Your Given A Review Copy - Have You Ever Left A Negative Review? | Warrior Forum - The #1 Digital Marketing Forum & Marketplace

13 years ago

This is a very good question. I do notice that many WSO's get a mixed bunch of good and bad reviews. So I typically think that the reviews are honest.

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UMS

13 years ago

I once took up the offer of a review copy of a WordPress plugin in return for an honest review.

I posted the review in the WSO that was perhaps a little too honest for the creator and he requested that I delete it.

My tip with WSO's is to wait a week or two and go to the end of the thread. If there are problems with the product, they'll generally start surfacing then.

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Kronom 13 years ago

I normally get a private email address and then say exactly what I think about a product if there is something not quite to my liking...
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PatriciaJ 13 years ago

I was once asked to review an ebook and it was so long and boring that I just couldn't get through the 200+ pages. I kept getting reminders by the author and I kept trying again but every page was excrutiatingly tedious and to read them was like pulling teeth.

In the end I was polite and told the author that I was struggling to find time to read it. I gained absolutely nothing from the product and should have been honest. Maybe there was some good stuff in there but further on. I couldn't say for sure if it was good or not but I could say for sure that it wasn't for me.

I'm usually pretty honest about things but I don't like to leave negative feedback on sales threads just in case it's me that's wrong, and I think that a lot of people are like that. I believe that the only real feedback here or elsewhere is from paying customers, the review copy bunch I take with a pinch of salt and sometimes the first few are from friends of the seller and I don't think that those should count.

I think that UMS is right when he says wait a week or two to see if there are reports of problems, or genuine feedback. But even then you can't believe everything. The direst, crappiest articles that I've ever paid for came from a very popular WSO that gets tons of good feedback going on about quality and I can't understand why.

The other side of the coin is that I've bought some great WSOs that have had little feedback or interest.
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- QuickSurf 13 years ago
  
  I've given both positive and negative reviews on stuff bought, and review copies sent. Too many times on here there seems to be a "group" of people that must pat each other on the backs , since they leave almost the same canned reviews for each others products and others :rolleyes: . What's funny is when after their raving reviews, the threads has true reviews come in showing how the wso is junk lol, like just happened with a huge thread on here that is now "poof".
  
  I just recently had some putz send me a review copy saying he came up with this and that method etc, ended up being a compressed rip (even the examples) of a ebook I already had and b/c of that I was the only one to call him out, while others left their pre-reviews. I told him if you release it, I'll notify the mods... sure enough he didn't. He didn't use the system, just tried to make a quick buck off Warriors.
  
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Jeff Henshaw 13 years ago

When I have been asked to review a product, then I review it impartially and give what I feel is honest feedback and constructive criticism.

I can only give my own opinion on a product and this may be different to other reviewers' feelings. That is why I try to give reasons for what I like and reasons for what I don't like. I only send my review to the person who has asked me for the review.

I have only been asked to review two Warrior products, as I can recall, but I have never posted about them on the forum and have allowed the product provider to quote from my review (if they so desire), provided that they show me in advance what they will be 'quoting', just so things don't get out of context. Obviously the products I reviewed were IMHO of 'merchantable quality' or I would have advised the provider(s) of my opinion.

On the other hand, if I purchase a product from the forum and feel a review is required, I will post it direct to the forum; again in as constructive a way as possible, even if the negative out-weighs the positive!

Personally, I don't like to review products given me to review, mainly because it takes up too much of my time to do it properly. At least if I buy a product, then it is something that I want and simply by using it, I am reviewing it anyway.

Just my thoughts,

Jeff.
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- troy23 13 years ago
  
  If you think the product is a pile of crap then leave a negative review.
  It's time these people were named and shamed.
  
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  JohnMcCabe 13 years ago
  
  Publicly, no. I have left reviews that contained negative points, but I also included my reasons.
  
  On the occasions I do make time to check something out, it's with the understanding that my feedback will be both honest and private. If they want a public review, they get the whole review, not just the good stuff. I also disclose that I received a review copy.
  
  I can only remember one time when someone approached me with an offer of a review copy, conditional on posting a positive review at a specific time. When I offered my standard terms, I never heard from them again...
  
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Bruce NewMedia

13 years ago

Originally Posted by UMS

I once took up the offer of a review copy of a WordPress plugin in return for an honest review.

