This is a review on the most elementary topic of this site - Writing a review on MS. The importance of this activity can be seen by the fact that if this process of writing reviews stops MS will close down. Thus, this is the lifeline of MS!
Now coming to the basic question of how to write an effective review? Well, there are no certain rules and guidelines for this! You can do it the way you feel right! And this is the primary rule - follow your heart! You have the freedom of expression. Don’t even once think what others will think about your views! That’s their problem not yours! But just keep in mind that the views you present should be honest and shouldn’t mislead the others.
That was regarding the content matter. Now coming to the presentation part. You must accept the reality that some members have a better command on the English language than the others! And it’s a great platform for the other members to learn from them. But till they get that grasp over the language, they shouldn’t try to ape those members! Be original! Don’t try to become someone else! They must recognize their limitations and work according to that. The members who are weak in the English part should work more on their other strengths. You don’t have to be a William Shakespear to write on MS. I myself prefer to read simple and straightforward reviews which are easy to understand than the complex ones! Be proud of what you have rather than being in an awe or a complex of others! It’s much better to be hated for what you are, than to be loved for what you are not!
That tip was for the “slightly weak in English” group! Those, who have a good control over the language shouldn’t be afraid to experiment! Try out different, new and innovative ways to bring out a review! The good writer and the bad writer both present the same fact, but the difference is that good writer presents it in a far more appealing way! You may receive brickbats for it and your review may get a low rating! But don’t be disheartened!
That’s another rule you must keep in mind! Never bother about the rating, which you receive! You write what you feel is right, and others will rate what they feel is right! If you start writing reviews just for the sake of getting a high rating, you are killing the writer & the individual within you with your very own hands! Many members write a review with a very safe approach to get the approval of majority of members, which I feel is the wrong thing to do! I believe in the policy of calling a spade a spade!
Formatting also is a very vital part of your review! We read the review later but the first impression we get is by what it looks like! Thus, if it looks messy or chaotic it will straight away turn off the reader and your review may not be read properly even though your content and language maybe very good! You must try to divide your review in a number of paragraphs and also make it more attractive by using bold & italics at the right places.
Language of the review is also very important! Never ever use offensive or vulgar words! Avoid personal attacks! MS isn’t an adult website. A 13-year-old kid may also be reading a review. Thus, the language should be such that it’s universal to read!
So what are you waiting for guys? Make your grey cells work and start reviewing right away! Happy Writing!
© Tanmay Singh, 2004