My gripe about Ciao - if you're a member, opinion please!
By mommyboo
@mommyboo (13174)
United States
December 3, 2008 8:13am CST
Hello all my Mylot friends! I had read several GOOD reviews of the Ciao site and seen compelling reasons to at least test drive it, try it out. All in all, I think it is an excellent site, err, an excellent IDEA.
Here is my problem! There are so many people there that seem to be reviewing products they know nothing about. I also see a lot of reviews which are poorly written, and I am not sure if it's due to a language barrier (such as English as a second or third language?) or what, but it makes it harder for even someone who has a good grasp of comprehension some trouble with understanding. I don't mean to hurt any feelings, honest I don't, but as I'm going through and reading some reviews on products I may ACTUALLY be interested in purchasing or using, I really want to find some good old down to earth information, written by someone who can be clear and forthright, someone who actually has used or owns the product, and someone who can be honest and tell me that something is functional yet has x wrong with it, in their opinion. Holy run on sentence! Anyway, what are your thoughts? Also, if you are a member and you write awesome reviews, let me know via pm or add me as a friend here and then we can talk. I need a more reliable way to stumble on useful information.
I DO like the fact that Ciao seems to pay well though, for 2-3 days there, I'm pleasantly surprised.
6 people like this
18 responses
@apples99 (6556)
• United States
3 Dec 08
Hi there, I'm not a member Ciao, but Iv been thinking of joining the site but it seems to bother you that some of the members of Ciao aren't great writers so I guess it might not be a good idea for me to join because I'm not the greatest writer and I dont want to be one of those members that people complain about.
2 people like this
@mommyboo (13174)
• United States
8 Dec 08
Oh no, I didn't mean to make you feel that way...
Most people here would make good members there - except they are now no longer paying per review grrrr. It's not that people need to be exceptional writers, but it's important someone know about a product before reviewing it, and know enough about how to get a point across to do it in the review.
@writermom8 (913)
• Philippines
3 Dec 08
Hey mommyboo. You're right. I agree with you 100%. In fact, if you search "Ciao" under discussions, you would probably see the thread I started two weeks ago about being frustrated at some postings in Ciao because they were obviously copied from various websites!
But you know, I kinda appreciate more those reviewers who are not really that good in expressing themselves in English fluently and yet you can understand what they're saying. They are making the effort to make valuable contributions unlike the lazy ones who cut and paste other reviews from various websites.
My username at Ciao is writermom. You can add me if you like :)
@mommyboo (13174)
• United States
8 Dec 08
Thank you! I don't understand why anybody would straight copy and paste. I thought that people enjoyed writing their own content and I also assumed (incorrectly) that people would only write about what they knew about. As long as the review makes sense, I don't discount the information, but I have read some reviews, such as one discussing a beauty product (for example) and maybe it just repeated over and over how it 'made your hair soft'. Ok, well ANY conditioner is going to make your hair soft - unless it's defective lol. I appreciate unique information that shows why I would want or not want to buy or use a product. I'll see you there soon!
@ThePaintGuru (541)
• United States
3 Dec 08
I try to write good reviews. They're not excellent, but they are based on actual product experiences and to be honest I have already run out of things I feel I can comment on. I think a lot of people just do a bit of research and make things up in their reviews, because I have seen profiles where the same person has reviewed, for example, 10 successive models of cell phone from the same company. I guess they COULD have owned all of these, but it doesn't seem very likely to me that they would.
1 person likes this
@mommyboo (13174)
• United States
8 Dec 08
I don't think I reviewed anything I didn't have experience with. I like the creative writing options more, where you can write about 'your top ten (insert here)' or advice on various topics. I am disappointed that they are not doing review incentives any more though, as that was the main draw of contributing there. Add me, I have the same user name.
@sirrob (4108)
• Philippines
4 Dec 08
Do I have to agree with you? Absolutely 100%, I have been in the site for more than 2 months now and it is just so frustrating to see reviews in this kind. In fact, this is one of the reasons that I lay low over there and became so slow in my participation. The site is still great but I cannot stand to see members rating each others so high and you'll see reviews full of garbage and crap. In this case, I only subscribe to a few good members that I know writes informative reviews that would really help you in many ways.
