Turn WordPress Into a Powerful Review Site Engine

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riddarhusetgal said:
do you have something in the works to do directory websites with drop down menu, etc. (as in search by location, subject matter, etc). this looks very interesting this software). Check out my friend's site (how it looks) and tell me if it can do some of these things:
TheWebHostingHero.com - Web Hosting Reviews & Tutorials
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This plugin is meant to allow *anyone* to add ratings to a WordPress powered site, not just web host directories. It would not make sense to embed things like plans and prices into this plugin. You could do that all with WordPress (custom fields on the posts) and use this plugin to power the reviews tab like in that site.

riddarhusetgal said:
Also, are there any other demo sites (of people who have used your plug in)? thanks
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I don't have URLs from anyone using the new version yet, but I found a few in the comments from the old version.
Honest Dropship Review - Honest Customer Dropship Reviews
Lodging in Windsor, Ontario, Canada | Lodging-Blog.com
Web Hosting Review Blog
 
REVIEW: WP Review Site

Here's a quick snapshot of my first impressions:

Very straightforward installation of plugin: upload, activate, configure settings, done.
Site setup w/in 5 minutes using included theme.

For some reason I thought that the included theme was the same as Award Winning Hosts. I see now on the features page there is a screen shot of the included theme, but - really - I'm the only one to make this mistake? The included theme is not near as attractive as Award Winning Hosts so that was kind of a let down - granted, it is a very clean and functional design.

The plugin is not plug and play for other themes. You do need to add the functions to the theme manually in order to take advantage of the plugin. However, it's well documented. Dan - can't this be handled from within the plugin? That would certainly open up the audience (currently alientating those who aren't comfortable editing themes).

The links above from version 1.1.1 do not do justice to the new plugin. The old version uses a numeric rating scale vs. the new premium plugins star rating system - an improvement that is very pleasing visually to the end user (both readers and reviewers).

Minor critique: Upon hitting save on the settings page, a notification indicating changes have been saved would be similar to Wordpress and many other plugins and add an image with your custom theme that displays on the design page.

Support
phpBay has an active forum and a developer who is continually upgrading the plugin. There doesn't seem to exist that kind of support for WP Review Site. Perhaps something for Dan to consider.

Implementations
I'm currently using the plugin on a couple test sites and when finished I'll provide links and a deeper analysis.

Here are some angles to pursue: affiliate review site (hosting, credit cards, green tea, etc.), citywide apartment reviews, Best Of _(insert city)_ - bars, restaurants, etc.

I'm curious to use both WP Review Site and this plugin to really crank out user generated content. Create the shell and then let the users go nuts filling in both the thing being reviewed and then the reviews. I would think this would be great for city search guides.

Price
I can't say that I would be interested in investing $99 in any one of the ideas above and $299 for a multisite license is very steep in my opinion. I'm comparing the features, support, and expandability of this plugin to another premium plugin phpBay. phpBay runs $79 (20% off here) and includes lifetime upgrades, community support, and it's really plug and play for any theme. Upload, activate, configure, profit w/ phpBay.

Now with WP Review Site the earnings model is not as straight forward, but the earning avenues are significant. The fact that this plugin can help considerably in generating user generated content is a huge plus. Consider setting up a site that reviews affiliate's products (like a hosting review site), you're able to send traffic to the affiliate's page to complete an offer. With EPN you're fighting to be the last cookie set - as the market gets flooded it might become more difficult in that arena. With WP Review Site, you're reaching people as they are comparing products / services and closer to the buy stage.

I would think that a better price point would be $79 for single, $99 for multisite. I would not be interested in this plugin for a single implementation, but $299 is just too steep.

I think if Dan revisits the pricing structure, implements some forums for support, and either integrates the function calls directly through the plugin OR offers additional "review ready" themes, that this plugin could be a real powerhouse. Would you rather sell 10 at $99 or 100 at $49 - that's my take. I'll update more as I continue to develop the sites.
 
radio said:
REVIEW: WP Review Site

Here's a quick snapshot of my first impressions:

Great review. Is there something that combines both directory site/ and review site capability. I'm looking to outsource something like.

I found this plug in the other day (for directories, fed by articles)....dunno if anyone else knows of it or something similar: Welcome to EasyBlogsPro
Click to expand...
 
From what radio has mentioned, if you made it easier to utilize this plugin to work with other themes, and priced it at around the same area as phpBay for multi site licenses, I would buy this plugin. Just a suggestion.
 
Thanks for the honest review radio, and the suggestions James.

It's selling about a dozen copies a day with just natural search traffic already (301 redirected from the old plugin page which has strong backlinks), so I don't plan on reducing the price on the single site license below where it's at. Maybe $199 on the multi-site license instead of $299, though?

I will work on making it easier to integrate with other themes. I can probably do something where it appends the ratings to the top or bottom of posts and comments automatically with checkboxes or radio buttons on the settings page. I'll update tonight if that's the case, and still look forward to trigatch4's review.
 