I posted the review in the WSO that was perhaps a little too honest for the creator and he requested that I delete it....

I had a similar thing happen, quite awhile ago.

I was sent a review copy, and while I thought the product contained some pluses (which I noted, overall I thought it was only 'fair' as products like this go. I said so in the review, and a day later the wso seller closed the wso...and reopened it 2 days later with a new listing, so my review was, of course, gone!
_____
Bruce

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sbucciarel

Banned 13 years ago

I don't take review copies. If I want something, I buy it and then I am free to leave an unbiased review.

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Michael Shook

13 years ago

I have had a couple of review copies of things that I just couldn't leave a really good review for, so I did not leave a review at all.

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komplex

Banned 13 years ago

Originally Posted by JMichaelZ

I have had a couple of review copies of things that I just couldn't leave a really good review for, so I did not leave a review at all.

This is the best advice posted above.

Just apologize, and say I don't feel like your product or service is worth a review. I don't want to offend you and I appreciate your offer but I was not pleased with how it performed and don't want to leave a negative review which could further hurt your sales. Someone else might find it useful, but for me it wasn't helpful for what it is.

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shane_k

13 years ago

Originally Posted by komplex

I don't want to offend you and I appreciate your offer but I was not pleased with how it performed and don't want to leave a negative review which could further hurt your sales.

So you don't want to give this person an "honest" review even if their product is no good, because you don't want to hurt their feelings? And you don't want to hurt their sales?

Thank You!

Thank you for allowing this person with a low quality product to cheat the rest of us out of our hard earned money.

I am amazed that some of you think this way.

If you are too scared or to sensitive to give someone an honest review because you might hurt their feelings, or god forbid it might hurt their sales then DON'T ASK OR ACCEPT REVIEW COPIES FROM THEM

Geez c'mon people!

If I say I will give an honest review I will.

Giving an honest review...

Allows the creator of the product to make improvements, allowing them to put out a better product thus making more money for themselves, and improving their credibility and that in the long run is the best for them.

Protects the rest of us on this forum from wasting our time and money on low quality products or systems that just don't work.

Creates a standard of credibility and integrity that in the long run will benefit the all of us.

If the WSO section becomes known as a place that has no integrity in the reviews offered, in the long run that will hurt everyone, sales will drop, poeple will stay away, are we willing to allow that to happen?

Shane_K

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J Cohen

13 years ago

Originally Posted by shane_k

So you don't want to give this person an "honest" review even if their product is no good, because you don't want to hurt their feelings? And you don't want to hurt their sales?

Thank You!

Thank you for allowing this person with a low quality product to cheat the rest of us out of our hard earned money.

I am amazed that some of you think this way.

If you are too scared or to sensitive to give someone an honest review because you might hurt their feelings, or god forbid it might hurt their sales then DON'T ASK OR ACCEPT REVIEW COPIES FROM THEM

Geez c'mon people!

If I say I will give an honest review I will.

Giving an honest review...

Allows the creator of the product to make improvements, allowing them to put out a better product thus making more money for themselves, and improving their credibility and that in the long run is the best for them.

Protects the rest of us on this forum from wasting our time and money on low quality products or systems that just don't work.

Creates a standard of credibility and integrity that in the long run will benefit the all of us.

If the WSO section becomes known as a place that has no integrity in the reviews offered, in the long run that will hurt everyone, sales will drop, poeple will stay away, are we willing to allow that to happen?

Shane_K

I feel you should contact the seller first to give them a chance to rectify any problems.

If this doesn't happen you should post an honest and open review on the thread.

Jay

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Craig Roberts Banned 13 years ago

Originally Posted by sbucciarel

I don't take review copies. If I want something, I buy it and then I am free to leave an unbiased review.

I take the exact same approach as this lady..I rather buy and leave comments then take a copy and feel obliged..
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manicmethods

13 years ago

Look at my previous posts. I am pretty brutal in my WSO reviews. Basically, if it's good, I will give it a lot of praise, and if it's bad I will not umm and aah about it. I'll say how **** it is.

I'm a little fed up with people just giving good reviews for **** products. The WSO section should be full of useful information and not people constantly looking to earn a quick buck.

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andynathan

13 years ago

I would try and keep it private. Whether you like the product or not they gave it to you because they trusted you. Do your best to guide them and not hurt their product at the same time. Use the forum as a last resort.

