If you've read a Travel Guide critically you will notice something about their writing. Its in a weird Third person point of view. The language is crafty, intricate and in my opinion over styled. This bothers me because it is not the voice we are accustomed to thinking in or hearing on a day to day basis. Of course as a writer I can write in this voice, but I am debating its merits. You see I want this guide to be user contributed as much as possible. Web 2.0 allows you to tell me what should be published. Those that speak will be listened to, and perhaps listened to by hundred of other people than just myself. I don't expect these people contributing to the guide to write in 3rd person. Its difficult.

For example here is what I want to say about Malone's"

Every taxi driver in Shanghai knows the word Malone's. This is because every businessman that has traveled to Shanghai has been brought there by their Chinese contact and given one of their signature burgers or a half rack of bar-b-que ribs. This is not the place for a backpacker trying not to break the bank, a burger and fries will be upward of $10. Unfortunately their success at Malone's has spread throughout Shanghai. Beggars will great you upon arrival and exit of the venue. In the Summer months, Malone's has a wonderful patio to people watch from, alas it is November. If you must have a '6 dollar burger,' Malone's is a safe bet. Malone's turns into a bar at night and host a cheesy Filipino cover band.

Third person means I don't get to say anything that I actually want to. I want to mention that I live three blocks from Malone's and that I hate the place. Not because it is a bad place to eat, but because of the beggars. Each assumes that I have money to freely give away and flock to me. Furthermore, what burger in any place in the United States is worth $10? Anyone will tell you that the best burgers served anywhere in the United States is a hole in the wall place that locals have to tell you about to even know where it is. A home made burger & fries with a soda should be $6-$7. Welcome to Shanghai because this Canadian owned 'American Café' is the best thing the city offers got.

Yes, Harsh and Hyper-critical the second review is both good and bad. I sound more like a ranter than a reviewer, but this is how I think more often than not. And I think anyone with the initiative to write on the Development Blog and make a suggestion will be ranting or raving. People with a mediocre review of the place rarely take the time to tell others about the venue, good or bad.

So third person or first person?