NOW CLOSED: Insight Annual Round-up 2012: Join our panel or let us know what you’ve enjoyed this year and what you’d like us to do next year. FAB prizes up for grabs (again)

[AnnMumsnet]

The time has come for the insight team at MNHQ to do our annual round up of the year, to plead for those of you not yet on our panel to sign up and to thank you all for taking part in some amazing projects this year!

(In case you don't know insight covers surveys, product tests and sponsored threads on MN, as well as bloggers reviews, and reviewers recruitment)

Let us know what you think on this thread and you could win another prize!
We've got:

A Samsung Galaxy Tab 2 7.0 worth c£180 courtesy of the team at TalkTalk more details here

A whole years' supply of Aldi nappies from the folks at Aldi - worth c.£500

And thanks to the Royal Academy we have two x 4 adult tickets to their new exhibition showcasing Manet early next year. There are two prizes each of 4 tickets (if children under 12 they will go in free so the winner can invite another 2 adults) - worth £120. More info here

In 2012 we have given away over £25,000 worth of prizes in the form of vouchers, books, beauty products, hampers and technology.
You have tested nearly £70,000 worth of products - including having your DCs put My Little Pony, Chicco toys and Wonderbook Book of Spells to the test.

We've surely made (some of you) look younger or slimmer with product tests for Garnier UltraLift, Origins Plantscription and M&S shapewear.

We've helped feed the family by trying out the HomeCooker from Jamie and Philips, scoffing Kingsmill Fruit and Fibre bread and helped make dishes tasty by introducing Bisto Stock Melts.

We've got you talking about a range of topics - from baking for the Big Fair Bake, visiting National Trust properties with the family and cleaning with Ecover.


What have you enjoyed taking part in this year? Or appreciated reading about? What would you like us to product test next year?

Most of the product tests are on site but we also do a lot of projects with our lovely research panel. If you are not yet on our panel please see this link for more info or to sign up. You can select how often you get emailed and you can leave at any time if it?s not for you.

So to win one of the lovely prizes please do one of the following:
~ Post on this thread about what you've enjoyed doing insight-wise this year or what you've appreciated reading about
~ Post on the thread any suggestions for product tests etc you'd like to see next year (no promises but we can try!)
~ Post on the thread to say you have joined the panel

Thanks as ever for your time and feedback - all very much welcome
AnnMumsnet, TheOtherHelenMumsnet and KatieBMumsnet
x

[smokinaces]

Ann I get loads of emails from you guys with surveys and stuff which I nearly always do, just wasn't sure if those were panel things if that makes sense?

[AnnMumsnet]

smokin' - yep that's it! as I've said most product testing is via the site rather than the panel but the panel does often have exclusive surveys etc with prize draws.

JS06 - cheers - that means a lot!

[AnnMumsnet]

StNiChaolas tis busy for a quiet time of year!

[BlatherskitedaboutChristmas]

I enjoyed testing the M&S shapewear. I wasn't (and still aren't) sure how flattering the "flatter me" underwear is but I was wearing my pair yesterday and DH was very impressed I've been told to buy more!

I really wish we'd got the Xbox or the Dyson but you can't win 'em all I guess. Looking forward to some more exciting ones in the new year.

[RissaC2011]

I'd signed up and would love to be involved!

[RissaC2011]

I've signed up and would love to be involved!

[lucjam]

I love doing the product tests, probably the method and tesco eco washing poweders/liquids were my fave. didn't like the choc porridge one though! Like doing the surveys and love your gentle reminders when I forget...

Would love to do an equipment test like a hoover or gadget even if I had to send it back after.

As for the future, i think more of the same really, i like the things we are asked to test and the surveys on the whole are interesting. Might be nice to have more of a chance of winning something when doing a survery so instead of a £100 voucher what about 4 x £25 or 10 x £10. Would be v happy to get a £10 amazon voucher, could buy all sorts like lipsticks, nail varnish, couple of kindle books etc.

[RachelHRD]

I joined this year and have been very fortunate and thoroughly enjoyed testing several products which made me feel less SAHM and more executive product tester ;)

My highlight was definitely getting to meet and have afternoon tea with Davina - what a lovely lady - and the added bonus of lots of lovely L'Oreal products to try at home.

I also tried the Shapewear which helped smooth out those lumps and bumps and the Origins Plantscriptions which was fab but sadly out of my budget range to continue using.

