Original and Snappy Title !? (dooyoo.co.uk in general)

Member Name: wyrdsister

Product:	dooyoo.co.uk in general
Date:	09/03/02 (48 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: -

Disadvantages: -

I am relatively new to Dooyoo, but I have found myself looking at the site just about every day. Dooyoo is a consumer information site where members are invited to write opinions on products ranging from toilet cleaner to the latest DVD release. Once the opinions are “posted”, or downloaded onto the site, other members have the opportunity to read them, rate their usefulness as a review and leave comments about it. In return for your efforts, Dooyoo will reward you in Dooyoo miles, which you can exchange for money, gift vouchers etc… The site is not “members only” as it is not compulsory to register in order to read articles, but if you want to leave your appraisal of the review, you will however need to sign up.

Registering is easy, you need to choose a user name, create a password and give them a few details including your e-mail address. Dooyoo then emails you and you just need to confirm your registration. Your user name and password allows you access to your account, contribute opinions to the site as well as customise your profile page.

This page is accessible by all users and presents an opportunity for them to know you better. This is your “about me” part of the site and you decide how much information you put on. You can even include your email address or a picture of yourself. Situated in the Community section, it also contains links to other part of the site, including a really useful advice section for new members.
This personal page is also your point of reference to see how your opinions are being rated, who rated them and view comments. It also allows other users to see an overview of your opinions, see how many you have written or rated, what you like or dislike and whom you trust.
The Circle of Friends (COF) shows which other users trust you and your work as well as whom you trust. And this is where the community spirit of Dooyoo comes into its own. It seems that there is a real
sense of community on this site and I’ll go as far as to say that friendships are struck between members, or if not friendship, at least mutual respect and appreciation.

Like on other sites of this nature, there is money involved. As a reward and incentive to part with your understanding or appreciation of a product, you will receive miles that can redeem later for cash or vouchers. Ten Dooyoo miles equal one penny. You receive 30 miles per member read. How members rate your opinions does not affect your “mileage” directly but Very Useful opinions stand a better chance of being read more. If the quality is high and the subject well researched and objectively reviewed, then you stand a good chance to get high ratings or possibly a crown. Crowns are awarded for outstanding contributions, a crowned or premier opinion also gets a bonus of 1500 Dooyoo miles.

This is a great site and there is always something interesting to read. However, it is not without flaws. Any site offering monetary rewards attracts its share of cheats. It is not uncommon to see new opinions pop up that are copied out of other sites or even stolen from other Dooyooers. It is unfortunate but it happens as I have discovered for myself. There is no way of course to combat these offensive intrusions but thankfully, cheats are usually exposed quickly and expelled.
The one other thing I find goes slightly against this site is also its most attractive aspect. Dooyoo’s developed sense of community is a bit of a double-edged sword: it inspires ease and trust, but can come across as a bit cliquey. Although Dooyooers are very welcoming of friendly to new members, it does take time to be accepted. Perseverance is the solution.

Dooyoo has some great advantages, and the money isn’t one of them. It is a good incentive but that’s not what I would attribute the site’s appeal to. It is a great feeling to be able to write, and have your work
read by a wide range of people. Dooyoo also works well as a forum: the speaker’s corner, for example, offers a place where you can put forward your opinions on things other than consumerism. This site has a lot to offer and its benefits far outweigh any negative aspects.

Summary: