2009 VIP
PattyTherre
The heart of , NY

1000 Reviews and counting. The top 10 reasons I'm at Viewpoints.

5 star rating

a proud Viewpoints reviewer, a rather quirky, goofy writer, celebrating 1000 reviews, probably boring you to tears
Pros

    Viewpoints is a cool place to be, Read the essay to see why VP rocks

Cons
    I am conning you out of a review

DEC
29
2007
This will be my 1000th review on this site in under a year. I can't believe how fast the numbers racked up! I thought about reviewing something special to me, even thought about reviewing Viewpoints itself, but I decided to instead post the top 10 reasons why I am here at Viewpoints and dedicated enough to write 1000 reviews in a few short months.

No, this really isn't a review per se but more of a review of why I review!

Let's kick off this top 10 list!

THE TOP 10 REASONS I AM AT VIEWPOINTS

10.) Comment and Friends' Reviews Emails
I love that I get those everyday. I keep up with people's reviews on my friends list and I keep up with comments to me. Before those emails came along, I never knew if people left me a comment and never answered them. Now I know everyday who is commenting and can easily answer the comment. It's much friendlier this way. I also like the profile page comments where we can stop by and just say hello. I think it is a great way to let someone know you were at their "VP home" and left a note on their door.

9.) Reading Other People's Reviews
I learned a lot around here! I really enjoy most of the reviews I read and have bought things and used websites on the recommendation of other reviewers. I have also steered clear of products and services that I was warned about. But mostly, I enjoy the personalities of the reviewers. Some are very straightforward and serious, some share their lives with us, some are funny. All are part of the family that makes up this site and makes us unique.

8.) Making New Friends
I knew some people when I started here and have gotten to know them better. I have met countless others via this site and have found new people to enjoy reading and to comment to. It's amazing that, even as we grow, we have stayed friendly and have a great family atmosphere. I hope we never lose that because it's one of the main reasons I enjoy the site so much. No drama, no negativity, just good people being friendly. How many user generated sites can you say that about?

7.) Pictures!
I love looking at profile pics and the pics people post with their reviews. Pictures do tell stories and the ability to post pictures is one of the best features of the site in my opinion. I really do look at all the pics on a profile page and feel like I know new to me reviewers. And user pics with products and services help me understand a review much better. I also love posting pictures and haven't posted a review without at least one since we had the ability to do so. Sometimes I get crazy and post silly pics but they also stay on topic. Sort of. ;)

6.) Being Part of a Growing Community
It has been very fulfilling watching the site grow and become known. We have a long way to go but we're infants! We started out with a few members and a staff with determination. Now, we have thousands of members and people come to us for opinions on everything. I thought I would hate seeing our tiny tight knit community grow but it seems the people who join fit right in and become family. We can just set another plate (or 30,000) at the table for newcomers.

5.) The Ability to Review (Almost) Anything
I have reviewed gossip websites, stick on bras, and my local veterinarian. If it pops into my head, I can review it. I have shared intimate experiences about my father's nursing home and silly stuff that probably had people rolling their eyes. The freedom to review just about anything I want is so much fun. Because of the ability to review anything and everything, I have shared more of myself here than anywhere. My reviews come straight from my experience and my heart.

4.) My Family Has Become Involved
My sister, LaurieM, is a fantastic reviewer here. I forced her to come and she did and stayed. My niece, TracieFadian, has all the makings of an amazing reviewer. With three young kids and a demanding job, she has had to step away a bit but she'll be back. And my son, Mr----X aka Dan. This is a kid who laughed at me for writing reviews and who said he hated to write. I challenged him to write just one review and eventually he did. He started getting into review writing and now he is working behind the scenes here. I am proud of him and thankful to Viewpoints for giving him a chance. Sharing Viewpoints with my family members means so much to me and has certainly brought my son and I even closer together than we were. (We can actually discuss people we both know now. Jolie, Matt, and the whole staff are people we both agree are awesome and that we really like. Otherwise, I think his friends are dorks and he thinks my friends are, well, dorks.)