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Regional Warrior

13 years ago

Originally Posted by andynathan

I would try and keep it private. Whether you like the product or not they gave it to you because they trusted you. Do your best to guide them and not hurt their product at the same time. Use the forum as a last resort.

Andy

Really

How does this help either the buyer or the owner ! if a product is bad and you have been asked to leave a review then IMO you should either good or bad

If you let the owner of the product know there are flaws it does give them time to fix it , I was asked to review a system that had a lot of videos went through them and in all of them the person went wizzing around the screen with his mouse that you would have to stop go back to see what he did.

After I told him of this he was shocked and re did them and it was so much better , then I review it again and let a very good review on the WSO thread of the product open and honest.

Jason

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sal64

13 years ago

I get PM'ed almost daily with people offering review copies.

Frankly, here's what I do...

I don't respond to them if I don't know who they are. There is no relationship, so why should I take up valuable time for a complete stranger to make more money?

I will only review from trusted people - simple. People who go the effort to help me and build some rapport.

I have found that almost all the reviews where I have suggested improvements have been ignored. So why ask me if you don't want to hear the truth? Or are you just fishing for positive reviews?

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Istvan Horvath

13 years ago

I never ask for any "review copies" - even if they are offered in a WSO thread.

Occasionally, I was approached by some sellers in private (PM) asking me to review their product. If they just went by my post numbers and never bothered to know anything about me, i.e. asking to review something in a field I have no knowledge about... eventually, if I replied I pointed out how dumb they were

If it was something that I might have some knowledge about (e.g. WP) in my reply I always clarify:
- I can take a look and give them an honest feedback
- absolutely NO guarantee it will be a 'raving review'
- will tell them AFTER I see it if I agree to use my feedback as a 'testimonial'
- if my conditions are not accepted do NOT send me the product

My feedback is always brutally honest, no nice talk, juts to the point.
I suspect the "news" is out among the wannabe sellers that I am not a "review copy prostitute" (as I could name a few that show up in almost every WSO thread!) - so I get less and less requests

Because they never want an honest feedback, they are after "raving reviews".

Oh, and if I buy a WSO, most likely I found it in a sig of a member that I trust: tools, scripts...

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getbusy

13 years ago

Originally Posted by J Cohen

Hi All

I was just wondering what you would do in this situation.

Let's say an aquaintaince on here gave you a copy of their WSO product for review.

After reviewing the product you feel it has many flaws or maybe it's just some old product rehashed. You contact them and point out its faults but instead of improving the product they go ahead and list the WSO anyhow.

Would you leave or have you ever left a neagative review in this instance. Or because you know them do you just stay out of the thread?

The reason for the question is I am wondering how much emphasis should be placed on reviews when looking at WSO's

Jay

In this case what I do is nothing... right or wrong that's what I choose to do myself.

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DNChamp

13 years ago

Depends.....when doing reviews you got to be honest so if they make a mistake I will PM them to see if they will correct it....if they do I advise they did in the review....if they dont they get what they gave me...

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WSOReview

Banned 13 years ago

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Martin Luxton

13 years ago

I told one well-known IMer that I couldn't give him a review because he blatantly talked about how he lied on his websites and he also recommended doing a couple of other things that were illegal (and stupid).

The product went on to become a bestseller.

Martin

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J Bold

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Martin Luxton

I told one well-known IMer that I couldn't give him a review because he blatantly talked about how he lied on his websites and he also recommended doing a couple of other things that were illegal (and stupid).

The product went on to become a bestseller.

Martin

Care to share the WSO?

I'm too curious for my own good, he he.

You can PM if you like.

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Kal Sallam 13 years ago

Originally Posted by redicelander

Care to share the WSO?

I'm too curious for my own good, he he.

You can PM if you like.

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Same here very interested in knowing the truth.

Best-seller!
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Adie

13 years ago

I will give not purely negative but recommendations on how to improve the product... I will do it in private....

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Scott Burton

13 years ago

If I am given a copy with a request for a review, then I will give my opinions, my views, in absolute honesty. I don't post it publicly unless the review was supposed to be public. Normally, when I am asked for a review or feedback, I am asked privately. So my response is private.

If the creator makes it public that's their choice. But I view their asking me for input, they want me to be critical where it's needed and give that criticism in a way that they can improve the product..

I've been quoted out of context once. When I brought that quote to the attention of the quoter that I felt they were misleading with the quote, they amended it by removing part of the quote, and including the qualifying statement that was appropriate.

Maybe I've been fortunate in that regard. but I always believe that if I am asked for a review, it's not just for marketing/testimonial purposes. Most people want to know if there is a way to improve the product.

So yes, I will give a completely, sometimes brutally, honest review and critique.

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JeanneLynn

13 years ago

I worry about this. I have a few review copies of future WSOs in my PM box that I will review this weekend. I guess if I reviewed a really bad product, I'd probably PM my feedback privately. The WSOs I've already reviewed have all been great so far. I'm relatively new to IM though, so I wouldn't really know if something was rehashed or not.

I probably won't do too many reviews anymore now that I've joined the War Room. I've got enough goodies in there to keep me busy for years!

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Istvan Horvath

13 years ago

Originally Posted by JeanneLynn

I worry about this. I have a few review copies of future WSOs in my PM box that I will review this weekend. I guess if I reviewed a really bad product, I'd probably PM my feedback privately. The WSOs I've already reviewed have all been great so far. I'm relatively new to IM though, so I wouldn't really know if something was rehashed or not.

How comes that being "relatively new" (read: inexperienced, lack of knowledge) in IM... you get several review requests?

Why would any seller ask a review from you?

(just wondering, nothing personal, trying to figure out the logic...)

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JeanneLynn

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Istvan Horvath

How comes that being "relatively new" (read: inexperienced, lack of knowledge) in IM... you get several review requests?

Why would any seller ask a review from you?

(just wondering, nothing personal, trying to figure out the logic...)

I volunteered to review some.

On some subforums, they post looking for volunteers. A bunch of people usually ask for them and the seller picks the people who receive them. Most of the time, they have stipulations to prevent a newbie from receiving a review copy though.

I reviewed several WSOs last month and they were great! I learned how to build a Wordpress site with video tutorials in about an hour. Prior to this, I only had a blogger site. Now I have 12 domains! I'm obsessed.

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vtotheyouknow

13 years ago

Originally Posted by J Cohen

Hi All

I was just wondering what you would do in this situation.

Let's say an aquaintaince on here gave you a copy of their WSO product for review.

After reviewing the product you feel it has many flaws or maybe it's just some old product rehashed. You contact them and point out its faults but instead of improving the product they go ahead and list the WSO anyhow.

Would you leave or have you ever left a neagative review in this instance. Or because you know them do you just stay out of the thread?

The reason for the question is I am wondering how much emphasis should be placed on reviews when looking at WSO's

Jay

If somebody offers you a review copy, you're under NO obligation to write a glowing review!

If the product stinks and you think people oughta know about it, you're free to voice your opinion (and for the sake of your reputation, do it in the most objective, unpersonal [sic] way possible).

You may feel pressured to lie but don't. This is the Warrior Forum, dammit and there are still plenty of Warriors contributing to a culture of honesty and integrity! Don't go to the dark side or you might find yourself impersonating Cindy69xoxo on Craigslist to pay your phone bill.

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kiteg2

13 years ago

Seems there are a lot of people in this forum that don't like Honesty.
I had a post removed and was threatened lifetime ban.
Not sure what the post was(didn’t even get the courtesy of telling me what it was, nor the option of rebuttal/comment as I do not have 50 posts) but I think it was a comment (in similar vein to a lot of others in the same thread) “about checking the forums to see feedback before buying. Oh and he sniffs and snivels his way all through the webinar. “
Seems like honesty is not ok with some people here if you don’t have 50 posts and will accept getting threatened and give up.

I personally believe the person with the most integrity will win in the long run.

But an acquaintance...that’s damn hard. Judgment call.

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BrianMcLeod 13 years ago

Originally Posted by kiteg2

Seems there are a lot of people in this forum that don't like Honesty.
I had a post removed and was threatened lifetime ban.

Right...

You screw up. You get whacked. WE'RE the problem.

And we don't like honesty.

Honestly...
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ghostrecon

13 years ago

If the review is negative, I usually tell the author privately. Posting a bad public review, doesn't really add much value to anybody. At least notifying the author privately they can work out the kinks and you end up giving valuable feedback.

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Chri5123

13 years ago

Originally Posted by J Cohen

Hi All

I was just wondering what you would do in this situation.

Let's say an aquaintaince on here gave you a copy of their WSO product for review.

