seems like a real fair dude.

Seems like a great guy! like reading his reviews

A good reviewer who is still enjoying the metabolism of a 16 year-old kid.

RIA's No.1 Smooth Butter Leaker....

Up Date: Thanks Ari. Now I know what "smooth butter leakers" are. So, I guess, in all fairness to magellan...feel free to smooth butter leak my comment.

Ps: This is an update to my original comment, Ari..as opposed to deleting the original comment and giving others a false sense of things. Rules of Engagement...

Magellan probably wrote one of my most favorite reviews.

http://www.rateitall.com/i-914946-lawrence.aspx

I'll post his review below. The review is for the name: Lawrence


"I think this is a solid name. I take away one star because if it's horrific derivative - Larry, which I've spent my whole life battling against. My wife just reminded me of a time a few years ago when I was picked up as a sub in this league hoops game in Miami, and was absolutely killing it. I think I scored like 14 points in a row, and was just dominating (it wasn't a very good league). As I'm running back down the court, one of my teammates (who didn't know me at all) said something like "Go Larry!" Apparently, in the middle of my hoops bloodlust adrenaline rush, I stopped running and stuck my finger at the guy's chest, growling "It's Lawrence." I've calmed down a little since then, but you get the picture."

It's hard to believe RateItAll is about nine years old (I've been here for nearly six of those nine years), and I believe magellan does a great job of keeping order around here.

I know it must have taken a lot of work to put this site together, and I think he deserves a 5 on that alone. Plus, I know he really puts up with a lot. I sometimes don't think as reviewers that we really understand the complexity of this site.

UPDATE 2: I have come to respect magellan more as time goes on. He does a good job running RIA and he often finds himself in a position of being a referee. He write very well and lets face it, without him we would not have this site. Magellan is very intelligent and a good business man.

UPDATE: Recently Magellan has been engaging in commenting on several of my posts. I enjoy the light hearted banter with him even though he usually disagrees with me on just about everything. In the past he would comment and run. You could respond to him and he would never respond back. I know he's busy with running RIA but we are all busy and if someone challenges you or thinks your comment is inaccurate they should at least acknowledge your reply to them.

ORIGINAL MESSAGE: Magellan is a very good reviewer. We may not always see eye to eye nor am I one of his favorites but that's OK. He has created some very popular weblists and all should give him credit for that.

Magellan runs a successful Internet company, keeps the kids in line, reasons with the nuttier reviewers, and still manages to post original reviews on a regular basis.

I would have long ago given up running RIA for a more relaxing job, like negotiating with suicide bombers or taming wild animals.

I don't necessarily agree with Magellan on a number of things; to be honest, I don't know him particularly well. I would have reservations about giving the man who thought up and kept fresh my (and many others') favourite website less than five stars. But then I realised that by thinking that, as so many others have done, I would not be rating his proficiency as a reviewer, but his proficiency as a website designer. The reviews of his I have encountered have been largely informative and eloquent, although we have such contrasting taste that I have seen few of them. I think four stars would be appropriate on this occasion, although I will be more than willing to up it to a five if I encounter any of his future reviews...
Update: He frequently makes me laugh, and doesn't take himself too seriously, which is always a positive thing. Also, there is no way he should be below that 'Pie' geezer... 
Second Update: I have taken a real shine to Magellan recently. He is extremely friendly, intelligent and he is laid-back enough to be welcoming until someone truly steps out of line, at which point he will bring them down to earth sooner than you can say "Orange Vaio". He is one of my favourite reviewers, and I don't think there is anyone better-suited to run this rabble of reviewers than him. Hats off.

Very solid, good writer, flashes of excellent humor. A gentleman.

And as "Amethystine" has pointed out (scroll down a few reviews) apparently he's one of my three apostate brothers, along with oscargamblesfro and CanadaSucks.

UPDATE: Scroll down three ratings to Ernestine's review... I can't speak for the other three, but personally I found the hitwoman that was sent by John Hagee or Ian Paisley or whoever's review to be hilarious. Some get angry about stuff like that, but why bother getting  upset by a review from someone named Ernestine or what not? Just for the record,  while I'm sure it would be funny to think so, I'm only related to canadasucks, irishgit, and magellan in the most broad, tangential way that all humans are...Ok, I'll stop lying, Ernestine is right- we really are four brothers and our home life was an absolute mess...

ORIGINAL: Interesting, multi-faceted reviewer who deals with a very wide array of subjects. His arguments always seem to be well thought out, and he also possesses an engaging and highly literate style while still being down to earth and conversational. Good, diverse commentary on social/ political issues, travel, and sports. One of the best weblist makers on the site. Magellan and traderboy are kind of like my opposite numbers as far as pop/ rock music goes in that they seem to have a deep knowledge of contemporary and/ or alternative rock whereas in a strictly musical sense, I'm, generally, something of a conservative more interested in the remote past, though I have something of an insatiable curiosity about music of all sorts. An always entertaining and informative reviewer. 