1 person likes this
@pyewacket (43903)
• United States
4 Dec 08
I might actually start deleting "friends" there...the ones particularly that spam my message box to read their reviews and yet never even read one of mine...like, duh?
1 person likes this
@sirrob (4108)
• Philippines
4 Dec 08
I was thinking and going that way also. I have 19 pending friend request at this time that I still have to sort out their reviews before accepting them. Another annoying messages that I have are those who ask to include them in your circle of trust and would tell you that if you do include them, they will help you earn more. Huh.?? How? It's just so funny with this kind of, I don't know what you call them.
1 person likes this
@hildas (3031)
•
3 Dec 08
I have seen a few really badly written reviews, but I still rate them as these people have really tried their best and they get paid for trying.
I joined over one week ago and have reviewed nearly everything I own or have used and I am running out of things to review now.
I did reviews this morning on what my Mother owns which I thought good, but it is sort of lying but I did state I helped her choose it.
I saw one member who has reviewed about 20 televisions. I guess he must work in a television shop.
Well I am tempted to lie on there now myself but I do not know what do do. I have run out of products to review nearly so I will now go around my friends and families products and appliances.
It is a good paying site. I really like it there too. Take care and happy earning at Ciao.
Well I am tempted to lie on there now myself but I do not know what do do. I have run out of products to review nearly so I will now go around my friends and families products and appliances.
It is a good paying site. I really like it there too. Take care and happy earning at Ciao.1 person likes this
@mommyboo (13174)
• United States
8 Dec 08
One thing I found helpful is that that there is also a 'cafe' so you can write about other topics, not simply products. There are also movies and books I believe, probably hundreds if not thousands of them. What's your user name over there? Mine is the same.
1 person likes this
@SeishiroX (1093)
• Philippines
3 Dec 08
I encountered one hard to understand review. I chose to rate it "somewhat helpful" just to help that poor fellow earn something. I'm generous you see.
I know it can be helpful for some, but it sometimes makes me wonder why someone would want to spoil the scenes in a movie in a review. Well, to each his own and I respect that author's preference. I just find it...surprising, sometimes.
1 person likes this
@mommyboo (13174)
• United States
8 Dec 08
I choose not to rate rather than rate negatively, at least right now over there. I'm not into ruining somebody's day, if the reviews are generally not helpful, then I just don't decide to add them and read all their reviews. Sometimes I will go look at one product and see there are say 15 reviews for it. Instead of just reading all of the interesting reviews for one person and then going on, I will read all 15 of the reviews for the one product and then add people from that reading based on the best few.
I also think there is a difference between mentioning a few main points of the movie and spoiling it lol. Some writers don't give ANYTHING away, and that can make it interesting to some, some writers give away a LITTLE and that can be like a teaser.
@Paula1966 (1102)
• United States
3 Dec 08
Does it help them earn? I know a "somewhat helpful" decreases your community points... I guess I just assumed it also decreased earnings. If it isn't going to decrease actual earning, I may start using it too, although I am worried about retaliatory ratings. (Yes, I know it is against the rules, but I'm not sure I'm up to messing with that right now.)
1 person likes this
@34momma (13882)
• United States
3 Dec 08
i just heard about this site, but have not been on it yet. i like you am not a fan of those who really don't understand english well enough to write reviews and things like that. it is just to much work to figure out what they are really trying to say. i will have to go and see what this site is all about though.
@subha12 (18441)
• India
5 Dec 08
I am newbie at ciao. I also think my reviews are not unto the date as English is also not my mother tongue. Believe me, I have seen people who have English a smother tongue, writes sometimes without punctuations. so they are hard to read. Also may be some face language barrier.
@mommyboo (13174)
• United States
8 Dec 08
I saw you there and added you ... or you added me. I just have a hard time with someone who reviewed say... 20 different tv sets or camera lenses but none of the reviews mention anything about the reviewer's PERSONAL experience with any of them. Besides, in this economic state, I hardly feel someone who is trying to get as many quarters from reviews as possible could have the money to purchase and enjoy 20 flat screen plasma HDTVs lol.