$199 is a lot easier to stomach than $299, however personally I'd still be a bit hesitant to purchase it. But I'm a cheap ass (and rightfully so, I'm a poor college student) and multi-site would be the only option for me. I'll keep my eye on this thread and see how the plugin develops, I'm looking forward to it.
 
Alright folks... I took a bit different of an approach. You might want to read my Full Review & Tutorial but I've summarized my opinion below:

I tried to add WP Review Site as a feature within my blog, basically reviewing affiliate programs. This plugin is more set up to accomodate one site dedicated completely to reviews.

If you have moderate experience customizing wordpress and are itching to get some sites that FOCUS on reviews, by all means YES, this is a GREAT product. However, I came to a few conclusions (quoted from my blog post):

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS THUS FAR:
This plugin has HUGE potential. I absolutely love the ease and effectiveness of phpBay and this has the potential to be another incredible weapon in the arsenal. The key word is “potential”… at the moment there are simply too many issues/questions to suggest this plugin to anyone/everyone:
  1. Price… $99 for one license and $299 for unlimited licenses is a bit steep considering the plugin leaves too many questions unanswered. I’d say $99 for single license and $199 for unlimited would be more fair. Keep pirating in mind… make it affordable and I think you’ll be rewarded ($79/$129 perhaps)
  2. Support… Dan - You’ll increase the value astronomically if you provide support forums and you NEED to make a statement regarding upgrades of the product and what happens when Wordpress is upgraded. Questions will come into play once this plugin is used for a few months… questions that deserve to be answered if you’re buying the product. This could be a great product - extend its shelf life by providing support upfront.
  3. Not 4 Newbs… because some of the details are inherently technical and must be applied manually, the product will be a problem for complete newbs ESPECIALLY considering the lack of support forums. This is a product which could be a SAVIOR for newbs… but in its current form is just too problematic. I think with a little more effort this product could become quite a sensation across the board.
THE BOTTOM LINE
  • Not currently recommended for Newbs
  • If you are currently LOOKING for a review plugin for wordpress and have at least mid range skills, look no further. This thing is pretty kick arse.
  • If you love the idea of this plugin but aren’t pressed for an immediate review/ratings solution and/or are a newb, play wait and see while the WickedFire thread develops. If Dan polishes the product a bit based on suggestions and alters the price to make it a little more affordable, I think he’ll hit a homerun with WP Review Site. So why wouldn’t he?
I'm pretty sure Dan answered the "Why Wouldn't He" question above, saying he already gets 12 sales or so a day. If he cut the price in half and sold 25 a day he would be making the exact same amount.

HOWEVER... I think making the changes, providing support, making everything a bit more seamless could mean the difference between considering the product a success and considering the product a sensation.

This thing has HUGE potential. I can say that right now, while it might be a little "steep" in price - you're definitely getting a good product. This isn't a rip off by any means... WP Review Site is LEGIT.

Personally, I'm going to take a wait-and-see approach before I buy the single copy or the unlimited license. I'm more of a marketing guy and struggling with customizing code really frustrates me. Patch up some of the big issues, ad some support forums and run a limited time promotion price and I think you'll have an overwhelming success on your hands.

Great start, Dan. I'm really looking forward to seeing this product go and implementing it on my sites. I've only played around for a couple hours while making my blog post so I'll probably come back after I have some more time to work with it. But... I wanted to get back to you and the community today as I promised.

HUGE NOTE: If Dan will let you upgrade from single license to unlimited license at no additional charge, there isn't much of a risk in buying it now. The WORST that can happen is he improves the product, you love it and you apply it to a ton of sites.

There ya have it. Buy the single license and see if you can make the magic happen. Afterall, its only $99! Dan can you confirm that you'll honor this?
 
Your wish is my command...

Easier Installation (NEWB Support)
WP Review Site can now auto embed the ratings in posts, pages, comments and the comment form. While this limits your options as far as positioning and appearance compared to editing themes yourself, it's much easier to add to existing themes, and you can accomplish a lot as far as looks with CSS alone.

The documentation page has been updated with three sets of install instructions depending on your level of experience with WordPress.

Multi-Site Price Drop
Only the single site licenses have been selling, so I've dropped the price on the multi site license by $100 to just $199, and the developer license to $299.

Forums and Support
A support forum has been added to the contact page, although I've been providing e-mail support to customers all along. I also added a note to the features page that you will get access to all significant upgrades for free. The site is keeping a database of e-mails of customers for notifications of these updates.

No Risk License Upgrades
As requested, there's no risk to buying a single site license to try it before you go for a multi site license. Just PM or e-mail me (dan@dangrossman.info) when you're ready to upgrade, buy the new license, and I'll refund you the difference.

Thanks for the awesome review, and I hope everyone else will check it out now.
 
Much improved, I'll be buying a license shortly. It's great to see you responding to the wants/needs of the community, by the way :)
 
Dan Grossman said:
Thanks for the honest review radio, and the suggestions James.

It's selling about a dozen copies a day with just natural search traffic already (301 redirected from the old plugin page which has strong backlinks), so I don't plan on reducing the price on the single site license below where it's at. Maybe $199 on the multi-site license instead of $299, though?

