13 replies
A review on my site lands number one on google for this particular business. it is not a corp, but not tiny either.
when you type this business name, my review comes 2nd on google (after the business site). when you search "business" review, my review is the first. I am fairly certain anyone buying jewelry from this business reads my review.

there were about 20 comments or so on the review from people that have been stiffed or not satisfied by the business, I taken those down bc the owner of the business has asked me to.
But how much is something like this worth to a business? Can I charge anything?
#worth
  • Profile picture of the author IMPromocoder
    If these were genuine comments, not just spammers trying to harm the business, then I'd say you are losing ( a lot ) of your sites value as a credible site. Do you think those commentors will ever return if they see their reviews are deleted ? Do you think others will believe that there is only positive feedback? So if you want to charge him, think how much does that loss of credibility and traffic is worth to you.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7439350].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author everydayreviews
      Originally Posted by IMPromocoder View Post

      If these were genuine comments, not just spammers trying to harm the business, then I'd say you are losing ( a lot ) of your sites value as a credible site. Do you think those commentors will ever return if they see their reviews are deleted ? Do you think others will believe that there is only positive feedback? So if you want to charge him, think how much does that loss of credibility and traffic is worth to you.
      That is a very valid point. the comments were indeed genuine. in fact, one of the commenters were able to get their money back as long as he deleted he comment he made on my site. in that sense I was happy bc he got stiffed.
      the business owner also gave me $300 6 months ago to remove all comments and not allow any more on the site. in hindsight, I feel like I got bullied. I am wanting to refund his money and apologize to the users on my site and those who commented.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7439387].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Alex Blades
    Why don't you put the comments back up, and offer to sell him the site...
    Signature
    " I knew that if I failed, I wouldn't regret that.
    But I knew the one thing I might regret is not ever having tried. "

    ~ Jeff Bezos

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7439351].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author everydayreviews
      Originally Posted by Alex Blades View Post

      Why don't you put the comments back up, and offer to sell him the site...
      Selling is not an option as I've spent many many many hours on this site. of course unless it was like 10 grand...
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7439393].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author cpwebsite
    Why would you take those down for free just because the owner asked them too? Ask them to come back, and then make the business PAY you to take them down.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7439394].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author thedanbrown
    Agreed! Businesses pay A TON of money to keep their online reputation in check (reputation management is a huge moneymaker for offliners).

    Throw this comments back up and flip the site to the company.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7439600].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author jamesrich1
    If it were me in this position I would of never removed the comments or took money to remove them. People have a right to get honest reviews on companies and products. Never compromise your beliefs for any amount of money. You will learn that having integrity as a business owner pays much more.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7439617].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author connorbringas
      Originally Posted by jamesrich1 View Post

      If it were me in this position I would of never removed the comments or took money to remove them. People have a right to get honest reviews on companies and products. Never compromise your beliefs for any amount of money. You will learn that having integrity as a business owner pays much more.
      Definitely agree..on a side note it looks bad for the business being reviewed if they are only positive. People will start asking questions such as: are these really legitimate comments.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7439636].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author everydayreviews
    so at this point, should I just refund the $300 and put all the comments back up?
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7439764].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author cpwebsite
      Originally Posted by everydayreviews View Post

      so at this point, should I just refund the $300 and put all the comments back up?
      Well I never knew you got paid. Now you have 2 options. 1) Ask for more or refund and put it back up. 2) Refund, put it back up and then tell your readers what happened.

      It all depends on the monetary position your in. But if you signed a contract agreeing to remove it for the money you may not be able to put it back up.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7439866].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author AndyLaws
    Originally Posted by everydayreviews View Post

    A review on my site lands number one on google for this particular business. it is not a corp, but not tiny either.
    when you type this business name, my review comes 2nd on google (after the business site). when you search "business" review, my review is the first. I am fairly certain anyone buying jewelry from this business reads my review.

    there were about 20 comments or so on the review from people that have been stiffed or not satisfied by the business, I taken those down bc the owner of the business has asked me to.
    But how much is something like this worth to a business? Can I charge anything?
    I would suggest you to offer the "business" owner to get you some kind of an affiliate program for good reviews or for managing the site from bad reviews. As good reviews always gets more sales.
    Signature
    Free Hosting at www.2freehosting.com
    Create a pro-looking website for free with easy to use tools and pre-installed scripts gallery.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7439803].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author everydayreviews
    I didn't sign any contract. it was a verbal/email thing. I went back and read the comments left by my readers. my one page can single handedly ruin this business. it's not that I want to, but his business was a little misleading and I wouldn't say it is 100% ethical
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7440513].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author jamesrich1
      Originally Posted by everydayreviews View Post

      I didn't sign any contract. it was a verbal/email thing. I went back and read the comments left by my readers. my one page can single handedly ruin this business. it's not that I want to, but his business was a little misleading and I wouldn't say it is 100% ethical
      I understand your comments can hurt his reputation but ruin his business... No, he can still run a successful business regardless of bad comments. Since you already took money just leave it as is. Just never take money again. Its like taking a bribe.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[7440648].message }}

Trending Topics