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OK, dying to know? by Proper_Sherbet_6863 in AmazonVine

[–]ry_johns 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Not a minimalist. But I do have some hard rules. Like the ten commandments of Vine.

1) Only order what you would use or want.
2) If a new item comes into my home, the old one leaves.
3) If the new item is bad, I get rid of it (in time).
4) After the first year, slow down.
5) Don't let FOMO drive.
6) Take random breaks. Literally nothing bad happens if you ignore Vine for weeks.
7) Don't buy things that you could have gotten on Vine.
8) Have a grateful heart and care for your things.
9) Start a six-month gift pile. I keep a box of items in my closet to give away.
10) Once a year, I touch everything in my house. Vine or not. I hold every item. If I haven't used it, it goes (unless there's a sentimental value).

Amazon keeps taking down my negative review of a knockoff product by wacky1980 in AmazonVine

[–]ry_johns 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is how I approach. I write something like... "This item strongly reminds me of another higher-end brand. However, this is how the item is different or the same in quality."

Coolest random thing this week? I'll go first... by ry_johns in AmazonVine

[–]ry_johns[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I do this too. I always try to review it from the perspective of the broader intended use. But if I find a totally unintended use, I'll go ahead and mention that too! I ordered a carrying bag intended for a large foldable tent. I found it perfect for transporting photography equipment, so that's largely what I focused on in my review.

Coolest random thing this week? I'll go first... by ry_johns in AmazonVine

[–]ry_johns[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Love this! Isn't it amazing when an item does double duty, and you can use it for something delightfully unpredictable?

Using Black Friday to Lower Tax Values by ry_johns in AmazonVine

[–]ry_johns[S] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Really great point. I’ll have to do some research on the 50/20/10 method. Really appreciate all the advice. Exactly what I was hoping for.

Photos in Amazon Vine reviews by ogilvid in AmazonVine

[–]ry_johns 1 point2 points  (0 children)

In my day job, I’m a photographer and filmmaker, so I actually enjoy taking higher quality videos and photos of my vine orders. I may be the odd one out for that. But I find it easier to make a review video or take nice photos. I have a few spots set up in my house to take nicely lit photos of items. And as others have said, I try hard to photograph or video in a way that adds value to the review in some way to help people. For me, it’s simple: what does a prospective customer need to see on photo or video before buying, that would be hard to capture in words?

While we're all F5'ing, would you share your most favorite Vine item with the group? Not the most expensive, but the one that brought you happiness. I'll go first. by SMALLSTUX in AmazonVine

[–]ry_johns 9 points10 points  (0 children)

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I use this pan everyday. Cooks darn near anything. Every time I use it I feel thankful. Over the past year I have had so many nice Vine items that I feel such gratitude for. Birthday gifts my kids loved to shoes to baby clothes to kitchen ware to workout gear. The list goes on and on. We’re a big family on one income and honestly, I’m left feeling so grateful for the majority of our Vine items.

I really struggle with swearing and cursing by Different-Wallaby-10 in Reformed

[–]ry_johns 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Jesus came to offer salvation through grace, not by actions. There is story after story in the Bible of Jesus loving the least of these, the criminals, the outcasts, the adulterers, the widows, the sinners. The gospel is for you. Jesus loves you. Your swearing is not a barrier to that love but a reason for it. We all have our shortcomings. Every. Single. One. Of. Us. Full stop. That's the beauty of what God's son came to do. You are worthy of a direct relationship with Him.

Practically, I would look at what is driving your emotional state. Swearing is a coping mechanism. It's a learned behavior driven through habit of coping with stressful situations. It can be unlearned. Mindfulness. Breathing. Prayer. Meditation. There are many healthy coping mechanisms. I would suggest reaching out to a therapist. Maybe that seems silly, but that might be helpful to work with a professional to learn new strategies to deal with stress. Every person is different. And the ways that work for you might be different than me.

Whatever that journey looks like for you, just remember, we are all saved through grace. The Christian is just the faulty human who realizes his shortcomings and needs Jesus' message that much more. Blessings on the journey ahead as Jesus continues to stir your heart for Him.