Based on some of the responses on the last MT Maigetsu, it appears that there are a lot of members out there who are unaware or uncarring of reviews. They're those links at the bottom of the frontpage usually containing at least one written by some idiot named shoujoboy. who clearly needs to get the hell out of his parents house and stop playing video games... god I hate that guy. Anyway, there is a group dedicated to not only writing those wonderful reviews but for critquing others and even proposing ways to improve or change the review system entirely.

For the longest time we've simply waited for people to write reviews and then invited those who excelled in writing. Now we are reaching out to those who may have exceptional writing skills or great ideas that just may not have ever thought about reviewing. We want to see motivated members who can take their love of anime/manga/video games and turn them into well thought out, objective reviews. We want members who want to improve Minitokyo and turn it into a place that Googlers worldwide can come for honest, intelligent opinions on their favorite parts of Japanese popular culture.

We can't just accept members for no reason though. We pride ourselves on the quality of the member, not the quantity of them. 20 active members is far better than 100 inactive. We need dedication in all facets of reviewing and an earnest desire to make the section better. So if you're interested, send me a PM with a sample of your writing and why you'd be good for the group. I'll consult with the other members of the group and determine whether you're the type of person we need. Review anything, it doesn't have to be anime. Review how awesome your garden hose is or some song you heard on the radio. We just need to see your capabilities to convey a proper objective review as well as your attention to detail.

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You can also submit your reviews directly to MT.

Quote by MT Maigetsu 11

+What makes a good review? Do you have any advice for members who are considering writing their first review? What are common mistakes that members make?

A good review remains objective, avoids bias, has a score that backs up the sections. A personal touch is always a good thing however never let it develop into fanboy/girl rantings or your review wont exist very long. Naturally, keep it structured, grammatically correct, formatted for this site and all the rest. My advice before writing a first review is to have read THIS. There are also a lot of awesomely useful members over at the MT Review! The biggest mistake people make is ranting about how much they loved everything. Remember, we want to hear both sides of the story.

What a delightful pat in the back wouldn't you say...

Quote by MT-Maigetsu 11

+How do you think the quality of reviews has changed since you first joined MT?

I would say reviews have relaxed from being only a formal essay with a few members adding some much needed colour with their personal touches. Like with walls, those who review often are becoming much better at their presentation while there are a number who are developing their skills. It's hard to say quality has improved without going back and reading a lot of old ones, however they have undeniably become more interesting to read.

The question was about quality of REVIEWS not REVIEWERS.

Tsk tsk tsk...

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GET TO KNOW YOUR MT-REVIEW CREW

'Sup peepz! Welcome! And this ain't the Maigetsu... this is JaK's Booth where we, the MT-Review crew, show you what's real. We've got shoujoboy right here representin the crew and he's got some thoughts to unload.

JaK's Note: This is how our crew does it...

+Would you consider yourself more of a wallpaper person or a review person?

shoujoboy: considering my artistic ability is that of a person with no arms, I'd say reviewing.

+In your opinion, what makes a great wall? Are there different criteria that you look for between anime and general walls?

shoujoboy:I don't know vector from abstract, fragmenting from enlarged. All I know is that if it looks good and it's in tune with my current obsession, then I approve.

+What makes a good review?

shoujoboy: Is it objective, is it grammatically correct, spelling, does it tell you enough but not too much so as to spoil it...

Do you have any advice for members who are considering writing their first review?

shoujoboy: Write as best you can, but don't be afraid of criticism. you'll only get better...

What are common mistakes that members make?

shoujoboy: Failing to treat a review as an objective description and instead making it a rant.

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