In the last week or so, I've seen a lot of snippets on the net about fake reviews, be it books, products or leisure activities. So I decided to put on my Sherlock cap and find out just what all the hubbub was about. And as sure as it will snow today, fake reviews are real, they exist and they are rampant. Here are a few tips and tricks you can use to spot fake book (or other) reviews. (Info credit given to a recent Wiki article)
Fake book reviews...impossible you say? We live in a high tech world where limits barely exist and self-serving no good-nicks are eager to create mayhem wherever possible.
In the last week or so, I've seen a lot of snippets on the net about fake reviews, be it books, products or leisure activities. So I decided to put on my Sherlock cap and find out just what all the hubbub was about. And as sure as it will snow today, fake reviews are real, they exist and they are rampant. Here are a few tips and tricks you can use to spot fake book (or other) reviews. (Info credit given to a recent Wiki article)
1) Consider the length and tone of the review. If the review is quite short, there is a good chance that the reviewer did a poor job, perhaps only reading the back cover blurb.
2) Check if the review uses emotional language. If the review seems flat or bland I would question its validity.
3) See whether the reviewer has written other reviews. I review books for Indy writers and a publisher. I love to read and review. Sadly many reviewers do a poor job figuring that it's good enough, but it's not. Be smart and take the time to check reviews written by the same person. You will be able to discern a genuine review from a poorly written blurb.
4) Beware...check to see if the person has submitted a lot of reviews in a short period. Obviously several reviews written in a very short time should raise a red flag! Perhaps you can petition the site to delete certain reviews. I will have to check that out.
5) Be skeptical if the review admits bias. You might wonder why anyone would write a review like that. I would.
6) Determine if the item was a "Verified Purchase." This fact alone will not validate a review's merit but it's something to consider.
7) Consider whether the reviewer was given the product for free, in exchange for writing a review. Either way, the reviewer is obligated t disclose the fact.
8) Look at the "Customers Also Bought" section. Many people buy related items. I would question reviews written about scattered unrelated purchases.
With the new and exciting world of Kindles and Print-on-Demand (POD), Independent Publishing is becoming an enticing choice and a viable alternative to traditional publishing.
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With the new and exciting world of Kindles and Print-on-Demand (POD), Independent Publishing is becoming an enticing choice and a viable alternative to traditional publishing.
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