(A paid review)

Via ReviewMe.com, I've been asked to review the site/products/services offered by Biggest On Earth (www.biggestonearth.com - note: site owner does NOT recommend site for children under 13 except with direct parental supervision).

WHAT THEY DO

They offer you the opportunity to "officially" label yourself (or someone you love/hate) as the "officially" ranked best, worst, biggest, etc. something on Earth.

As proof of your status, you're mailed a fancy-looking certificate (suitable for framing) attesting to your status, plus your own customized URL where your certificate will be permanently displayed online for all the internet to see.

WHAT IT COSTS

Currently, $5, plus $1.25 shipping & handling, although the site's offering a "New Launch Special" of free shipping "until December 20th" - I'm not sure if that means you have a few hours left, or a day and a few hours. Biggest On Earth accepts MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and PayPal (PayPal payee listed as Purple Street - a Verified Business Member).

WHY WOULD YOU WANT THIS?

To quote the site:

You can use your award as a marketing hook for your business or maybe as an ice breaker during parties or gatherings. Link to your award's own URL from your blog. Get back at someone by nominating them for one of our "bad" awards. Put the URL you get for the award on your business card.

[snip]

All awards are permanent and are entered into the "Biggest on Earth" database, accessible by all search engines and can never be changed. That person will always be associated with that award from now until the end of time. But be careful who you nominate...someone can nominate YOU for an award, too!

In other words, to show people you've got a playful sense of humor.

IS IT WORTH IT?

Let's face it - for $6.25 (or $5, if you hurry), you're NOT going to be able to buy anyone a good present. This one definitely falls into the "it's the thought that counts" category. So if your only goal is to let someone know you're thinking about them, I figure a Biggest On Earth award is at least as good as a box of crackers and a can of spray cheese. Might even last longer (although spray cheese is incredibly durable, so I could be wrong about this).

WHAT ABOUT THE QUALITY OF THE PRODUCT?

Unfortunately, time does not permit me to recieve a hard copy of the certificate prior to the posting of this review, but I'll update after I get it.

However, the Biggest On Earth home page has a "View Sample" link, as well as links to "Recently Bestowed Awards", so you can check those out to get an idea of what they look like. As far as I can tell - assuming the print & pixel versions of the certificate are similar - it's good enough for an "it's the thought" gift, or for personal ego-stroking.

For example, this "1st Biggest Breasted Woman on Earth" award.

WHAT I LIKED ABOUT THE SITE

Clean, simple, colorful layout that immediately lets you know it's a fun site. The graphics, and differently sized/colored fonts send the message clearly without detracting from the readability of the page. Visitors are immediately greeted with links for "Who?", "What?", "Why?", and "How?", as well as top-of-the-page links for "Privacy Policy" and "Contact". Links and buttons are obvious and intuitive. The order process is straightforward and uncomplicated.

IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE SOON

Although I think Biggest On Earth is a great concept and frought with potential, I did notice what I'd consider some flaws in the actual execution. If this were MY baby, this is what I'd change:

A link to Dan Sherman's blog - The Biggest On Earth site says very little about the owner of this operation. As a new company, it's important to establish credibility and reassure new customers that this isn't an out-of-nowhere, fly-by-night thing. Dan's blog has been around since May of 2004. A simple link to the front page would be nice, so that people can find out who they're dealing with without Googling.

Better grammar - One given category is "Worse Blog". I really think that should be "Worst", so as to better match the other absolute adjectives, like "Biggest", "Best", "Happiest", "Cutest", etc. - Fixed, 12-20-06

Also, with "1st" awards, consider omitting the "1st", since phrases like "1st Best" are redundant. All you need is "Best" for those. However, for awards of "2nd Best", "3rd Best", etc., it works just fine.

Better layout on certificates - I don't know how to describe this, so I'll just show you:

The text below "(Wilsonville, OR)" should be on the same line, not a separate one.

