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Frequently Asked Questions
Because our mission is to offer timely, high quality movie related articles at a value price, everything we do is aimed at keeping our costs as low as possible. Following are some questions and answers about Reel Movie Critic Syndication Service (RMCSS). If you desire further information, please contact us at george@reelmoviecritic.com or call George or Pam at 847-624-2839.
About RMCSS 1. What is the mission of RMCSS? Go here. 2. How long has RMCSS been in business? Since November 1998. 3. Who are the people at Reel Movie Critic Syndication Services? You can read biographies on all of our reviewers here. Our staff changes from time to time, like all organizations. 4. Why do I need a password to use your web site? Your answer is here. How it Works 1. What do you sell? We sell movie reviews, celebrity interviews and other movie related articles via the Internet, at a value price. You select which price plan fits you the best and then you download the article in Word format, along with related image files and/or links to any photos that may support the article. To see what we offer, check the category buttons that are listed on the left-hand side. 2. I'm a new customer. How do I order? Go here for details. 3. I'm a returning customer. How do I Order? Go here for details. 4. In what format can I download my files? You will need to be able to use the Win.zip program to download and open the file. If you don't have this program, you can download it from www.winzip.com for about $30. It permits large files to be compressed, thus saving a significant amount of time in uploading and downloading. The format is in Word 97. We reserve the right to change the current version of Microsoft Word with three months notice. 5. Why do you say you have a "low maintenance reporter interface relationship?" Other than an occasional phone call or email to check on how things are going, we are not in your face on each publication deadline asking what you want to buy. There are no invoices to process or checks to write. This reduces your administrative cost. Minimal editing, if any is required. We provide photo artwork where applicable with the article, which means your composition staff does not have to search for it. We provide as much lead-time as press screenings will allow, thereby allowing more time for you to layout your paper before your deadline. The bottom line is you get what you need in a minimum amount of time and with little effort. 6. Is there a time limit on when downloads must be made if I buy a subscription package? Yes, one year. 7. Why do you use PayPal? There are a number of very good reasons. Some of them are * it results in a lower price to you because it reduces our administrative cost * you are able to select and download movie articles in less than 2 minutes * there are no invoices to mail or paper accounts receivable/payable process to manage * it's a safe and proven way to transfer funds on the Internet * EFT does not allow for instant purchase and download * Checks or money orders do not allow for instant purchase and download 8. Why can't you send me an invoice so I can pay with a check? This would significantly increase our administrative expenses and management time on things other than providing timely quality content for your newspaper. To offer timely reviews at a value price starting at $4.95 precludes mailing invoices and following up with accounts receivable calls on that "check that is in the mail". It would be more difficult to have the cash on hand to pay our movie critics and web hosting related expenses on time. Our costs are lower because we don't have to pay people to process paper checks. You can however use a check to purchase a subscription.
9.
