Creating your own review thread (tips & tricks)
Sept 13, 2016 19:36:56 GMT -5
sabongero, RikerDonegal, and 3 more like this
Post by shaxper on Sept 13, 2016 19:36:56 GMT -5
I get a lot of private messages from members asking what the requirements are for a review thread. Officially, the answer is "none." Write what you want, and if people like it, it will get views and responses.
But, for those of you looking for tips and tricks, here are a few (feel free to add more as replies in this thread):
1. Summarize less, analyze more. Folks do want to know what happened in this issue, but they can get that information from other sites on the web too (and besides, many of your followers read these issues already). The most important part of your review is YOUR thoughts/analysis. What are you noticing in this story that others might miss, or why should others want to read or avoid this issue? Your perspective is utterly unique to you and should be the centerpiece of your reviews. Keep the summary brief and make your own thoughts the heart of what you write.
2. Don't be afraid to admit you don't know. Even the most seasoned of experts has gaps in their knowledge. If a member responds by pointing out an error or contributing information you didn't have, don't get defensive. Users are looking for ways to participate in the conversation, and just saying "good job!" and "I agree!" over and over again gets silly, so users often only speak up to contribute information and/or disagree with an opinion of yours, but (more likely than not) these people are also your fans. Understand that these people are taking the time and interest to read your words, even if they aren't agreeing with what you are saying in this instance. Emphasize being gracious over being right. No one wants to read the thoughts of a member who is dismissive, disrespectful, or combative towards his/her readers.
3. Separate opinions from facts. There's a big difference between "favorite" and "best". No one can take issue with you for expressing an opinion, but when you state something as fact that you cannot empirically prove, you risk attracting criticism and turning readers away. Stan Lee was not empirically proven to be the best writer of the Silver Age, but you can state with total confidence that he may have been the best and then explain why.
4. Grammar and spelling go a long way. Check before you post.
5. Regular updates attract regular readers. Set realistic goals for yourself. Most review threads get a ton of activity in the first week, but that attention drops off if you're not regularly adding new content.
6. Scans and cover images attract attention. At the same time, too many images will affect load time for users with slower computers or internet connections.
7. Provide attention-grabbing information in your very first post. It's what other members will see first, and if your review thread gets featured on the facebook page, that's probably what will be linked to.
8. Don't be afraid to stand out. Give your thread its own distinct flavor, whether in how you structure it, how you write it, how you organize it, or maybe even with the depth of carefully researched information you provide. Make yours a unique voice on the internet that sounds like no other!
How do I get my review thread to be a "Featured Review Thread" on the front page (left column)?
1. Have at least three reviews up. Most threads fizzle before they get to three reviews, so no threads are included until they pass this point.
2. Make sure your thread follows suggestions #1-4 above. The rest are not required for inclusion, but are still highly recommended.
3. Keep updating. We're only human and thus sometimes miss when a new review thread has reached its third review. Constant activity in the thread will make it easier for us to take note of this.
How do I get my review thread to be featured on the facebook page / the center column on the front page?
The primary purpose of the facebook page (which directly feeds into the center column of the front page) is to attract the attention of potential new members, as well as members who haven't been keeping up with the day-to-day conversations on the site. As a result, the question asked before a thread is featured is, "Will this draw a lot of positive attention?" A thread making highly controversial claims will almost never be chosen unless the author presents his/her ideas as being controversial and is welcoming to counter-arguments. Similarly, a thread containing grammatical errors, spelling errors, or factual inaccuracies will likely not be featured either.
And finally, never be afraid to ask for input. A thread for reviewers to discuss their work and seek help/advice from others can be found here.
I've always felt that review threads are one of the most unique and impressive aspects of the CCF. Your carefully executed review thread is/will be an asset to our community. Thank you in advance for creating it!
But, for those of you looking for tips and tricks, here are a few (feel free to add more as replies in this thread):
1. Summarize less, analyze more. Folks do want to know what happened in this issue, but they can get that information from other sites on the web too (and besides, many of your followers read these issues already). The most important part of your review is YOUR thoughts/analysis. What are you noticing in this story that others might miss, or why should others want to read or avoid this issue? Your perspective is utterly unique to you and should be the centerpiece of your reviews. Keep the summary brief and make your own thoughts the heart of what you write.
2. Don't be afraid to admit you don't know. Even the most seasoned of experts has gaps in their knowledge. If a member responds by pointing out an error or contributing information you didn't have, don't get defensive. Users are looking for ways to participate in the conversation, and just saying "good job!" and "I agree!" over and over again gets silly, so users often only speak up to contribute information and/or disagree with an opinion of yours, but (more likely than not) these people are also your fans. Understand that these people are taking the time and interest to read your words, even if they aren't agreeing with what you are saying in this instance. Emphasize being gracious over being right. No one wants to read the thoughts of a member who is dismissive, disrespectful, or combative towards his/her readers.
3. Separate opinions from facts. There's a big difference between "favorite" and "best". No one can take issue with you for expressing an opinion, but when you state something as fact that you cannot empirically prove, you risk attracting criticism and turning readers away. Stan Lee was not empirically proven to be the best writer of the Silver Age, but you can state with total confidence that he may have been the best and then explain why.
4. Grammar and spelling go a long way. Check before you post.
5. Regular updates attract regular readers. Set realistic goals for yourself. Most review threads get a ton of activity in the first week, but that attention drops off if you're not regularly adding new content.
6. Scans and cover images attract attention. At the same time, too many images will affect load time for users with slower computers or internet connections.
7. Provide attention-grabbing information in your very first post. It's what other members will see first, and if your review thread gets featured on the facebook page, that's probably what will be linked to.
8. Don't be afraid to stand out. Give your thread its own distinct flavor, whether in how you structure it, how you write it, how you organize it, or maybe even with the depth of carefully researched information you provide. Make yours a unique voice on the internet that sounds like no other!
How do I get my review thread to be a "Featured Review Thread" on the front page (left column)?
1. Have at least three reviews up. Most threads fizzle before they get to three reviews, so no threads are included until they pass this point.
2. Make sure your thread follows suggestions #1-4 above. The rest are not required for inclusion, but are still highly recommended.
3. Keep updating. We're only human and thus sometimes miss when a new review thread has reached its third review. Constant activity in the thread will make it easier for us to take note of this.
How do I get my review thread to be featured on the facebook page / the center column on the front page?
The primary purpose of the facebook page (which directly feeds into the center column of the front page) is to attract the attention of potential new members, as well as members who haven't been keeping up with the day-to-day conversations on the site. As a result, the question asked before a thread is featured is, "Will this draw a lot of positive attention?" A thread making highly controversial claims will almost never be chosen unless the author presents his/her ideas as being controversial and is welcoming to counter-arguments. Similarly, a thread containing grammatical errors, spelling errors, or factual inaccuracies will likely not be featured either.
And finally, never be afraid to ask for input. A thread for reviewers to discuss their work and seek help/advice from others can be found here.
I've always felt that review threads are one of the most unique and impressive aspects of the CCF. Your carefully executed review thread is/will be an asset to our community. Thank you in advance for creating it!
