Over at the MomDot Forums, several members are interested in learning how to do product reviews (including myself). So, I think that it is appropriate to feature our next MomDot Blogger, Elina from Parent Reviewers!
1. Congrats on being a MomDot Feature Blogger! Why don’t you start by introducing yourself to our readers!
My name is Elina Ho, a FTWM with two hyperactive little chatterboxes and a loving hubby, whom I’ve nicknamed the Big Kid. I love blogging (obviously!) but since I started doing product reviews on my blogs, I’ve enjoyed it so much that I decided to start a community to share the fun. Thus, the birth of Parent Reviewers.
2. How did you arrive on the blogosphere? What got you interested in blogging?
It was in Year 2005, when blogging had just started to pick up in my home country and I thought I would try it out to see what the rage was all about. I started IMMomsDaughter to journal my family life and have not stopped blogging since.
3. Can you give the MomDot readers a “sneak peek” into what’s coming up next for your blog? Any new events, giveaways, interviews, etc.?
We will be featuring Book Blog Tours more frequently and we are also planning for a Mega Giveaway Bash – so be on the lookout for both!
4. What does it take to be a Parent Reviewer? What advice do you have for new bloggers interested in getting into the world of product reviews?
It doesn’t take much 
- Firstly, you must have a blog with some decent traffic. Secondly, professionalism is essential. By that, it simply means : Timely Delivery of Post and A Good Quality Review is a must.
- Firstly, you must have a blog with some decent traffic. Secondly, professionalism is essential. By that, it simply means : Timely Delivery of Post and A Good Quality Review is a must. Advice? I really consider myself a novice in this area. However, based on my experience, I have encountered members (now ex-members) that have received our sponsor’s products, do not post their reviews and do not reply to emails. So, I would advice bloggers to NEVER do this. Always keep your sponsor informed in case of delay and DO NOT ignore your sponsors. It speaks volume on your professionalism.
5. What are the challenges of running two blogs?
Errr….actually I run 6 blogs. Yeah, I’m kind of addicted to blogging. TIME is never enough for me.
6. What type of products do you review? How many Reviewers do you have on “staff?”
We review all kinds of products that are family friendly and we especially love to support parent-preneurs. Right now, we have slightly over a 100 reviewers but are currently closed to admission of new reviewers. However, those interested may submit their application via our contact form and their contact will be kept in our mailing list. Once we are open to admission, we will send out a notification to all.
Thanks, Elina! I am looking forward to the Mega Giveaway Bash! Go check out the latest reviews at Parent Reviewers here!
Interviewed by Contributing Writer, Bridgette
Do you do reviews on your blog out there? What do you like or dislike about reviews? If so, leave your blog so Elina can check you out! ~trisha
That’s a really neat concept of having other moms getting involved with your sponsors.
I’m a big fan of Elina’s work! She has provided me with so many opportunities and I am forever grateful.
I love the fact that these are real people reviewing products that I might be considering purchasing. I personally have bought things based on their reviews!
I’m not sure whether I am allowed to response to reader’s comment here. I thought Sprite’s Keeper did pretty well for a first timer
Personally, I think an honest opinion is important. You don’t want to endorse any product that you don’t believe will work for you or your audience. That’s why I am quite selective when it comes to the products that run on our Blog Tours. As for writing style, everyone has their own and only you would know what appeals to your audience
I too am a reviewer for Parent Reviewers and have written several reviews for online games and cd-rom educational games. I really enjoy getting to test out products with my daughter and then writing about our reactions.
Thanks for spot lighting Parent Reviewers and Elina. She is a joy to work with, very organized and stays on top of things.
I recently did my first review of a video and enjoyed the experience, however I’m not sure about how it came off in my post. My tone is usually snarky/however family oriented. So my question would be, how can you review a product yet keep in tune with your site as a whole? I’m including the review I did.
http://www.spriteskeeper.com/my_weblog/2008/08/i-recieved-a-copy-of-the-not-yet-released-abby-cadabby-in-wonderland-screener-from-kim-moldofsky-of-hormone-colored-days-and.html
Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Elina and Parent Reviewers are great! They recently did a review of my company’s products (www.babblesoft.com) and it was very professional. Elina is very organized too!
I have been blessed with the opportunity to complete some reviews with Parent Reviewers. Elina is a joy to work with and is very prompt at responding to emails.
I mostly review books, but would love to do more products.
I love doing parent reviews for Elina, She is so efficient, professional and nice. I find the reviews a lot of fun to do for all the reasons already mentioned above in the comments and I would recommend getting on her list!
I did my first *real* review the other day on my personal blog and will be doing product reviews on my weight loss/fitness blog and website for products I have personally used or have heard great things about. I would love to get more into doing product reviews on both blogs though.
I would be interested in knowing of any resources out there that help one in writing a good product review.
Thanks for the feature MomDot.com. Lova ya ladies
I do reviews now and I am one the Parent Reviewers. I just joined a month ago (when they were open to admissions). It is great! I love doing reviews, not only to get the stuff, but to really let others know about some great things out there that they normally wouldn’t encounter on their own. I know there are things that I would rather buy because I read that someone has used it and what their experience was. I think it’s really a better way to advertise. At least I know that the person is going to give their opinion and weren’t really “paid” for it.
Me too B!
I would love to review products, its a great way to drum up business for the businesses and a great way to increase blog traffic and get ya some cool goodies to try!
I don’t do any reviews yet, but I would love to! Would love to know when Parent Reviewers is accepting new applications!