Over the past year, we have asked customers to rate products with a simple star rating. What we’ve learned from our customers is that they need more information than just a 1-5 ranking. This new tool allows customers to not only rate the products, but also write reviews, upload pictures and even link Youtube videos. The review system also gives customers the ability to rate the usefulness of each review that is contributed.

The goal of this new rating system is ultimately to give our customers enough information to help them make decisions about which products are best for their individual needs. In addition to asking for reviews from our customers, PoolDawg will also be enlisting pro pool players, manufacturers and cue makers to provide further details about their products.

With this launch, we’ll be giving out gift certificates every week for the rest of 2010 for the best reviews. Each week, the PoolDawg staff will select the best review with the author receiving a $25 gift certificate. To write a review, just head over to http://www.pooldawg.com, log in to your account (or create a free account if you don’t have one) and start reviewing.

Before you start reviewing, you need to set up your account.  Click on the “Log In” link (in the upper right corner and you’ll see a page that looks like this:

If you have an account, just enter your username and password.  Otherwise, click the link that says “click here to create an account”.  Once you’re in, you’ll be presented with a page that has a bunch of different links.  The first thing you’ll want to do is update your profile (this isn’t mandatory, but it’s nice if you want people to know a little more about you):

After you’ve updated your profile, you can click on the “Products to Review” link which will show you the products you’ve recently purchased (if you already have an account).  If you’re new to PoolDawg, just go directly to the product page you want to review.

When you get to a product page, click the “Leave a Review” link:

When you click the link, a window will open up allowing you to write your review and rate the product:

Then, just write your review, hit the “submit review” button.  Keep in mind that we’ll be giving away a $25 gift certificate each week for the best reviews for the rest of 2010.  Plus, your reviews and feedback are really helpful for other pool player who are making decisions about what products they want to buy.

The drawing is free, but we’ll probably mail you a catalog (unless you opt out) and give you the chance to receive (or not receive) our weekly-ish email newsletter.

Entries have to be in by midnight 11/15/10.  One entry per household, please.

Enter the PoolDawg VIP $500 Shopping Spree

This week marks the end of the season for the WPBA, which means this is your last chance to enter PoolDawg’s free pick’em game.  As always the rules are the same and prizes are to be had.

For those who haven’t played before, here’s how it works

• Choose your favorite 8 WPBA players
• Points are awarded based on the finish of your picks
• Top 5 pickers win gift certificates from PoolDawg

Top prize is a $100 gift certificate, just in time for the holidays.  It just takes a couple of minutes, so give it a shot!

Click to enter the WPBA Tour Championships Pick’em

Also, don’t forget that we’ll be presenting the free live stream of matches through the quarterfinals, so stop by and check out some world class live pool and be sure to root our buddy Sarah Rousey on!

San Diego Classic: Monica Webb
Great Lakes Classic: Jasmin Ouschan
US Open: Ga Young Kim
Colorado Classic: Ga Young Kim
Pacific Coast Classic: Jasmin Ouschan

As with every tournament this season (where we’ve been allowed), PoolDawg will be presenting the live stream through the quarterfinals so you can root your picks on and sweat some matches. Once again, the prizes will be as follows:

1st Place: $100 Gift Certificate
2nd Place: $75 Gift Certificate
3rd Place: $50 Gift Certificate
4th Place: $25 Gift Certificate
5th Place: $10 Gift Certificate

Enter the WPBA Tour Championships Pick’em