Why is the EFT,
check and money order option only for
subscriptions and not for one at a time (free reviews after rebate)
or one at a time ($15.00)? There are two methods of obtaining your free reviews. One requires that you not spend any money and the process takes 24-48 hours. Simply register and send an email requesting that we send you a subscription for 5 free movie reviews. If you want to download your reviews immediately, the process works like most offers; first you pay and then you obtain a rebate. Your full rebate will be sent at the end of the 60-day promotional period, for purchases made at $4.95 each. The rebate is automatic; you do not have to submit a form. There is no fine print. 11. What are the minimum systems requirements to register, purchase and download reviews? - Microsoft Word 97 or later - Explorer 5.0 or later; Netscape 6.0 or later - Win Zip compact/expand program - Any image editing software like Adobe Photoshop or Fireworks to open jpeg files Prices 1. How much do your reviews, interviews and movie articles cost? The range is from $4.95 to $15.00 and varies based upon the price plan you select. See the price plan here. 2. How can you sell your reviews and articles for such a low price? What's the catch? Our business model has very low overhead. Writers are paid only when you buy from us. Because of the way we have structured the sale of our articles, our costs are low so we can offer value pricing and we do not require minimum purchases. 3. Why does the price vary so much for the same thing? Subscription plans are either prepaid or require a monthly payment for the unlimited plan. We can afford to charge less per article if we know you will use us on a consistent basis. Even at the $15 price, before any applicable rebate, we offer a great deal. The going rate for free lance reviews ranges between $25-$100. 4. Why are discounts available at the 10%, 15%, 20%, and up to more than 65% levels for the prepaid subscription services but not on the non-subscription price plan? We have less administrative cost with the subscription plan, to include not having to do an accounting and issue a check once each quarter. The subscription plans help lower our staff turnover because the flow of work and income is steadier. The subscription plans lower our operating costs, which we pass along to you. 5. Do I have to pay via PayPal or a credit card with the non-subscription plan? Yes. By doing as much as possible on the Internet, we lower our costs and minimize the time required in administrative matters. The net result is a lower price for you with less time required to produce your paper. 6. How do I keep track of how many articles I have remaining on the subscription plan? Each time you download a new article, your balance remaining will be updated and shown to you. Each remaining download is shown as a "credit". 7. Does the price vary by circulation? No. 8. Is there a time limit on when I must download the reviews I prepay under the subscription plan? Yes, one year. 9. When am I able to download under the subscription plan? Immediately after you make your payment with PayPal or direct with our credit card service (coming soon) you are linked back to the download page. Turn around time on buying a subscription with EFT or a check/money order is 24 - 48 hours, Monday-Friday, after receipt of your payment. 10. If I want a refund, how does that work? Click here to request a refund. It is a no questions asked policy in effect for 30 days. 11. Do I have to pay via PayPal or a Credit Card with the subscription plan? No. You can purchase with our EFT or check/money order service. However, PayPal and our direct credit card service allows you to immediately download your purchase. By doing as much as possible on the Internet, we lower our costs and minimize the time required in administrative matters. The net result is a lower price for you with less time required to produce your paper. 12. What is the purpose of the rebate program? To reward our repeat customers who purchase one article at a time, with an additional savings off our already low prices. 13. How does the rebate program work? You can see that here. 14. Can I purchase more than one review at a time? Yes, you may purchase multiple reviews during the same computer log in session. If you have a subscription, simply select your reviews and download each file one at a time. For purchases made at the $15.00 rate, after you select your purchase, you will be sent to PayPal for completion. After paying with them, they will return you to our download page. 15. If I select the annual plan for unlimited downloads, where I pay each month, and I pay late, what happens Payments are due on the 1st, late on the 5th and delinquent on the 10th. On the 10th, if the account is not current, downloads are not permitted until the past due amount has been paid in full. An email invoice will be sent out on the 25th of each month as a reminder. Reviews 1. What makes the reviews at Reel Movie Critic Syndication Services special? Our reviews are available in a timeframe that normally allows you to publish the article on the day the film is released. This varies based upon the date of studio press screenings and your deadline. Most critics who are not full time employees of large daily newspapers offer reviews a week or so after the theatrical release because they don't have access to advance press screenings. RMCSS has such access. All reviews are concise and to the point. They range between 325-500 words. This may vary by 10% on the plus side (550) but will