To learn about different topics

I don't know that it's why I started visiting RIA,.. but I have learned a lot from the reviewers here since I have been here.

. . .or more likely to supplement information on shared topics. . .movie reviews, beers, places to eat, sightseeing ideas, books. . .there are nuggets of quality info to be found. . .

While it would be untrue to say I haven't learned anything here,RIA would not be near the top of my list for research of anything other than opinions.It is good for finding out what a small sample of the population thinks and feels,however.

Let's see, here's some stuff I've learned: mikeholly93 doesn't like country music, roller shoes or young women, Sukings is one of the most bizarre lifeforms on the planet, grizz makes you bond with your father and get out of the third grade in only four years, Transformers is the bestest movie ever made!!!!!!!!, dogfood reviewers have a profound and somewhat creepy fascination with dog shit, and sfalconer is an ignorant jackass. There's probably some wisdom I've missed, but that's some of the highlights.

This is sort of a mixed bag for me since most of what I find interesting to read on RateItAll are opinions about very subjective things. Realistically, I'm learning more about a person's taste (and whether or not to consider their recommendations) than about the topics themselves. I do think the historical writing here is quite strong, and reviews in that section often spur me to read more on a subject. Science, not so much. The cat food reviews were helpful when I was looking to change Oskar's food, but if I had a dog, I doubt the hundreds of rabid reviews on that topic would be helpful without digging deep into the bowels (literally) of that list.

www.relativelyaccurateinformation.org

Every now and then a review contains relatively accurate information or links thereto. Not often enough to be a major incentive to participation in RIA tho.

The topics I post on are pretty narrow, so I just sit around waiting, hitting the refresh button hoping a great new weblist appears.

I do like to read other opinions on different topics, and as surprising as it may seem to a few, I do learn some very beneficial information. And, if I can further use it for my benefit down the road, then I figure that my time spent here on RIA is well worth my time.

THE SERIOUS RESPONSE: Sorta, I have learned some things, everybody learns something everyday and other cliches... THE NOT SO SERIOUS RESPONSE: basically, I'm here to glean every last scrap of wisdom and truth that The Asthenic Beast has taught, nay, he has ascended from the majesty of the throne of his subterranean lair, on the behalf of us mere mortals. I HATE when people say this phrase, really I do, but the rest of you need to get with the program..

From my personal perspective, some of the comments on RateItAll have been extremely informative, but many (if not most) have not. Comments such as Clinton rules or AC/DC sucks just doesn't add much to my knowledge base. I am often interested in a book, movie, musical artist, product, etc but often the reviews are uninformative. What is the main theme of the book or movie? What features does the product have? Do you use those features as much as you thought you would? Was it worth the money? Etc. The bottom line is that RateItAll is a definite mixed bag when looking for helpful information.

I've learned quite a bit from this site. I didn't know much about Bustamante or the rest of the Cal governor candidates until the comments started showing up here for example. Other times I've gotten quality opinions on books I'd like to read from other reviewers. Some comments have been extremely informative on Rateitall.