Throughout history there have been a group of people
who believe that the stars and planets could predict their future, (although with
Pluto gone I would question the accuracy). However, the stars that I’m
referring to are not in the sky, even on a Starry
Night. These are the stars presented to you on your internet search engines
when you’re seeking feedback on stores, designers, contractors, or just about
anything or anybody.
These new stars, albeit smaller, are almost as
important as the older ones that you see up above, on a clear summer’s night.
But unlike the astronomical bodies, the internet stars must be interpreted for
their accuracy, because they are subject to manipulation by unscrupulous star
gazers.
I’ve found that houzz
and Angie’s List seem to have the most reliable feedback, and interestingly,
for two completely different reasons. All comments submitted to houzz are carefully checked for accuracy
by their Review Department, prior to publishing the remarks. They confirm that
the submissions actually relate to real projects at the appropriate location,
and that the IP address of the submitter (your location in the clouds) is
accurate and authentic, as well.
Angie’s List is different from most review sites in
that you have to pay to be a member, which makes it an expensive proposition to
post a multitude of fictitious reviews. The posted reviews are coming from
people who are willing to pay to view legitimate evaluations posted by others
who have made their own financial commitment. This gives them a high degree of
authenticity.
Other sites will accept reviews from anyone with
limited or no vetting. One site, (that rhymes with Help) claims that they have
a computer algorithm that determines if a review is legitimate or fabricated.
This site has been brought to court many times by companies claiming that when
they refused to advertise on the site, their good reviews disappeared. The
management claims that the algorithm made the decision to delete those reviews
and they do not have the ability or inclination to question the decision.
However, it seems, when money changes hands, reviews reappear.
Google Reviews can be very helpful but must be
evaluated carefully. Anyone who creates a gmail account can post a review on
Google. Although I’m sure that most of the evaluations on Google are
legitimate, anyone who is determined, can create ten or twenty new gmail
accounts at no cost and post to their hearts content. Who would do such a
thing? Perhaps a devious, corrupt vendor, who has many low-star reviews to
boost up.
And let’s not forget the good old Better Business
Bureau. I always thought that they were above reproach, until I received a
phone call and was told that they have only heard good things about my company
and have decided to invite me to become part of their auspicious community. I was so moved, as I had always held them in high regard, that I
said I’d be proud to be part of such an organization. Until I was informed that I had to pay them
$600 a year, and in return they would indicate I met their “accreditation
standards”. I said, “No thanks”.
So like everything else in this world, it’s best to
use your common sense when evaluating the stars. Just as Nick Copernicus did
when he mapped out the stars above, you need to evaluate the sources of your
information when checking out the stars below. If your future has you Swinging
on a Star* and making your choice by internet feedback, remember, the
more legitimate stars, the merrier.
*Crosby,
Bing. “Swinging on a Star”. Composed by Jimmy Van Heusen and lyrics by Johnny
Burke. Best Original Song Oscar. Going
My Way, 1944.