After reviewing the product you feel it has many flaws or maybe it's just some old product rehashed. You contact them and point out its faults but instead of improving the product they go ahead and list the WSO anyhow.

Would you leave or have you ever left a neagative review in this instance. Or because you know them do you just stay out of the thread?

The reason for the question is I am wondering how much emphasis should be placed on reviews when looking at WSO's

Jay

Hey Jay,

Good post.

I would personally not leave them a bad review if the product was terrible.

I would contact them and tell them that I am unable to leave them a good review because of x,y,z and suggest you change the product etc...

However if it was a sound system and a case that misc things like the videos were small in some places, or it might not be for everyone in my opinion I would leave the review.

So if the product was AWFUL I would let them know - if the product was good but just a few areas needed improving in my opinion I would leave the review.

Chris

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Zaheera

13 years ago

Hi,

I think its our right to give any review either good or bad or even no review. No anybody have a right to enforce us for the good review.

Buyers have a freedom to give a unbaised review/ feedback. But i think if the review is bad so don't be published, say him privately that his product has that deficiency, kindly improve it.

and if you want to publish it to public than take it as a Neutral Statement. Because bad news message must be start with Neutral statement and end with curtsy closing.

I think its good behavior of buyer

Regards,
Zaheera

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Azarna 13 years ago

I have been put off buying a lot of WSOs simply because of the stream of 'glowing' reviews that follow them. I just don't believe it, sorry.

I would expect any product to get at least some teeny negative comment. Even if it were a bit silly like "I only like things in Times New Roman fonts, and this wasn't" (yes, I saw this on something once, lol) or "Not quite as suitable for someone like me as I had hoped, but would be ok for a newbie"

I just don't believe that a dozen people can review an item and all of them think it is totally perfect. Maybe this is the case, but I am very cynical, heh

So someone expressing a wee negative feeling can actually boost my opinon of a product, oddly.
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JohnMcCabe

13 years ago

Originally Posted by kiteg2

Seems there are a lot of people in this forum that don't like Honesty.
I had a post removed and was threatened lifetime ban.
Not sure what the post was(didn't even get the courtesy of telling me what it was, nor the option of rebuttal/comment as I do not have 50 posts) but I think it was a comment (in similar vein to a lot of others in the same thread) "about checking the forums to see feedback before buying. Oh and he sniffs and snivels his way all through the webinar. "
Seems like honesty is not ok with some people here if you don't have 50 posts and will accept getting threatened and give up.

I personally believe the person with the most integrity will win in the long run.

But an acquaintance...that's damn hard. Judgment call.

Unless you outright lied (and the seller could prove it), or you made personal attacks, your post should have stayed. And the only ones who can ban you are the moderators, not the sellers.

If you (or anyone else) posts a review of a product you own (or were given a review copy), and the seller demands it be removed or threatens you, report it.

> If the demand/threat is posted in the thread itself, use the little triangle button under the poster's username.

> If the demand/threat is via PM, there should be a triangle button in the bar above the message.

> If the demand/threat is via email or some other outside contact, report it via the help desk and be ready to provide evidence (copies of emails, chat transcripts, screen shots, etc.)

If you post an honest review of a product, without attacking the creator personally, you should have nothing to worry about.

Keep in mind, though, that there's a difference between:

"This is a crappy product that advocates violating a service's TOS"

and

"This seller is a scumbag crook you should avoid like the plague - and he's ugly, too!"

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BIG Mike

Banned 13 years ago

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Michael Oksa

13 years ago

Originally Posted by BIG Mike

A proper review will objectively discuss both the good and points of a given product (it has nothing to do with the author). A review is different from a comment or a testimonial, which does not need to be objective and is emotionally driven.

I stopped wasting my time doing reviews because WSO authors are not really looking for an objective one and want to get into a pissing match over any negative point, no matter how small it is.

I've yet to see or buy the "Perfect" product online or off in any market. I've bought a lot of really great products, but they've all had a few negative points as well - just not important enough to counter the positive ones.

Anyone giving WSO reviews who only does so to placate the author (and to get a free product) doesn't deserve to be trusted. You should be bitchslapped for lying to the community, and then shown the door.

For you newbies doing reviews, you don't realize you're being taken advantage of - stop doing reviews unless you're willing to go the distance and do them properly.

Mike, I love those kinds of reviews. I take the feedback to heart and use it to make changes. Unfortunately, those types of reviews are harder to get than I would like. However, I am seeing a few potential leads to review my next offering.

