Contest-Friendly Weekly Topic Inspiration: Product Reviews

1. 81

   Simone Smithposted 12 years ago

   Starting on October 31st (at 12:00pm PT), our Rigorous Review Contest goes live, meaning that any Hub you write containing a single or multiple person Ratings Capsule will be automatically entered to win anything between $25 and $200 (before submitting an entry, be sure to read through the full contest rules and details).
   
   To make it easy for you to participate in both the contest AND Weekly Topic Inspiration, we will be promoting contest-friendly themes all month, starting with product reviews. Should you have purchased something about which you you can share some valuable information, make a Hub about it!
   
   We recommend reviewing multiple products, or titling reviews by category and not actual product names (since it is difficult to compete with commerce sites with specific product keywords).
   
   Don’t have a particular Hub in mind? Here are some search-friendly titles to consider using:
   Fabulous Food Packaging Supplies
   Essential Camping Supplies
   Cool Cooking Supplies
   Trustworthy Hiking Supplies
   Marvelous Makeup Supplies
   Must-Have Components to Build a Bento Box Lunch
   The Best Over-the-Range Microwave
   Must Have Items in a Disaster Preparedness Kit
   Essential Emergency Supplies
   The Best Convection Microwave
   Adorable Lunch Boxes for Kids
   Body Jewelry: A Primer
   Good Watches for Women
   The Best Stainless Steel Lunch Box
   Great Christmas Presents for Clean Freaks
   Good Birthday Gifts for Bosses
   Necessary Components of an Emergency Supply Kit
   Groomsmen Gifts for Tech Lovers
   Camping Gear for the Great Outdoors
   Rugged and Durable Sleeping Bags
   Presents for Men Who Love Cars
   Mother’s Day Gift Ideas
   Practical Bridal Shower Gifts
   
   To create search-friendly titles of your own, follow the steps outlined in this Learning Center guide.
   
   If you'd like to join in on this week's topic by writing a Hub, follow these steps:
   
   1)    Stop by this week's Weekly Topic Inspiration Question.
   2)    Click the green button "answer this question".
   3)    Click the gray button below the box (leave that empty) that says "make a Hub about it."
   4)    Give your Hub a very specific title, like Easy Summer Gardening Projects for Kids or Challenging Summer Activities for Teens
   5)    Create good quality original content that hasn't been covered before.
   6)    After you publish your Weekly Topic Inspiration Hub, come back to this forum thread and post a link to your Hub with a brief description of what you wrote about and why.
   
   For more information on the Weekly Topic Inspiration program, check out the Learning Center guide.
   
   Would you like your WTI Hub to have a shot at becoming a Hub of the Day as well as winning a cash prize in the contest? Make sure the images are legally used and properly attributed!

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      jansharesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Hi Simone,
      Here's the link to my contest entry for product reviews:
      http://janshares.hubpages.com/_2eao4rze … Seasonings
      I chose this product, as I posted under Weekly Topic Inspiration, because I'm a low-salt, low-sodium gal who is health conscious about eating right. I love these products because they add lots of flavor without too much salt.
      I hope I posted everything correctly. Please let me know if I need to make corrections.

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      1. 81

         Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Hi janshares! It's a lovely review- I like your clear formatting and the original images! Unfortunately, because you published it before October 31st at noon PT, it is not counted as a contest entry! I do hope you'll submit more review Hubs in the coming weeks that will be counted.

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            jansharesposted 12 years agoin reply to this

            Uh no!!!!! I thought I needed to get it in BY noon. I'm in tears. I cant believe it, I tried so hard. Ugh, Im so disappointed.

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         tillsontitanposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         You'll have everyone looking for salt substitutes!

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2. 95

   GoodLadyposted 12 years ago

   The USA market products are different to products from the rest of the world.  Wondering if cleaning products from my country (Italy) or England or Australia for example are as 'universal' as USA products are?  I notice every day that recipes that are popular have ingredients you can usually only get in USA - and not elsewhere.
   This could affect the popularity of a review.  For example, if you live in Italy and you love a Marsiglia spray soap product over all the others on our market, what good is that to an American? 
   In your helpful list of 'supplies', the brands will be different in each country.
   
   Thought I'd mention this since it will have an effect on people's Hub popularity.

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      kathleenkatposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Although HubPages is used all over the world, I have noticed that the vast majority of my traffic comes from the USA and Canada. Check your Google Analytics to determine where your traffic comes from. If it's anything like mine, writing with an American audience in mind may do you well for popularity.

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         watergeekposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         I read about some of the most successful hubbers once, and discovered a woman from the Philippines (or was it Thailand?) with over 4,000 followers. They weren't from the US, but from locations that had strong communities from her country, like the UAE, Indonesia, Thailand, etc.
         
