Peope from all over the globe (yes, MS has a significant presence outside the sub-continent as well) join mouthshut to express their views on almost anything and everything. From celebrities to the cars they endorse, from sports to those who play the sport, a mouthshut member can write on any of these diverse topics. But when iot comes to writing on oneself, people are a bit hesitant, aren’t they? There are so many members who don’t upload their photos and who don’t even list their real names. I ask you, why this preferred anyonymity? If one is shy or reluctant to make friends via the internet, then I can understand. But what about those members who cannot write about themselves at all?
Indeed, writing "about me" is sort of wierd. When I was filling up that particular space, all I could think of was that I was fifteen years old and living in Mumbai. Besides that, I could not describe myself in a more apt yet concise way. Numerous revisions later, my profile page now actually looks presentable with relevant information filled in about me and my somewhat eccentric interests.
So, to people who are planning to edit their profile page, here is a list of advice that you should follow:
1. POST YOUR PROFILE PICTURE
If you do not have a web cam or datacable, then you can even send your photo through snail mail to the mouthshut team to get it uploaded. A profile picture immediately draws people to your profile page and makes you more relatable as people can see the face bwhind the name. Even psyxx has recently uploaded his photo, and his profile page has been accentuated by him. But a warning note here: do not post any sort of offensive, obscene, violent or abusive pictures. They portray a wrong image and project you in a bad light. After all, who will like to know more about a person who posts an indecent photo of himself on the internet. Also, avoid posting old (reading this , Abha:D) or child hood photographs. Post a pic that is as recent as possible. Just for the record, my picture is of July 2006 only. So mine is decent enough. Also, make sure that the picture is clear, sharp and reasonably colourful. Pictures clicked in the dead of night are no use. You don’t have to be a Tom Cruise or Angelina Jolie to post your picture, just post a normal picture of YOU because we, as readers and fellow members, want to know about YOU and not some celebrity.
2. THE NAME, EDUCATION ETC. COLUMN
I simply cannot understand why people want to hide their first names as well! Last names I can understand, as some people prefer to be in the cloak of anonymity rather than shine in the spotlight. As far as education goes, young teenagers like me have to write stuff like "I am illiterate" or "can’t wait till its over" because most of our studies are still left. This is a largely unnecessary requirement on your profile page. This is because, you may have done MBA courses or you may be someone who has studied till the XIIth standard. It makes little difference to me as long as you write well and behave in a friendly manner. The gender column is a must.......or that’s what I feel. However, for those people who want to be funny, an "undecided" or "not applicable, not clear", option should be made available for a few laughs. The city, state and country spaces are irrelevant if you don’t want to make any real friends through the website. But it can help you locate someone who lives very close to your house and that is a huge bonus.
3. INTERESTS COLUMN
Now we are heading towards the tough part. While your name and other stuff is relatively easy to fill, the interests column is not so easy. Try not to list out things in point--wise format as that looks very unimaginative and commonplace. Try to make your interests come to life....For example, instead of saying that you like movies, describe the genre of movies you like. If you like comedies, then say that "I like to escape into a frivolus world of laughter, entertainment and unabashed joy with comedy movies" , rather than simply saying you like comedy movies. Try to list out more than two or three interests as you may find someone who shares the same interests as you that way. But avoid writing more than seven hobbies because then the profie page becomes too long and staid. With a little imagination, you can make your page look more interesting by listing your interests in a whacky and fun manner.
4. ABOUT ME COLUMN
Now, I feel that this is the toughest part of writing a profile page. While some details are necessary, avoid giving unnecessary ones like "I love this brand" but dislike "that brand". It looks wannabe (for want of a better word) and unimpressive. Avoid excessive praise or shrp criticism for anyone or anything in this column. Simply mentioning that I do not like snobbish people is enough, you need not go into the details by describing what a snobbish person is like. If you want to, try to reveal a little about the REAL you and some fictitious bloke whose character you defined recently. In short, keep it clean and honest. Lying is unacceptable and if something fishy is found, then that member should be suspended indefinitely.
SOME IMPROVEMENTS THAT I SUGGEST
This one is for you, mouthshut team. If someone is a star writer or a hall of famer, then a SW or HOF tag should be put on his profile picture, so that readers can know his staus by reading his reviews only. If a review is there in Hoit Review section, then "HR" tag should be put on it as well. Also, multiple background colours and text colours should be made available (like on hi5) so that each member can have a distinct identity. Also, a person should be allowed to post more than one profile picture if he wishes to. The pictures can be viewed via a link on the member’s profile page. Also, the M2M system should be made quicker as it is still somewhat slow sometimes. If these changes are incorporated, mouthshut will attarct more members for sure.
PLEASE RATE AND POST COMMENTS