Gadgetell | Tech News, Reviews, and Interesting Things

PCWorld recently published an article about user reviews in the iPhone app store and how some of them are planted.  Wired actually had a screen shot of a job post offering $4 to anyone who would post a 5 star review of the SantaLive app. Just a few months ago a Belkin employee was caught offering payment for positive reviews, and Amazon’s Kindle 2 user review section are full of reviews from people who don’t even own the device.  Yet, these days more and more people rely on user reviews when deciding to make a gadget purchase, especially these days when every dollar counts.  So how do you know what reviews to trust?

Diversify. Don’t rely on a single site for your reviews. Check out a wide range and compare reviews between them.  By searching around, you’ll get a much better idea of what’s true and what’s not.  If you see the same great review on each site, think twice.

Be wary of the source.  Don’t put much value on user reviews found on the manufacturer’s site.  There’s a reason you rarely see negative ones there.  They are there to sell you something.  Why on earth would they post negative reviews? 

Look for balance and details.  The best reviews include the pros and cons of the device along with lots of details.  A gushing, yet vague, review is likely to be either planted or written by someone who doesn’t even own the device. 

Along with these tips, follow your instincts. If a review doesn’t sound right, it probably isn’t.  In the end, when it comes time to make a purchase decision you need to use your best judgment. User reviews can help, as long as you don’t read them with a blind eye!
     
Read [PCWorld]