Welcome, from me, too. (Helpful Advice for New Members)

Member Name: Celandine

Product:	Helpful Advice for New Members
Date:	16/07/01 (84 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: see opinion

Disadvantages: see opinion

Tips and advice. From me? If you aren't rolling around on the floor laughing yet, then I'd better point out that I spent my first week on Dooyoo thinking that I had to write under 75 words on each topic, and bemused because my opinions kept getting bounced. You'll have gathered from that, that I'm not particularly computer or website literate, or, at least, I wasn't until I joined Dooyoo. Never mind, I'm a little better at in now, and, although I can't promise to give you the goose that lays golden eggs, I can at least try to point out some of the pitfalls, and the high points, and the nice bits about Dooyoo. Or, if you like, the 'Do's and Don'ts', although I'm not going to do it like that, as I'm not brilliant at lists, and I'm hoping to be welcoming as well as helpful.

So, I'm going to do the 'tips and advice' thing, and attempt to avoid sounding either patronising, like a television cook , or , worse, both, because, lets face it, if you've got so far as to be reading this (mad fool), then you're doing better than my 'Why have I been bounced again' bewilderment. You might even study computer science, or be a member of another opinions site, but you might, just might, be as much as a novice to these things as I was when I joined, but the most relevant thing I've got to say is that I've gained a great deal from knowing about, reading on, and writing on this site. And, all these nice things started when I actually started to read around it (for one thing, I realised that all of the opinions around were over 75 words in length).

The reading thing. Well, the more you read, the more you learn, and I've certainly learnt loads from reading opinions on Dooyoo. It isn't just a way to make money by writing things, you see, it's an amazing resource. There's opinions out there on all things under the sun. Imagine a library, combined with an enormous p
ub, but a pub filled with people from all ages, from different backgrounds, ranging from Students of Sociology, through to Tax Inspectors, through Businessmen, to Poets, and Stay-at-home Mums (or Domestic Scientists, if you prefer). And, all these people are talking, and getting on with each other (in the majority), and listening to each others points of view. Free financial advice? It's here. What book would I like to read next? Look at the book reviews. What do I think about Foxhunting? What was that album? It's all here, and reading about it is a bit like having a conversation. Only you have to rate the conversation at the end. It's a proper community here, you see. Honestly. So whether you're in for the potential money (reads=5p) or to fine tune your writing style, or simply to get some advice about a washing machine - be aware that it isn't just a blank computer screen you're talking to, but people, as well.

The money thing. Well, you aren't going to get-rich-quick by writing on Dooyoo, but you might earn yourself enough to supplement a DVD addiction, buy a new textbook, or a toy for your child. Again, though, imagine it's like being in a room with lots of people. If you throw your weight around, or make silly statements, or just write and write when other people are trying to make themselves heard, then you run the risk of annoying people. I think most people who've been here a while tend to limit themselves to about one opinion a day. And they try to make their opinions as useful, well-argued, and readable as possible, so they get their voices heard without having to shout too hard, and, just logically, a 'Very Useful' rated opinion gets put to the top of the category, so more people will see it, and read it, and rate it (that 5p again, if that's what you are here for).

Equally, if you listen to other people, then they'll listen to you. If you go into that pub, with your new mathematical
theory, and start to expound it at the top of your voice, then people might listen the first time. But the next? Well, maybe you don't want to hear about nappies, but you're looking for a nice album. Well, listen to the person who's telling you about it, and they might be more interested in what you've got to say, too. I'd never, ever say 'read for the sake of it'. That would be pointless. But, if you like communication, then reading is fun, too. And, whether it's right, or not, the more you read, the more you tend to get read. It's the conversation again, I suppose. Where's the fun in talking to yourself? Oh, and do put something on your 'profile page', when you join. It doesn't matter what you put on there, but it's lovely to know a little bit about people who have recently joined the site.

I'm not going to go into all the 'how' and 'why' of doing these things. I sort of blundered my way through it to start with. Basically, if it's blue, then you can point the mouse at it, click, and the site tells you what to do from there on in. Oh, and do bother to rate opinions once you've read them (at the bottom of the page you'll see a little drop-down box, where you choose the rating, and a 'doo it' box to click on next to that). If you don't rate, then people don't know you've read it, and then, they'll never know who you are, or be able to go to find you easily if they want to find out.