I've only seen this problem on one certificate, and maybe the problem's been corrected by now, but Dan certainly shouldn't link that particular page as his official "View Sample" image. It leaves a bad (and possibly incorrect) impression. Fixed, 12-21-06

Alphabetized categories - The listing of available certificate categories can only be described as haphazard. I know that new categories are being added all the time, but they should still be in SOME semblance of order to make them more browsable by prospective customers.

Packaging description - How are these certificates shipped? Are they mailed in a crease-resistant cardboard flat, or are they folded up and put in an envelope?

IMPROVEMENTS I'D LIKE TO SEE DOWN THE ROAD

Live Preview - This one might require a consultation with Dan's local geek guru, but it'd be nice if, during the "preview" step of the shopping experience, the buyer were shown an "as it will appear" version of the certificate before having to commit to the purchase.

Here's one reason why: I just got my "69th Best Blog" certificate ordered, and while I was filling out the form, I wanted my site URL (www.badexample.mu.nu) to appear on the certificate. I hoped that by filling out the "city" part but not the "state", it would appear in parentheses on the certificate. Sadly, that trick doesn't work, but I didn't know that until afterwards.

Links to a page displaying all of the already-issued certificates in that category - For example, if I want to find out if the "69th Sexiest Man" certificate has already been taken, I can't tell just by looking at the listing on the front page. Perhaps those category names should be clickable links?

Requestable Categories - Personally, I'd like to have a "Best Blogdad On Earth" certificate, but I'm limited in selection to what's listed on the front page. If Dan wants to have control over the categories so as to avoid obscene ones, that's fine - no reason he'd HAVE to accept every suggestion. However, it'd be nice to have a "suggest a category" form right on the front page.

An FAQ page - It's common practice for business web sites to have one of these, and people pretty much expect it nowadays. I think there's plenty of material in this review to make a start on that.

Certificate Frames - WAY down the road... think about offering a selection of frames to put the certificate in.

SUMMARY

Biggest On Earth looks to be a site that offers a fun, light-hearted gift, best suited for teens and adults. A good way to let someone know that they're in you're thoughts.

Assuming customer service is of good quality (which I will report on in a few days), I think this is a good place to pick up a "for the person who has everything" gift.

Even if that person is just yourself.

UPDATE - "Recently Bestowed Awards" column on Biggest On Earth home page is NOT updated immediately to reflect my certificate purchase. I'll keep an eye on it to see when it gets listed.

UPDATE 12-20-06 7am - My certificate is now listed under "Recently Bestowed Awards".

Also, Dan responds to my wish lists in the comments.

UPDATE 1-4-06 - I blame the USPS and and the Christmas card writers of America for the delay, but I finally got my "69th Best Blog on Earth" certificate in the mail on December 31st. Looks just like the on-line version, except "Bad Example" and "69th Best Blog on Earth" are in red.

As a note on BOE's good customer service, I'll mention that I was sent another certificate a couple days earlier. However, Dan realized after he sent it that it contained an error, so he sent me a replacement at no charge.

UPDATE #2 1-4-06 - BOE has also changed its business model. It now offers a choice of a web-only certificate for $2, or a web version plus a hard copy for $8 (shipping is free).

Posted by: Harvey at 04:20 PM | Comments (10) | Add Comment
Post contains 1493 words, total size 10 kb.

1 Dude, seriously... I've got a printer and a paint program and access to a foil stamp maker. I think I can save myself $5.00.

