When we returned from our sabbatical back in August, I new I would be really busy for the foreseeable future with various projects. Things are full speed ahead for me, and I’ve already accomplished some of the things that were on my list including writing the first eBook in a series.
I’d like to tell you a little about a few of the other projects I’ve been working on that I’m getting close to releasing to the wild.
Product Reviews with Reader Ratings
It’s amazing how many eBooks, resources, membership sites and bootcamps about entrepreneurship, lifestyle design, personal finance and web business development are released every week. How can you know which ones might be worth your time, and which might be a waste?
I’d like to help you figure out which resources are worth a look by doing some product reviews here at Free Pursuits. However, instead of just doing reviews so you get my perspective, I’m also going to be rolling out features on the blog that will let other readers contribute ratings as well.
If I review something here, and you’ve also read, purchased or attended the subject of the review, you’ll be able to provide a rating that other readers can see. This will help us gain a better picture of what people find useful.
I will focus on eBooks and resources that typically aren’t reviewed on major sites like Amazon, etc. Those other sites already do a decent job with mainstream books. Here you’ll find reviews of more self-published materials. I’m open to suggestions of some things you’d like to see reviewed. Just let me know in the comments.
Review Policy
Some of the things I review will be free products, and some will cost money. Some of the reviews of products that cost money will contain affiliate links. That means if you click on a link and purchase the product then I might earn some beer money from that sale.
My goal is to review things that will have real value to at least some of you. I will always disclose when I use an affiliate link. If the use of affiliate links bothers you, you can ignore the review. I’ve been working to deliver useful information on this blog for free for a while now. If I happen to make a few bucks from product reviews, that will help me keep things going here, so I hope you don’t mind.
Review Features
When I review something (and enable reader ratings for the review), the top of the blog post will include an overall reader’s rating (in 1 to 5 stars, with 5 being the best). It will look something like this:
At the end of my review, you can leave your own rating in the comments. When you write your comment about a product, you will see set of stars at near the submit button like this:
Just click the number of stars (from 1 to 5, with 5 being the highest) that you would like to assign to your review. If you comment is just a comment (and not a review), simply don’t click on any stars and your comment won’t affect the overall star rating.
When you leave a review, it will look something like this:
That’s all about the new review system for now. You should expect the first review post within the next couple of weeks. Again, if you’d like to suggest something for me to review, just let me know in the comments.
Beta Testers Needed for Two New Projects
I mentioned before that I have a few new projects underway. For two of those new projects, I could really use some beta testers to help me iron out the kinks. One project is about travel, and the other is about building web-based businesses.
If you’re interested in beta testing, it doesn’t have to take much of your time. If you can give more time, I would obviously appreciate it, but nothing specific is required. You can just try out the project, contribute something and send me any feedback you have. I will also give you a shout-out for helping me in a blog post here at Free Pursuits when the projects are finally rolled out to the public.
If you would like to help out, please leave a comment here, or you can reach me on twitter, or send me an email.
photo by josh.liba
14 comments add your own
I’m excited about the up and coming reviews. It’s great that readers will be able to contribute feedback as well.
I’m also happy to help with beta testing if you need me. Just let me know.
corbett! great idea. i think this will be very useful for people. its been encouraging to see you how your ideas are starting to hatch and grow. you are not just talking about things anymore, you are really working hard to put out services and products people want.
Hey Corbett,
I’ve just finished the New Economy ebook and loved it. I really appreciated the advice about the emotional roller coaster. If you’re not careful and you read too many of these ebooks, you fixate on other people’s success and forget that most business ideas go down in flames. Nice to get the hard truth sometimes.
I’d love to help with either of your products. Thought I still have a full time job, I’ve built a couple of ecommerce businesses in my spare time. I also used to travel quite a bit, but have slowed down after a recent move. I’ll leave it up to you, just let me know which product, or both if needed, you’d like the help with. Thanks,
Eric
Hi Corbett,
I enjoyed reading your New Economy manifesto. Yesterday’s post about choosing a “beautiful road” for the long haul is still smoking. For anyone still debating between passion and reason it was eye-opening and inspiring.
I’ll be glad to help with either project. Just let me know how I can help. (I’m also fluent in Spanish in case this has something to do with your Morning Spanish site).
Best wishes
Liz
Golden idea, hit me like a … oh duhh…why isn’t there a resource site out there that would let me do see these results…lets talk! Good work.
Hi Corbett,
I think a site where people can rate and review self published materials is a fantastic idea! It’s so hard to know what e-books are worthwhile, and which ones aren’t. You can get an idea by reading the blogs of course, but getting the feedback of people who have been there and done that already would be a great help!
I’d definitely like to help beta-test either or both of your upcoming projects. I love travel, and am in the middle of setting up my own e-commerce business.
Best of luck to you!
Hey Corbett,
I’m happy to help with any beta testing, especially if it’s got anything to do with technology or travel.
Cheers,
Charlotte
The review system looks great!
Also: I’d be happy to help out with beta testing, if you’d like.
Hey Corbett, would love to help out with some beta testing. I think you are doing some great things here. Just read the New Economy Superstar, which gave me some food for thought, so thank you for that!
Awesome idea. And totally down to help with beta testing if I can!
Hey everybody, thanks very much for the comments and offers to help beta test. I really appreciate it. I’ve sent emails to everyone on this list so far, so let me know if you didn’t hear from me for any reason.
-Corbett
I would be very interested in helping you BetaTest. I have enjoyed reading your site very much and look forward to your upcoming ideas.
I’m always eager to help!
I am interested in testing anything that needs tested, just email me and let me know if you still need a tester.