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Thoughts on Reserving WSO Review Space

by kindsvater
69 replies
I was just looking at a new WSO where someone had quickly posted a response, but instead of a question or review it was a message that they were reserving the space for their future review.

Thoughts on this? Even though sigs are not displayed in the WSO forum, is it a race to get a "top" posting spot on a thread?

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#reserving #review #space #thoughts #wso
  • Profile picture of the author Kurt
    Hey Brian...

    I wouldn't like that.

    The owner of the thread reserving the 2nd post for future comments is a difference story. I do it so I can leave the original salesletter (contract) as is, and make any additions/updates to the offer in the second post.

    But I don't see any reason for anyone else being able to reserve a spot on any thread, especially a WSO that someone else paid for.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      I think it's ridiculous -thought removing the signatures might stop the practice as it seemed to be "for a link".

      If you have reviewed the product and want to comment - do it when you are ready. Reserving space in a WSO thread is nuts to me.
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    • Profile picture of the author Alexa Smith
      Banned
      Originally Posted by kindsvater View Post

      I was just looking at a new WSO where someone had quickly posted a response, but instead of a question or review it was a message that they were reserving the space for their future review.
      It would make a skepchick like me suspicious that they'd promised a "golden review" either for payment or just for a free copy, and that the WSO seller particularly wanted their post first. :p

      Originally Posted by Kurt View Post

      The owner of the thread reserving the 2nd post for future comments is a difference story.
      Yes, I agree. You might want that for an FAQ, or something (i.e. after you've seen which questions are actually "frequent").
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      • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
        Brian,

        If I saw that in a thread, and the "Reserved" space wasn't posted by the seller of the WSO, I'd nuke the post and start looking at IP addresses and other possible connections.

        Might be nothing at all, might be something sneaky. Either way, I don't see any reason someone would do that which makes sense to me for anything but hinky purposes. If someone can offer a possibly legit reason for it, I'd appreciate the education.


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        • Profile picture of the author Mike Hill
          Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

          Brian,

          If I saw that in a thread, and the "Reserved" space wasn't posted by the seller of the WSO, I'd nuke the post and start looking at IP addresses and other possible connections.

          Might be nothing at all, might be something sneaky. Either way, I don't see any reason someone would do that which makes sense to me for anything but hinky purposes. If someone can offer a possibly legit reason for it, I'd appreciate the education.


          Paul

          Good call... I see a lot of product owners reserving the first space for FAQ's and updates (I do the same) but I've never heard of affiliates doing this.

          That's nuts... and a little unfair to be honest.

          Actually I'm thinking that maybe the reserved for a review posted by someone other than the seller would be used for that person to stick his review in with his affiliate link right in the thread.

          They probably would wait for others to comment and then take those comments and rewrite them so it looks like the person who posted the review knows what they are talking about. It appears they have actually reviewed the product when in essence they have not.
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          • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
            Mike,

            Affiliates... DOH!

            That's very likely it. They'd want their review near the top, to increase the number of their referrals who end up buying.

            I knew I was missing something, but couldn't put my finger on it. Thank you.


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            • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
              Originally Posted by Michael Mayo View Post

              Maybe it's a team effort (set-up) to make sure a Good review goes in the second post.
              If that were the case, wouldn't they have their good review already written so they can copy and paste it into their post right away instead of reserving it?

              Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

              Affiliates... DOH!

              That's very likely it. They'd want their review near the top, to increase the number of their referrals who end up buying.
              How does that work? If I'm an affiliate, and I send a promo to my list with a link to the WSO, then they've already clicked my link so I would get a commission if they buy. If I'm sneaking in my affiliate link in my post itself, wouldn't the buyer have to click that link to go right back to the same WSO so I get credit? Who would click that link and why? They're already on the page?

              What am I missing here?
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              • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
                Dan,

                They don't need to have an affiliate link in the post. The fact that they've got a review early in the thread would add perceived credibility to any endorsement they might send to their subscribers or post for site visitors.


