This is probably a stupid question...

[jaxmom28]

...but what is a write-off? They look like they're mostly just for fun, but is there an "agenda," for lack of a better word, behind them? Are there special rules or formats? Does joining in require you to give up your first born son? Am I overanalyzing?

Help me please, I'm an ignorant newbie.

[eplovejoy]

Your son is safe. It's your daughter you should be concerned about.

The whole write-off concept is very flexible.

Many write-offs are for fun. WretchedPyro, for example, recently hosted one in which people wrote about awful movie sequels. And there are some brilliant entries in write-offs about Spam and groceries that are exceptionally funny, but which probably wouldn't help someone make shopping decisions.

But other write-offs have agendas. For instance, last Saturday bgoodday organized his second Helping Hands write-off. Participants pledge to donate the proceeds from their reviews to the charities of their choice.

And each write-off has its own format, although most ask that writers include a list of other participants in their reviews, usually at the end.

I hope this helps. If not, maybe we could organize an Explain Write-offs Write-off.

Best wishes,
Peter, ignorant un-newbie

[TheUnknown285]

I'll try to answer this to the best of my knowledge.

A write-off is where a group of Epinions writers write a bunch a reviews that relate to a given topic. Examples would be the Bastille Day write-off where the reviews relate to France and my Stephen King write-off where the reviews relate to Stephen King.

Most of the time, the writers post on the same day.

To join, all you have to do is notify the host of the write-off and write your review.

That help?

[jaxmom28]

Your son is safe. It's your daughter you should be concerned about.

Oh, well, that's okay then. I don't have a daughter.

Thanks for the explanation. I've read a few write-off reviews that I thought were hilarious (The Sequel Sucked was an excellent idea). I just didn't know if there was a single driving force behind them or not. I was so confrused.

<bowing in gratitude>

[jaxmom28]

Unknown,

Yes, it does help. Thanks for answering. Getting to know the ins and outs of the Ep site is taking some time. Good to know people are willing to answer question - even if they turn out to be very silly questions.

Thanks again!

[CindyJean]

Originally posted by jaxmom28


Help me please, I'm an ignorant newbie.

Don't feel too bad.

I've been here over a year and am an advisor and I didn't really know what they were either. I was just to embarrassed to ask! Thanks for doing it for me!

Sincerely,
CindyJean