Posted by: Contagion at December 19, 2006 06:28 PM (MsT2U)

2 True, but that doesn't get you listed on the official site, now does it? :-)

Posted by: Harvey at December 19, 2006 11:08 PM (L7a63)

3 Thanks for the review Harvey. Loved every second of it especially the "how to improve" info. Let me address some of these for you and your readers. 1) Worse vs worst. In researching this, you are absolutely correct. Me. Idiot. We're changing it as soon as I can pull my programmer from bed. 2) Yikes! The layout problem. When I look at the sample certificate it doesn't do that. We took great pains to make sure the layout worked well. So, I have to know your browser, settings, screen size...etc. Any info you can get me would be appreciated. I'm absolutely fanatical about look and feel. Thanks! I might not be able to sleep at night over this, you know!!! 3) List... they aren't alphabetized because it's a concept where people don't automatically think of a category that should be there and want to look it up until they get a feel for what it's about. By that time, they've looked down the list anyway. However, we are working on categories whereby people can scan over "Family", or "Sports Fans" or "Naughty"... etc. That will serve to make it not so daunting of a task to move down the list. 4) 1st, 2nd...etc. We only did "1st" because of what you said about 2nd making sense and so on. When you make a list of stuff, you don't label the first one if there is only one on a list. However, if you have more than one thing, then #1 is present to serve as a placeholder in relation to #2...etc. I know it doesn't roll off the tongue as nicely, but when you read 1st Best Kisser on Earth, you assume there is a #2 which is what our service is all about, ranking the world's biggest and best..etc. So, if you don't put the #1, you don't give the impression that the person is ranked ahead of someone else. 5) You'll see the shipping packages shortly. It's not shipped in a stiff packaging. At $5, it's not cost effective to do that. However, if it's damaged in any way, we'll replace it for free. 6) Preview... yes, we're working on a page that people will be taken to for each award to see that award in real life and have a list of the people/things that are currently on that list. Then a buy now button on that page so they can be added to that award's list. :-) 7) Award requests. We're definitely working on that. It's one of the more powerful aspects of this service... using other people's interests to create our content. FAQ... yes, we need one. Thanks for bringing it to my attention. However, I hope to make the site so simply to understand that there's no need for one. However, I do know that we'd be silly not to have at least something that explains about shipping, returns and other mundane things that people routinely want to know. 9) About me... you're right there, too. Gotta prove why I'm #1 Entrepreneur on Earth, right? I'll get that added to the About Us page. One more thing... in response to the comment here from Contagion... you're absolutely right. Why not get a certificate, some gold foil and an embosser and do it yourself. Certificates come in boxes of 100 (we use the smaller version... not the large graduation certificate... easier to post in your office cubicle or dorm room...etc). You can't buy them individually. That will be about $18, give or take (plus shipping.) The embossable foil seals are sold in rolls... can't remember how many to a roll, but it'll cost you about $6 plus shipping. You can't get the embossable ones in separate sheets anymore. Those are for printing with your printer onto and they can't be manually embossed. Then you can purchase an official looking embossing stamp for about $40. If you don't have the machine to do it with, that'll be another $75 or so. Make sure you get one that's compatible with the stamp you just had made. After you get all that, then you have to figure out the printing on your printer of just one certificate since they come two up. Won't take long. Just some trial and error. After spending about two weeks altogether, waiting for the embossing stamp to be made for you and gathering up all the materials from various sources... you're absolutely right... this can be done by anyone. No use wasting $5 on one from an online service. :-) Thanks again, Harvey! I appreciate all the feedback. Dan

Posted by: Dan Sherman at December 20, 2006 12:31 AM (Gx0sV)

4 hehehe... I guess he fuckin told you didn't he, Contagion?

Posted by: Madfish Willie at December 20, 2006 08:36 PM (f/1sW)

5 I'll be glad when Herbey takes MY advice and shut's the fuck up!!!!

Posted by: Madfish Willie at December 20, 2006 08:37 PM (f/1sW)

6 MW - Sorry, I couldn't hear you because I was busy talking. What was that? :-P

Posted by: Harvey at December 21, 2006 08:26 AM (L7a63)

7 Again, a wonderful review... it made me want to go check it out! Have you heard about payperpost[dot]com? You are perfect for this sort of thing, since you're such a good writer... Did you write technical manuals in another life?

