Dooyoo wanna join? (dooyoo.co.uk in general)

Member Name: cyberem78

Product:	dooyoo.co.uk in general
Date:	07/11/08 (146 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Great rewards scheme. Lots of products to write about.

Disadvantages: Are people really honest when rating reviews?

I was told about this site by someone on a discussion forum. I actually had no idea what the site was about or how it worked at first although I knew it was a consumer review site where you could collect points.

When I first came to the main homepage I saw the menu categories and assumed these were the only things that reviews could be written about. I'm talking about the top menu on the main login page which has categories for Audio/Hi Fi and other electrical appliances. I saw that the main menu in the centre of the page had an extra category of Health and Beauty too but mainly details things like washing machines and cameras. I was a little bit put off by the fact that these seemed like the only categories available to write about and felt I could not really contribute much as I am not very technically minded.

So I started out by writing simple reviews about my ipod, camera and hoover, imagining this was all I could write about. My reviews were written in the terms of a basic consumer, not an expert. I was unsure about what tone to use or how to arrange the lay out of my writing. I think it would be helpful to be able to edit text on the Dooyoo page in the same way you can when posting to most discussion forums - this would stop people from writing in big blocks and help to highlight the most important parts of the review.

When I had explored the site a little more I clicked on the 'Newest Review' link on 'My Account' page and discovered that on Dooyoo you can review many more things than listed on the main menus! I am actually surprised that things like Books, DVDs and CDs aren't listed more clearly on the main page as, since each product seems to be sponsored by an Amazon link and these are Amazon's biggest selling products it would seem to make sense to do so. I see now that the 'Movie DVD' category takes you to general DVD and 'Music Records' to CD's - this title seems a little old-fashioned to me. Books don't appear to be listed at all.

Once I had found things I felt more comfortable reviewing I began to try and improve my writing and give as much information as I felt each review warranted. Some of the comments left after reviews are helpful as they guide you to better writing and point out possible flaws in your facts. I appreciate this facility to write comments as it also encourages the community of Dooyoo to interact and rate reviews with more than just a click.

I am still a little unsure about the system of rating reviews. I find that most people like to get a 'Very Useful' rating and I have read some comments in some member's profiles which seem a little threatening towards those who dare leave anything but this rating. I personally think a 'Useful' rating is acceptable and still an honour to achieve. Some reviews are clearly better written and thought out than others and deserve to have a distinction - the crown nomination system helps somewhat in this regard. I do feel like I should be able to leave a 'somewhat useful' or even a 'not useful' without feeling guilty or feeling afraid that people may not rate my reviews again because I have given them a low rating. I was afraid of what people call 'revenge rating' after I left a low rating once - although I'm not sure what the consequences really are. I do like the fact that you can alter the rating you have given if the review is amended at a later date.

I think that the Guided Tour page does not go far enough in explaining how the site works. I think there should be an official word on the ettiquette and conduct of members and maybe a bit more information about what Dooyoo expect in terms of the quality of writing and information given in any review. I would also like some official words here on just what is an accpetable amount of reviews to write as many guides and long term members seem irrate towards those who 'churn'. I am not certain what constitutes 'churning' and why it so frowned upon if the reviews are good quality?

I think the 'My Account' page is brilliantly set out and very easy to navigate. I like the fact that all of your statistics are plain to see. It is easy to access any reviews you have written to edit them. I also like the fact you can see who has rated your reviews so you can check out these members, rate their reviews and see if you have anything in common!

The reward point system is excellent. I am a member of many point schemes like ipoints etc and find that this is a more enjoyable way to earn rewards. I think that Amazon is the perfect company to provide the voucher rewards as so many of the products are accompanied by a link to the site.

I enjoy using the site, being able to contribute and earning the rewards and would recommend to friends.

Summary: A great review site that's generous to those who contribute.