As a family we loved doing a secret review of the Abinger Hatch pub in Dorking and my two little terrors fully tested out the pubs family friendly facilities,

We also loved the Ambrosia rice testing and personally I enjoyed trialling the Method washing detergent as I'm very pro eco products.

So thank you Mumsnet for letting me try out all of these things and I hope to be able to do many more in 2013 - it really has helped me regain my sense of me as not just a Mum of two but someone with a valid opinion!!!

Would love to trial some more household products in 2013, or a nice new car ;) - anything really - just happy to keep the grey matter ticking over!!

[Puppypoppet]

Really enjoyed being on the panel. Loved the Marks and Spencer shapewear trial - didn't realise they stocked so many different types. I have also tested Method Laundry liquid and the Ecover floor wipes.
Product tests I would like to see include cosmetics, toiletries, perfume, clothing, food and for DD toys and books.

[RachelHRD]

PS I also recommend the panel to friends and several have joined in the last year and are happily testing products too :)

I have also joined a local book group formed by members of Mumsnet which has been great for meeting other M'Netters!!

Thanks again Mumsnet and Happy New Year to you all - keep up the great work!! xx

[vincenta]

HI!
I just want to say Thank you Mumsnet! I love to be part of Mumsnet panel! It is so exciting! This year I was lucky to test Method laundry detergent,Mu cheddar sticks, Ecover Multi-Action wipes, Quaker Oat so simple chocolate porridge,TEsco Naturally Powered laundry detergent and my Little Pony.
My son didn't liked mu cheese, it was too strong for him, chocolate porrdige wasn;t his cup of tea either, he wasn't bothered what laundry detergent I used to wash our clothes but he loved His Little Pony.He plays with it, no matter that this train set is pink.He loves his pony and now in nursery have opportunity to play with other little ponies too.Thank you! This was awesome product test!
Of course I would love test Dyson, Jamies home cooking miracle gadget but there is no luck for something which would be so interesting to test and so helpful in everyday life. WEll done those who tested all those lovely things, which I wanted!:))(oh.yeeeh,this is some sort of envy)
I believe that if I didn't get something I didn't need it and anyway it is great that I can express my opinion and try new products.
About new year product test...Hmm...my iron is nearly dead.Thats why more iron testing would be so useful!!!
Toys,my son loves to test toys( now his daddy teach him how to play ps3 micky game)

[nextphase]

Hi,

We've been lucky enough to test bread, cheese, washing powder, nappies, kitchen cleaner, and filled in lots of surveys. I'm sure there are things I've forgotten. Sorry. We've also contributed to some secret projects!

Love the idea of a head to head, but understand why companies are reluctant.

Changes for next year - me to win a prize err, the only thing I'd say is when you ask for us to be around certain dates for receiving and feed back, please get the items sent promptly. I've not participated in some tests as I won't be around, and then discovered they have been delayed, and I'd have been around. Equally, some things have had to be dealt with by DH while I've been away - he gets left a list of parcels I'm expecting, and instructions re which need dealing with!

Oh, and the parcels (and obviously not all will ever fit in a letterbox) that are packaged so they go through the letterbox rather than to the sorting office are great.

[BadMissM]

I've just joined up, but would love to try anything out! Finances have been a little tight chez nous since I lost my job last year, and as I have just found out am pregnant (at 45!) anything would be a nice surprise.

I find it interesting to read peoples' opinions on products, and how they road test.

I think it would be a good idea for Mums on Mumsnet (maybe local, maybe national) to test out local products, restaurants, services, maybe even schools and nurseries, and post their opinions. Would be great for other local Mums or Mumsnetters who move into the area to get an insight into what they can expect...

I'd like a chance to try something and would do my best to give an honest review of it!

[HazeltheMcWitch]

I have LOVED being part of this panel, and I echo the thanks to MN, especially AnnMumsnet and Helen Rowley, for their efforts - every query has been sorted out quick-smart!

This year I have trialled: Mu Cheese sticks (have they been discontinued already?), Tesco Naturally Active cleaner and Ecover - which were ok, but I've not remained loyal to them. The chocolate porridge, where the idea was definitely more appealing than the reality.

I trialled the Method laundry liquid, which I love love love love love. And have converted. I've also evangelised about it, as I am that riveting^. So it was lovely to receive a £1 voucher for it in the post today. I've also just finished the A2 milk trial, and I have to say, it def seems to have helped my DS's skin and tummy problems, so assuming I can find it, I'll buy it in future.