never be lower than 325. This reduces the time your composition staff must spend to lay out the article. Our editorial staff personally reviews each article before offering it to you for your paper. We have an excellent group of reviewers. Some have a special interest in certain genres such as action, foreign language, horror or documentaries. Our critics offer a diverse view of films from different ethnic backgrounds, age ranges, life experiences, gender and more. With an average of 6 new reviews a week, we offer one-stop shopping. These reviews provide in-depth coverage of films that play at the local multiplex as well as art house theaters and college campuses. Readers buy a paper so they can read what is current, and they want new, rather than old news. Having timely reviews is essential to selling more ads and growing your circulation. 2. Why should a reader care what a movie critic thinks? There are more than 500 films released a year, which play at the local multiplex, art house theaters and in film festivals. That's more than 10 a week; the critic serves as a filter on what to select. We encourage readers to not make a determination to see a film based solely on the star rating, but rather to find a critic that tends to often think the way they do, and then scan other reviews, in newspapers or on the Internet. Star ratings are only a starting point, as is the case with reviews of hotels, restaurants, books, etc. 3. How many movie articles are available each week? We publish an average of 7 new articles each week. It can be as high as 10 and normally not less than 3. The studios determine what is released and when. 4. May I look at a review before purchasing it? No. You can look at the more than 1,200 reviews we have already written to sample our work. See Current Movie Reviews and links to reviews by critic. You can learn about many upcoming films by visiting our Future Films previews. Our low prices preclude trying to collect for the sale after it has been made. We provide a full refund within 30 days upon your email request, no questions asked. You have our word as well as the backing of PayPal, the company we use to transfer the funds. 5. How long is the average review? Reviews average about 450 words, normally ranging from 325-500 words. This can be as high as 550 but never less than 325. 6. How will I know what the release dates are for 'Art House' films, since they tend to open later in my town than in large cities like New York, LA and Chicago? Let the person who places ads from your art house theater know that you can run reviews to support their films. When they know what they will be running in their advertisement, you can check the Art House section of our 'reviews to buy page' and select the film. Please note that art house film reviews are listed in alphabetical order rather than by date of release, as the multiplex films are. Although we have a very high percentage of art house film reviews, there will be times when we do not have a review. 7. Do you edit your reviews or do you simply take what your critics provide? Unlike some Internet syndication services that do not edit their reviews for content or length, we do both. Our editorial staff reads all reviews before they are available for sale. Length varies between 325-550 words. 8. How difficult or easy is it to edit reviews if they are too long for the space I have? Very easy editing is possible, if necessary, because of the straightforward structure of our reviews. The basic plot and actors are stated toward the beginning. The middle contains good, insightful information but if removed, tends to not destroy the flow of the beginning of the review and the concluding paragraphs that summarize the reviewer's opinion. 9. Why are reviews sometime available after the day of theatrical release? Some films are not previewed for the press until it's too late to make a print deadline. Some are not screened for the press at all. Others are previewed only for the largest major dailies. Most films are available for review by the press in time to meet your deadlines. These movies will get mixed or positive reviews and this does help sell tickets. Some films are so awful that the studios don't want across the board negative reviews on the day of release. In these cases, the studios prefer no press screenings. Many of the independent films (indies) live or die on positive reviews because they have little or no budget for TV and four color print ads in magazines and billboards. The actors in these films don't show up on the morning and late night talk shows. But the films they are in are often the ones that show up on the critics " top 10" lists at the end of the year, though you may never have heard of them. Even in large cities, these indies play at only a few venues and tend to stay for a few weeks at most; unless it really catches on like "Run Lola Run," "The Full Monty" or "My Big Fat Greek Wedding." That answers why some reviews come out after the film. Normally we will have the review ready to publish a few days after our press screenings. Reviews are available for sale up to 4 weeks before their release. As a general rule, we don't suggest publishing a review more than two weeks after a film's release. Your readers want new news, not film history. They will buy your paper if the information in it is timely. On the weekend, often the reason a newspaper is purchased is because it has a dynamic entertainment section. 10. Why do you state that your reviews are concise and to the point? The logic of all our reviews, regardless of format or the use of stars, tend to contain three parts. 