Build a Trusted Network of Reviewers
Think of your Trusted Network as a filter that allows you to easily find the product and service recommendations that are most likely to be valuable to you.
There are two ways to add people to your Trusted Network; 1) You can add any existing RateItAll reviewer to your trusted network by clicking on the link on their profile page that says, "Add this reviewer to your Trusted Network." 2) You can invite real life friends to join your Trusted Network by clicking on the link on your profile page that says "Invite Friends to Join RateItAll." If your friend accepts your invitation, they will automatically be added to your Trusted Network.
How does the RateItAll Trusted Network and Recommendation Engine work?
The RateItAll Recommendation Engine works by filtering the millions of opinions in the RateItAll database to display only the opinions of those reviewers who are related to you via a Trusted Network.
What is a Trusted Network?
Your trusted network is made up of people whose opinions you value. Everyone chooses their own trusted network, and there is no right or wrong way to make those choices.
Your trusted network serves as the foundation of your personalized recommendations.
What does a trust level of "2 degrees away" mean?
A trust level of "2 degrees away" means that you will see the reviews of those in your trusted network AND those in the trusted network of YOUR network. "3 degrees away" is one more level farther out. The most trustworthy reviews will be found "1 degree away."
What does “trust” mean in the context of “Trusted Network?”
For the purposes of the RateItAll recommendation engine, “trust” usually means “I like reading what you have to say.” We suggest that you add people to your network whose opinions you value – whether or not you like them, agree with them, or even know them.
How do I add people to my trusted network?
There are two ways to add people to your trusted network. You can add existing RateItAll members to your trusted network by clicking the check box on their profile page that says “I Trust This User.”
You can invite your friends to join your RateItAll trusted network by clicking the icon on your profile page that says “Invite Friends to Join RateItAll.”
How do I remove people from my trusted network?
You can remove people from your trusted network by clicking the link on your profile page that says "View/Edit my Trusted Network."
If somebody adds me to their trusted network, do I have to add them?
Absolutely not. Only you can decide who should be in your trusted network.
Why can’t I use the recommendation engine to get recommendations for local businesses?
We’re working on this – stay tuned.
Can I add RateItAll reviewers who I don’t know to my trusted network?
Absolutely. If you see a review from a RateItAll reviewer that looks interesting, add them to your trusted network – you can always take them off, if it turns out their recommendations are not your cup of tea.
I don’t like the recommendations I’m getting. How can I fix this?
The best way to improve the quality of your recommendations is to improve the quality of your trusted network. If someone in your trusted network is not pulling their weight in terms of quality recommendations, you can remove them at any time. Try experimenting with various trusted networks to see what yields the best results.
I don’t see enough recommendations in some categories. What should I do?
Try expanding your trust levels to "3 levels out."
If that doesn't work, try growing your trusted network. A good place to start would be with some of the more prolific RateItAll reviewers. For some ideas, check out this list of most helpful reviewers, or this list of top overall RateItAll contributors.
Or, you can look in the right hand column of any ratings list page to find reviewers who are most interested in that topic. Here's an example.
How can I find the best RateItAll reviewers so I can add them to my trusted network?
A good place to start would be with some of the more prolific RateItAll reviewers. For some ideas, check out this list of most helpful reviewers, or this list of top overall RateItAll contributors. Or you can check out this Weblist of top rated reviewers. And make sure to check out the Recent Comments Page to find quality reviewers.
How can I get more people to trust me?
The more you contribute, the more people will trust you. Find a topic that you’re passionate and knowledgeable about and start sharing. Introduce yourself to people who share your interests. People will find you.
Or, you can invite your real life friends to join RateItAll by clicking the link on your profile page. People who join RateItAll via an invitation from an existing RateItAll member automatically trust the inviting reviewer.
How do I invite my friends from real life to join my trusted network?
You can invite your friends to join your RateItAll trusted network by clicking the icon on your profile page that says “Add Friends to Your Trusted Network.”
Do I have to write reviews to get recommendations?
At the moment, no. However, we encourage those that are using trusted networks to generate quality recommendations to contribute their own opinions to the mix.
