Top Female Bloggers Join Viewpoints Review Panel to Test Consumer Products

CHICAGO, Aug. 30, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- One of the leaders in consumer reviews, Viewpoints (http://www.viewpoints.com), has named a respected group of female bloggers to a panel that will test consumer products and then weigh in on the pros and cons. In this unique partnership, their opinions will be shared with their own online audience as well as the audience on Viewpoints to amplify the information consumers are increasingly seeking about products new to market. Once the testing is complete, each blogger will donate the product she tested to a charity of her choice.

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Viewpoints selected the review panel members based on their blogging experience, personalities, unique take on life's challenges and their desire to impact the consumer review space. Additionally, these writers have loyal audiences who respect their opinions, collectively reaching millions of readers, primarily female, each month. 74.9% of women identified themselves as the primary shoppers for their households, according to MRI (Mediamark Research and Intelligence) Survey of the American Consumer in fall 2011.

The panel, called "The Viewpoint," is made up of these bloggers from across the United States and Canada:

1.     Lian Dolan, The Chaos Chronicles by Lian Dolan

Aside from being a successful blogger, Lian Dolan hosts an iTunes top-rated podcast for moms also called "The Chaos Chronicles." Based in Pasadena, California, Lian is the parenting expert at oprah.com and author of the novel, Helen of Pasadena, an LA Times bestseller. Her motto is: "Embrace Your Chaos."

2.     Sheila Hill, Pieces of a Mom (because motherhood is a little bit of everything)

Sheila Hill started her blog in coastal New Jersey to keep faraway friends and family in the loop. She soon realized that she had a lot to say. From daily life to fun activities and day trips for kids to product reviews, "Pieces of a Mom" has evolved into much more than just a daily diary.

3.     Sarah Mock, How I Pinch a Penny, Helping you save one penny at a time

Saving money is important. Sarah Mock's family in Pennsylvania has cut back on many items, and she blogs about creative ideas for increasing value and reducing cost. She is also is proudly 'green' in that she recycles, composts, and buys local when possible.

4.     Randi Chapnik Myers and Mara Shapiro, momfaze, the real scoop on raising teens

From Toronto, Randi Chapnik Myers and Mara Shapiro dish about the joys and challenges of parenting teens and tweens, from stalking kids' Facebook pages to sharing their clothes to teaching them to stay safe - all while walking the tightrope between Mom and Friend. Frank, funny and honest, these two midlife moms aren't shy about telling it like it is.

5.     Jill Nystul, One Good Thing by Jillee, Sorting through the beautiful clutter of life to find that "One Good Thing" each day and sharing it with you!

Jill Nystul's website is based on a simple promise -- to deliver 'one good thing' to her readers everyday. Her background includes work as a Utah television journalist, and this blog is a return to her roots in that respect. Filled with practical tips and beautiful photos, she calls "One Good Thing by Jillee" her life-saving passion.

6.     Marci Rich, The Midlife Second Wife, The Real and True Adventures of Remarriage at Life's Midpoint

Marci Rich started her blog after discovering that there really is life after 40, after divorce and after cancer. Readers find inspiration, comfort and humor at "The Midlife Second Wife," which she defines as "a literary lifestyle/relationship blog with recipes and a medical memoir." A graduate of Oberlin College, Marci is also a special correspondent for the Richmond (VA) Times-Dispatch.

7.     Kathy Zucker, METRO MOMS Network, Consulting Network + Biannual Expos + Magazine = Parenting & Career Answers

The "Metro Moms Network" is more than a blog. Kathy Zucker is founder of this one-stop shop to help families juggle career and parenting. From childcare solutions to expert advice to products that moms can't live without, the "Metro Moms Network" is a valuable resource for New Jersey parents.

Viewpoints General Manager Denise Chudy calls this program a win-win for all involved, "Viewpoints is thrilled to welcome these experienced and witty writers to help us create a more meaningful conversation about new household products. More and more consumers use online reviews to make their purchase decisions. These respected bloggers are perfect for the assignment, and we have ambitious plans."

The plans for sharing product reviews include blogging, creating videos and participating in live stream chats via Google Hangout.

Viewpoints (http://www.viewpoints.com) is a leading consumer reviews and product rankings website with the best home and kitchen appliances, electronics, health and beauty products, baby items and more. The site features 500,000+ unfiltered, authentic end-user reviews and generates an exclusive ranking of products to help consumers make informed decisions about the products that most affect their daily lives. Both reviews and rankings are available free of charge and without registration.

SOURCE Viewpoints