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Post by davejs on Aug 27, 2009 10:36:21 GMT -5
I have come up with a great idea for a website and if I find the software to do it with, it'll be one of the best locations to go for info on shows. I want to put together a site where people can place their reviews about any show in a specific area and read what other's have to say. I am not sure how receptive people would be towards this, but I am willing to try.
It would be free to start off with, but if there turns out to be an overwhelming interest, fees will be incurred after about 15-18 months, when there are enough reviews to make it worthwhile. All these sites listing shows charge $30 and up. I don't want to list shows.....everybody does that. I could probably get away with something like $9.95 if there are enough events reviewed.
My problem right now is finding software that will allow input of various entries and display the information when requested by user's. Some kind of a data base program. Know what I mean. Can anybody give me some ideas.
You know there are a number of websites doing something like that (Craftlister, etc.) and most of these are selling their show listings and people really don't put in reviews. People do put their 'reviews' on a bunch of sites, but I want a website that has nothing but reviews from people regardless of what publication they use. They come to my site to get info on a show. A lot of work compiling show listings and I would not copy these from other's. Not interested. I would also provide general information on vendor's needs, etc. What do you people think of my idea? When you go to a particular page/location, I would have events listed along with the dates and city and nothing else and/or reader's could add on shows that they did.
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Post by abaworld on Aug 27, 2009 12:48:32 GMT -5
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Post by abaworld on Aug 27, 2009 15:02:51 GMT -5
I agree with Paula 100%.
When I first started to comment on this thread, I started writing about how hard it is to get people to contribute their reviews.
I then changed my mind, because I figured that Dave was already aware of that aspect of it and beyond the cost of the website and some sort of software, there would be no added costs other than time (which can be pretty costly...). However, time becomes less of an issue if you thoroughly enjoy the project.
If it is done well (and we already know that Dave is ahead of the game with that...) it can grow into an excellent site.
That only leaves participation. There are many websites littering cyberspace that didn't get participation. And there are a few that weathered the years and grew into something special.
And there is a whole big expanse dividing those two with a wide range of varying degrees of success - most on the "lack of success" end.
There are ways to encourage participation - do they work? - sometimes yes and sometimes no. Don't know until the effort is made.
As Paula mentioned (and has been mentioned in other threads), reviews can be totally meaningless due to a number of factors.
You can't eliminate the worthless reviews or the "fabricators" but you can lessen their impact with the proper organization of ratings and categories. That organization will also help with comparing "apples to apples".
I think it is a worthy project, and the right person is undertaking it.
Time will determine the result.
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Post by davejs on Aug 27, 2009 15:05:46 GMT -5
Hi Paula. Wow. Well said and I agree with you totally. Perhaps I am just dreaming on putting up a sit solely for reviews AND eventually, in coming years, charge for the 'service.'
It is definitely hard to get people to come to the forum and to get them to post is even harder. I have spoken to so many people over the past couple months all over the place and very few of them have responsded in one way or another. 'Yah, yah, yah, I'll check out the website; Oh, a forum. Wow, I love that.' They sound quite enthusiastic also.
I guess you might consider doing the shows as being an actual job. You just go to work, collect your money and that's it till the next weekend. Once you pack up and go home on Sunday you forget all about. Yah, people just do not like to write about what happened during their event. Over the weekend, they'll tell you everything about their shows and their lives, but when it comes time to write about it, uh uh uh. No way Jose. I know that the two of us especially, like to write about our experiences and share whatever information we have. I enjoy reading everybody's adventures on their weekends with their shows and I do learn quite a bit from all.
The forum is really great for us and I think it's unique. We all know one another and we are like a family and we share information about many aspects of events.
I still would like to try out my idea, but I really anticipate a slow response and not much participation. Eventually, I would like to be rewarded for my time and effort, but for right now, I would be satisfied with putting out a website where reviews could be submitted. As for liability issue, I'd really have to see what's going on as there would be people who will 'attack' their least favorite promototer's. However, if the information given regarding a specific show is TRUE, then there's really not much recourse for the offended party to do, except for maybe a nasty email.
Craftlister is a mess and I really can't understand quite a number of it's features and I do not waste my time.
I'll check out the links that you gave and see if I can get someting up and running in the coming weeks (months, etc). Thanks so much for your help.
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Post by davejs on Aug 27, 2009 16:58:28 GMT -5
Yes, it would be hard to get subscribers to pay to access reviews, etc. You are right about selling advertising and that is the way I can go. Of course, it'll take awhile to build it to the point where I can solicit anybody. I am looking at a data base right now and am working with it to see if it will work and can be uploaded to my server and implemented on a website. I can see that it's going to be a long process.
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Post by abaworld on Aug 27, 2009 17:53:45 GMT -5
Dave, I hope the database that you are testing works out for you. If it is part of a Content Management System, it will not be too difficult.
However, be careful with the standalone type, because the network, connectivity and other issues do not always appear right away -- most of the time they're evident right off the bat, though. I think it is frequently referred to as a NIGHTMARE!
I will mention MySQL again. It takes just a couple of minutes to install and setup. With the right template, it's just as easy to maintain.
Most of the time (again with the right template) you would never even have to go into phpMyAdmin (provides remote access to MySQL databases) to maintain the database.
All administration would take place in your Wordpress admin area. Basically easy street for those that aren't enamored with the idea of a "long process".
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Post by craftmaster on Sept 1, 2009 23:10:05 GMT -5
CraftMasterNews listings are controlled by the managers / owners. The reviews are read by management before they are posted. These are the cleanest of the review sites that i have found. My only complaint with CraftMaterNews is: They have NO report button for EACH listing! When I find a listing has been cancelled or has an error on it I am forced to use contact button and write a letter to do a simple error report in a listing. I don't have time for that! We've had several requests to add this feature Paula ... it's on our laundry list. It's a fairly simple one, I'll have 'em bump it up in the queue for you  Also there I can only open ONE listing at a time making it difficult to compare listings / info, etc. They do NOT give me the option to open multiple listings in new windows. I know it is 'caveman' software they are working with. So be it. Had a few others want this too... it's on the list. Quick workaround, you can open two browser windows and login to each if you want to view events side-by-side for now... try that. That said, CraftMasterNews is the ONLY membership I renewed. I feel that with all the shortcomings they are still the better of the services that I have found. They respond to emails, etc. They are trying. They seem to be decent, caring people. I know nothing is perfect. Careful Paula, the flattery might get you some extra time on your subscription When I do find a review, I have to wonder how valid it is. Was the exhibitor a jerk? Did they feel slighted by the promoter? Are they buy/sell or handcrafted or a combination of both? Do they sell door mats, jewelry, purses - ie., how can I / do I relate to them and their products? All of the above  Funny how you see many of the real good shows there with hardly any submitted comments. Bad reviews are the quickest to get submitted ... good events though: there's always the folks that don't want anybody else to know what a great event it was for 'em so they don't get the competition on applications next year Nature of the beast I guess. Tim. |
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Post by susien on Sept 3, 2009 0:16:49 GMT -5
It is also funny to read two different reviews for the same show. Especially when one says how bad it was and the other loves it. I do wish there was a little more information given on the reviews, such as what Paula said, did the poster have hand crafted, resale, food or a variety of items. I would also like to see the posters opinion on if the show was as the application said. Example all hand crafed, or hand crafted and resale. I have a major problem with the application saying one thing and the show not following through with it.
Susie
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