave it to epinyawns to figure out how to make a pile of doo doo stink worse.

Last edited on Jun 01, 2008 at 7:38PM

I actually have an idea for a funny review about the "drama" of Viewpoints. I told Kevin about it making it sound like an old time radio soap opera. Made him laugh. I'm hesitant though because I'm not sure evryone else will think it's funny. Still...I'm tempted. Cheers!

I actually have an idea for a funny review about the "drama" of Viewpoints. I told Kevin about it making it sound like an old time radio soap opera. Made him laugh. I'm hesitant though because I'm not sure evryone else will think it's funny. Still...I'm tempted. Cheers!

Writers stutter would describe me very well....lol I get in moods where I just can't think very straight.....but that happens, I have 3 partly finished ones that my mind just won't focus on....;) Here's to a drama free but comedy a plenty site, where all writers are created equal....CHEERS!! ;)

I agree. It can also be a growing experience.

What? No drama...with all the mishaps people go through that lead to reviews. And the joys....and the anticipation of what the next review will hold, not to mention the suspense of the dreaded writers' block (of which, alas, I'm am working on overcoming, or maybe I should call it writer's stuttering - I have the reviews I just am challenged at getting them out). No drama???!!!!! Hehehe Sorry I couldn't resist! Hope you didn't mind. : ) Thank God no clicks.

Hello there...and Wow!...this was an awsome point of view...You go Girl :)
I'm a newbie here, But I'd still like to say "Welcome" to VP :)

Last edited on May 31, 2008 at 2:48PM

Ah, so that's why I stopped seeing your name at Eps. I'm still there, but my best friend left the site in the summer of '06 because she was tired of all the drama and really unkind behavior of some people there.

No it shouldn't and that's why I left, if I wanted drama or cliques I would have went back to high school. ;)

I completely understand your sentiments. Years ago, I had only written a couple of reviews on Epinions when I began to sense the "high school clique" mentality. I hated my high school social scene and I certainly didn't want to return to a virtual one, so I promptly quit. Of course, if my high school had been more like the Viewpoints community I probably would have enjoyed it. :)

Last edited on May 31, 2008 at 10:02AM

I left there in 02' for those very reasons, when you disagree with the status quo you become dirt!

Thank you for sharing. Viewpoints is the best! You can be yourself and express your honest "viewpoint" and discover new friends. : ) Your review is an eyeopener of Epinion - thanks.

Sorry your experience wasnt a great one. We are so thrilled to have you here!!! :)