         I do agree that the US is a big market, though, and since most of HP's hubbers come from here, it's natural that the majority of readers would too (since we write their language about things they know). Perhaps someone from Italy could write and do their marketing with a regional European audience in mind and draw people in that way? What can happen in a month, if someone starts now?

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      Pearldiverposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Down here in Australasia - Brooms and Vacuum Cleaners are still used Universally! 
      Do you have access up there to cleaning products that can remove kangaroo stains? 

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         watergeekposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         If we do, only the zoos would know, unfortunately. Anyone here on HP work in a zoo?

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   3. 81

      Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      That's such a good question, GoodLady, and y'all have some good answers, too.
      I say that the more universal a Hub is, the better. If it is not too hard to share several different product suggestions catering to different countries, go for it!

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      tsmogposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      That is worth considering. The dilemma of hub popularity at the community of hubpages vs. the Google or internet market place of article indexing. I wonder if an option could be considered with the content. The content from my understanding would be the power source. The relays of where that power goes to could be considered. (Note: I just reviewed below, so I don't know if this has been considered or not yet)
      
      
      I suggestion may be utilize both. Write the content with English seeking the popular review. Next, in text capsules on the right in blue or gray write the 'substitute with X for Y if you are living in the UK or Italy or A. Some exploring and the discovery process may require some time, yet maybe it will offer a niche too. Not having a deep understanding of those web crawlers, who knows how they may index something like that.
      
      I'm even curious of the Ebay store ID being used with stores from Ebay Australia and UK. I wonder. Could the generic name in the search descriptor and the specific store be used to show products specific to that region being the UK or Australia Ebay sign in stores. Or. the option of displaying both a USA market product and a regional market by store specific ID. Does anyone know if that feature is possible with Amazon?

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3. 86

   Millionaire Tipsposted 12 years ago

   I had a couple of question about this. 
   
   Since you recommend writing a review on more than one product, how do you recommend dealing with the limit of one review capsule per hub? 
   
   Also, do you have to do anything to submit your hub to the contest, other than create a hub that has a ratings capsule and meets the other criteria?
   
   Thanks
   
   Shasta

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   1. 81

      Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Good questions Shasta. I recommend using the Ratings Capsule for the product you think is best and to which you would like to devote the most attention.
      
      You do not have to do anything special to submit your Hub. Just include a Ratings Capsule set to single or multiple person reviews.

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   Austinstarposted 12 years ago

   I picked Essential Camping Supplies as my last hub of my apprenticeship program, a weekly topic inspiration and my first entry into the new contest! A Three-fer.
   Enjoy:
   http://austinstar.hubpages.com/hub/Esse … ic-Gourmet

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      Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I'm all for multi-taskers! Love it!

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      tillsontitanposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Interesting and totally useful!  Campers, put your headlamps on and read this hub!

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   Millionaire Tipsposted 12 years ago

   I chose Gift Ideas for a Bridal Shower, but I wasn't able to think of a way to add a ratings capsule to it.  Hopefully I can edit it if anyone has any ideas.
   
   http://millionairetips.hubpages.com/hub … ower-Gifts
   
   Shasta

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      GoodLadyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Shasta hi,  I think you need to chose to write a recipe hub.  This has the ratings capsule in it, though obviously you wont need the other recipe capsule options.  All the best.  Penelope

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   2. 81

      Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      You do not need to choose to write a recipe Hub, and recipe ratings do not count in this contest.
      
      You can add Ratings Capsules by clicking on their icon under the Special Layout Options section of the HubTool.

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         GoodLadyposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         Good to know!  Thanks -

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      tillsontitanposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Some really great ideas nicely listed.

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   Patty Inglish, MSposted 12 years ago

   Hi Everybody!
   
   I reviewed a great theater where I review many films each month. I hope you enjoy it!
   
   Meals, Football Games, Opera and More at the Best Movie Theaters In Columbus, Ohio
   
   -- Patty

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      Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      Very cool!!! I was hoping people would review local haunts like this!!

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7. 96

   Glimmer Twin Fanposted 12 years ago

   Here is my take on this week's topic inspiration.  I hope you enjoy it.
   
   http://glimmertwinfan.hubpages.com/hub/ … eview?done

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      Glimmer Twin Fanposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I don't think I put the correct link.  I'll try it again.
      
      http://glimmertwinfan.hubpages.com/hub/ … ame-Review
      
      Thanks!

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         Simone Smithposted 12 years agoin reply to this

         A contest entry AND an Exclusive. Huzzah! I love the formatting you used with this- it makes information to easy to find! Gotta love dem Table Capsules. This is fabulous.

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   tillsontitanposted 12 years ago

   Time to enter this contest and give it a try!
   http://tillsontitan.hubpages.com/hub/Di … t-SX260-HS

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      tillsontitanposted 12 years agoin reply to this

      I thought it might be a good idea to stick a picture in here since the title doesn't really tell what I wrote.
      
