Happy Holidays! Administration Notice.

Taking a Break over Christmas

There will be a Four Week Break from prompts for Review This! for Christmas and celebrations of the new year. Its been a busy time with NaNoWriMo finishing and holiday preparations starting.

New Prompts will appear in the Second week of January.

Family Holiday

#20 Review a Family Holiday destination

Take a family break away - be it exotic or somewhere local. Things to include in your review would be the facilities, access to restaurants, child care or kids club activities, the child friendliness, layout of rooms and appeal to families.

Pitch this review as something that would be included in the weekend – possibly the Sunday Paper – travel pages on a National Basis. Photos and information on the resort and hotel will make this a more attractive article.

Administration Notice

Taking a Break

There will be a Four Week Break from prompts for Review This! to allow NaNo WrMo to take over the lives of 1000000s of authors across the globe. Please support and encourage any writer you know who is undertaking this massive commitment.

New Prompts will appear in the first week of December (put on your party shoes)

Halloween

#19 Review a Halloween gathering.

This will be a good practice to one of the upcoming reviews on being the Gossip Colomnist you have always dreamed about.

With Halloween this Friday, many people are choosing to observe it in thier own ways, be it a celebration of sweet collecting, a chance to have a costume party and drink with mates or a reflection of the thin line between life and death.

Attend or throw a party for Halloween and write a social pages review on the gathering. Take photos and refelct what the night meant to those who attended and your views.

This review is intended for inclusion in the Weekend Lift out of a paper found in a major city.

Conference

#18 Conference Season

Its this time of year that most companies hold their annual conference, drawing in its sales people or employees to celebrate the years progress and to announce new directions or appointments within staffing. Some larger companies will hold this over a few days or a weekend and often have run competitions within the office for free attendance; and some host it over a day and evening, inviting all employees or members to attend.

Review the organization of the conference, the food, if applicable the accommodation. Write the review for placement in an industry magazine, possibly for the social pages if appropriate. This sort of review is as much a report on the company and its benefits to attract new members or employees as it is a report on the event it self.

Write up to 700 words if need be and include photos if appropriate.

Trade Expos

#17 Review a Trade Expo

Expos are an excellent source of information should you be gathering it in a specialized or specific area. There are always incredible deals and specials to be snapped up with vendors keen to attract new customers and promote their products and services. Almost every weekend, there will be an expo held in large and small halls and centres. Famous ones include Baby and Parenting, Job or Career, Motoring, home Improvements,Travel, Small Business or Franchises.

Seek one out and write a review pitched toward the target market to encourage them to attend. Assume that you have been given a journalists pass into the pre public viewing and the first day of the expo will begin on the day your piece is published in the daily newspaper. You may like to inlcude the line up of key note speakers or workshops and thier contact details.

Independant Film

#16 Review an Independant Film

Its time now for the adults to check out what’s on in the movie stakes. Its pretty slim pickings on the commercial big screen -so lets catch up on some of the fringe films out there in independent cinemas.

Get a group of you together, some pop corn and see a flick and have some deep and meaningful conversations afterwards over coffee about the significance of the 15 min sequence of the boiling pot……

A Kids Movie

#15 Review a Kids Movie

Its school holidays here is Australia - the second week has raised its head and I know many parents are seeking entertainment for the kids.

Even if you don't have children - go and see a kids movie - there are a few of them out there at the moment that are lots of fun and have some pretty deep messages. As always, most kids movies have in built adult humour - so go and borrow some kids - and give mum a well deserved break - get out - get some pop corn and see a flick.

Camping Out

#14 Camping Grounds


Your task this week is to review a Camping spot - be it a National Park or your favourite spot in the bush, beach or hills - your choice. 150 - 300 words for inclusion on a Camping Forum and website which swaps good ideas, tips and advice on outdoor pursuits (camping,hiking, fishing, hunting etc.)

Go on - get out into the wilderness yourself and explore the wonders of sleeping under the stars, beating off the ants and burnt sausages.

Clean up!

#13 A Cleaning Product

Your task this week is to review a cleaning product - be it a natural or a chemical one - your choice. 150 - 300 words for inclusion on a Mothers Forum and website which swaps good ideas, tips and advice on housekeeping and family life.

Obviously you need to include what kinds of mess it can and can't handle, things like its smell or ease of use, cost and availability.

