Ciao.com
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ciao.com is a review site, in the same vein as Epinions, but targeted at the European market, launched in June 2000. Members of the public can register free of charge, and write reviews of products, ostensibly to provide unbiased reviews for other consumers.
Its main European rival is Dooyoo.com. Although both websites are very similar, those familiar with both have often claimed that Ciao's reviews have a somewhat tabloid quality to them which was less prevalent during Dooyoo's heyday.
Although Ciao offers money in exchange for reviews, the revenue generated is in reality rather small, and as a result Ciao has become more of an online writing community than a way for users to make money. However, as a consumer research company, Ciao now offers members the chance to earn through participating in consumer surveys undertaken on behalf of other firms. There is also a website, opinionators.co.uk, run and moderated by dooyoo and ciao members, which provides forums for a lively exchange of opinions and discussion on both sites.
[edit] Ciao Cafe
As well as the main body of the site, which is centred around reviews for electronics, music and other products, Ciao also features a members-only area called the Ciao 'Cafe' where members can write pieces which are more often general in nature. For example, there are areas where members can submit poetry or short stories, as well as compile top ten lists or discuss current events. Pieces submitted to the Ciao Cafe generate no money for the writers, and the emphasis is on building the online community rather than financial reward.
