Your Amazon Review Sites are CACA

38 replies
I'm looking for an ice maker - and went on Amazon to go check out reviews and that wasn't enough.

So I decided to go look on the internet to see if there were any sites with unique reviews - and no. Nada. Just the same reviews scraped off Amazon.

A whole bunch of sites with Amazon products, reviews, and caca.

What ever happened to the good old days of people actually using what they were pushing and writing up unique information I'm seeking?
#amazon #caca #review #sites
  • Profile picture of the author Mark Singletary
    Originally Posted by Jill Carpenter View Post

    What ever happened to the good old days of people actually using what they were pushing and writing up unique information I'm seeking?
    You're kidding right? You want people to spend time writing useful reviews instead of scraping, spinning, curating, or outsourcing to no speeka English writers?

    Good luck with that.

    Mark
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike Hlatky
    If there is a way for people to make money, the method will get exploited.

    But, obviously Google has been trying to clean this up for the past year or two. It is difficult to find out which reviews are legitimate and which are not. It is also tough because the people writing the reviews are trying to game the system.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jill Carpenter
      Originally Posted by Mike Hlatky View Post

      If there is a way for people to make money, the method will get exploited.

      But, obviously Google has been trying to clean this up for the past year or two. It is difficult to find out which reviews are legitimate and which are not. It is also tough because the people writing the reviews are trying to game the system.
      What was funny was comments made on reviews of some people actually saying "this sounds like someone from the company leaving a review."

      So then I gotta spend time looking up the people who are giving the reviews for their other reviews to get a feel of who they are.

      It's not like I can call my friends and ask what ice machine to get. They all have automatic ice makers in their freezers, or don't use nearly as much ice as I do, and don't have the unique situation I have.

      It's like $6 for a bag of ice here where I live. I'm in a rental so I'm not going to go buy a new fridge just to add an ice machine (not to mention the fridge works fine and is only 2 years old).

      [/rant]

      I'm seeing a WIDE opportunity here for some wise people to get in on a boatload of products - cause it's not just the ice makers I've been looking at.
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      • Profile picture of the author Jill Carpenter
        Originally Posted by eplanellas View Post

        Since you realize that this is what is going on in Amazon affiliate marketing, why don't you leverage the power of that knowledge to rake in more commissions?
        Amazon is not my forte.

        But if/when I get bored with what I'm doing now I may have to revisit that.
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        • Profile picture of the author eplanellas
          Originally Posted by Jill Carpenter View Post

          Amazon is not my forte.

          But if/when I get bored with what I'm doing now I may have to revisit that.
          Cool. Still, I think there is a lesson in it to be learned for anybody that wants to promote Amazon products. You might not use the tip, but it can make all the difference in someone else's success (If they pay attention).
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        • Profile picture of the author Chri5123
          Originally Posted by Jill Carpenter View Post

          Amazon is not my forte.

          But if/when I get bored with what I'm doing now I may have to revisit that.
          This ^

          With so many bad reviews - or not so bad but non-informative review sites if you spend the time to create unique quality content and offer something that no other review site offers like pros AND cons - discounts, bundle deals - not only do you rank better but your conversions shoot up.

          Good post Jill - and check Youtube for REAL reviews, you will get a lot of promo stuff but hopefully someone actually has posted a real video review.

          Chris
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      • Profile picture of the author Sid Hale
        No Problem, Jill.

        Just wait another month and you'll no longer need an ice machine where you live.

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      • Profile picture of the author Spencer Jones
        Originally Posted by Jill Carpenter View Post

        It's not like I can call my friends and ask what ice machine to get. They all have automatic ice makers in their freezers, or don't use nearly as much ice as I do, and don't have the unique situation I have.
        Why do you need so much ice ?

        I mean what's your Unique Problem that causes you to go beyond the usual needs ?


        Just a suggestion that might work: Instead of searching for an ice marker why not search for a solution to the problem ?

        You might find some genuine recommendations...

        Eg: If you search for weight loss, you might get lots of sites just built for sales and no real reviews. But instead if you do a search for "I am overweight, I feel bad, please help.." (not that long, just something similar), my guess is that you might get at least some real stories from real people and how they overcame their problem. And you might find some genuine solutions as well ?

