Reviews can bring readers to your blog, community site or printed material. People like to hear about products, which is why sites like ZDNet are so successful.

However, experience has shown me that reviews can also turn people off.

My golden rules for reviews are as follows:

• Be Opinionated
• Be Factual
• Be Specific
• Be Independent
• Be Measurable

You can check out a recent restaurant review I did for Tapiano Bar & Bistro in Matakana.

Being independent is critical. I do not write “product/service reviews” for the producer of said product unless it is agreed up front that my review is to be independent. If the product or service is good, then you have nothing to worry about.

My primary areas that I will be happy to write reviews on are:

• Electronics
• Software
• Restaurants
• Accommodation
• Wine

If you would like to explore how an independent review can benefit you, please feel free to contact me via email at karl [at] writersblock.co.nz