... or you added me. I just have a hard time with someone who reviewed say... 20 different tv sets or camera lenses but none of the reviews mention anything about the reviewer's PERSONAL experience with any of them. Besides, in this economic state, I hardly feel someone who is trying to get as many quarters from reviews as possible could have the money to purchase and enjoy 20 flat screen plasma HDTVs lol.
@LittleMel (8742)
• Canada
4 Dec 08
I am not a member there and English is not my mother language either
but I do agree that if readers can't understand the reviews or if these reviews are written without knowledge or experience of using the product
then readers won't consider using the product at all anyway
I have heard about it but I never join ciao
maybe later I will check it out
@mommyboo (13174)
• United States
8 Dec 08
Sometimes I feel like a snob when I talk about expecting things to be understandable and written decently, but I'm talking about something appealing to the average Joe on up to someone who is very educated. I don't need perfection, just a good effort, but that includes knowing what you're talking about. I don't go to sites just to be kind and help out friends, I want to actually use the site as it was designed to be used. I was just disillusioned when I saw so many things that didn't help me lol.
@redkathy (3374)
• United States
4 Dec 08
I love the site too. Yes there are many poorly written reviews. Some I am sure are due to language issues but that is to be expected o the net. A lot of people are there for money only. That is where the badly written reviews come in. Also, have you read the info in the member center? There are rules that should be followed. The thing that got me was plagiarism. I hate it when people steal and I do turn them in. You can find me under the same screen name. I have some good friends who write very well. As for me, I think my reviews are so so. I try but am no writer, however I do review what I have used or owned.
1 person likes this
@mommyboo (13174)
• United States
8 Dec 08
I've added you . I really try to write about what I know, AND what interests me. I mean you won't find me reviewing a political book because heck, I don't waste my time reading those lol. I do like human interest stories, real life murder mysteries, a variety of electronics (I'm a techie) and I also like the creative opportunities. Opinion pieces are fun, and tips and advice are right up my alley. I wrote one about embarrassing moments too, you might enjoy that one 
I really have only gotten my feet wet, there are lots and lots of things I have not even found nor read, and as you can see I haven't spent a lot of time digging for good members either, instead I'm adding them from over here! So much easier than stumbling upon them based on a search for a topic or product.
. I really try to write about what I know, AND what interests me. I mean you won't find me reviewing a political book because heck, I don't waste my time reading those lol. I do like human interest stories, real life murder mysteries, a variety of electronics (I'm a techie) and I also like the creative opportunities. Opinion pieces are fun, and tips and advice are right up my alley. I wrote one about embarrassing moments too, you might enjoy that one
I really have only gotten my feet wet, there are lots and lots of things I have not even found nor read, and as you can see I haven't spent a lot of time digging for good members either, instead I'm adding them from over here! So much easier than stumbling upon them based on a search for a topic or product.
@alyssa_c (440)
• Philippines
4 Dec 08
Ciao does pay well. I did come across reviews that were badly written to the point of being incomprehensible. I'm not saying I'm flawless in English, as it is not our first language, but I do try to make my reviews understandable to others who would be reading it. I have also noticed that some who wrote the reviews copied most parts of their reviews from other sites that features the product they're making a review on. In effect, the reviews have this unpolished look, as the copied parts are mostly sentence fragments, and they just probably put a period after each one.
By the way, Mommyboo, would you mind if I add you up in my friends list in ciao? It'd be great to have another friend.
1 person likes this
@Paula1966 (1102)
• United States
3 Dec 08
Hi boo. I just skip the poorly written reviews. It does seem a lot of the reviews are by people who just went and picked them up in the store to handle it just to say it was based on their "own personal experience". You can also tell when the particulars about a product are pretty much copied from somewhere, versus when the person is using their own words. Like I said, I just skip them and find another review to read.
@mommyboo (13174)
• United States
8 Dec 08
Like I said in answer to the other post above, I don't negative rate. I see no reason to act that way, although there are obviously plenty of people who have no qualms about it. I only have an issue if I'm looking up a product and NONE of the reviews are helpful. I'm happy if I can find at least one good one (yes I'm the eternal optimist).