        Disclaimer: It's just my suggestion... May or may not work...

        After reading the post, I went ahead and created a video that makes the point about why people buy. Also you will find, the exact kind of content that everyone setting out to make money online should focus on. The kind of content that escapes the CACA list.

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        • Profile picture of the author DJL
          Whenever I need an ice maker, the first place I search for information is ConsumerReports.org.
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          • Profile picture of the author Jill Carpenter
            Originally Posted by Sid Hale View Post

            No Problem, Jill.

            Just wait another month and you'll no longer need an ice machine where you live.

            Just because it cools down outside doesn't mean we drink less (hehe, more actually).

            Originally Posted by Spencer Jones View Post

            Why do you need so much ice ?

            I mean what's your Unique Problem that causes you to go beyond the usual needs ?
            LOL, read response above.
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            • Profile picture of the author Sid Hale
              But Jill...

              Originally Posted by Jill Carpenter View Post

              Just because it cools down outside doesn't mean we drink less (hehe, more actually).
              You don't need ice for Hot Buttered Rum!!!

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  • Profile picture of the author eplanellas
    But the thing about that is that the person who actually takes the time to use unique content on Amazon reviews are going to make more sales because they stand out from the competition and may even rank for more keywords. While so many are taking the easy route, those who have standards for quality can position themselves to dominate the market. Since you realize that this is what is going on in Amazon affiliate marketing, why don't you leverage the power of that knowledge to rake in more commissions?
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  • Profile picture of the author dsouravs
    those who write real reviews on amazon dont have amazon review sites ...
    and those who have review sites ... they caca the reviews from amazon...

    IMO.
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  • Profile picture of the author garywilliams627
    Amen and pass the amunition! I always go to the internet for a product review before buying and increasingly it's a jungle of spam or "niche" sites that are absolutely useless!
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  • Profile picture of the author agmccall
    Originally Posted by Jill Carpenter View Post


    A whole bunch of sites with Amazon products, reviews, and caca.

    What ever happened to the good old days of people actually using what they were pushing and writing up unique information I'm seeking?
    It is because of WSO's and many info products on how to make money on line,

    al
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  • Profile picture of the author Khemosabi
    Jill! First and foremost, THANK YOU! I never knew how to spell "caca"..

    Second, thank you again for saying this!! Good grief, review sites can be so frustrating! I too needed a solution to my ice problem. :rolleyes:

    As stated earlier, everything seems to get exploited, which is sad. I had a type of review site for some items that I have actually used and wow, I have lost my rankings. Sites like the ones you've mentioned were out ranking me.

    I am one of the few that is happy with the changes being made on the search engines.

    ~ Theresa
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  • Profile picture of the author cooler1
    Originally Posted by AnniePot View Post

    How is this in any way shape or form different from the herd? It just uses the ContextAzon plugin to pull data from Amazon . . . :rolleyes:
    Their content is actually unique. Which data is the ContextAzon plugin using from Amazon apart from the Consumer Opinions.
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Jill, even if you do find a site that sounds like someone doing real reviews, it probably isn't. At least one active Warrior has admitted that the reviews on their sites are "fictions" - stories about their success and satisfaction with the product they're plugging.

      Even if you ultimately plan to buy from Amazon, I find that checking reviews on alternate sites (Walmart.com, BestBuy.com, etc. in this case) often yield usable info.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kulp1234
    Originally Posted by Jill Carpenter View Post

    I'm looking for an ice maker - and went on Amazon to go check out reviews and that wasn't enough.

    So I decided to go look on the internet to see if there were any sites with unique reviews - and no. Nada. Just the same reviews scraped off Amazon.

    A whole bunch of sites with Amazon products, reviews, and caca.

    What ever happened to the good old days of people actually using what they were pushing and writing up unique information I'm seeking?
    I've noticed this for a long time, with a WIDE variety of products.

    If you want to see how a review site SHOULD be done, look at FreezerBurns.com and OnSecondScoop.com. These aren't amazon affiliate sites, but the way they review their products is top notch.