Magellan has a cool air of insoucience and hipster elan that belies his status of puppet master for the whole enterprise. 

~~~~~~~~~

Who keeps on loving you when you've been lying

Saying things ain't what they seem

God does, But I don't, God will, But I won't

And that's the difference between God and me

So who says he'll forgive you, and says that he'll miss you

And dream of your sweet memory

God does, But I don't, God will, But I won't

And that's the difference between God and me

 - God Will by Lyle Lovett

Ah, if there is a guy that catches more crap than me, here he is. I think he has thick enough skin to handle it. Eh, what to say about a guy who donated to my efforts for the Relay for Life, thinks highly of Carne Asada burritos and the venerable Philly Cheese Steak, and isn't too proud to go out in public in a Frank the Bunny mask? I'd say that's the kind of person I'd like to toss back a drink or two with...

I am sorry I got on his bad side, but that will not change my opinion.

Excellent, smart, and thoughtful reviewer. It is a pleasure to read any post on any topic.

The heart and soul of RIA, without him there would be no RIA.

Politically, we don't see eye to eye on many things.

Sports wise, I have alot of respect for his knowledge, especially basketball and he already knows Barry Sanders is the greatest football player in history.

As far as a reviewer, his reviews are well thought and well written, even though we do not always agree

Hey this is the opinion network though isn't it????

Hope you enjoy the new and improved Louie. He is still Conservative and still a radical, but he is trying to do it in a nicer way, LOL. If and when you make your RIA members rich do not forget me man.

I honestly don't know the guy. I am sure some people like him and some don't, like in everyone else's case. I have never had an opportunity to communicate with him and by the time I've joined RIA, he wasn't posting much. Based on all that, I can't give a high or low score, just neutral.

Okay...this guy likes me about as much as Chamberlain liked Hitler right after the invasion of Poland. He rated me....I think it was -15, can't recall. But, I will say that RIA is a hell of a good site. Also, magellan knows his sports from football to tennis. Gotta give him at least a 4. I am off to invade poland now.

While I would never pretend to know him or to sum up his character, let me just emphasize one word: respect. I've witnessed Magellan stand up for every reviewer's dignity time and time again. That means a lot when you're talking about volatile political issues. When at times I feel like flying off the handle or getting righteous about something, I take just one look at Magellan's cool and even-handed assessment and back off. (When I haven't looked, I've regretted it.) While he doesn't suffer fools, he also directs his critique at the reviewer's words, rarely getting personal. He never sounds unreasonable. And he's got great taste in music -- he's opened me up to a few bands I hadn't heard of. I hope Magellan keeps going for another eight years!

good stuff mate

Nice widget Magellan

I can't get enough Magellan! He brings good things to life.

Generally avoid reading earlier comments before posting my own in order to not be influenced, which sometimes leads to wonderful surprises when mine coincide with those of others. Have also avoided this list mostly for fear of being unfair to some among us or for not giving worthy contributors their due. In Magellan, however, we have a bona-fide and consumate RIA gonzo (not at all pejoratively attributed). He has led us on this enjoyable journey which I, for one, could not have imagined on my own (actually, that should not mean much as it would not be out of character for me). Not only has he encouraged our first steps, but he has been there from the start to see us develop from the tentative surfers that we once were to the assured know-it-alls that we have become, for which we are most appreciative and which should give Earthlings everywhere pause. When - not if - we start our global movement going, there will be nothing to stop us, the Brethren of the Magellan Priory.

I really enjoy reading what this reviewer has to say... he is eloquent, makes a lot of sense, and has a polite and realistic way of presenting his words to the rest of the RIA community. It is clear that he is well-read and knowledgeable about many important topics.

Always an interesting reviewer, whether the topic is something of extreme interest to me or not. He's knowledgeable on many topics and is willing to tell it like it is knowing that it may, at times, be controversial.

Magellan's posts are almost required reading on this site for those desirous of scope and substance. He hits all the highlights of a subject without the tedium of minutiae, employing a midpoint style that's easy to recognize (and warmly embraced). His moderate outlook towards most everything engenders respect across the social spectrum, a quality that's needed in quantity as RateItAll's "Big Kahuna" (something I was blissfully unaware of during my first four (4) months of posting!). I don't envy him the serrated tightrope he's obliged to traverse at times, but at least he does it with mirth and timber. A fellow libertarian (whose individualist roots are showing), he seems to have an "inside line" on quite a few of the things this poster prizes, especially modern music. Direct (without being overly stern), nostalgic (without the weening sentimentality), and informative (without the brazen surfeit), Magellan continues to be THE prototypical reviewer, and the fulcrum upon which the healthy balance of RIA rests.

Magellan would get a 5th star if he wasnt such a pure liberal (to me at least). We have had a few words, always respectful but totally indifferent. Thats ok. Thats what RIA is all about, but the guy seems like a good and caring human being. I have to admit, by the written word, I like this guy. Even his "jabbs" have a respectful tone to them. keep it up guy. Do your liberal San Francisco thing. LOL. You gotta know thats hard for me to say!