3.) Freedom
No word limits. No minimum word counts. No structured ways to write our reviews. No one telling us to change this and to do that. We write according to our personalities and our styles. I can be a little silly or a little sarcastic. I can write a 200 word review or a 2000 word one. I don't have to be a computer expert to review my computer or a music critic to review a CD. All I have to do is give my opinion and hope it helps others make a choice.

2.) The Generous and Caring Staff
I have spoken with all of the people who work behind the scenes via email and on the site and I have talked at length to Jolie by phone and email. These people really care about their vision and their site and they aren't trying to take shortcuts to gain success. They are honest, caring, and really listen to our concerns. It's kind of a thrill for me to see something I suggested actually implemented on the site. I started here before Viewpoints had a name and I watched the site go from an outline to an amazing success for such a young venture. That is due to the unwavering dedication of the VP staff who actually listen to our suggestions and somehow make many of them workable.

And the number one reason I like being part of the Viewpoints Community....

1.) Acceptance!
I can get away with writing this goofy top 10 list without people telling me it's useless and to take it down. You all accept me for who and what I am. You've all been SO friendly and accepting of me and my rather quirky style of writing and there's nothing like feeling like you actually fit in somewhere. I'm one of the gang! I'm one of the cool kids! I'm a Viewpoints reviewer. And I thank the Viewpoints staff and the members for allowing me to be me here - and to be one of the gang.

Here's to another 1000 reviews next year!

From my heart,
Patty

Last edited on Dec 30, 2007



I_thumb_up The Top 10 Reasons I am at Viewpoints is recommended by PattyTherre

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I_comment_shdw24 Comments about PattyTherre’s Review

 


PattyTherre wrote on May 24, 2008 at 3:00PM

In response to steve9631's comment from May 23, 2008 at 11:35AM:

We have some people who have been here since the beta stages of the site and I think those people write a lot more than others but I see millions of newbies coming along and writing quite a lot. I actively seek out new writers and am amazed at how many reviews they post in short periods of time. But yes, there is a core of people who write like crazy and don't stop! lol.

steve9631 wrote on May 23, 2008 at 11:35AM

In response to PattyTherre's comment from May 22, 2008 at 9:14PM:

An interesting thing I discoved while exploring the site; It apppears that 30 or 40 people seem to write the majority of the material on the site. I guess that shouldn't surprise me, but it kinda does in a way. But....back to the point, yeah, the ability to follow my moods in print without any direction is very cool.

PattyTherre wrote on May 22, 2008 at 9:14PM

In response to steve9631's comment from May 22, 2008 at 5:49PM:

I really like that I can write about anything I want. That is definitely a free feeling!

steve9631 wrote on May 22, 2008 at 5:49PM

right on...1000 plus reviews....yeah, right on. the creative freedom is a gas.

williampinn wrote on Mar 25, 2008 at 11:38PM

Ditto times ten!

LadyMagic wrote on Jan 16, 2008 at 2:42PM

In response to PattyTherre's comment from Jan 9, 2008 at 10:53PM:

Each time I can get to the library I'll write at least one or two. Thanks again for the encouragement.

PattyTherre wrote on Jan 9, 2008 at 10:53PM

In response to LadyMagic's comment from Jan 8, 2008 at 3:08PM:

You are off to a great start! Your reviews are very good and I look forward to seeing your numbers skyrocket. :)

PattyTherre wrote on Jan 9, 2008 at 10:52PM

In response to kid-kansas's comment from Jan 6, 2008 at 4:03PM:

Heheh, it's like eating too much of your favorite food and never ever wanting to taste the stuff again after that. Except I still write. Just not 13 reviews a day. lol.

PattyTherre wrote on Jan 9, 2008 at 10:51PM

In response to vytas's comment from Jan 7, 2008 at 10:51AM:

ACk 2008 in 2008. That is actually kind of a cool goal. Can I do it? Hmmm. Maybe I will try! (You are adding to my overactive mind, you know!). Thank YOU for all you do to make it possible for me to write so often and with such ease here.

PattyTherre wrote on Jan 9, 2008 at 10:49PM

In response to StarSoldier1's comment from Jan 6, 2008 at 9:52PM:

Well that too. That's why everyone loves ya! :) You have actually taken the top spot away from me for edgy headlines!