      

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9. 88

   Denise Handlonposted 12 years ago

   Dang it all, Simone...I just wrote a product review hub and forgot that this was the WTI so I did not hit that 'green button' to answer the question, LOL         I'm kicking myself right now.

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10. 94

    ktrappposted 12 years ago

    Here's my WTI Hub and 1st contest entry.
    
    Must-Have Carpet Deep Cleaner
    
    

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       watergeekposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Great photo!

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          ktrappposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Thanks watergeek

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       pet-water-bowlposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Deleted
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       tillsontitanposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Nicely done!  You haven't left anything out.

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11. 82

    daisydayzposted 12 years ago

    Well here's our first one - Its for the Nikon 24-70 f2.8 lens, my hubby's new baby!
    http://daisydayz.hubpages.com/hub/A-Gre … F-S-f28-ED

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       tillsontitanposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Certainly a great hub about that Nikon lens.

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    J.S.Matthewposted 12 years ago

    Hello all! My computer is down (hard drive failure) so I am posting from a different computer all together. Here is something different: A review of a very popular Wedding Venue in Massachusetts. I used my photos and personal experience to create this Hub and I am hoping for the glory lol. Here it is: http://jsmatthew.hubpages.com/hub/Chamb … Wedding-MA Hope you all enjoy the photos and stuff. Good luck to all!
    
    JSMatthew~

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       jessylove1posted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Deleted
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       tillsontitanposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Great hub about a great place JS....pictures are lovely.

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13. 89

    Gary Holdawayposted 12 years ago

    Oh wow! It has been so hard to get any time for a hub this week! This one, and another one has been in progress for a few nights now. Hope it helps 'convert' some of you!
    
    http://garyholdaway.hubpages.com/hub/Wh … e-Products

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14. 82

    daisydayzposted 12 years ago

    Entry number 2 a film review! Surrogates
    http://daisydayz.hubpages.com/hub/Surro … uce-Willis

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    GoodLadyposted 12 years ago

    I have a review title  - but forgot to run it through the green button/write a hub about it.  If I wrote the hub and submitted it here (Discussion review) would it still be eligible for the contest?
    
    Thanks.
    Penelope

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       tillsontitanposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       I did the same thing Good Lady but I think we're out of luck.

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          daisydayzposted 12 years agoin reply to this

          Ladies I'm pretty sure they are still ok in the contest, it just isnt submitted under the weekly topic. The weekly topic is just contest friendly not the actual contest. Hope that makes sense!

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             tillsontitanposted 12 years agoin reply to this

             It does and I hope you're right!  Thanks for the encouragement.

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    tillsontitanposted 12 years ago

    My legitimate entry (pressed the green button on this one)
    http://tillsontitan.hubpages.com/hub/Re … Uggs-Boots
    

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       Denise Handlonposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       Gee, I did the same thing previously with a different hub product review!  This time I remembered! LOL

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    Denise Handlonposted 12 years ago

    My 'product' review for the WTI   I remembered this time!       
    
    About a great mixing bowl for any cook out here:
    http://denisehandlon.hubpages.com/hub/T … -Chef?done

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18. 79

    Danette Wattposted 12 years ago

    http://danettewatt.hubpages.com/hub/Red … and-of-Tea
    
    My product review for Red Rose tea, truly the only tea I'll drink (ask fellow hubbers Denise Handlon and Cara Ardelean, they'll vouch for me )

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       cardeleanposted 12 years agoin reply to this

       

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19. 81

    Simone Smithposted 12 years ago

    Hey everyone! Our new contest-friendly Weekly Topic Inspiration theme is restaurant reviews. I hope you will see this as an excuse to eat out this week!

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    kathleenkatposted 12 years ago

    Just finished my Hub about automatic pet feeders last night...
    http://kathleenkat.hubpages.com/hub/Automatic_Feeder
    
    I was on vacation last week, using my automatic feeder to feed my kitties   Didn't get a chance to finish it while on vacation.

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    tillsontitanposted 12 years ago

    Interestingly enough my product review hub about UGG boots was pulled as being to promotional and something about the title. I am really confused about how it can be too promotional when I was using quotes about the boots. I'm not sure about the tags either as I would naturally use "UGG" and "uggs" in my tags.  I'm really scratching my head!  I made some corrections and submitted it for review.  It will be interesting to see what happens as I already had readers.

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    watergeekposted 12 years ago

    Here's a product (not restaurant) review for the contest: Product Review: MS Publisher Software

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    savingkathyposted 12 years ago

    A little late, but here's a couple of product reviews I posted yesterday:
    
    A review of a kitchen appliance I didn't know I needed:
    http://savingkathy.hubpages.com/hub/Hea … er-Blender
    
    A review of the cookbook that shows you how to sneak healthy foods into your cooking:
    http://savingkathy.hubpages.com/hub/Fam … neaky-Chef

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