To everyone who refuses to post a "bad" review: YOU are part of the problem!

All the best,
Michael

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Don Luis Banned 13 years ago

I once received a crappy copy of a service in which I volunteered to write a review. I told the service provider that I can't post my honest review because it would put him in a bad light.

I could have posted a negative review but I'm sure it would have affected his business badly. It's a difficult situation because if I'm honest and post an honest review, prospective buyers will be warned and they will be able to practice due diligence before buying, but the service provider or product creator will lose business.

So I suggest that you should make your own judgment call. It's up to you whether you leave an honest review or just decline making one. But don't ever write a dishonest or fake review.
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SmallBusinessCoach

13 years ago

I agree that it's helpful when both positive and negative points are included in a review.

Often the issue is how negative points are made. If these are stated as what else could have been included, it helps both the author and those reading the review.

Your Small Business Coach

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Justin Lavoie

13 years ago

I remember when I started this IM business I bought a WSO based on the reviews given by the reviewers ...It was something like "Make 10'000$ in just 4 clicks!!!" The guy had like 1'200 copies sold at that moment in like 3 days... I bought it and did exactly what was written in it .... oh man, what a ride.

After at least 500 dollars invested and around 40 hours of work later I am probably at 54'677 clicks now and have made a nice 88$ in 4 months and working my $%* off to make it work because it was simply not gonna work at all if I had followed the plan...it was FAR from being automated like it was supposed to be...it was simply a pointless method, a beginner's trap. So I kept the basic but changed everythin else...that when it finally got a bit better but still there is a lot if work to be done.

Since that day, I dont give ANY credit to reviewers on the first page of a WSO thread, all I see now is bullcrap in my mind, even though I sure some of them are fully honest.. I wait a bit and see what the buyers say in the next couple of pages.. or simply buy only from someone who is known for top quality products.

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shane_k

13 years ago

Originally Posted by wolfez

I remember when I started this IM business I bought a WSO based on the reviews given by the reviewers ...It was something like "Make 10'000$ in just 4 clicks!!!" The guy had like 1'200 copies sold at that moment in like 3 days... I bought it and did exactly what was written in it .... oh man, what a ride.

After at least 500 dollars invested and around 40 hours of work later I am probably at 54'677 clicks now and have made a nice 88$ in 4 months and working my $%* off to make it work because it was simply not gonna work at all if I had followed the plan...it was FAR from being automated like it was supposed to be...it was simply a pointless method, a beginner's trap. So I kept the basic but changed everythin else...that when it finally got a bit better but still there is a lot if work to be done.

Since that day, I dont give ANY credit to reviewers on the first page of a WSO thread, all I see now is bullcrap in my mind, even though I sure some of them are fully honest.. I wait a bit and see what the buyers say in the next couple of pages.. or simply buy only from someone who is known for top quality products.

Your post is the exact reason why I would post an honest review good or bad.
For all you people out there who don't want to post a bad review because it might affect someones sales, well what about people like our fellow warrior here?
Does he not deserve just as much respect as a seller?
Does he not deserve to see an honest review? a review that would have saved him tonnes of time, energy, money, frustration, etc

yes he does

Shane_K

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Dr Dan

13 years ago

If I found no value in it at all, then I would just not leave a review.

Reason #1: I didnt pay for it and if I didnt like it then why should I bash something that I didnt even pay for?

Reason #2: If other buyers think it sucks then they will say so.

Reason #3: I am too busy to go around reviewing every single product. I choose to only leave a review for the ones I like.

Why should I contribute to all the negativity out there already? Personally I am too busy making things happen and dont want to waste my time.

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Chri5123

13 years ago

Originally Posted by Dr Dan

If I found no value in it at all, then I would just not leave a review.

Reason #1: I didnt pay for it and if I didnt like it then why should I bash something that I didnt even pay for?

Reason #2: If other buyers think it sucks then they will say so.

Reason #3: I am too busy to go around reviewing every single product. I choose to only leave a review for the ones I like.

Why should I contribute to all the negativity out there already? Personally I am too busy making things happen and dont want to waste my time.

I agree with this pretty much except I would get in touch with the seller (the person that asked me to review first).

Here is my reasons:

We are all here to help each other right?

We are ALL in the world of marketing.

If someone asked me to review their product then they must want MY opinion.