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                • Profile picture of the author Dan C. Rinnert
                  Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

                  They don't need to have an affiliate link in the post. The fact that they've got a review early in the thread would add perceived credibility to any endorsement they might send to their subscribers or post for site visitors.
                  Okay. I'm just thinking if they trust my opinion, they don't need to see my review a second time. And, they don't really need to be distracted by my or anyone else's review in the thread. They just need to click the buy button because I told them it was a good deal. And they trust me. Never mind what the other nimwits have to say. Just buy it already.

                  But, that's just me, I guess.
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                  • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
                    MB,
                    Is there anything wrong with this?
                    Given the conditions you've stated, no. Not a thing. It's odd, but there's nothing inherently bad about it. And you don't, as far as I know, have any history of abusing the forum in any way, much less shilling. I'd be confused if I saw you do it, but not at all suspicious.

                    On the other hand, I was just made aware of another such example, and I can very nearly guarantee you that the person "reserving" the space is either personally associated with the seller or is planning to promote the offer as an affiliate, or both. This individual has a history of abuse of the IM products section using "reviews" with affiliate links.


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        • Profile picture of the author kindsvater
          Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

          If I saw that in a thread, and the "Reserved" space wasn't posted by the seller of the WSO, I'd nuke the post and start looking at IP addresses and other possible connections.
          Did you get my PM about 12 hours ago? Odd I never heard back from you or the poster. Just checked - still reserved for a review.

          .
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          • Profile picture of the author Ken Strong
            Originally Posted by kindsvater View Post

            Did you get my PM about 12 hours ago? Odd I never heard back from you or the poster. Just checked - still reserved for a review.

            .
            Report it instead of sending a PM -- you'll get much faster service.
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          • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
            Brian,
            Did you get my PM about 12 hours ago? Odd I never heard back from you or the poster. Just checked - still reserved for a review.
            Yep. That's what brought me to this thread. I wanted to see what was going on before looking at the WSO thread, since it didn't seem to be an immediate need.

            Figured you'd know I saw it when I replied here.


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            • Profile picture of the author Toby Couchman
              I actually just did this and I wasn't plotting anything nefarious by doing it. I simply did it because I wanted my review to actually be read by people.

              I bought the WSO and read through the method. I liked what I saw and it I learned some valuable knowledge from it. Thus, I wanted to add value to his thread by posting an honest review that people will see.

              -I'm not an affiliate.
              -I wasn't paid by the wso poster.
              -I just wanted to help the guy out as I thought his wso was good.

              Is there anything wrong with this?

              MB
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              • Profile picture of the author Andyhenry
                Originally Posted by m0nk3yb0y View Post

                I actually just did this and I wasn't plotting anything nefarious by doing it. I simply did it because I wanted my review to actually be read by people.

                I bought the WSO and read through the method. I liked what I saw and it I learned some valuable knowledge from it. Thus, I wanted to add value to his thread by posting an honest review that people will see.

                -I'm not an affiliate.
                -I wasn't paid by the wso poster.
                -I just wanted to help the guy out as I thought his wso was good.

                Is there anything wrong with this?

                MB
                So - this is probably a good example to look at since it's less abusive that some of the suggestions of why people might do it.

                Your comments do confuse me a little though.

                My first thought after reading your post is WHY?

                Why do you think you need to reserve a spot in someone else's WSO for your review?

                Most WSOs tend to love the social proof that reviews give so much that they cram every review they get into their sales letter so we have to scroll down 10 screens to find the offer.

                I don't imagine that if you give a glowing testimonial they're going to let it disappear from sight.

                So - what makes you think you need to reserve a slot for yours?

                You mention you want to make sure it gets seen. I've said why that shouldn't be an issue - as far as the WSO provider is concerned.

                Therefore the only other reason seems to be because YOU want your review seen. That raises different issues. The sort of issues that get people thinking about affiliate commissions and other selfish elements.

                If you're posting them for YOU - then that implies that either you have a big ego and think that people need to see what you write because you're trying to be seen as an expert - or you're thinking it's going to get your own stuff seen and you're leeching traffic from the WSO. Neither of which is really that great.