My favourite trial has been 'Jamie' - the JO Home Cooker, which I do use a lot, and has genuinely given me back more time in my day.

I have also loved reading about trials that I did not get to participate in; for example I've avoided the fruit bread as I like my fruit bread fruity. I;m very interested to see how this Dyson trial goes, as a handheld could really suit me.

My suggestions are:

• Could we revisit some of the bigger-ticket items some months on, to see how it's going? For example, I need to buy a new fridge freezer... And I remember that there was a Samsung FF trial last year. I'd love to know what the longer term feedback for the FFs was. Similarly, I'd be very willing to revisit Jamie feedback in X months time.
  
• The surveys could EASILY be longer. Or have an 'any other feedback' box. Sometimes I have mroe that I want to say, but it doesn't fit anywhere.
  
• Er, that's it really! More of the same, please!
  

Thanks again.

[SandWitch]

I've enjoyed being part of the panel, and try to do all of the surveys that I am emailed about if they are relevent.

But - I have a request please....
Is it possible that we could be emailed about upcoming product tests? I have missed loads of product tests as they are sometimes only open for entry for a short time. and I pretend to have a life so am not on MN every day
I was particularly to have missed out on the recent Dyson one

It would be a nice reward for doing all these surveys - not asking for any preferential treatment when it comes to being selected for product tests, just a heads up about them.

[fryingpanalley]

I tested the method laundry liquid, tesco spray and walkers sunbites. Really enjoy it and love getting exciting parcels! wondered if it would be good to email us a few weeks/ three months later to find out if we have bought the product again. Asking people about intentions isn't so accurate, and I'd be happy to be contacted again. Also it would be great to always include an "any other comments" question.
It would be interesting to know what companies do with our feedback. Mary Portas, I'm thinking of you!
I'm interested in testing days out, especially around London, and would love to do mystery shopping.

[LittleMissSnowShine]

Ive joined too! I love the Mumsnet reviews - been so helpful in buying buggies, highchair, car seat etc.

Also think local mystery shopping would be great

[Mindingalongtime]

I love testing new products and have been lucky enough to do washing liquid, 2 cheeses, and wrinkle cream! Thank you [ smile]

[PurpleKittyKnitting]

I have now today joined the panel but via the sticky treads this year I have tested the chocolate porridge, Kingsmill bread the Method Laundry liquid and I got a super duper iron!

There may be others but those are the ones I remember just now. It's interesting to try them and see if they match your initial thoughts and what others think

[SchroSawMummyRidingSantaClaus]

I have loved it.

We have tested the Chicco ride on, Ecover wipes and Metanium. I love reading the feedback threads and finding out true opinions on everything.

I do lots of the surveys but haven't won anything yet. :(

There is a product test that has been mentioned by email that I am very interested in, I really hope it goes ahead, it has got my hopes up that the product is actually real!

Everyone should sign up for the panel, it has been fun joining and taking part this year.

[Kveta]

I've LOVED being on the panel this year. I have somehow managed to try laundry products, cleaning products, baby products, and best of all, a whole new pushchair! I think I have won something from a sponsored discussion thread too (Garnier products?), but that happened when I was in hospital giving birth to DD, so it's all a bit hazy how I came to receive them

I've been on the panel for 3 years now, and really enjoy giving feedback on new/updated products, especially when I don't like said product, as it feels like a more valuable opinion to give critical feedback rather than gushing praise! DH loves me being on the panel now too, although he does roll his eyes a bit when I ask for his opinion on things - he loves the 'freebies' though.

all in all, it's been well worth signing up for :)

[costumequeen]

proud panel member here! Liked all the freebies testing I've done this year, loved winning one of the feedback comps, and would really appreciate testing a K Mix (in red to match the kitchen) and some new double glazing. Promise to complete the feedback if you can sort them out for me Thank you muchly...

[april29]

Ooh how do I join

[FarelyKnuts]

Just joined

[GlaikitFizzHogmany]

I am a member of the panel already and do all the surveys that apply to me, which is most of them I think!

I was chosen to do the tesco epower test (along with half of mumsnet I think!) and the control underwear for M&S. and I've recently received the kelo cote product to test. I have recommended M&S to a friend for control wear because of the test. More of those please!

I would like to see a product test for a kitchen aid failing that maybe some arts and crafts things. I'm a knitter so I'm thinking wool and needles, but I'm sure the crocheters would test hooks. And foody things, recipes, specific products etc!