There are a number of these - but one with a good sense of humour and a good variety of reviewed subjects is http://www.mammaliciousfinds.blogspot.com

If you'd like the opportunity to publish your reviews on household products services many offer discount vouchers or another two to look at to gain ideas and inspiration writing a review for an internet audience are

http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/internet-sites

http://www.reviewcentre.com/products3470.html

The humble writing implement

#12 Pens

Choose a type of pen you may not have used before or are unfamiliar with – and take it for a test drive. There are all types of fountain pens, ballpoints, gels and roller balls to choose from – so go into one of those delightful shops hidden away in an arcade and look at the wide array available.

Your task is to provide helpful information to pen buyers within a monthly office supplies type magazine – which strangely enough – has a pen column in it!!. Be specific and tell your audience why you feel a pen deserves the ratings you have given it, and what makes the pen different from others you have used. The more specific and helpful the review, the more likely it will assist others in choosing the right pen for their needs.

If you enjoyed this experience check out http://www.penreview.com It features evaluations, reviews and comments on a variety of pens and other writing instruments written by the community of members. From expensive collector items to standard office supply mechanical pencils. Users can earn points toward prizes by contributing content (reviews and comments) to the site. As users accumulate points, members have the opportunity to win prizes such as pens and writing accessories.

Get Active

11# Try a New Sport

Everywhere you look, government and health organisations are encouraging people to get out and be active. Its heartening to see groups targeting younger people and the programs in place in most schools are supporting both healthy eating and an active lifestyle.

Your task this week is to write a short review on a new activity or sport - something that you have never played or been involved with before. Imagine that this review will be included in a weekend pull out magazine within a major city newspaper. Inlcude a photo if relevant - 150 - 300 words.

Gourmet Sandwich

10 # Create a Sandwich

Your task this week is to write a small article (100 – 250 words) for inclusion in a Monthly magazine available nationally. Your role is Food Editor and you have been asked to create a new sandwich and then review it.

So get creative with the filling, the bread or wrap type..... experience something you have not had before and let us know about it!
This is an opportunity to utilize your descriptive and persuasive prose, without being stale or general. Remember to highlight smell, the attractiveness, how easy it is to eat, how well it stays together, its portability ( the original function of a sandwich) and palatability.

You may choose the demographic and audience (it might be a parenting , a womens fitness or an alternate health magazine)

Include a photo if you wish.

Daydreaming and Day tripping

9 # Take A Daytrip

What better way in practicing your travel writing skills than to review something close to home? Many people fail to explore their own backyards - until perhaps overseas or interstate guests come to visit. You may be surprised at the variety of interesting activities on offer within either your city or within an hours drive of where you live.

Your task this week is to plan a daytrip either for yourself – or to include friends or family – and go and enjoy yourself! Pitch your review for Weekend newspaper lifestyle magazine insert. 300 – 600 words which can be accompanied by photos.

When writing your review, remember to include all details regarding ticketing prices and availability, office hours or additional tours which can be added. Suggest age groups who would gain the most enjoyment and any interesting information you may find out about the history or the setup of where you are going. Remember to give basic travel times or public transport information from your city centre.

Toddler Titles

8# Review a Childrens book.

You are writing for a monthly parenting magazine targeting parents of new born to toddlers. 150 - 250 words

Your role this week is to review a book specifically for a toddler (16 – 23 months old)


Here are some features to look for when choosing toddler -friendly books and points your review may focus on:

Sturdy books. Babies and toddlers don't just look at books – they want to explore every part of them, including chewing them, bending them and throwing them.

Books with pictures. Toddlers enjoy repetition and brightly coloured pages to catch their attention.Large, simple drawings or photographs of familiar objects are best – especially if they are of children their age.

Simple themes. Picture books and stories with few words are good at first. Rhythm and rhyme are especially appealing. Books that toddlers can interact with – either answering in noises or a simple one word answer.

Test Ride it - If you don’t have a toddler to read to – I am sure a neighbour or family member would adore your volunteering for reading time this week.

You might like to revisit How to write a review for tips.

Review a blog

7 # Review a Blog...or two...

Its often said that the only way you can improve is to keep practicing, keep learning and go and check out what others are doing, model excellent behaviour or techniques and.. keep practicing.. etc etc.

Its easy to fall in love with your own blog - the layout, the widgets, the look and feel of it. But is it really advertising you in the best light?

This weeks review is to go and look at a handful of random blogs and see what others have done with them. This is not reviewing the content, it is to look at the overall package, the attractiveness, the user friendliness of it.

There are a number of bloggers who have made a business of reviewing others blogs - doing a little write up on their blog and promoting others work. One such lass is Aya... and she makes a good living from this.... check her out

http://ayasreviews.blogspot.com

I have also seen this website on a few bloggers sites http://payperpost.com - where it seems you can be paid ($5- $10) for writing a short (50 words) review on other peoples blogs and sites. I haven't investigated it yet - so if anyone uses it currently - or knows about it - please do leave a comment.