                So - while I can see that there may be 'innocent' uses of this tactic, since the WSO provider is the one who has paid to have that slot I think it should really be left up to them what gets priority and not just other people wanting to save a slot they know will get a few views.

                That may sound harsh but I really can't see any selfless reason for reserving a slot in someone else's space - if you think they'll appreciate your review I'm sure they'll include it where people will see it without you having to try and do it for them.

                Andy
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                • Profile picture of the author kindsvater
                  This has been an educational thread. It speaks volumes that the person I saw "reserving their spot" has not posted a review since their "parking place" was deleted.

                  Paul, I've been saying for years, a behind the scenes look at the forum, famous characters, and scandalous events over the years would be massively popular. I know you've got plenty of juicy material.

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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Mayo
    Brian,
    Sounds a little fishy to me???

    Maybe it's a team effort (set-up) to make sure a Good review goes in the second post.

    Have a Great Day!
    Michael
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  • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
    It's a nonsense, IMO. If a post isn't contributing anything useful to the OP's paid-for thread, it's got no business being there.

    And there's no guarantee that the poster will ever return to fulfil the "promise".
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  • Profile picture of the author Kurt
    Reserved for a follow up post.
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  • Profile picture of the author Scott Rankin
    WSO space cannot and shouldn't be reserved whether you are an elite member or have a fatter wallet - equality for all man...
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
    In general, I don't like the idea and it sounds goofy.

    But...then I thought about it for a moment and wonder if it's a matter of poor wording.

    Examples:

    Example 1: Hey [SELLER],

    I just picked up [PRODUCT] and am excited to implement it. I'll post a review here as soon as I'm done.

    - - - - - - - - - -

    Example 2: Reserved for forthcoming review.

    - - - - - - - - - -

    Example 3: Hi [SELLER],

    So far this looks pretty interesting. I'll review it soon.

    - - - - - - - - - -

    My thought is that it comes down to how each message is perceived AND when it's posted.

    A post like an of the examples posted 2 minutes after the WSO goes live would be different than the same wording 2 weeks later. The position in the thread would matter as well.

    That being said, I still don't think Example 2 would sit right, but it's possible (remotely) that it could just be bad wording.

    Either way, I can see how it could set off warning bells and warrant further investigation.

    All the best,
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    • Profile picture of the author ShayB
      If it's reserved by someone other than the WSO seller, I would think it's odd. If I were running the WSO and it happened, I wouldn't like it.

      Maybe it's someone who hasn't realized that the sigs in the WSO section have been turned off? :rolleyes:
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  • Profile picture of the author Joseph Robinson
    Banned
    If it was done recently, that would seem pretty pointless as their Sigs can't be seen in the WSO forum. Of course it could also be a friend or alternate account of the OP, and they want their review to be the first seen.

    It wouldn't affect me too much. I always read through the entire thread before I even start to consider whether or not to buy a certain WSO.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jeremy Kelsall
    Originally Posted by kindsvater View Post

    I was just looking at a new WSO where someone had quickly posted a response, but instead of a question or review it was a message that they were reserving the space for their future review.

    Thoughts on this? Even though sigs are not displayed in the WSO forum, is it a race to get a "top" posting spot on a thread?

    .
    This is usually done so that the person doing the review, can host a video on his/her blog with an affiliate link back to the WSO.
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    • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
      Jeremy,
      This is usually done so that the person doing the review, can host a video on his/her blog with an affiliate link back to the WSO.
      And the person in question specifically mentioned a video review. I never cease to be amazed at how some people will screw around with systems to skim money from someone else's efforts.

      If I find evidence that anyone is using a system that gets them affiliate commissions using this sort of thing for traffic they didn't originate, I'll nuke them so fast they'll have whiplash.


