Review of ReviewMe

[sponsored post] I’m giving the new ReviewMe service a try. Some might be wondering why bother doing this - it’s not really that much money when all is said and done, however, I think the experiment is worth a shot.

Today during brunch, we had an extended conversation about this specific topic. One fellow felt that any form of paid post was a betrayal of the publication’s authenticity. This is in stark contrast, seemingly, to the walled garden of the traditional world of publishing. The point being made was that the people who are writing are expressing their opinions but it’s not biased in any way - bias is a measure of commercial interest.

My point was three-fold. First, authenticity and commercialism need to be separated. I firmly believe that any individual has the ability to remain authentic and truthful, despite their financial interests. I know that this is not a simple task, however, and perhaps the work I have done for years as a consultant where I am asked to often tell my clients things that they don’t want to hear despite my fee.

Second, the “long tail” makes it possible for you to vote with your attention. If you don’t like the writing or feel that you can’t trust it anymore, leave. There are more than enough options cropping up in a variety of verticals meaning increased options and variability of opinion. This, of course, is in stark contrast to the old landscape where we had just a handful of publications that we could turn to for information.

Third, extremism will make things more and more difficult and force underhanded actions.  I think there is a growing awareness and need to fund our efforts as media creators.  If our audience scorns us (in the form of criticism, defection or refusal) for seeking a livelihood that we desire, we have one of two optionis - quit or take the action secretly.  A solution somewhere in the middle seems like the only sustainable option.

So this is my review of ReviewMe.  There’s nothing much to see there at this poiint in time.  You’re ability to earn is tied to a variety of metrics that are somewhat telling and give the advertiser some context about their investment.  I think that the issues raised above really are the critical issues surrounding ReviewMe and its potential for success.