    Yes, I realize these are "foodie" sites, but look at the time and detail they put into each review. You can tell these are REAL reviews, and they have a trust factor that cannot be faked. Now take this same product review format, and apply it to another niche = you have a winner.
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  • Profile picture of the author macher
    That's the nature of affiliate marketing. Many people are making money.
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  • Profile picture of the author Spencer Jones
    Originally Posted by Jill Carpenter View Post

    What ever happened to the good old days of people actually using what they were pushing and writing up unique information I'm seeking?
    It's because the internet trash bin is filled and overflowing, to the extend that you need to do some digging to find those gold real reviews.

    We are living in such a wicked world.
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  • Profile picture of the author efrizzz
    Originally Posted by Jill Carpenter View Post

    I'm looking for an ice maker - and went on Amazon to go check out reviews and that wasn't enough.

    So I decided to go look on the internet to see if there were any sites with unique reviews - and no. Nada. Just the same reviews scraped off Amazon.

    A whole bunch of sites with Amazon products, reviews, and caca.

    What ever happened to the good old days of people actually using what they were pushing and writing up unique information I'm seeking?
    Nah,.. its all about competition, you should look deep down to page 10000000000 hope you can find the uniqueness that you looking for.
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  • Profile picture of the author Shannonn
    Banned
    You can try out icemakermania.com. They have nice products and you can get an idea about how the market rolls Good luck!
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    • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
      Originally Posted by Shannonn View Post

      You can try out icemakermania.com. They have nice products and you can get an idea about how the market rolls Good luck!
      Do you have a material interest in this site?

      Promotional posts are not allowed.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jill Carpenter
      Originally Posted by thedanbrown View Post

      What kind of functionality you looking for in the ice maker... mine is killer! haha
      Well, I think I found it.

      It's funny - but square cubes are not the norm, which was one of my first preferences.

      They take a little longer - but only 15 minutes as compared to 9 for the cylinder tube ones.

      Something to recycle the water as it melts, something with auto shut off when water runs out, something under the $200 range, something to look nice next to my penguin (soda stream soda maker), and not too loud. If it comes with a bonus ice scoop, and has a window in the top to see the ice that is icing on the cake.

      Is that too much to ask?
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      • Profile picture of the author myob
        Originally Posted by Jill Carpenter View Post

        Well, I think I found it.

        It's funny - but square cubes are not the norm, which was one of my first preferences.

        They take a little longer - but only 15 minutes as compared to 9 for the cylinder tube ones.

        Something to recycle the water as it melts, something with auto shut off when water runs out, something under the $200 range, something to look nice next to my penguin (soda stream soda maker), and not too loud. If it comes with a bonus ice scoop, and has a window in the top to see the ice that is icing on the cake.

        Is that too much to ask?
        What you need to do is consult with an ice professional such as Hans Wuthrich (Ice Technician, Ice Maker, Ice Consultant). Hans Wuthrich is a certified ice professional and is internationally renowned for his expertise. Rather than rely on wimpy-ass product "reviews", trust proven professionals who can actually recommend the best product fit for your needs.

        However, be prepared to spend significantly more than $200 to meet your required specifications, and perhaps consider commercial grade equipment. A professional consultant can help resolve trade-offs between features, benefits, and price relative to actual cost.
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        • Profile picture of the author Sandra Martinez
          When I´m looking for something like an ice maker, I go to youtube and look for videos where they show the machine working. Most are advertising in disguise, but at least they put the paws on it.

          Here:
          ice maker machine - YouTube
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          • Profile picture of the author Spencer Jones
            Originally Posted by Sandra Martinez View Post

            When I´m looking for something like an ice maker, I go to youtube and look for videos where they show the machine working. Most are advertising in disguise, but at least they put the paws on it.

            Here:
            ice maker machine - YouTube
            Youtube is the best place when it comes to product reviews. Who is still reading text reviews of products, they are more interested to see the product work the magic. That's where videos do the magic.

            Dr.Spencer Jones
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          • Profile picture of the author Fazal Mayar
            Originally Posted by Sandra Martinez View Post

            When I´m looking for something like an ice maker, I go to youtube and look for videos where they show the machine working. Most are advertising in disguise, but at least they put the paws on it.

