Orig. Comment 6/8/06:  While this, like any other "rate-the-reviewer" kind of thing, can lead to competitiveness and squabbling, I've found that I actually kinda like this one. The non-ratable comments that don't allow for helpful/unhelpful clicks removes much of the desire for some to turn a comment into a lovefest or a vicious mauling for the sake of helpful clicks. Hopefully, this will lead to at least somewhat more genuine comments (at least for that kind of thing). 

Additional Comment, 6/13/07:  It's been a year, and admittedly I don't use this feature too much.  I keep it sparse because the fewer times I use it, the more meaning it has behind it when I do choose to do it.  I don't like the idea of slapping on kudos to people just to make them like me.  Whether or not the comment should be "delete-able" or "edit-able", I don't know.  In a way, I'm glad that you can't edit something, since it makes you think hard about what you say before you say it, but then I see Jed's very valid point that people change, for better or worse, and it might make your commendation or condemnation no longer valid.

As I explained in an earlier comment, I didn't like this feature at first. Thought it had too much potential for ego stroking and mutual backslapping etc. However, I learned to embrace it and even make good use of it.

Unfortunately I've since run into a problem with it which is admittedly my own fault. I wrote a testimonial in praise of a fellow member before I really knew him well enough and I now regret seeing my words of praise on the page of an individual who, well.... let's just say I dearly wish I could take back my original comment. Sure, I could write another less positive comment but I have no wish to slam someone on their own user page. I just wish we had the ability to either delete or ammend our comments.

Yet another of the new bells & whistles that I discovered after just relatively recently returning to RIA about which I continue to have mixed feelings. As the other comments have noted, the testimonials clearly have the potential of turning into an ego driver; however, this has apparently not been the case from my admittedly limited experience with them. Certainly the ability to delete negative comments and the feature's structure, which eliminates direct comparisons with other members, encourages positive remarks. My biggest concern is that a certain expected protocol will develop in that members will expect (or perhaps demand) a positive testimonial after giving one. I suppose that I'm in the minority, but I rarely pay any attention to who writes a review, but rather evaluate the comment independently, resulting in few impressions of a member in general. (Direct exchanges over email is, of course, a different story.) Anyway, I suppose that I should pay more attention to these things.

Kamylienne has offered some good food for thought on this issue about not having to worry about the "unhelpful" marks.

Really, this is a pretty good addition to the site.

When the hell did this start? I just noticed this today. I was scrolling around and saw it at the bottom of my user page. I nearly crapped my pants...at first I thought I was being sued or something.

Testimonials, hey...(starts cracking knuckles)

Yea, people can now suck up to me! Its a dream come true! (numbah is still an ass)

As most have mentioned, I also thought it might turn into a negative concept, but it seems to be running smoothly so far. I am really glad that helpfuls and stars were left out of this section of the site, as a popularity contest would have surely erupted over the whole thing. Without them, you get nice and simple comments that are for more geniune and complimentary of each person.

Initially, I thought a lot like Jed1000. I already think there is enough popularity games on RIA eg the trusted network. That is great if you have a lot of people who trust you. I initially thought the same with this testimonials item. But when I look more into it and the fact that you actually have control over it, I dont mind it and I actually see the positives in it. Although the popular members will have the most testimonials, the positive side is the fact that it seems that positive comments are encouraged, there is no denigrating rating system on you as a person or reviewer and if something is offensive, you have the power to delete it. Plus it gives a birds eye to a new user of who they can trust eg naturally youd trust the people who have the most positive reviews about them. But nevertheless, there are trustworthy people on this site who probably dont have any testimonials.

As nice as it it for someone to give you a compliment and appreciate your reviews I think honestly there are enough ego stroking lists and even trust networks for and about reviewers. Although this one differs with no star ratings or number of trusted reviewers it seems to me that someone who can garner a good amount of helpfuls and backing from others in their arguments is enough.

It's a nice way to give a shout out or public feedback to other reviewers, and I personally like it better than the RateItAll Reviewers list which got a little catty / competitive.