Keeping it all straight when doing reviews

The question was recently raised on one of the review boards that I am part of, how do you remember to do a review, not forget anything important and such like?   I thought I'd post what do in hopes that it might encourage (or help) others.

First thing I do for Homeschool Review Crew reviews is to check the board to see if my name is on it.   Then I put on google calendar when the review is due.

By putting them in the calendar right away I know that I won't be over committing myself for what are generally big reviews.

I then start a draft post on my blog.

This allows me to fit my other material around my reviews so I don't have a series of just reviews posting on my blog.  I can space things out a bit.

I also put things like my disclaimer, and other required items in immediately.  That way I know I have the right links and images.

Then it's just a matter of time, using the material and talking about it with other homeschoolers until the review is due.   Adding comments and thoughts along the way.

I also utilize an app called simple note for quickly jotting down thoughts and ideas while out and about with the lad.   Simple note is very easy to use and is good ONLY for taking notes, I can't do images.  Images are all stored in their own file.  I periodically remove all images and save them on a thumb drive, I don't need all these images cluttering my hard drive.

As I write the review I try to keep the expectations in my mind, to this end I frequently check the thread where all the vendor and product information is held.

If I keep on target, when the review is due, all I need to do is add additional photos, double check that all my links are working properly and do my final link up. 

I do have to admit that I don't follow this system perfectly, some reviews are tougher to do than others, some reviews are so easy I almost forget to do them, and sometimes life gets busier than expected so I don't pre-write as I should.  But as long as I follow the first two steps I have three days in which to get the review done and linked up!  :)

How do you keep it all straight when working on reviews?

This post may contain affiliate links - using affiliate links from A Net in Time helps fuel this blog and our homeschool - thank you! ©2006-2017 A Net In Time. All rights reserved. All text, photographs, artwork, and other content may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form without the written consent of the author. A Net In Time . We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.