LadyMagic wrote on Jan 8, 2008 at 3:08PM

Happy holidays! Congratulations! You're an inspiration to new members like me. Thanks.

vytas wrote on Jan 7, 2008 at 10:51AM

Congratulations Patty! Talk about momentum - you've got it. Thanks for all of your contributions (not just the 1000) to making Viewpoints what it is today. Maybe you'll reach 2008 in 2008?

StarSoldier1 wrote on Jan 6, 2008 at 9:52PM

In response to PattyTherre's comment from Jan 6, 2008 at 3:43PM:

What, how could you say that about me........ oh wait, you say 'asset'! Nevermind.

PattyTherre wrote on Jan 6, 2008 at 4:07PM

In response to MikeMaroon's comment from Jan 5, 2008 at 10:52PM:

Yeah! You write great reviews. Now get to it! :) Thanks for the comment. It's nice to know you're around.

PattyTherre wrote on Jan 6, 2008 at 4:06PM

In response to DeafMom's comment from Jan 4, 2008 at 9:04AM:

Thank you! I sure don't plan on writing 1000 more this year. ACK! I would like to write 500 though. Starting out slow due to vertigo again but if and when that clears up I'll catch up!

PattyTherre wrote on Jan 6, 2008 at 4:04PM

In response to LoveisJoy's comment from Jan 3, 2008 at 6:20PM:

Thank you so much! Seeing your name reminds me that I have to order some handmade jeans soon. I sooooooo want to try that site. Your review has stuck with me. I look forward to working with you and everyone here in 2008.

PattyTherre wrote on Jan 6, 2008 at 4:03PM

In response to LaurieM's comment from Jan 2, 2008 at 6:53PM:

I am so glad you are here. You write reviews that people really want to read. Me? Ehh, not so sure Jujubes are being actively searched but some of my reviews may be read by...uh...somebody. lol. I'm looking forward to working with you (and fighting with you) in 2008, little sis. ;) Hey, maybe you could review the book, Tom the Cat...Haha.

kid-kansas wrote on Jan 6, 2008 at 4:03PM

In response to PattyTherre's comment from Jan 6, 2008 at 3:44PM:

WOW, yeah that would give ya nightmares.....lol ;-O

PattyTherre wrote on Jan 6, 2008 at 3:59PM

In response to jazzybean01's comment from Jan 2, 2008 at 11:47AM:

Yes, it has been fun having my sister and my son here. We actually have things in common to talk about - and all POSITIVE things to say. :) I love this site and look forward to 2008!

PattyTherre wrote on Jan 6, 2008 at 3:57PM

In response to ChrisJarmick's comment from Jan 2, 2008 at 10:28AM:

Ack! I have sworn off all contests and decided to try to write a review a day this year give or take a couple. I started slow due to illness but, if I finish with 500 at the end of the year, I will declare victory. It's been great reading your reviews and watching your numbers skyrocket!

PattyTherre wrote on Jan 6, 2008 at 3:55PM

In response to kevin's comment from Jan 2, 2008 at 9:04AM:

Hey, you guys are the inspiration! I never "met" more dedicated people in my life. You seem to get it done and FAST no matter what the task. THANK YOU! :)

PattyTherre wrote on Jan 6, 2008 at 3:54PM

In response to Se7en's comment from Jan 2, 2008 at 5:45AM:

It sure does seem like yesterday. It was really just an idea and now look at us. I have to say I am proud of this site although I am not behind the scenes. I feel kind of like it is my baby and I have watched it grow and will continue to watch it grow this year. :)

PattyTherre wrote on Jan 6, 2008 at 3:52PM

In response to CyndiA's comment from Jan 1, 2008 at 5:50PM:

It really is. I just write with no worries about whether I have every detail in there or whether I am too wordy or not wordy enough. I hope my reviews have helped people out there.

PattyTherre wrote on Jan 6, 2008 at 3:51PM

In response to RudiXeno's comment from Dec 31, 2007 at 5:16PM:

CFS has been tough to get through and now I have a weird virus that is knocking me out. I believe you HAVE to push through or else you give in and the disease wins. But I could use a couple of weeks in the tropics sans electronics. :)

PattyTherre wrote on Jan 6, 2008 at 3:49PM

In response to bkovacs's comment from Dec 31, 2007 at 1:50PM:

Thanks so much for the kind words. You are one I look up to. You know so much STUFF while I am relling people how to apply blush. lol. It's been great working with you from the start and look forward to 2008.

