Personally - I don't have time to read reviews any more than I have time to read every single board out there. But I do know that a lot of people do. I have a few boards that I post on for business - and a few that I post on just because I like to. I enjoy going to those boards. Oprano is a nice work-and-pleasure type hybrid that I read/post on every chance I get, but I think that having Oprano listed would be helpful to others whose schedules don't allow that type of reading/posting freedom.
As far as tools that I use - the Board Scanner program that AllofEm puts out is very helpful IMHO. There's also another similar program that I've used in the past as well. I like how it emails me on keywords searched for on a HUGE number of boards - boards that I might not ever get around to reading/posting on otherwise, but boards where people are asking questions about things that I should be involved in. I have gotten NEW business and have been able to give webmasters support BECAUSE of this service.
So I guess for some it's about time constraints. You're right Serge, it's not about friends or aquaintances - I absolutely adore both Electra & Dravyk - but I sincerely think that their collected works do contribute to the industry. If there's a tool out there that can save me time - whether it's 10 minutes or an hour or two - I consider that DOING SOMETHING for me.
After all - time IS money and a wise man once told me - back in my newbie days - to work smarter, not harder.