If MY opinion is bad then I will tell THEM.

Not to do a disservice to all future customers but to tell THEM as requested my review and thoughts.

If the product is bad more than just review it I will probably give my thoughts and how they should improve it (in my opinion).

If they choose to then market the product in a bad state that is up to THEM.

Based on my review it will not make them a better person if they are going to do this.

Personally I like to give people the benefit of the doubt, it might of been an honest mistake or inexperience etc...

I would hope that fellow Warriors would do the same for me.

Not as a favor or to pull the wool over customers eyes or anything like that but because we can all HELP each other grow...

Just a thread that turns into a flame fest has NO purpose in my opinion.

Just my 2 pence...

Chris Jones

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Dr Dan 13 years ago

Originally Posted by Chri5123

I agree with this pretty much except I would get in touch with the seller (the person that asked me to review first).

Yes.. If I took the time to review it, then I would contact them to offer some advice on how to make it better
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WillR

13 years ago

One thing I am picking up from this thread is that people seem to be ok with sharing positive feedback in public but they prefer to give the negative feedback in private. I can understand this but it really helps no one.

If you are scared that giving some negative feedback in a WSO thread will ruin that WSO then it probably deserves to be ruined anyway. I think seeing the odd review that has a few minor negative points in it actually adds to the credibility of all the other reviews on that WSO. So long as they are minor problems or real suggestions on how the product can be improved then I think you should post them and I think product vendors should be happy for you to post them. It also shows potential customers that you really do care and are willing to listen to suggestions and improve your product.

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J Cohen

13 years ago

Originally Posted by WillR

One thing I am picking up from this thread is that people seem to be ok with sharing positive feedback in public but they prefer to give the negative feedback in private. I can understand this but it really helps no one.

If you are scared that giving some negative feedback in a WSO thread will ruin that WSO then it probably deserves to be ruined anyway. I think seeing the odd review that has a few minor negative points in it actually adds to the credibility of all the other reviews on that WSO. So long as they are minor problems or real suggestions on how the product can be improved then I think you should post them and I think product vendors should be happy for you to post them. It also shows potential customers that you really do care and are willing to listen to suggestions and improve your product.

First I think we should look at why the seller is asking for your review. In the first instance it is more than likely he respects your reputation on the forum and knows a good review from yourself would help sales.

In this instance I feel you have an obligation to leave a review whether good or bad but I also agree with others that negative reviews can be done in a way to help the seller to better the product rather than just slamming it outright

Jay

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CDarklock

13 years ago

Originally Posted by J Cohen

Would you leave or have you ever left a neagative review in this instance. Or because you know them do you just stay out of the thread?

We have a number of rules here that are pretty much designed to suppress negative reviews. It's hard to leave a negative review and have it stick around.

So the content of the reviews is pretty much worthless. Just look at who left them. There are plenty of people who don't leave good reviews on stuff that sucks. Learn to recognise those people, and it doesn't really matter what they wrote.

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vtotheyouknow

13 years ago

Originally Posted by CDarklock

We have a number of rules here that are pretty much designed to suppress negative reviews. It's hard to leave a negative review and have it stick around.

So the content of the reviews is pretty much worthless. Just look at who left them. There are plenty of people who don't leave good reviews on stuff that sucks. Learn to recognise those people, and it doesn't really matter what they wrote.

LOL yep. There's also the "passive aggressive, strangely robotic-sounding review" that should raise a red flag.

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KimboJim

13 years ago

Regardless of whether or not I know them, a bad product is a bad product. I would tell the person beforehand that I would be impartial and that I will leave a bad review if the product is terrible, but leaving nice reviews just because I know the person isn't review a product, it's prostituting myself so they get some good sales numbers.

In the matter of respecting myself (leaving a real bad review) or respecting my friend (leaving a false good review), I would respect myself and post it up. If my friend got angry, I'd tell him to not give me crap next time and he'll get a good review.

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Rough Outline

13 years ago

I don't think I've actually ever left a negative review after being given a review copy, but if I thought the product sucked then I'd leave a negative review definitely.

But I'd be honest, not abusive or vitriolic. There's nothing wrong with a negative review, as long as it's fair.

I doubt anyone here would, but leaving a review like "this product sucks" or "what a load of s**t" doesn't help anyone.

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Your Given A Review Copy - Have You Ever Left A Negative Review?

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