This may be the most obvious thing for many members, but we can always brush our memories. Also, the new members are (touchwood) increasing day-by-day. They must not face the problems faced by many members including myself.My problems and discoveries:- When I posted my 1st rvu, I never knew that it will be displayed on the homepage instantly. I was overjoyed to find that.- I never knew that one has to reply to comments recd. on your reviews.- I didn’t knew about the importance of rating until I posted my own review on MS.- I never knew that if a SU or NU comment is given on a review, then the reason for that must be informed via comments- Review should be detailed out with all necessary information to enable a reader to make a decision.- ETC.
So, I thought after writing few reviews that there must be a guide & principles apart from few mentioned by MS, that should be kept in mind on MS. You may say that I am myself a new member, how can I guide. But hey, no harm in listening what I have to saySo please be patient & read the following guidelines that must be kept in mind on MS to write a RVU or while RRCing (Read, Rate and Comment).**Points to do RRC:
*1. All new members should read a lot of RVU’s before starting a serious RVU writing. You will not only learn the traits and tricks of the business, but also know various styles and in-depth study the writers including the star writers do to post a review.
Rate at least 70-80% of the reviews you read. You not only encourage the writer, but also help him in improving or telling him that his RVU is good.
Rate carefully as your rating does make a difference. Don’t rate VU/ U to all the RVUS to increase your MS-points. They are of historical and incentive value only. Rate honestly as the writer has spent a hell lot of time to write a RVU then taken by you to read it.
While rating a RVU as SU (somewhat useful) or NU (not useful), leave a comment. Let him know that you rated him low not because you disliked him, but because of some shortcoming in the review.
Don’t favor any writer. I agree that some writers are good but be sure to judge them on the current review and not historical performance. Much like cricket, it is performance on the given day that matters.
Don’t defeat the basic purpose of MS by making groups and giving high ratings within the group and low to outsiders. Similarly, don’t make enemies either and give all their reviews a low rating in return of their giving low rating to your last RVU.
One thing that I am learning from here is to respect others view points. I may agree to that or sometimes not but should never challenge that or worse, to run with a stick behind the writer. This is an opinion site and all opinions are invited. A poison to one may be a refreshing drink to the other. The point is that one must respectfully chose to disagree with his views expressed in writing (comments). No point in unnecessary debates and even fights.
This is not a chat site and therefore, one must be careful that M2M is not meant for chatting/ flirting. Be friends to each other on the basis of common interest/ dislikes.
Some points for MS-Writers:1. Always take a preview of the RVU and then post after formatting. I don’t know why, but the formatting is different when we write from what is posted i.e. the paragraphs are separated from each other. Also, remember to do a spell check before posting a review.2. Never use all Bold or all CAPS or all Italics while writing. It doesn’t serve a purpose and causes pain in the eyes. 3. Also, don’t forget to highlight the important points/ punch lines in the RVU. It does make an impact.4. Remember that your views are read by thousand of readers worldwide and have an impact if the views are honestly posted.
You defeat the purpose of MS if you copy the views from a newspaper, website, or brouchers and all. So, be sure that you have used the product/ service first hand. The views are your own and from your experience. Then only they will count.5. Don’t write for the sake of writing of filling in the minimum 150 word limit. Take a break from work, do some homework and clear out you facts. Use your heart to write and your review will be appreciated by all.6. Don’t use rubbish/ harsh and abusive language on MS. A polite review without abusive language to criticize a product/ service can be as useful as one posted with false words.
Be decent to express your views and all will listen.7. Hiding of facts or giving false facts including imaginary reviews is not appreciated.8. Its ok to be criticized for your review. Take the comments positively and implement them usefully in future RVUs.9. Try to reply to each reader who has left comments on your review. The same may be done in the comments section itself. Although it is not mandatory, it is certainly nice. I do check-in for replies on my comments10. Try not to touch a controversial topic unless you are fully aware of what you are doing. Although it is observed in the past that such RVUs gather the public, but play with the flames only when you learn to extinguish it at the right time.11. Never raise an issue hurting a particular religion or cast. It is the last thing we want on MS.12.
Remember that stereo type writing is not interesting. Be original and create/ find a new writing style. Add some humor to your write-ups. Nothing better than useful information with a hint of humor. You can post the review in points, add an introductory and conclusion paragraph, give some headings and choose an interesting title for ur RVU. The product/ service name as RVU title looks not that great.13. Star Writers: You need not be told anything but still, if you are reading this please note a few things. It is ok for a member to post a bad or a non-informative or even copied review, and also rubbish comments. But you must remember that when you write, people do read that.
Therefore you need to be decent and graceful in ur write-ups. Don’t raise or take part in controversies and also keep writing informative reviews. Not that you are not doing that already, but still I needed to tell that keeping in mind some instances that I came across on MS.To conclude, I must add that I wanted to give my opinion to the members and would be members (based on the time I spent here on MS). You are free to disagree but remember to leave the reason. I hope that the readers have a good look at this review so that the concluding words of MS writers to encourage RRC on their RVUs are saved in future.Thanks for reading, GC