      Paul

      Edit: I'll also report them to Mike Lantz, which would probably end their days promoting affiliate deals through his system.
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      • Profile picture of the author Vanessa Reece
        Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

        Jeremy,And the person in question specifically mentioned a video review. I never cease to be amazed at how some people will screw around with systems to skim money from someone else's efforts.
        Paul, I'm guessing you've seen more hi-jinx than most on this forum, but this whole thing and future screws of the system just remind me of how hackers work. Find any tiny way to get into the system and exploit it. I'm guessing this forum must be like a honey pot for some of these folks, not only as a way to make cash but their glee when they seem to get away with it.

        Good spotting it OP.

        V
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      • Profile picture of the author Jeremy Kelsall
        Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post


        Edit: I'll also report them to Mike Lantz, which would probably end their days promoting affiliate deals through his system.
        hehe - why would the The product creators (most of the time) or Mike Lantz care?

        The WSO section is a huge affiliate system now...the creators are more than willing to give up an early spot in their thread to a strong affiliate in order to get them on board.

        ...And I'm sure Mike doesn't care either way. I can't see why he would.
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        • Profile picture of the author Bill Farnham
          Originally Posted by Jeremy Kelsall View Post

          hehe - why would the The product creators (most of the time) or Mike Lantz care?

          The WSO section is a huge affiliate system now...the creators are more than willing to give up an early spot in their thread to a strong affiliate in order to get them on board.

          ...And I'm sure Mike doesn't care either way. I can't see why he would.
          Give 'em an inch and they grab a yard.

          I can see it now...

          New WSO Pricing List:

          WSO + Bumps = $40

          First Space = $35

          Second Space = $30

          Third Space = $25

          Fourth Space = $20

          I see a lot of potential for Allen here...:p

          ~Bill
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          • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
            Originally Posted by Bill Farnham View Post

            New WSO Pricing List:

            WSO + Bumps = $40

            First Space = $35

            Second Space = $30

            Third Space = $25

            Fourth Space = $20

            I see a lot of potential for Allen here...:p
            Or - a WSO seller could reserve the top 10 spots in the thread and sell them on as part of the WSO.

            Could even be the WSO. :rolleyes:
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            • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
              Brian,
              Paul, I've been saying for years, a behind the scenes look at the forum, famous characters, and scandalous events over the years would be massively popular. I know you've got plenty of juicy material.
              It would, I do, and it ain't gonna happen.

              Most of that kind of information comes through channels that carry a responsibility of privacy. The rest would do more harm than good if it was discussed publicly. And I don't particularly care for destructive mudslinging.

              Jeremy,
              hehe - why would the The product creators (most of the time) or Mike Lantz care?
              You may have missed the point of what I wrote. I was pretty specific about the problem being with people who found ways to skim affiliate commissions off traffic they didn't originate. Essentially, commission hijacking.

              Mike has always been very helpful in dealing with people who abuse the members. I don't see him ignoring something like what was described.


              Paul
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  • Profile picture of the author WillR
    It's funny because someone may think adding their review up close to the original WSO post gives it more credibility however I actually think those reviews have less credibility because in most cases they haven't had enough time to actually implement any of the methods in the WSO.

    I'm not going to pay much attention to someone who has left a review within only a couple of days of the WSO launching... that is unless it's a product that can be reviewed right away such as a graphics pack, plr pack, etc.
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  • Profile picture of the author Chris Worner
    There is a lot to be said about ignoring 'testimonials,' when deciding to make a purchase.

    Chris
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    • Profile picture of the author newton
      I always reserve the post below the main one for FAQ's. It saves me editing the main post and keeps things in order.

      I never leave any for reviews though, just for FAQ's.

      Tony
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      • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
        V,
        I'm guessing you've seen more hi-jinx than most on this forum
        Most honest people can't even imagine the sorts of crap you see when you get to moderate a forum like this. And, as Jeremy just demonstrated for me, you're never up on all of the latest scummery.

        There's one SOB who's going to lose his affiliate accounts with four separate hosting companies this weekend. I've started planting cookie jars around the forum, and he stuck his hand into one of them. I expect he'll find that more than a little expensive.

        You see a lot of evil from this side of the curtain, along with the run-of-the-mill spam and similar garbage. Still, you get to see so much more of the good that it's worth the effort. There are some truly amazing people in this group.