PattyTherre wrote on Jan 6, 2008 at 3:48PM

In response to Jo's comment from Dec 31, 2007 at 10:13AM:

Happy New Year to you too Jo! It has been a pleasure working with you from the start and I look forward to 2008.

PattyTherre wrote on Jan 6, 2008 at 3:47PM

In response to Fardreamer's comment from Dec 30, 2007 at 10:52PM:

*blush* You just have to write like you're talking to a friend. It's easy then. Of course, some of my reviews come off as confessions... lol.

PattyTherre wrote on Jan 6, 2008 at 3:46PM

In response to Fardreamer's comment from Dec 30, 2007 at 10:52PM:

I'm a cool kid!! I never was before. lol. Writing actually is my passion and I could (and do) write constantly. :)

PattyTherre wrote on Jan 6, 2008 at 3:45PM

In response to Matt's comment from Dec 30, 2007 at 6:42PM:

Matt, I am soooooooo happy to be a part of the community, in part, because of your vision and leadership. Thanks so much for the opportunity!

PattyTherre wrote on Jan 6, 2008 at 3:44PM

In response to kid-kansas's comment from Dec 30, 2007 at 6:34PM:

I wrote 400 review in one month so that is what really gave me the edge. NEVER AGAIN though. I was dreaming of reviews for weeks. lol.

PattyTherre wrote on Jan 6, 2008 at 3:43PM

In response to StarSoldier1's comment from Dec 30, 2007 at 5:50PM:

I am so glad you like it here. You were my personal "project" and you probably thought I was crazy when I talked to you out of the blue. You sure turned out to be a great asset to the site~!

PattyTherre wrote on Jan 6, 2008 at 3:42PM

In response to AmyA's comment from Dec 30, 2007 at 12:27PM:

I am off to a slow start but I will get my 2008 groove on soon. :)

PattyTherre wrote on Jan 6, 2008 at 3:41PM

In response to joyjoy's comment from Dec 30, 2007 at 11:24AM:

Thank you so much! :)

PattyTherre wrote on Jan 6, 2008 at 3:41PM

In response to maryellenp's comment from Dec 30, 2007 at 9:12AM:

It's a fun site to write for. I have enjoyed sharing my opinions about off the wall and mainstream stuff here.

PattyTherre wrote on Jan 6, 2008 at 3:40PM

In response to Buggheart's comment from Dec 30, 2007 at 9:00AM:

LOL. I really do enjoy being here and have had a blast. I hope the site stays friendly and informative forever!

PattyTherre wrote on Jan 6, 2008 at 2:24PM

In response to TheBard's comment from Dec 30, 2007 at 7:12AM:

Oh, I expect you to be there in no time! You are churning out those reviews!

MikeMaroon wrote on Jan 5, 2008 at 10:52PM

Congrats on 1000 reviews!!! I'll try to get to 3 soon! LoL..... Great job!

DeafMom wrote on Jan 4, 2008 at 9:04AM

Congrats on the 1000! I always enjoy your reviews. Here's to many more!

LoveisJoy wrote on Jan 3, 2008 at 6:20PM

Amazing accomplishment!!! Congratulations on reaching your milestone of 1000 well written reviews. I always know that when I click on one of your reviews, it's going to be informative, helpful, and from the heart. :)

LaurieM wrote on Jan 2, 2008 at 6:53PM

Congrats on writing 1,000 reviews!! The most awesome part of it is that each one is high quality and extremely helpful. (you owe me ten bucks, lol) In all seriousness, I agree with each and every one of your reasons for being a part of the Viewpoints community. Thank you for introducing me to it.

jazzybean01 wrote on Jan 2, 2008 at 11:47AM

Once again a rave review Patty. I had no clue you were related to Laurie and Mr. X. It figures though since they also write killer reviews. I look forward to reading more of these in the new year. And thanks for all the great support on my reviews. This site really is the best!

