do all good things come in small packages?

by Ria
 in , , , , 12 Mar 2009

Today's web trawling hauls up another social networking site that demands what we say fits into a virtual nutshell.

Launched last year, Blippr.com lets you review books, movies, games, applications and music using no more than 160 characters. Or you can post a video, so technically no characters at all there. You can integrate it with other social media including Last.fm, Twitter, FriendFeed and your online email account.

SMS might be the Grandaddy of concise communication, but we've seen Twitter, FriendFeed, Facebook updates and now Blippr, all hitch a lift on the short 'n' sweet bandwagon with great success.

Curious as ever, we signed up, sent a few blips and looked at some reviews. And you know, it's ok. But there's something niggling us...

We love a terse turn of phrase as much as the next Twitter-addict, but can 160 characters tell you anything of use? Shoehorning thoughtful opinion into a cramped space is difficult, and it's uninspiring when reviews read like a series of empty shout-outs.

If you're looking for an effective next-purchase endorsement, Blippr isn't the place for you. And unless its popularity goes stratospheric, reviews will rarely leave the safe confines of mainstream entertainment. Which means anyone looking for something a bit different will be forced to go elsewhere.

Having said that, you can join a multitude of conversations, so perhaps the appeal of Blippr lies in connecting with other movie/book/gaming/music/app fans. We're also sure that once your mates are signed up too, it's another way to stay in touch, talk about common interests and practice a little self-editing.

The bottom line is that 300 page novels, two hour films, or games that take months to complete, require more than a cursory 160 characters to do them justice. (Amazon reviews, you're not finished yet.) Perhaps text message-length analysis would be better suited to sounding off about sandwich fillings. Now that's what we call a proper soundbite ;-)

Are you using Blippr? What do you think? Do you think we'll all be hooked before the year is out? Give it a try and get commenting.

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comments (4)

  1. Thanks for the mention and commentary! We would agree with you that a single 160-character review (or "shoutout" as you put it) does little to communicate media's value or whether it's worthwhile. We do believe, however, that multiple blips from people you already trust--your social graph, for lack of a better term--does provide value. In our opinion, seeing the quick consensus of your friends and family provides far more value than an anonymous review on somewhere like Amazon.

    While the review component is key, as you pointed out, blippr's mission isn't just to enable reviews, either. We aim to be "the easiest way to talk about apps, books, games, movies, and music with your friends." We've found discussion around media to be something lacking, or full of friction, and we hope that we remove much of that friction for people, encouraging more conversation than ever around the media that enlightens, entertains, as well as aggravates you.

    Thanks again for the breakdown. Just wanted to weigh in with my two (perhaps three) cents.

    Sincerely,
    CEO of blippr

    12 March, 2009 16:25

    Jonathan says:

  2. Hello CEO of Blippr.

    Thanks for having your two (or three) cents. We're always pleased to hear from readers in the comments, especially when it's the people we're posting about.

    It's a very interesting point you make about 'removing the friction' for users. Perhaps the joy of Blippr is that nuggets of information allow us to make a quick, firm and instinctual decision. Reading hundreds of words and interpreting conflicting opinions, doesn't always allow for that.

    We'll keep blipping because getting involved in digital stuff is what we love doing. And we'll be watching with interest to see how Blippr grows.

    Best of luck to you all.

    Ria@The Feed

    12 March, 2009 16:35

    Ria@The Feed says:

  3. Ah, but could the CEO have said that in 160 characters? It sounds like Blippr, like texting, will help us hone the art of concise communication. It takes reviewing to another level with your best friend pitching as a more trusted source against the Amazon ranter/promoter. But where does that leave the critic - redundant or much needed voice of reason?

    09 April, 2009 11:52

    Rebecca says:

  4. There are so many of these kinds of places popping up on the internet that I'm losing track! I like the idea of using small snippits of opinion to form your own. I use Plebble.com which is a good website to have a rant (don't look at the feedback for Orange!) but also to give praise when you have had a really good customer experience somewhere. It certainly makes a difference for me in choosing a new supplier if I have read a bad review on them.

    It's even more fun and relevant when the comments are from friends/family because then you know what kind of people they are and that adds an additional layer of insight to the whole process :)

    09 April, 2009 13:23

    Emilie Smith says:

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