        Paul
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        • Profile picture of the author rosetrees
          Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

          Still, you get to see so much more of the good that it's worth the effort. There are some truly amazing people in this group.


          Paul
          Which makes me, and I'm sure many others, truly appreciate the work that you and Thomas and many others do to keep this forum the informative place that it is
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      • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
        Tony,
        I always reserve the post below the main one for FAQ's. It saves me editing the main post and keeps things in order.

        I never leave any for reviews though, just for FAQ's.
        This is not a problem when it's the seller reserving posts. The issue (when there is one) is when it's someone else. If it's your WSO thread, you're free to reserve a post for sentences in your thread that contain words with a silent Q if you like.


        Paul
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  • Profile picture of the author BIG Mike
    Banned
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    • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
      Mike,
      In either that case, hijacking the WSO thread directly is just plain wrong and should be stopped now before it catches on and goes viral among members (and it will).
      I'm waiting for the first person with stature here who teaches people how to hijack money from a WSO seller and lets me get my hands on proof.

      It will happen, and it won't be an example that is soon forgotten.

      RoseTrees,

      Many others indeed. That includes every person who reports posts here, along with the mods who may not want their names advertised.


      Paul
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  • Profile picture of the author KimW
    I can't remember what WSO it was, but I saw that too and I have to admit I was confused as to why someone would do it.
    Now I have a better understanding. It never fails to amaze me what some people will try to do.
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  • Profile picture of the author pmbrent
    If the person never really came back and provided a review then I would definetely think something was up.
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    • Profile picture of the author Tina Golden
      Paul,

      On a slightly different note but still about posting in WSOs... what about people who post similar to, "sounds good but waiting for reviews", etc.?

      I believe that is unnecessary and could be damaging to a WSO as it plants a seed of doubt. That seems unfair to me. Very few of them come back to buy - I've had the same thing in my own threads and not once has any of these bought even after a bunch of reviews.

      I've started reporting these, with my reasons given in the report, but I'd like to get it from the horse's mouth, so to speak.

      Am I off-base on this?
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      • Profile picture of the author Sid Hale
        Hey Tina,

        Originally Posted by Tina Golden View Post

        On a slightly different note but still about posting in WSOs... what about people who post similar to, "sounds good but waiting for reviews", etc.?
        Not to mention that anyone who subscribes to the thread (in order to see when legitimate reviews are posted, or answers to questions that have been raised by others), gets notified every time someone posts something like that.

        If you're "waiting for reviews", then by all means - wait!

        There are a lot of really meaningless comments made, above and beyond your specific example, that neither ask a question, nor offer any substantial input to the thread.

        Hopefully, all of these can be addressed.
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        • Profile picture of the author Tina Golden
          Originally Posted by Sid Hale View Post


          There are a lot of really meaningless comments made, above and beyond your specific example, that neither ask a question, nor offer any substantial input to the thread.

          Hopefully, all of these can be addressed.
          I've often reported these types because it's generally pretty obvious that it was signature spammers. However, with the "waiting for reviews" stuff, I just wasn't sure.

          I know how I felt about those but didn't know if it struck others the same way or not.
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      • Profile picture of the author ShayB
        Originally Posted by Tina Golden View Post

        Paul,

        On a slightly different note but still about posting in WSOs... what about people who post similar to, "sounds good but waiting for reviews", etc.?

        I believe that is unnecessary and could be damaging to a WSO as it plants a seed of doubt. That seems unfair to me. Very few of them come back to buy - I've had the same thing in my own threads and not once has any of these bought even after a bunch of reviews.

        I've started reporting these, with my reasons given in the report, but I'd like to get it from the horse's mouth, so to speak.

        Am I off-base on this?
        I feel the same way.

        Lots of people will wait for reviews - and that's fine. We want to see some social proof.

        But posting that you're waiting for a review gives an air of skepticism (IMHO) and I think it taints the thread.