            Here:
            ice maker machine - YouTube
            I agree Sandra, it's easy to tell if the person is advertising or having a real review. It can be the same about reviews, if the person has a 3000 words arcticles with snapshot you know its legit. In the contrary, a 300 word article asking you to buy the product...meh.
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      • Profile picture of the author Jacqueline Smith
        Originally Posted by Jill Carpenter View Post

        Well, I think I found it.

        It's funny - but square cubes are not the norm, which was one of my first preferences.

        They take a little longer - but only 15 minutes as compared to 9 for the cylinder tube ones.

        Something to recycle the water as it melts, something with auto shut off when water runs out, something under the $200 range, something to look nice next to my penguin (soda stream soda maker), and not too loud. If it comes with a bonus ice scoop, and has a window in the top to see the ice that is icing on the cake.

        Is that too much to ask?
        When and where is the party??????

        It sounds like you know how to make a drink!
        Signature
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  • Profile picture of the author liiz
    Mr Spencer Jones, thanx for that.

    Must to agree even with the Amazon own reviews, it is quitte a struggle to really find decent ones. Also since a bit familiar with the IM thing and how it is manipulated i do tend to take those with pinch of salt. Even those what are posted on Amazon itself...

    Sad
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  • Profile picture of the author hustlinsmoke
    Still there, anytime I want to buy something I go to youtube for a review, sure enough 99 percent of the time someone has one and pull the product out of the box and test it. I love those reviews.
    Originally Posted by Jill Carpenter View Post

    I'm looking for an ice maker - and went on Amazon to go check out reviews and that wasn't enough.

    So I decided to go look on the internet to see if there were any sites with unique reviews - and no. Nada. Just the same reviews scraped off Amazon.

    A whole bunch of sites with Amazon products, reviews, and caca.

    What ever happened to the good old days of people actually using what they were pushing and writing up unique information I'm seeking?
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    • Profile picture of the author Steve B
      Jill,

      Six bucks for a little frozen water? Wow. I was at Walmart on Labor Day and a good sized bag was $1.39.

      Nice post, and it got me to thinking about Internet marketers and the fact that so many don't care in the least that they are actually helping out their prospects that come to their site.

      They throw up their content without regard to whether it is truthful, helpful, or even relevant. Much of it is totally useless (and often scraped or stolen). Then the marketer pushes the traffic to the vendor and makes a commission never to be held accountable or answer for any problems or mis-information that arises.

      When you really think about such practices it kind of makes you sick to your stomach that (1) internet marketers would build a business in this manner, and (2) that trusting people (some would say gullible) so easily get ripped off when a portion of their money goes to paying a commission to the person who did the ripping!

      Sad commentary on the state of affairs in some peoples' minds. IM is a profession that needs ethical people to stand up and declare a foul when it becomes obvious.

      Concerned for the future of this business,

      Steve
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  • Profile picture of the author clever7
    Originally Posted by Jill Carpenter View Post

    What ever happened to the good old days of people actually using what they were pushing and writing up unique information I'm seeking?
    I don't think that in the past the reviews could be trusted. I never read reviews when I want to buy something online because it is a waste of time.

    Many people are giving lessons about how to write fake Amazon reviews and make a lot of money this way. They tell you to pretend you have bought the product you are promoting, even though you will merely rewrite already written reviews. I found many free ebooks giving these lessons at the War Room. They even give you a template.

    I would never do something like that because it gives me stomach ache, but many people still believe that this is a good idea.

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  • Profile picture of the author tritrain
    Jill, its a great opportunity. But for those of us in the 45 states (New York included) that Amazon pulled Amazon Associates, we have to wait until the Marketplace Fairness Act passes. *Although I think it will so its worth continuing to build pages/sites.

    Where there's crap, there's opportunity!
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  • Hi Jill,
    I checked at Wal-mart.com and this one particular ice maker,Magic Chef Portable Ice Maker MCIM22TW, has over 700 reviews. One of the reviewers even discusses a problem he had when using the ice maker and how he came up with the solution. Hope it helps.
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