Posting a Review at Viewpoints

Writing a review at Viewpoints is a good way to get started with online publishing. You have an opportunity to review virtually anything (within reason) and to upload a photo or photos to compliment your review.

Steps for Writing an Online Review at Viewpoints

1. Select a product or service to review. This can be any product or service.

Sample products/services for review at Viewpoints:

• Electronic Device
• CD
• DVD
• Book
• Grocery Item
• Clothing
• Sports Gear
• Restaurant
• College

2. Sign up for an account at Viewpoints. This is quick and easy. You need to think of a user name and a password as with most online spaces. I would suggest a generic user name and a password that you can remember.

3. Upload a user photo. This does not need to be a personal photo. You can use a flower, bird, mash up or anything you want within reason and not under copyright. If you opt to copy a photo online, then make sure it is copyright clear. One spot for copyright clear images is MorgueFile. Users donate the photos for use by onliners.

4. Search for the product you want to review. If it is in the database, then you’re set to begin reviewing. If not, then look for the tab to “add a product.” When adding a product, be sure to click to select the correct section. For example, the George Foreman grill would go under Home & Garden and then Small Kitchen Appliances.

5. If you add a new product to the database, upload a main photo to go with the review. It will show across the site for all additional reviews for that product. If the featured photo is in place, then upload a user photo which will show to the side of her review only.

6. Write your review in Word. Online forms can glitch. Your review can be lost in a heartbeat. This does not happen, but if you lose a review once, you will understand why it’s better to have the work in Word. If something happens, then you do not have to write your work a second time.

7. Paste your review in the field. It should be at least 100 words (longer is fine). Viewpoints does not require a certain number of words, but good reviews have some detail. If you just put, “This rocks,” then I would not consider that showing effort on the assignment. Likewise, I will not look favorably on cut and paste posts (plagiarism).

In writing the review, you may need to add a bit of background. In other words, tell us the basic features and functions of an item. It’s not much fun to read a review if you are not even sure what is being reviewed. If you review a toaster, then you do not need to explain how a toaster works, but you would want to talk about any unique features.

Also add some real word user commentary. Discuss your own personal experiences with the product or service. This is the value of user input on reviews. If you’re just parroting the publicity materials, then the reader is not gaining any insight.

8. Use the tool bar to format your article. At the very least, press the spell check icon. Adding bold subheadings and such will make the review more readable as well. I will notice when you make the effort to ensure that your review is visually appealing.

9. Go back and read your review after it’s posted. If you’re not going to read it, then why would you expect others to read the review. You will also be more likely to catch errors when you see the piece live on site. For some reason, the typos are more obvious after you press publish and go back. Formatting issues will also be obvious in read mode.

The bottom line?

Take pride in what you post for the world to see!