        JMHO and YMMV
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  • Profile picture of the author Mike Hill
    Personally I think Mike Lantz would care and want to know about the people doing this. There is a huge message when approving affiliates in the WSOPRO system and by that message alone I think Mike cares about who's approved.

    Mike Hill
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  • Profile picture of the author kevinw1
    Tina, aren't those the people who are simply posting to get their sigs seen - which no longer works, so in theory the volume of them should decrease.
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  • Profile picture of the author Ken Leatherman
    You know it never ceases to amaze me the links that folks go too to abuse someone who is trying to make an honest buck. I cannot for the life of me come up with a legitimate or even a non-legitimate reason to do either one.

    I guess I expect everyone to be honest, even though I realize a certain percentage of the warrior village will have a "criminal" mindset. Just as a certain percentage of the worlds population has a "criminal" mindset.

    Or then they may not have a "criminal" mindset but are just plain too darn lazy to do the work them self or come up with an original product of their own. Well I guess that is enough negative thinking on my part, but I still can't come up with a "honest" reason to "reserve" the 2nd post of a WSO for a review.

    Good conversation, Brian.

    Ken Leatherman

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    • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
      Tina,

      I think reporting those is an excellent idea. They serve no constructive purpose.

      You tick 'em, I'll kick 'em.


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      • Profile picture of the author R Hagel
        Good catch, Brian!

        I haven't wandered into the WSO section lately, so I haven't seen those "reserved" spots. That's ridiculous. Even if not used for self-serving/promotional purposes, it just seems silly to think that one's review is so important that it need to be placed near the top of the the thread.

        As Andy said, the OP will often snag the best reviews and put them into the original sales letter or in the second post. No need for random members to reserve spots in someone else's thread.

        Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

        You tick 'em, I'll kick 'em.
        Something tickled me about that line. Immediately after I read it, similar lines started floating through my head, like:

        We tag 'em, you bag 'em.

        We report 'em, you deport 'em.

        We note 'em, you demote 'em.

        ~Becky
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        • Profile picture of the author Dennis Gaskill
          Originally Posted by R Hagel View Post

          tickled me about that line. Immediately after I read it, similar lines started floating through my head, like:

          We tag 'em, you bag 'em.

          We report 'em, you deport 'em.

          We note 'em, you demote 'em.

          ~Becky
          Now you got me started:

          We sting 'em, you string 'em.

          We flag 'em, you gag 'em.

          We show 'em, you bl...

          Well, maybe not that last one.
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  • Profile picture of the author TheKeys
    I think that's crazy. I don't think that's wise at all especially for members that have paid for that service.
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  • Profile picture of the author Yogini
    Good observation and this is a different note but I've seen wsos run by either students in a coaching program or people in a mastermind group that have a bunch of posts from others in that group giving good reviews early on in the thread. This seems to be planned and a way to create social proof artificially.

    Debbie
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    • Profile picture of the author VanessaB
      Originally Posted by Yogini View Post

      Good observation and this is a different note but I've seen wsos run by either students in a coaching program or people in a mastermind group that have a bunch of posts from others in that group giving good reviews early on in the thread. This seems to be planned and a way to create social proof artificially.

      Debbie
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      • Profile picture of the author VanessaB
        Paul,
        I just thought of a very legitimate reason someone might do that.

        The other day, in a mastermind group I'm in, a developer thought the code to one if his own plugins had been ripped off. Upon investigation, he was correct.

        Perhaps the person 'reserving' the first spot 'suspects' that the product might be stolen, and so buys it to compare and investigate and wants to reserve the first review spot to be able to report that after investigation, has discovered it is in fact stolen property.

        I've seen about 3 products stolen recently, 2 proven, 1 not, so I could see that happening... especially if the 'reserver' thinks it's THEIR product being sold, or even if they're just watching another marketers back, as we're all encouraged to do here.

        -Dani
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        • Profile picture of the author Sid Hale
          Hey Dani,

          Originally Posted by DanielleS View Post

          I just thought of a very legitimate reason someone might do that.

          The other day, in a mastermind group I'm in, a developer thought the code to one if his own plugins had been ripped off. Upon investigation, he was correct.