The 'rating' thing is all about how useful you've felt the opinion to be. It's something to try to be very fair about. Everyone has their own personal criteria, but, if you happen to be reading an opinion that's well-argued, let's say, but you don't agree with it, it's important to still rate it 'Very Useful'. You can always let the writer know that you disagree with them in the comments box.

Commenting. This is
one of the things I, personally, really enjoy about Dooyoo. If you want to comment, either to praise, disagree, or even give constructive criticism about something you've just read, then click on the 'comment' text at the bottom or the top of the op, and you can read other people's comments and then add your own. Another chance to communicate about the topic in question. As an aside, it also gets you known a bit more. Like putting a face to a name, if I wasn't talking about a website, that is!

You can put on your 'face' though. Again, on the profile page, there's a space for you to upload a picture. Just download a picture, or scan in a photo, onto your computer, and Dooyoo will let you 'browse' for it, and put it on the website. Lovely. It's nice to know what people look like, even if they look like small green dragons, or happy munching porcines, feline arsenal supporters or Louise Brooks having a 'bad hair' day. You can have an email address there, too, if you like. I use a separate email for dooyoo, just to keep things simple.

If you really like reading people's opinions, and have found them to be really useful, or what-have-you, then you can ask to be emailed when they write others (you get the email the next day) or, add them to your Circle of Friends, or, both. It's up to you how you use the COF facility. There's no rule to say that you have to read anyone's opinion. It's always up to you, but I do know that after being on the site for a while that there are some people who's opinions I actively look out for, even if they're on a topic that I wouldn't usually be interested in. I wouldn't limit reading to just your COF though, it would be like talking to the same people all the time.

Writing. Well. The best 'hint' or 'tip' I can give on this is write on what you know, and what you're interested in. It shows, honestly. Enthusia
sm comes across, and true helpfullness always comes across. Rely on your strengths. If you're worried about grammar then you can always divide an op into sections, or put it as separate points.

I know lots of people will give you the same advice on writing ops in 'word' first, too. There, you have access to a spellchecker, and, although it seems mean, people will rate you down if you don't spell things, or use grammar. It isn't because they don't like the content, necessarily, it's because the content is much harder to read if it's misspelt, or takes the form of one long paragraph. It's never really been something that's bothered me, but, I know it does bother people, so that's why I'm mentioning it.

That's another thing. The personal thing. Dooyoo can be whatever you want it to be. It's there, a public space, for you to enjoy, and use as you wish. I can't really give you any hints or tips on what you want Dooyoo to be. It's got to be up to you, and the most important thing is that you do enjoy it.

Like I said, it's a real community, and there's only a few rules and regulations that you have to abide by. These mainly consist of using language that's appropriate (so we're in a pretty uptight pub, but let's face it, there are other ways to express the sentiments you want to) and no plagiarism. Here's a thing. Basically, don't nick things off other sites. Honestly, it's not worth it. People will, eventually cotton on to it (I probably won't, but there are so many people on site, and they know so many things, that someone will). When they cotton on to it, then they'll report you to the Dooyoo staff, and your account will be locked. Also, who needs it. I'd much rather read your opinion on something than a copied one. After all, that's what makes this site so special.

So......'Hints and Tips'. Well, like I said, the b
est hint I can give you is to read and enjoy, and the best tip I can give you is to write and enjoy. Just be yourself. Use the comments facility, and the profile page, if you want to be noticed (be that for making money, or just being social), or don't if you don't want to be noticed. Dooyoo is for everyone.

Read around this section. A-true-ben, ScotGirl, Jillmurphy, Kensplace and everyone else have made so many truly helpful, and lovely, hints and tips that there's not very much I can say without re-iterating. I just wanted to add my voice, too. What I do want to say is :'Welcome', and if I'm a little out of my depth in this category, then, well, there may be someone else out there wondering why their very succinct opinions have been bounced. Maybe? Judging by the quality of the new members I've read recently, then I doubt it!

Oh, but if you have any more queries, please do email me. My address is on the top of my profile page. Just click on my name, and you'll get there. I hope I've been friendly, not patronising, anyway. And if I did sound like a TV cook, then I hope it wasn't Nigel Slater.

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