I will work on making it easier to integrate with other themes. I can probably do something where it appends the ratings to the top or bottom of posts and comments automatically with checkboxes or radio buttons on the settings page. I'll update tonight if that's the case, and still look forward to trigatch4's review.
Click to expand...

Ok, you just lost my interest.

The #1 rule in software is to YES everything reasonable. You absolutely cannot tell someone who is explaining that your price point is fucked that they're wrong.

Bottom line is I read the review and gave your product a 2/10, which fucking sucks. I'm going to be honest, I'm cloning your idea.

As my boy Gordon Ramsay likes to say: Fuck off.


Anyone considering this product, PM me first. I'll spend a few days taking requirements then have a product made. Anyone who contributes gets a free copy/upgrade for life. Fuck this Dan guy.
 
trigatch4 said:
Alright folks... I took a bit different of an approach. You might want to read my Full Review & Tutorial but I've summarized my opinion below:

I tried to add WP Review Site as a feature within my blog, basically reviewing affiliate programs. This plugin is more set up to accomodate one site dedicated completely to reviews.

If you have moderate experience customizing wordpress and are itching to get some sites that FOCUS on reviews, by all means YES, this is a GREAT product. However, I came to a few conclusions (quoted from my blog post):
OVERALL IMPRESSIONS THUS FAR:
This plugin has HUGE potential. I absolutely love the ease and effectiveness of phpBay and this has the potential to be another incredible weapon in the arsenal. The key word is “potential”… at the moment there are simply too many issues/questions to suggest this plugin to anyone/everyone:
  1. Price… $99 for one license and $299 for unlimited licenses is a bit steep considering the plugin leaves too many questions unanswered. I’d say $99 for single license and $199 for unlimited would be more fair. Keep pirating in mind… make it affordable and I think you’ll be rewarded ($79/$129 perhaps)
  2. Support… Dan - You’ll increase the value astronomically if you provide support forums and you NEED to make a statement regarding upgrades of the product and what happens when Wordpress is upgraded. Questions will come into play once this plugin is used for a few months… questions that deserve to be answered if you’re buying the product. This could be a great product - extend its shelf life by providing support upfront.
  3. Not 4 Newbs… because some of the details are inherently technical and must be applied manually, the product will be a problem for complete newbs ESPECIALLY considering the lack of support forums. This is a product which could be a SAVIOR for newbs… but in its current form is just too problematic. I think with a little more effort this product could become quite a sensation across the board.
THE BOTTOM LINE
  • Not currently recommended for Newbs
  • If you are currently LOOKING for a review plugin for wordpress and have at least mid range skills, look no further. This thing is pretty kick arse.
  • If you love the idea of this plugin but aren’t pressed for an immediate review/ratings solution and/or are a newb, play wait and see while the WickedFire thread develops. If Dan polishes the product a bit based on suggestions and alters the price to make it a little more affordable, I think he’ll hit a homerun with WP Review Site. So why wouldn’t he?
I'm pretty sure Dan answered the "Why Wouldn't He" question above, saying he already gets 12 sales or so a day. If he cut the price in half and sold 25 a day he would be making the exact same amount.

HOWEVER... I think making the changes, providing support, making everything a bit more seamless could mean the difference between considering the product a success and considering the product a sensation.

This thing has HUGE potential. I can say that right now, while it might be a little "steep" in price - you're definitely getting a good product. This isn't a rip off by any means... WP Review Site is LEGIT.

Personally, I'm going to take a wait-and-see approach before I buy the single copy or the unlimited license. I'm more of a marketing guy and struggling with customizing code really frustrates me. Patch up some of the big issues, ad some support forums and run a limited time promotion price and I think you'll have an overwhelming success on your hands.

Great start, Dan. I'm really looking forward to seeing this product go and implementing it on my sites. I've only played around for a couple hours while making my blog post so I'll probably come back after I have some more time to work with it. But... I wanted to get back to you and the community today as I promised.

HUGE NOTE: If Dan will let you upgrade from single license to unlimited license at no additional charge, there isn't much of a risk in buying it now. The WORST that can happen is he improves the product, you love it and you apply it to a ton of sites.

There ya have it. Buy the single license and see if you can make the magic happen. Afterall, its only $99! Dan can you confirm that you'll honor this?
Click to expand...

SUMMARY: Potential, but not there yet. Fuck you Dan.
 
riddarhusetgal said:
radio said:
REVIEW: WP Review Site

Here's a quick snapshot of my first impressions:

Great review. Is there something that combines both directory site/ and review site capability. I'm looking to outsource something like.

I found this plug in the other day (for directories, fed by articles)....dunno if anyone else knows of it or something similar: Welcome to EasyBlogsPro
Click to expand...


Might want to think about this one....I checked 4 of their "example" sites and they were all deindexed by Google.
Click to expand...
 
^ Just a note to anyone skimming this, he's not referring to this plugin.

The WickedFire discount ends Friday. Two multi-site licenses picked up for $20 off, this is your chance.
 
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