ChrisJarmick wrote on Jan 2, 2008 at 10:28AM

Sorry you actually DID GO over the review writing speed limit and although I could write you a ticket... heck... it's so great to have you around these parts, we'll let you go with a warning. We want 1,500 reviews in 2008!!! REady... set.......

Happy New Year

kevin wrote on Jan 2, 2008 at 9:04AM

Totally amazing! Your list is a great reminder of what we're trying to build here and it's an inspiration to us all. Here's wishing you a great 2008!

Se7en wrote on Jan 2, 2008 at 5:45AM

1000. Beautiful. Seems like just yesterday you started out on this. Congratulations are in order. Happy New Year, Lady

CyndiA wrote on Jan 1, 2008 at 5:50PM

Spot on. It's nice to be a space where it's fine to just be you. Very refreshing.

RudiXeno wrote on Dec 31, 2007 at 5:16PM

Patty,
Congrats on this incredible milestone. Not bad for someone with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Ever think it might be Chronic Too Damn Busy Syndrome? Seriously, I feel honored to count you as a friend. Hope you have an awesome New Year.

Rudi

bkovacs wrote on Dec 31, 2007 at 1:50PM

Patty--

You're going to have to work on that negative attitude, young lady. :-)

You have really made a contribution to Viewpoints and, in turn, the entire Internet. I don't know how you can be so prolific, yet so witty and honest. Thanks for going all out in your reviews, and I look forward to more from you.

--Bob

Jo wrote on Dec 31, 2007 at 10:13AM

Great list, Patty. Happy New Year:) Jo

Fardreamer wrote on Dec 30, 2007 at 10:52PM

Also, if you must know, you're also one of the writers I most look up to!

Fardreamer wrote on Dec 30, 2007 at 10:52PM

Wow. 1000 reviews in such a short time. I know, more or less, how reaching that particular benchmark feels like, and I'm really happy for you! And yes, you're definitely one of the cool kids!

Matt wrote on Dec 30, 2007 at 6:42PM

Patty - congrats! We love having you as an important and inspiring part of the community. I'm glad we've managed to keep things friendly as the site has taken off. 2008 will be an exciting year for Viewpoints.

kid-kansas wrote on Dec 30, 2007 at 6:34PM

Wow 1,000 reviews, I felt good the other day when I made it to 100...I got a lot of typing to do to get to where you are. Congrats!!!!!! Ron

StarSoldier1 wrote on Dec 30, 2007 at 5:50PM

Whoa, you're a writing machine, baby! I love it here too.

AmyA wrote on Dec 30, 2007 at 12:27PM

Way to go and congrats Patty!!!

joyjoy wrote on Dec 30, 2007 at 11:24AM

Congratulations!

maryellenp wrote on Dec 30, 2007 at 9:12AM

CONGRATULATIONS!
I am learning a lot about this site, and I think it is great. This review is very helpful for me! Thank you. Keep up the great work.
Mary Ellen

Buggheart wrote on Dec 30, 2007 at 9:00AM

Woohoo! I've been waiting for this 1000th review. Way to go, Patty, and congratulations on hitting the goal! Amen to everything you said as well. You could print that out, add a bunch of line to the bottom for us to sign, and it would be like the Viewpoints declaration of independence. LOL. OK now *I'm* being goofy. Anyway, way to go chickie!

TheBard wrote on Dec 30, 2007 at 7:12AM

Patti, Congrats!! Thest of us are playing catchup when we can, so watch your back. Happy New Year!

Vincent

Jolie wrote on Dec 30, 2007 at 12:40AM

In response to PattyTherre's comment from Dec 30, 2007 at 12:24AM:

And I cant believe I was up to witness it. Well, I am kind of on vacation! (didnt want to miss this big moment)

PattyTherre wrote on Dec 30, 2007 at 12:24AM

In response to Jolie's comment from Dec 29, 2007 at 11:49PM:

Thanks! I had no idea I was going to write this until I started typing. I can't believe I wrote 1000 reviews. Yikes!

Jolie wrote on Dec 29, 2007 at 11:49PM

Patty-- congrats on reaching 1000. You are so amazing!! We are soooo lucky to have you here. Congrats again and of course, thanks for sharing all the wonderful reasons why you like VP. What a cool thing to do for your 1000th review!