Although I first started writing on MS way back in 2003, I have always been wary of writing or rating reviews on MS. For one, I dont find any categories for the topics I want to write about. For another, I just cant seem to understand the rationale behind the rating system on MS.
Here’s my ranting on the rating system. On what basis should I rate a review on MS? Should I rate a review based on:
1)How useful it is to me: On this basis, most reviews would get a NU from me since I dont really watch most of the serials/movies, nor do I get any time to read novels/books. I havent changed my cellphone in 2 years, so I really dont care much about reviews on new cellphones either.
2)How impressed I am with the writers diction and language: Usually this does the trick for me. But not always.
3)How fascinated I am with the style of writing:I am partial to humor posts dipped in sarcasm. Long reviews on Movies, which reveal entire plot don’t get much out of me.
4)How pretty I find the picture on the writer’s profile:This works only for women writers. Guys please excuse.
5)Whether the writer belongs to my clique:I give you VU rating, You give me VU rating types. Pity I dont belong to any clique. So I give you NU rating even if you give me VU rating. Purely on merit buddy.
6)Whether I am in a really good mood today: I usually am not.
7)Just out of pure pity: this is especially true for those first time writers who simply post a’I watched Salaam Namaste yesterday, and Saifu was simbly fundoo. You must also go watch it’ review, and then wait endlessly for people to rate their extraordinary effort.
8)Whether I agree to the author’s viewpoint or not: This one’s really dicey. I have come across reviews with fantastic English, written in inimitable style. But on controversial topics that I totally beg to differ upon. Take the controversial Bangalore review, for example, from a writer I love to hate, for the sheer controversy she creates with her irresponsible writing.
9)If they welcome me to their trusted circle: I havent fallen for this yet. I dont take that trusted circle thingy too seriously.
10)If they tug at my emotional chords: I have a nostalgic streak in me, and when a review takes me down memory lane, I simply go ga-ga. A recent review on Jo Jeeta Wohi Sikander really floored me. For sheer nostalgia. And it over-rules all the above points.
Some of the writers on MS that I usually am partial to are the ones who have a consistent record of writing great reviews(visgarg, sachien, findkhushi, nishanu etc), or have wonderful ability to churn out amazing humor in all situations(Walking_dude). These writers have good writing skills, and a great sense of humor. And most importantly, they are convincing in their reviews. And as much as I hate to admit it, I almost get the feeling I am blinded by their reputation, and invariably rate their reviews VU.