1) The 30-second bottom line, the first few sentences in our newspaper format, that nets out what the film is about. 2) Story Line, which explains the plot with the names of the characters and actors. 3) More About It, a conclusion of why the reviewer liked or disliked the film. 11. Who decides what star rating to give a movie? The person who wrote the review. The editors at RMCSS do not change the reviewer's star ratings. 12. Why do you use a four star rating? Because that is the industry standard and most people intuitively know what it means. Your readers are looking for a shorthand way of judging what films they wish to see. 13. What rating system does RMCSS use other than stars? We do not require our reviewers to use stars. For example, The Wall Street Journal does not use stars. For people that read a full review, a non-star system is arguably more informative. However, many readers want a snapshot opinion, so stars help one get started with forming their thoughts on a film. 14. Why are some reviews available for purchase for only a few weeks while others are there for months? Most Hollywood movies tend to be released the same day everywhere in the US, in as many as 3,000+ theaters. For those releases, within a month the review is dated and will therefore be removed from our inventory. Smaller films that play in art house theaters frequently have fewer prints of the feature available (they cost about $4,000 each) and travel across the country on a staggered basis over the course of the year. Some Hollywood films have what is called a platform release, in which they come out in LA and NYC first, and then trickle down to Chicago, Atlanta, San Francisco and other markets. This is usually done to build word of mouth so a film like "Chicago" or "The Hours" does not have to live or die on the same weekend that a movie such as "Harry Potter" or "Die Another Day" is released. 15. What is the policy of RMCSS with respect to pornographic movies? We don't review or publish anything regarding movies that are not shown on the regular multiplex, art house and film festival theatrical circuit. There are movies that are "not rated," which if they were would be NC-17 that we review and publish. For non rated movies, we strongly encourage you to read the review before publishing to ensure it is appropriate for your readership. If you decide you don't wish to publish, please complete the refund form. 16. Do the reviews include 4 letter curse words? Essentially never, but we reserve the right to make exceptions when we think it's merited. Of 1,200 + reviews, no profanity was utilized. Our standards are on par with major daily newspapers. For example, when the s, f, b and n words are used, the first letter appears, followed by dashes indicating the remaining letters. If the word is spelled out in the article, a notation will be made in the 'comments' field on the appropriate purchase page. 17. I have a relationship with a movie critic that I don't wish to sever. If I give them less work I would like to assist in helping them find replacement income. Can you provide work for them? We may be able to provide an opportunity for them to join our writing staff, and possibly increase their income by making a smaller amount per newspaper, but more overall, by selling their articles to more newspapers. Please ask them to send samples of their work to us at PO Box 550, Round Lake, IL 60073 with an appropriate cover letter giving you as a reference. They can get more information here. We will respond to all inquiries. No phone calls please. Celebrity Interviews 1. Must I purchase a review with the interview? No. 2. How often do you add to your interview list? About 2-3 interviews a month are posted on average. This varies by what talent comes to Chicago, who we meet at film festivals, etc. 3. Who are some of the people that you have interviews with? Clint Eastwood, Diane Lane, Mark Wahlberg, David Spade, Robert Duvall, Sanaa Lathan, Jack Black, John Sayles, Matt Damon, John Malkovich, Tommy Davidson, Philip Noyce, Margaret Cho and many up and coming actors and directors. There is a focus on new talent as compared to rehashing things you already know or can get in many other places. Click here for the current list of celebrity interviews. 4. When should I buy and publish an interview? Two to four weeks before or after a film is released in theaters. Once on video, two weeks before its release and as long as it is on the best selling or rental video list. 5. What do interviews cost? The same as movie reviews. All articles we offer are considered one unit and cost the same. Previews 1. When will previews be available for sale? They are planned for Spring 2004. 2.What do Previews cost? The same as movie reviews. All articles we offer are considered one unit and cost the same. 3. What will the format be of the Previews? Each film previewed will have a brief summary and the total of the article will be the same as a full review, in the 325-500 word range. 4. If I want to edit the Previews, what do you suggest? Just delete the entire movie preview capsule of a film, until you get to the desired word count. 5. Why aren't you doing this now? Because our Internet syndicate offering is new, we want to place our focus on reviews and interviews first, which allows us to implement possible improvements. Video Capsules 1. When will Video Capsules be available for sale? They are planned for the Summer of 2004. 