When I first visited https://Mouthshut.com. target="_blank">Mouthshut.com (somewhere in Dec 03) - I knew that this was a *different* site. The *consumer focus* driven site has proven to be an excellent forum to voice opinions - for and against products - that we use daily.
Simple - but so important - that we write about the *actual utility* of things we use *from our perspective*. The ability to do that on https://Mouthshut.com. target="_blank">Mouthshut.com so effectively - makes this site stand out from others.
Anyways, due to my exams and basic lack of a stable internet facility (during Dec 03)- I was just able to bookmark https://Mouthshut.com. target="_blank">Mouthshut.com - unable to use it for making *purchase decisions*. Now, it’s no longer so. Ever since I got my 24 hrs net connection - I happen to regularly visit https://Mouthshut.com. target="_blank">Mouthshut.com and read the reviews of a wide variety of people - from all over the world - though predominantly - from India. Least to say, they variety of opinions is extremely helpful in making sensible decisions.
Not to be left out, I too have started reviewing products - that I have consumed / used. And it gives me great pleasure - that so many people take the time and effort to Read, Rate and also Comment on the reviews that I have written.
Being a software programmer - and having some experience in web programming - I must say - that this site has one of the best programmed webservices that I have experienced yet - coming close to BBC.co.uk (which I think is possibly *the best* programmed website - in terms of navigation, search and overall utility).
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THE CASE OF FATAL ADDICTION
There is one question though - that gets curioser and curioser to me every single time I visit this site - and that is - What is it about Mouthshut that makes it so ADDICTIVE to its users???
Surely, the answer is just not - *because it is so well created!
Methinks - the addiction has to do with the fact that reviewers want to get *recognition* and *standing* among their fellow reviewers - and this desire to be *recognized* and *feel great* about oneself - may be *one of the driving factors* to addiction towards this site.
Honestly, how many of us write simply because we want to review a product? C’mon now - don’t you also write to be Recognized and Commended for your work??? At least - I do :)
The other factors - more obviously are:
1) The need to know the thoughts & opinions, from trusted individuals, about products you may purchase in future - hence - to maximize the utility of money - which is a basic goal of every Individual.
2) To be a part of a community - whose collective goal - is to put forward an extensive knowledge base - that helps in better decision making - thus leading to a better lifestyle.
3) Habit of Voracious Reading - the need to read just for the sake of pursuing your *hobby of reading
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TECHNICALITIES:
1) https://Mouthshut.com. target="_blank">Mouthshut.com has one of the most simple registeration proceses I have come across. But to be fair to other sites - https://Mouthshut.com. target="_blank">Mouthshut.com - does not charge or take any money from users - hence - a lesser need to ask for detailed information - unlike sites with payment facilities (where security is paramount).
2) One of the best programmed sites I have seen on the web. For every person who reads a review - the *total readers* count gets incremented. For every visit to *public profile* by members - the *total visitors* count gets incremented. Other features - such as - spellcheck, abuse checking constraints, etc. make this site more credible.
Though, the log-in facility could have been better. Sometimes, when I open up two browser windows of Mouthshut - I notice that am logged in one of them - but not so in the other browser. There must be some facility to track whether a user has properly logged on to Mouthshut - and maintain this authentication - no matter - how many browser windows the user opens up.
3) The surfing speed on https://Mouthshut.com. target="_blank">Mouthshut.com is one of the best I have experienced. But would still rate Rediff.com as *the best* site in India in terms of download / surfing speed.
https://Mouthshut.com. target="_blank">Mouthshut.com has many other features like M2M (contacting fellow members / reviewers), Wish lists, etc. which are very useful and used extensively by its users.
Plus, a general posting of *best debutants*, *members flagged*, *CEO Newsletter*, etc. are very useful and informative - overall - helping to maintain a *thriving, well-informed community* of https://Mouthshut.com. target="_blank">Mouthshut.com members.
All in all, the *resources* of https://Mouthshut.com. target="_blank">Mouthshut.com are very well managed - *optimized* to near perfection :)
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PEOPLE OF MOUTHSHUT
Now, what would https://Mouthshut.com. target="_blank">Mouthshut.com be without it’s loyal, sincere, well behaved members? :)
Methinks - the*overall* community of https://Mouthshut.com. target="_blank">Mouthshut.com is respectable, loyal and full of energy.
You can feel the honesty of the members through their reviews, ratings and comments. The energy can be felt in the quality of writing as well as participation in Ratings & Comments on other fellow reviewers. All in all, the *positive energy webflow* this site has through its Members - which recursively helps Members to *put their best and sincere efforts* while making their contributions to the site. Also, the fact that the members come from wide ranging backgrounds and still able to maintain such effective *web of life* through Mouthshut.com.
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Final Comments: I consider https://Mouthshut.com. target="_blank">Mouthshut.com like a *caring family* From Leah to Rose to Kalil to Premjit to many other reviewers. Wonderful people make wonderful communities. No better proof than Mouthshut.com.
Cheers!