          Perhaps the person 'reserving' the first spot 'suspects' that the product might be stolen, and so buys it to compare and investigate and wants to reserve the first review spot to be able to report that after investigation, has discovered it is in fact stolen property.
          That is a legitimate reason (IMHO), but useless until after any investigation is done... At that time, a much more productive action is to report the WSO to the admin or one of the moderators, and get it pulled.

          The product owner could still post his allegations at the bottom of the thread, and also notify via PM, the person running the WSO that their thread had been reported.
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        • Profile picture of the author Ken Strong
          This is really stretching... if a product has been stolen and you can prove it, just report the thread or contact the Help Desk. It's not like the mods are going to say, "Sorry, you didn't post about it until #19, so it's too late to do anything about it."

          Other than the thread owner reserving spot #2 for FAQ, I can't really think of any reason anyone should be reserving post spots in any section at any time...

          Everyone needs to be really careful about posting any kind of allegations in a WSO thread. You better have some pretty good proof ready before you trash someone's WSO. Just report it instead of starting an argument in the thread.


          Originally Posted by DanielleS View Post

          Paul,
          I just thought of a very legitimate reason someone might do that.

          The other day, in a mastermind group I'm in, a developer thought the code to one if his own plugins had been ripped off. Upon investigation, he was correct.

          Perhaps the person 'reserving' the first spot 'suspects' that the product might be stolen, and so buys it to compare and investigate and wants to reserve the first review spot to be able to report that after investigation, has discovered it is in fact stolen property.

          I've seen about 3 products stolen recently, 2 proven, 1 not, so I could see that happening... especially if the 'reserver' thinks it's THEIR product being sold, or even if they're just watching another marketers back, as we're all encouraged to do here.

          -Dani
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          • Profile picture of the author VanessaB
            Ken,

            It's not about whether the Help Desk will or won't resolve it (although one of the people that this happened to waited quite some time for any response from support anyway), it's about the fact that the person selling the stolen property is profiting from a property that the true owner should be profiting from during the time it takes for support to address it (they're probably pretty busy). And that that first spot will stop customers from lining the pockets of the person who ripped off the product.

            -Dani
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            • Profile picture of the author ShayB
              Originally Posted by DanielleS View Post

              Ken,

              It's not about whether the Help Desk will or won't resolve it (although one of the people that this happened to waited quite some time for any response from support anyway), it's about the fact that the person selling the stolen property is profiting from a property that the true owner should be profiting from during the time it takes for support to address it (they're probably pretty busy). And that that first spot will stop customers from lining the pockets of the person who ripped off the product.

              -Dani
              ....correct me if I'm wrong, but without proof, the WSO isn't going to be pulled. Not only that, but if someone starts trouble in the thread and the allegation is unfounded/unproven it would be damaging to the WSO seller.

              I think that it's a bad idea to allow a trend like that (reserving the top spot for allegations)to take place. In fact, just reserving the spot - even if no allegations are made - could be seen as a covert "I think this WSO is stolen" sign.

              JMHO, of course. I'm not a mod.
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              • Profile picture of the author VanessaB
                Shay,
                I certainly don't mean anyone should post "I'm reserving this thread because I think the product might be stolen." I'm simply saying that if I saw what looked exactly like my product, I might be inclined to say "reserved for review," while I purchased and reviewed it, and if it was mine, I would clearly state that in a WSO thread in an effort to stop buyers from buying from the person trying to profit off selling my stuff.

                -Dani
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                • Profile picture of the author ShayB
                  Originally Posted by DanielleS View Post

                  Shay,
                  I certainly don't mean anyone should post "I'm reserving this thread because I think the product might be stolen." I'm simply saying that if I saw what looked exactly like my product, I might be inclined to say "reserved for review," while I purchased and reviewed it, and if it was mine, I would clearly state that in a WSO thread in an effort to stop buyers from buying from the person trying to profit off selling my stuff.

                  -Dani
                  I understand what you were saying, and certainly you wouldn't use the phrase of "reserving to see if this was stolen."

