Community Planning Meeting: 12.15.11 - Everybody welcome!

The New Intimacy

Community Planning Meeting: 12.15.11 - Everybody welcome!

Skip to last post
Set alerts
Updates
Forum search
Contributor: Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
I would love to be an editor and a mentor but they scare me. For instance - I'm horrible with commas and punctuation beyond the basic period, etc. What if I get someone who has horrible grammar? Do I correct the grammar at all?

And for a mentor - I'd love to do it but it has to be about someone finding their own voice and style. I'm not sure I can help with that.
12/15/2011
Contributor: bluekaren bluekaren
I am so late for this, I thought it was over and I spent the last 10 mins reading through the posts....you guys covered alot tonight, sorry I missed the meeting.
12/15/2011
Contributor: Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
Quote:
Originally posted by bluekaren
I am so late for this, I thought it was over and I spent the last 10 mins reading through the posts....you guys covered alot tonight, sorry I missed the meeting.
If you have any thoughts to add - you can always send them to Sam or post them here!
12/15/2011
Contributor: Kindred Kindred
Quote:
Originally posted by Antipova
Ah, yes, I suppose so. I'm wondering when they're going to do the turnover. Even though I love having points all the time, I think having shifts is definitely the right way for them to do things, so everyone can share the wealth a little.
Sammi said the new rotation would be soon after the holidays.
12/15/2011
Contributor: Antipova Antipova
Quote:
Originally posted by Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
I would love to be an editor and a mentor but they scare me. For instance - I'm horrible with commas and punctuation beyond the basic period, etc. What if I get someone who has horrible grammar? Do I correct the grammar at all?

And for a ... more
For mentoring---encourage them to find their own voice and style, but a lot of times what new reviewers need help with are the basics of "what goes in a review"? Things like "why did you choose this product or what had you excited about it?" "Do you think they made a good choice of where to put the motor?" Things like that.

But of course, it all depends on the students.

Editing... I'll see if it's okay to PM you some of the transcripts I've given on some of the old reviews I've edited. I'm sure you'll do a wonderful job.
12/15/2011
Contributor: bluekaren bluekaren
Quote:
Originally posted by Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
If you have any thoughts to add - you can always send them to Sam or post them here!
I was just thinking about the mentor program. I have only had a few students so far. When I edit any reviews that are from newbies I always invite them to get a mentor, I wish this process was easier or maybe not optional after one review. Like a pop-up window that say "Thanks for the review and welcome to Eden, to get a mentor to help you navigate through the site please click here".....or something like that.
12/15/2011
Contributor: Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
Quote:
Originally posted by Antipova
For mentoring---encourage them to find their own voice and style, but a lot of times what new reviewers need help with are the basics of "what goes in a review"? Things like "why did you choose this product or what had you excited ... more
So should I try to be a mentor? Or not?
12/15/2011
Contributor: Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
I so wanna share something but I'm not sure exactly how to share it. It has to do with my next lingerie review - the only thing is - I don't have the lingerie item yet (and don't know what to get).

But the opening (unless someone steals it from here) is going to be

"We live in a country where we put men on the moon, send probes to Mars and developed a vaccination against polio. So why is it that we can't seem to design lingerie for the plus size woman?"

It goes on from there....
12/15/2011
Contributor: bluekaren bluekaren
Quote:
Originally posted by Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
So should I try to be a mentor? Or not?
If you are passionate about helping people with their reviews then you should definitely do it. I love being a mentor.
12/15/2011
Contributor: wrmbreze wrmbreze
Quote:
Originally posted by Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
I so wanna share something but I'm not sure exactly how to share it. It has to do with my next lingerie review - the only thing is - I don't have the lingerie item yet (and don't know what to get).

But the opening (unless someone ... more
ooh, send me a link when you post, would love to read it.
12/15/2011
Contributor: Kindred Kindred
Quote:
Originally posted by Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
I would love to be an editor and a mentor but they scare me. For instance - I'm horrible with commas and punctuation beyond the basic period, etc. What if I get someone who has horrible grammar? Do I correct the grammar at all?

And for a ... more
With mentoring, I think the less you tell them in terms of specifics, the better. Give them cues/questions to guide them but get them to choose the wording. Anytime I've given an example, the student almost 100% just copied exactly what I wrote.
12/15/2011
Contributor: bluekaren bluekaren
Quote:
Originally posted by Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
I so wanna share something but I'm not sure exactly how to share it. It has to do with my next lingerie review - the only thing is - I don't have the lingerie item yet (and don't know what to get).

