Digital Camera Review, pt 2

part two of a one week look at Digital Camera Review...

Official Reviews vs. User Reviews:
The site offers substantially more 'expert' reviews than user reviews. I think this is due to the amount of different cameras listed, many of which are not sold in regular electronic stores and are less commercially popular. The user reviews are limited in what is included, but the official reviews are extensive and seemingly well researched.

An example of official review...

This site's major downfall is that it is very specific in its readership. At times the information featured in the review is overwhelming and goes on for numerous pages which could cause less camera knowledgeable individuals to lose interest.


User added content is less well researched and more focused on personal experience with the given camera. Many times the comments are misspelled and seem to be written during a passionate camera induced rage. See below;

Some user review/opinions...

Credibility:
I find the reviews credible but am concerned that the site's vast participation of paid experts leaves opportunity for product placement and false achievement. But compared to the user generated reviews I find the articles very well researched. They answer almost every question that one could have but if there is still something missing it can be found through participation in the discussion board. Once again I would highly recommend this site for photographers or camera enthusiasts because it had more information in one source than I have come across on any other site.

Digital Camera Review

Basic Information:
Digital Camera Review is a website aimed at tech savvy individuals (unlike myself). It is a sister site focused on reviews to the larger Technology Guide. The site has other specific review sites for laptops, desktops, printers etc.

Features:
The site allows viewers to research digital cameras whether by reading reviews, flipping through the discussion page, or viewing sample images/video. The reviews seem to be written by official site reviewers rather than submitted by users of the site which allows the details in the articles to be extensive, usually spanning more than three pages. There is a section for user comments/opinions which makes for large amounts of content on a given camera.

Above is the basic information for a camera review which includes the lowest price found, a star rating out of five, a basic piece of information and a pro/con list. The extended review offers extremely detailed information regarding the function and design. I really enjoyed the fact that it offered a large amount of sample images or videos taken by that type of camera.

One thing that makes the site unique is its "shop and compare" option which allows the user to either enter a specific model camera or to search through the many different kinds to find one that best suits your needs according to their recommendations.



The discussion section can be very helpful for people with varying knowledge about cameras, from no knowledge at all to expert. There are categories like "What camera should I buy?" as well as more specific threads to discuss details about a certain camera/model.


If you have some knowledge of digital cameras and like to be the first one to try out new technologies than the "News" section could be quite helpful. They are frequently updating the articles and are very up to the minute.Overall, I find this site to have a very specific purpose but still to be greatly helpful when you are in the market for a new camera whether it be a basic one for vacation pictures or for professional photographers.

Figuring Out Hi5, 2

Part two of a one week look at Hi5...


Voice of Hi5 vs. Voices Within Hi5:
I think Hi5 is fully aware that the majority of its members are in it for compliments and even go as far as encouraging "flirting" by stating "meet and date the hottest people online" (as seen below).



When looking over the different groups one has the option to join it is very obvious that Hi5 is more popular in countries other than the U.S. When I searched groups that were written in English and aimed at Americans I found badly written descriptions that had many members.



What Are the Members Like?
The members seem to all be after the same thing and that is positive feedback on their photographs and the hope that someone will find them attractive and express that attraction publicly. When I did a search of members between the ages of eighteen to thirty-five who were interested in "making friends" the majority of the primary pictures were of scantily clad men and women who received feedback in the likes of "you're so hot." Below are two random profiles I came across that included their primary photo and some information that they wanted to share…




Is It Even Worth It?
I think that if you enjoy playing low-tech internet games and "flirting" with strangers from all over the globe, than this is the place for you.




Are you a member of Hi5? Are your experiences similar or vastly different? Leave a comment with your stories below.

Figuring Out Hi5:

My Social Networking Background:
In the past I have never been the kind of person that has had a large interest in social networking websites. I didn't get a Myspace until my best friend used my email address to make on for me preloaded with pictures and friends and I didn't get a Facebook until I was looking up a future dormitory roommate who didn't' have a Myspace. I have difficultly in figuring out how to easily navigate those types of websites but I now use Facebook frequently throughout the day.

Here is the beginnings of my profile...