                  But if it is seen as a trend that people are saying "reserved for review" when they MEAN is "reserving because I think this was stolen" it could get that negative connotation.

                  Plus, the mods have no way of knowing the motives behind the reservation.

                  I don't see it as a reason to allow a reservation of the top spot for a review.

                  JMHO and YMMV
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                  • Profile picture of the author VanessaB
                    Neither do I Shay, I was just commenting on what could be a legitimate reason to do so.

                    -Dani
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            • Profile picture of the author Sid Hale
              Hey Dani,

              Originally Posted by DanielleS View Post

              ... it's about the fact that the person selling the stolen property is profiting from a property that the true owner should be profiting from during the time it takes for support to address it (they're probably pretty busy). And that that first spot will stop customers from lining the pockets of the person who ripped off the product.
              Still not good enough. No action should be taken by the true owner, in the thread itself. They potentially open themselves up to civil action by doing so, and I don't think a moderator is likely to let such a post stand (having negative repercussions on the WSO), without first having made their case to the forum staff.

              Read the following...

              Originally Posted by Ken Strong View Post

              Everyone needs to be really careful about posting any kind of allegations in a WSO thread. You better have some pretty good proof ready before you trash someone's WSO. Just report it instead of starting an argument in the thread.
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              • Profile picture of the author VanessaB
                Still not good enough?

                Excuse me?

                I believe that would be up to Allen and his moderators.

                And if someone was stealing my stuff, I certainly would speak up about it if it were deemed allowed by Allen and his moderators.

                -Dani

                The Billy Bad A&& Syndrome Is Becoming An Epidemic.
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                • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
                  Originally Posted by DanielleS View Post

                  Still not good enough?

                  Excuse me?

                  I believe that would be up to Allen and his moderators.

                  And if someone was stealing my stuff, I certainly would speak up about it if it were deemed allowed by Allen and his moderators.

                  -Dani

                  The Billy Bad A&& Syndrome Is Becoming An Epidemic.
                  And you're proving it's contagious.



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                  • Profile picture of the author JohnMcCabe
                    Ignoring Billy and his gang...

                    If people would put half the effort and skull sweat into doing things the right way that they put into finding ways to cheat, they wouldn't have to cheat.
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                    • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
                      Dani,

                      Here's a problem no-one else has mentioned: People who want to cheat will always find ways to sound like the most honest people around. If they'll steal, why wouldn't they lie?

                      If you allow things for certain reasons, it's likely the creeps will claim those as their reasons if they're called on it.


                      Paul
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                      • Profile picture of the author VanessaB
                        Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

                        Dani,

                        Here's a problem no-one else has mentioned: People who want to cheat will always find ways to sound like the most honest people around. If they'll steal, why wouldn't they lie?

                        If you allow things for certain reasons, it's likely the creeps will claim those as their reasons if they're called on it.


                        Paul
                        True Paul. Very true. It was just something I thought might be someone's reason for 'reserving' the thread space.

                        -Dani
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    • Profile picture of the author Tina Golden
      Originally Posted by Yogini View Post

      Good observation and this is a different note but I've seen wsos run by either students in a coaching program or people in a mastermind group that have a bunch of posts from others in that group giving good reviews early on in the thread. This seems to be planned and a way to create social proof artificially.

      Debbie
      Debbie, perhaps you are not a member of any such groups but I think you're misunderstanding this behavior. I belong to several Skype groups now and there is one in particular that I'm thinking of.

      When I create a new product, I almost automatically share it with that particular group because I know these people and trust them. They will give me HONEST feedback every time - no pats on the back or "little white lies" to save my feelings.

      Sometimes those people will then post a review in my thread. I don't ask for it and certainly don't EXPECT it, but they do... IF they found what I had to offer of value.

      There's nothing wrong with that. I have rarely seen that abused on the WSO section. When I get suspicious is when all those instant reviews are from very new people or accounts that have been around for a long time but with very few posts. Those often turn out to be the OP with multiple accounts or his buddies with multiple accounts.
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