@kaliyha (591)
• Philippines
3 Dec 08
Hey mommyboo. I think we started the same day in Ciao :)
Yes, I do find it pretty weird that some reviews there are being reviewed by people who doesn't own the product, or even haven't used the product. Based on some people's writing style there, it seems to me that a lot of "reviewers" are guilty of plagiarism. Some of them also just researched about the product and despite not experiencing the product itself, they will just post in their review that the product is this and that...
I have 8 reviews now and I'm proud to say that those reviews are of products I own or have used in the past.
I don't really have a big problem with reviewers who has English as a second or third language because I'm not born an english speaker myself. I'm not looking for reviews with perfect grammar but yes I do wish that the way its written should be comprehensible.
1 person likes this
@mommyboo (13174)
• United States
8 Dec 08
I have read some of your reviews and they are fine lol. I'm talking about some products where I was actually searching to find real life pros and cons to support or not support a purchase I was thinking about. A lot of friends' reviews I read I just read for further information, not because I am trying to make a purchase decision. When it involves spending money, a consumer definitely wants a well written review, and I was having trouble finding some of those in the categories/products I was doing searches for.
@TheChosen1 (153)
•
4 Dec 08
Mommyboo first and foremost I do agree with you that there are many poorly written reviews in Ciao. Some people are just out to make a quick buck about products or services which they have never even used. It is obvious by the length of a few sentences. There are however a lot of good reviews as well. This is perhaps because people are thinking too much about the 25 cent incentive in Ciao for writing reviews but forget about the income for being rated.
Ciao is a very good site since it is owned by Microsoft. Yes the same Microsoft that makes Windows, Word and Excel. So there is no worry.
I write in Ciao under the same name I use here. Feel free to add me up. I will be more than happy to assist you. Just make good reviews and do not be tempted to do what many people do.
@mommyboo (13174)
• United States
8 Dec 08
I have you on my friends list at Ciao . It was nice to have that incentive for writing, as that did draw me to the site. I don't (as some believe) have unlimited time to browse, so I want to try and find ways that might earn a bit as well as nourish my love of discussions, opinions, and information sharing. I am aware though that it's important not to try to get 'something for nothing' ie I still think good content is important.
The ratings I am still out on, as far as knowing it will turn a profit. As a newer member, I don't have the gigantic friends lists some folks have, and I also have no idea how to get MORE people to see my reviews. I'm not into asking anybody to read anything, that never goes anywhere, neither can I MAKE someone interested in a topic or product they have no interest in, even if I write a good review of it. This is why I am frustrated that there is no longer pay for writing, because at least that would mean your income is dependent on what YOU are willing to put in as far as time and energy and expertise. Shifting it all to ratings leaves it in the hands of other people, and as we know other people are not always decent, it doesn't seem to be a fair situation for some.
. It was nice to have that incentive for writing, as that did draw me to the site. I don't (as some believe) have unlimited time to browse, so I want to try and find ways that might earn a bit as well as nourish my love of discussions, opinions, and information sharing. I am aware though that it's important not to try to get 'something for nothing' ie I still think good content is important.
The ratings I am still out on, as far as knowing it will turn a profit. As a newer member, I don't have the gigantic friends lists some folks have, and I also have no idea how to get MORE people to see my reviews. I'm not into asking anybody to read anything, that never goes anywhere, neither can I MAKE someone interested in a topic or product they have no interest in, even if I write a good review of it. This is why I am frustrated that there is no longer pay for writing, because at least that would mean your income is dependent on what YOU are willing to put in as far as time and energy and expertise. Shifting it all to ratings leaves it in the hands of other people, and as we know other people are not always decent, it doesn't seem to be a fair situation for some.
@chocsie (259)
• Greece
3 Dec 08
I haven't read very many reviews that were hard to understand. Yes, there were a few but after reading them one more time, I managed to grasp the information. I've been at ciao for quite a while now. If you want to add me there, my ID is Choco
Good luck and happy reviewing!
1 person likes this
@carlingtop08 (209)
•
3 Dec 08
i have only been with ciao for a few days now and i am quite happy with the website, from peoples reviews you can tell that they spend alot of time writing every bit of detail in order to give the information about the product. I have done about 7 reviews thus far and have only made about 7p :(. apparantly the us website they get paid per review they write but in the uk you only get paid if your review is rated helpful or higher.
1 person likes this