But the opening (unless someone ... more
That helps to draw the reader in, nice!
12/15/2011
Contributor: bluekaren bluekaren
Quote:
Originally posted by Kindred
With mentoring, I think the less you tell them in terms of specifics, the better. Give them cues/questions to guide them but get them to choose the wording. Anytime I've given an example, the student almost 100% just copied exactly what I wrote.
I love your style Kindred, you helped me and you weren't even MY mentor.
12/15/2011
Contributor: Kindred Kindred
Quote:
Originally posted by Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
So should I try to be a mentor? Or not?
It's totally up to you. I think you have the skills, but there are other challenges associated with being a mentor that you have to deal with.
12/15/2011
Contributor: Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
Quote:
Originally posted by Kindred
With mentoring, I think the less you tell them in terms of specifics, the better. Give them cues/questions to guide them but get them to choose the wording. Anytime I've given an example, the student almost 100% just copied exactly what I wrote.
So in other words perhaps say something like,

"What did you like best about this X? Why did you like that?"

and "What did you like worst?"

and possibly "Did you have problems cleaning it or putting in batteries?"

stuff like that?
12/15/2011
Contributor: Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
Quote:
Originally posted by Kindred
It's totally up to you. I think you have the skills, but there are other challenges associated with being a mentor that you have to deal with.
Pardon me for saying this - but its the idea of stupid people that bother me. I mean - someone who just wants to get their two reviews in and published and get graduated.

Or someone who doesn't want to learn...
12/15/2011
Contributor: bluekaren bluekaren
Quote:
Originally posted by Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
So in other words perhaps say something like,

"What did you like best about this X? Why did you like that?"

and "What did you like worst?"

and possibly "Did you have problems cleaning it or putting in batteries?"

stuff like that?
Yes, exactly!
12/15/2011
Contributor: Kindred Kindred
Quote:
Originally posted by bluekaren
I love your style Kindred, you helped me and you weren't even MY mentor.
Aw thanks! Especially when I think my style is kind of scientific and tends to be boring. I wish I could be more entertaining in my reviews, but that's just not my strength. My strength is definitely in covering details.
12/15/2011
Contributor: Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
Quote:
Originally posted by bluekaren
Yes, exactly!
Kinda like when I taught my kids how to write stories (we homeschooled).
12/15/2011
Contributor: Antipova Antipova
Quote:
Originally posted by Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
So should I try to be a mentor? Or not?
You should for sure!
12/15/2011
Contributor: Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
Quote:
Originally posted by Kindred
Aw thanks! Especially when I think my style is kind of scientific and tends to be boring. I wish I could be more entertaining in my reviews, but that's just not my strength. My strength is definitely in covering details.
I haven't read many of your reviews - I think it is because of what you review but my daughter keeps telling me to read your reviews!
12/15/2011
Contributor: bluekaren bluekaren
Quote:
Originally posted by Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
Pardon me for saying this - but its the idea of stupid people that bother me. I mean - someone who just wants to get their two reviews in and published and get graduated.

Or someone who doesn't want to learn...
I have a "student" that hasn't replied to me since she applied. I guess it comes with the territory. I am not going to let anyone graduate that doesn't at least cover the basics that shou
12/15/2011
Contributor: bluekaren bluekaren
Quote:
Originally posted by Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
Pardon me for saying this - but its the idea of stupid people that bother me. I mean - someone who just wants to get their two reviews in and published and get graduated.

Or someone who doesn't want to learn...
I have a "student" that hasn't replied to me since she applied. I guess it comes with the territory. I am not going to let anyone graduate that doesn't at least cover the basics that shou
12/15/2011
Contributor: wrmbreze wrmbreze
Quote:
Originally posted by Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
So should I try to be a mentor? Or not?
I think you should definitely try mentoring.
12/15/2011
Contributor: Antipova Antipova
Quote:
Originally posted by Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
Pardon me for saying this - but its the idea of stupid people that bother me. I mean - someone who just wants to get their two reviews in and published and get graduated.

Or someone who doesn't want to learn...
That's why you talk with them a bit before accepting the class. At least, I've only had winners since I started that
12/15/2011
Contributor: bluekaren bluekaren
Wow, 2 yr old snuck up on me and posted before I was finished. Guess I better tend to my babies.
12/15/2011
Contributor: bluekaren bluekaren
Wow, 2 yr old snuck up on me and posted before I was finished. Guess I better tend to my babies.
12/15/2011
Contributor: Antipova Antipova
I think I'm going to get to seriously writing... this DR is way too easy to procrastinate about.
12/15/2011
Contributor: wrmbreze wrmbreze
Quote:
Originally posted by Antipova
That's why you talk with them a bit before accepting the class. At least, I've only had winners since I started that
I think mentors should tell you upfront what they expect, how often you need to contact them and how often they will contact you. BEFORE accepting you as a student.
12/15/2011
Contributor: Kindred Kindred
Quote:
Originally posted by Hot 'N Sexy TexasMama
So in other words perhaps say something like,

"What did you like best about this X? Why did you like that?"

and "What did you like worst?"

and possibly "Did you have problems cleaning it or putting in batteries?"

stuff like that?
I think everyone develops their own mentoring style, but I like to provide students with questions to prompt them to discuss areas I think are lacking. Sometimes my questions are general, sometimes they're vague. It depends on the review quality. The weaker the review, the more vague my question, at least initially. I try to teach mys students the thought process behind reviewing a toy so that they can apply that process to anything they review.
12/15/2011