2. What do Video Capsules cost? The same as movie reviews. All articles we offer are considered one unit and cost the same. 3. What will the format be of the Video Capsules? Each film will have a brief summary and the total of the article will be the same as a full review, in the 325-500 word range. 4. If I want to edit the Video Capsules, what do you suggest? Just delete an entire movie video capsule until you get to the desired word count. 5. Why aren't you doing this now? Because our Internet syndicate offering is new, we want to place our focus on reviews and interviews first, which allows us to implement possible improvements. Registering & Log In Process 1. Why is the site password protected? This allows you to sign in quickly and download your article(s) without having to provide information such as your name, address, etc. The zip code information we collect when you register ensures we do not sell to your competitors. It also permits us to gather information needed to track a rebate that you may earn, and to keep you informed of how many articles you have left to download if you are on a subscription plan. This is information that you do not want to be seen by others, especially your competitors, and by using a password, it's kept private. Using a password prevents others from seeing and making changes to your account profile, knowing what you have bought, how many credits you have left on your subscription plan, and being able to utilize your remaining download credits. 2. Do I have to sign in to see what is for sale or obtain your price schedule? No. 3. Why must I enter at least one zip code? That is our way to not sell the same article to your competitors. 4. Do you need to know my PayPal password? No. Please be sure to create a password at our site which is different from what you use at PayPal. Photos Can I get photos for celebrity interviews or movie articles sent on a CD-ROM rather than downloading via the Internet? No. The process is cumbersome, in that we would have to burn a CD-ROM & send via insured mail. As our mission is to provide a low cost, easy to use service for movie information to make your deadlines, using the Internet is essential. Photos are provided free with your purchase and are included in the file that you download. Links 1. What is the purpose of your movie web site links? To provide useful information on movies, that your staff may wish to use in preparing a custom article about film. 2. Is there a charge for this? No. It's a way for us to say thank you for your business. Legal 1. Are there legal terms and conditions I must agree to before I can download movie-related articles? Yes. After you have completed the short registration form, you will be taken to the User Agreement. It's designed to protect your organization as well as Reel Movie Critic Syndication Services and its contributing writers. Every aspect has been reviewed for balanced fairness to all parties. 2. Do you have a contract term? Yes. For buying one at a time, the contract is only one day. It automatically renews each day unless you or RMCSS don't wish to extend it. A simple email notification and it's over. For subscription plans, the term is for the number of articles you purchase, except for the unlimited plan, which is one year. Each subscription plan can be canceled at any time without cause. You would receive a prorated refund without any penalty or early termination fees. 3. Do you sell to my competitors? Not if they are in your same zip code, and you have advised us on your registration form or via email within 10 business days after completing the registration process. This can be updated if you expand to new markets. 4. When can I publish my article? Reviews can only be published when the film has a theatrical release in the zip codes you have registered with us. Studios have invested huge amounts of money to promote their product, so it is a reasonable request that their extension of press screening courtesy does not result in negative reviews prior to the release of the film. The one huge no-no is to publish a review before release. We reserve the right to not sell reviews to anyone that violates this policy, even just one time, without the benefit of a notification and cure period. Because this can impact the viability of RMCSS, this is a zero tolerance procedure. 5. May I publish one version of a review in the paper and another on my web site? Yes, for example, due to space considerations, you may wish to have a shorter version in the newspaper than on your web site. The same article published within 30 days between your print and Internet media is considered "one time use." 6. Is it OK to link from our web site to yours? Yes, you can link to any page on our web site. 7. Why does RMCSS have zero liability for any consequences of the use of its articles? It's the same as regarding actions people take upon reading non-movie related newspaper articles, or what they see on television or read in a book. 8. Do you need to know my PayPal password? No and we don't want to know it. When you create your password at RMCSS, be sure is is NOT the same as your PayPal password to access this web site. To do so would in effect allow us and the person that downloads your purchases from us to have free rein to purchase with your PayPal account if the email addresses are the same. We are not liable for any damages should you not follow this advise. 9. Will you put links on your site to ours? No. That would direct people to you that you may not desire, for any number of reasons, and would be against our Privacy Policy.
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