Posted by: pam at December 21, 2006 12:57 PM (l6NIn)

8 I've heard of PPP, but mostly in the form of people badmouthing it - although I gather most complaints are about the lack of a requirement that a PPP post be clearly labeled as such. Their site is fairly vague, so I'm not sure what they're asking or what they're offering. If there's a better source of info, I'd be interested.

Posted by: Harvey at December 21, 2006 01:24 PM (L7a63)

9 Bloggers are now required to let their readers know which posts are paid, so that's not up for debate any longer... The message boards at ppp have some good info, including an FAQ.

Posted by: pam at December 21, 2006 01:33 PM (l6NIn)

10 Nah, because I have access to all those things he's talking about already.

Posted by: Contagion at December 21, 2006 04:45 PM (MsT2U)

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Although I've completed and been paid for one review, I had serious doubts as to whether I'd ever be chosen by an advertiser to do another one. This blog is fairly eclectic, and I just couldn't imagine a product that would be in tune with it.

Turns out I was wrong.

I received an offer to do a review on December 18th, and the advertiser who asked was actually a good fit for what this blog is about.

So, I guess it's true that there's someone out there for everyone.

I was just surprised they found me.

Pleasantly surprised.

Posted by: Harvey at 04:09 PM | Comments (5) | Add Comment
Post contains 105 words, total size 1 kb.

1 Yeah, well, I'm still waiting. Nobody loves me! Wah!

Posted by: fmragtops at December 19, 2006 05:15 PM (B9kj2)

2 Let's see how much they like eclectic.. tag, you're memed.

Posted by: Teresa at December 19, 2006 08:56 PM (gsbs5)

3 I'm with fmragtops, no one has contacted me yet. Then again, I'm a small fish. And I don't really care one way or another. I'm very happy it is working out for you!!!

Posted by: vw bug at December 20, 2006 07:44 AM (ZbLU8)

4 FM & VW - check your blog description. The first couple sentences (which are all that get shown when ReviewMe.com randomly rotates an ad for your blog to their front page) should describe why - from the advertisers perspective - your blog would be a good choice. For example - if your readership is mostly chatty women with young children who LOVE to bargain hunt, that might be a good thing to lead with. Give people a reason to pick you.

Posted by: Harvey at December 20, 2006 08:16 AM (L7a63)

5 I just knew you'd be given more; congrats!!

Posted by: pam at December 20, 2006 11:17 AM (l6NIn)

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Got paid today via Paypal. I no longer question ReviewMe.com's ability or willingness to pay.

However, DO note that their future ability to pay - as with any company - will depend on their ability to balance income against expenses over the long haul.

Time will tell on that aspect, but they're off to a good start.

Meanwhile, subject to my cautionary statements about blogging for money, feel free to sign up at ReviewMe.com.

HOW THEY ADVERTISE BLOGS

Their front page contains three screenshots of member blogs which rotate randomly each time the page is refreshed. I just happened to get mine while I was visiting:

(click to enlarge)

Note that it only includes an excerpt from the description of your blog that you submit at sign-up. Try to make your first couple sentences attractive/intriguing to potential advertisers so that they'll be inclined to check out the whole thing.

Posted by: Harvey at 08:57 AM | Comments (4) | Add Comment
Post contains 159 words, total size 2 kb.

1 I got paid as well... but it was much, much less than $100...! LOL! My site isn't listed on their front page, either, but I kept hitting reload until I saw yours 3 times. You may very well see some good opportunities in the future.

Posted by: pam at December 01, 2006 10:52 AM (l6NIn)

2 Very cool, Harvey!

Posted by: Richmond at December 02, 2006 08:34 AM (e8QFP)

3 Very cool! As much as I would love to bring in some extra money I can't see anyone using my blog... too small.

Posted by: vw bug at December 02, 2006 09:16 AM (FXZgB)

4 Congratulations granpappy.

Posted by: Tink at December 02, 2006 01:36 PM (11q5z)

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