YOUR ROLE:
Three or four sentences on each blog you review along with their links with a maximum of 5 blogs reviewed. The audience is other bloggers with the outcome in demonstrating good elements and ones that might not work so well.

Remember to use blogging courtesy - and leave a comment on their site.

Who knows, you may find a co-writer to work on a project together or inspiration to change or modify yours.

A Piece of Cake

6# Review a cake.

Go out and treat yourself to coffee/ tea/ juice and a cake. Review the cake for its presentation, freshness, taste and how true to style it is to its name. You may like to give points for original names of this baked delight. You may choose to indulge in a healthy option - so this review is open to discuss calories and fat content too!

Have a gorgeous experience - treat yourself and go alone - or catch up with a friend you've not seen for a while.

Imagine this article will be published in a local newspaper to promote the coffee shop you are going to. 150 - 300 words plus photos if you like!

Test Drive a Car

5# Review a second-hand car

Write a review (250 – 500 words) on a second–hand car ( yours if you wish.) Assume that this will be included in a motoring magazine, or for the AAs publication ( or similar). Good resources to start you off is by watching Car Enthusiast television shows such as the UKs Top Gear, for the language utilised. Research the resale value and general availability of the model to include in your article and add a photo if you wish.

Chocolate Bar

4 # Review a chocolate bar.

Assume that this is a new addition to the market about to be launched nationwide this week. You are writing a small article (100 – 250 words) for inclusion in a daily newspaper available in major cities.

It is up to you to decide the demographic and audience your chocolate bar would appeal to and your review will reflect this. Include a photo if you wish.

Wine

3# -Review a bottle of Fortified Wine.

Assume that this is a new addition to the market about to be launched nationwide. You are writing a small article (100 – 200 words) in conjunction with other writers to be included in a best selling monthly food and wine magazine. Choose a dessert wine, a port or some other Fortified Wine to review.


You may choose to review a non alcoholic wine, should your beliefs or convictions restrict you from a regular wine.

Writing a review

Most people experiences with reviews start and end with books or movies. However, there is a thriving industry in writing reviews and being a critic in niche and specialized areas for on line and print media publications. As a reviewer or critic , you are summarizing and evaluating an event, text or experience for a specific audience. Your role is to give an insight and an opinion.

The structure of a review is generally the same, no matter what the subject area or audience. Usually you will introduce the subject within a few sentences and explain the topic or area of interest. A summary then follows briefly outlining or reporting on your overall opinion. The next few paragraphs forms the ‘Critique’ which examines detail and should balance the evaluation of the strengths, weaknesses and notable features of the event or product you are reviewing. Most reviews mix facts in with basic opinions – such as running length of the move or a street address. Be detailed with your opinions, giving reasons and explanations for your feedback.

Many critics are well known for their wit and depending on the publication, it may be appropriate to use humour. It may also be appropriate in some areas of interest to develop a rating system – from a simple thumbs up and thumbs down to a stars or numbers.

Conclude restating your opinion and present your recommendations with details for your reader to access more information.

Before you review something, you must have your audience and the medium (newspaper,magazine etc) in which you will be reaching them in mind. Make notes on what you already know about the subject or product and jot down questions you believe people may ask if they wished to know more about it. Be curious and ask yourself lots of questions about the subject area before proceeding to the material, event or product.

It may be appropriate in some instances to offer a recommendation as it will assist the readers to make up decisions regarding the product or event. In most cases, you are being paid to be opinionated – so draw a conclusion and stand by this. A surprising amount of scathing critics have a loyal following, having built their reputation on honesty, wit and well structured analysis. Your goal is to fairly inform your audience of your experiences, be it positive or negative. Be fair, be honest and give your audience some direction.

A New Experience

2# Review a new experience

We all have goals, dreams and experiences that we'd like to do .... sometime.....This is an opportunity to choose something that you have never done before - explore it, review your expectations and outcomes and then write about it.

Imagine that you are writing for a specialty magazine. (i.e if you are rock climbing for the first time - its a rock climbing magazine)You are a guest writer reviewing your first experience with this…... encounter. Write up to 500 words and feel free to include a photo.

A Live Show

#1 - Review a Live Show

Go to a live show - be it your childs play, a comedy show, a theatrical production, a dance or mime. Get out of your comfort zone and go to something you might never usually see. Support a local theatre group or go and see a huge production - be creative!

Write a review on the show as if you were submitting it to your regional/city daily newspaper for the Saturdays Arts Edition.

Review to be up to 500 words.

Have a great week.