One of this site's more lucid and thoughtful (as well as thought-provoking) reviewers. He seems to take a generally libertarian stance on political issues...fiscally conservative, socially liberal. Even on those issues where we disagree, he's able to present his viewpoint in an articulate, intelligent, and well-reasoned manner, and is actually one of the few reviewers on this site who can occasionally make me re-consider my own sometimes dogmatic, visceral opinions.

I find him to make intelligent, thoughful posts. I enjoy them.

A top reviewer. Magellan has a lot to say and gives a lot of thought to his reviews. The plus side is he keeps them, for the most part to a paragraph, unlike alot of other reviewers. Although I don't agree with everthing he has to say, I do agree with much of it. I appreciate the way he presents his positions. He strikes me as the kind of guy I could have a beer with. Keep up the good Work! UPDATE: On top of everything else, the man has a wicked sense of humor. very subtle, but it's right there in front of you, lol. UPDATE: Whether you agree with him or not, you have to be impressed by his political knowledge and insight. He articulates it very well. Impressive.

Intelligent, compassionate, funny, have never seen an aggressive post from him, lets the facts speak for themselves. Enjoy his posts.

Magellan is clearly intelligent, and I agree with him on several issues, especially the need to downsize the federal government (I may be a staunch social conservative, and John Kerry may have scared the heck out of me, but that doesn't mean I completely support everything W. does). In the areas where we disagree, he has always been amiable and his posts often have a calming quality that seems to be able to quell even the most violent disagreements. I think this is one of the reasons why he is the highest rated reviewer.

From what I have seen, this guy's reviews are sharp and insightful. He keeps to the point and when he does go off topic, his asides are short and entertaining. Also, his reviews are delivered without any self-aggrandizement or pomposity and that makes for good reading.

A thorough reviewer,a nice variety of lists...and the world's leading authority of Mexican beer.

I <3 you

Overall, I find Magellan's posts to be consistantly thoughtful, reasoned and well-argued. Further, I appreciate the ethical nature in which he chooses to challenge viewpoints which counter his own. Although seemingly positioned well to the left, he carries within his posts an independent, skeptical nature which frequently allows him to transcend political ideology. All that, and he likes Brazil and Venezuela too.

As many can testify to this, I have a tendency to get so caught up with political partisanship that I go overboard on how I define people. While he does have several liberal leanings, I find Magellan to still be a good person, and that helps remind me that there is more to people than just their political views. Very good reviewer.

Though we disagree pretty consistently on political issues I appreciate his libertarian analysis. I was, and am continually befuddled by his support for the Kerry campaign in the context of his personal philosophy- does he really believe Kerry was going to reduce the size of government? Though I do share his concerns with the Bush administrations undisciplined spending habits. As for his foreign policy positions I believe his deontological libertarian ideology obfuscates is ability to properly contexualize the Bush Doctrine. By interpolating causation from that perspective I believe he loses the essence of the administration's position. He does however give credit where credit is do- and is absolutely humble when events necessitate a retraction or at least a proper justification. See: his posts on Democracy and the Elections in Iraq. In total he's a very strong reviewer and runs some really great weblists. Kudos to him.

I think he is fair and well-spoken,making good points whether I agree or disagree.He has also made some great weblists!

We all know he's a cool dude! Just look at his picture on his user page!

When I first joined RIA, Magellan was the very first one to send me a message and welcome me to the community. He has thought-provoking posts and creative weblists and is always polite, no matter what.

Hes all right for a white boy

Magellan is highly intelligent, writes well, offers a very different point of view and is unabrasive in the delivery of his opinions. It helps that he and I agree on almost everything, but most important is his friendly, intelligent attitude. I have never seen Magellan flame anyone or put people down. I generally look forward to reading what he has to say.

I'm rating him good for making this ria reviewer page. THANKS!

He created this list, he must be pretty cool!

In the last 18 months or so since Ive been here, Magellan and I have not been the best of friends to say the least. We hardly ever agree on an issue and sometimes exchenages were heated. But nevertheless, he has never been downright mean or nasty. Most of the time he is polite. His late reviews have been batter than ever.

Cool guy, definitely an asset to the site. Surgically incisive, but not abrasive. His viewpoints and mine are in fairly close alignment until we enter the poitical arena. Just can't quite get him to try the kool-aid. It would be only fair if he were the most highly rated on this list.

How can you not like a guy who asks if I want to be on his list of favorite RIA reviewers. Of the thousands of reviewers, he seems to think the most like me (that's scary).

Update! As I have said before, most of the time I don't always agree with what Magellan says in his reviews, but I still enjoy reading them and I totally respect his opinions. He seems like a very down to earth guy who never has anything bad to say about anyone, and I think that is totally awesome. But the biggest thing that I love the most about Magellan is his respect for New Order, the greatest band of all time. If anyone can come close to or even love New Order like I do, then they are definately cool and have the greatest taste ever. Magellan is most definately a good guy.

One of RIA's 'honourable' veterans. Gives credit and writes thoughtfully and respectfully.