Purposes, Missions and Goals:
On it's About Me page, Hi5 boasts that it creates a global community made up of millions of users. According to their website they are the 3rd largest social media site. But after conversations with friends, very few people in my circle of friends had heard of the site and not one had a membership there. It seems to have a large focus on nearly outdated types of media like elementary computer games, giving cartoon "gifts" and using avatars in combination with real photographs.



What Is Different About Hi5:
This site is similar to other social networking sites in that it has an option for "status updates" and options for uploading photographs. Hi5 allows its members to create a cartoon avatar resembling them. If you enjoy playing computer games than this is the site for you because there are hundreds of options. On the site they explain that what makes their site different is "More You, More Social, More Fun." I would have to argue that most of the things they listed are found on the other top social networking sites like the capability to listen to music, customize your profile and finding friends based off of region or common interests.






Part two to follow…

Template Switch 1 and 2

I chose my current template because I wanted to use a similar template as my Personal Blog. When creating that I wanted something simple with more neutral and natural colors because I thought it reflected the types of recipes I would include throughout the blog such as home style cooking and making things from fresh and natural ingredients. I am not sure that the current template really suits the subject matter, possibly too plain and dull.


I enjoy the mix of festivity with the soothing red colors and round blurs of light behind it. I really do like this one and it's going to make me pretty sad to change it again (although I might return to it after this experiment is over with). I think the mixing of reds, creams and grays are more attention getting than the last template I chose. This template seems to suit my subject matter better, complimenting the exploratory nature of it.



For the second template switch of the evening, I chose a brightly colored theme made up of filled bookshelves. I think this one is appealing to the eye and fun but overall maybe too focused on books which goes against the posts that I have that are not focused on books and literature. Although on second though I realize that I've written about a few authors and shared my love of libraries numerous times. I think what bothers me the most about it is how it draws the eye because generally I'm a no frills kind of person.

My Top Five Blog Tips

Tip 5: Write about things that are currently relevant.

Reason: With the millions of blogs on the internet there is no doubt that someone else is writing about similar topics as you. We live in a society of breaking news every few seconds and writing about an article you read three months ago that has no current and direct relevance just makes the reader want to move on to something else.

Example:



Tip 4: Keep in touch with your readers.

Reason: Be sure to encourage interaction in the form of questions, contests or surveys. Also be sure to reply to the comments you receive to show appreciation for your audience.

Example:


Tip 3: Stay active!

Reason: Posting once a month won't make the audience believe that you are really invested in your project. Frequent posts are absolutely key.

Example:



Tip 2: Determine your audience.
Reason: By determining your audience you are realizing who will find your posts interesting and what kind of things people like that could appreciate. If you can't describe your audience in a sentence or two you may want to focus on a more specific theme in your posts rather than a compilation or various and unrelated topics. Remember to be clear in your purpose.
Example:


Tip 1: Be true to you!
Reason: As silly and clichéd as that sounds, I feel as though this is the most important thing when making a blog. It's easy to realize if what you are posting is interesting to your audience by considering if it would be interesting to you. If it is, keep it, if it's not start over.

Example:

Blog Review Part II: Jules Food

This week I was taking a look at the recipe blog Jules Food. I noticed that through reviewing the blog that I gained a better appreciation for it and all simplistic blogs because when it comes down to it, I want a blog with good recipes not a lot of flash.

Structure:
The blog posts are of similar nature making them very easy to navigate due to their similar format.

Balance:
There is a even balance of photography to writing and the step by step photos from different angles and appealing and draw the eyes downward.



Color:
The site uses darker colors like a black background and gray type, which allows the photography to stand out. (Notice how great that cherry pie looks)



Clarity:
Being that the author is a photographer (and one with a hobby of photographing food) the images are great and really give a good impression of what the final product of the recipe will come out like if done correctly. The impressive images keep the audience moving from recipe to recipe and spending a lot of time reading the posts.

Functionality:
This blog is very easy to navigate and its lack of advertisements makes the site feel more personal making it unique among a sea of similar food blogs. There are many links and thumbnails



I think that I was drawn to this page because of its commonality with my own blog Practical, Homemade. Jules and I both share an interest in making and sharing food as well as collecting recipes from friends and family as well as recipes found on sites like Food Gawker, that I visit almost daily. I also think that our sites are similar in the fact that the recipes frequently don't pass on unhealthy things like butter and oil, so I can appreciate that.

Once again, I recommend checking out this blog and giving one of Jules' recipes a try.