Comments on: Why you will never trust Yelp ever again

By: Michael Hraba

Michael Hraba — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 07:05:44 +0000

It’s important to understand that some of the opacity of their algorithm isn’t deliberate obsfuscation…. I mean, Yelp is *Not* trying to be deliberately confusing or unethical, or choose specific ways for your review to be filtered. In fact, it’s random, and their hands are tied in that they, actually, have no idea how their filter is automatically filtering reviews. Originally, there was a general rule of thumb the algorithm would use, but eventually, old engineers leave, new engineers only work on parts of the algorithm… and eventually there isn’t a sole person responsible for the overall project. It’s a hard and complex situation…. and it’s difficult to explain.

http://www.edternet.com/unclefishbits/2011/11/23/googles-search-algorithm-is-relatively-autonomous/

Read that… it talks about the relative autonomy and complexity of the algorithm as filtering tool.

In fact, if anyone else is still reading this, I HIGHLY AND STRONGLY recommend Eli Pariser’s “Filter Bubble”. It’s an important exploration of the complexity of the modern problems of defining our relationship to data online.

I am sorry for what has happened, but it is more likely a result of randomness and buffoonery than a mitigated smear attack against your business.

By: Heads to Tails Grooming Spa

Heads to Tails Grooming Spa — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:48:24 +0000

All of my good reviews dissapeared after I decided not to advertise with them. I called the sales person and he flat out told me that they want people on the site that use it on a regular basis. He also said the he did not feel bad for me because I had not returned his phone calls. If the filter worked then the posts that were both good and bad would get filtered not just the good as in my case. All of the good posts gone. I also have had customers ask why there post was gone.

By: paul k

paul k — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 01:51:28 +0000

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION PHONE NUMBER 1-877-382-4357
i am a small business owner who has run afoul of a competitor.
the competing business has bombarded me (using YELP) with out and out fabrications, libelous accusations, and outrageous drivel via what i can only assume to be one writer with several pseudonyms or one (very unethical) ‘on-line presence’ service with a stable of (fiction) writers masquerading as unhappy clients.
i have written to yelp on many occasions to explain. you have a better chance of finding God. i haven’t found a phone # you can call (unless, of course, you want to buy advertising), and all my letters have elicited only (the same, word for word), boilerplate answers generated by some robot.
i finally got so angry i called the FTC (federal trade commission), at 877-382-4357.
they filed a complaint, and said if they see a pattern (meaning a lot of angry businesspeople filing complaints) they will go after them (yelp).
the gentleman i spoke with seemed particularly interested in the “extortion for advertising” angle.
so what are you waiting for??? if yelp has wronged you as it has me, CALL NOW AND FILE A COMPLAINT!!!
FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION—- 1-877-382-4357

By: Ryan

Ryan — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 03:43:56 +0000

Super details! I have been hunting for something such as this for a little bit now. Thanks for the tips!

By: Whit Gurley

Whit Gurley — Wed, 21 Sep 2011 17:28:34 +0000

Thanks so much for compiling this list, Mike, and I’m overjoyed to see that you’re the third Google result for my search of “fuck yelp,” though I truly wish that it was visible on a general Yelp search. Just posted my own review of their services, and I encourage everyone to do so:
http://www.yelp.com/biz/yelp-san-francisco

By: irina

irina — Sun, 16 May 2010 14:24:18 +0000

You can never believe anything you see in yelp.com. Yelp had delete all positive revies,and only kept bad. Negative reviews contained false information and personal attaks on business owners after declining to advertise.The reviews are manipulated to business owners to buy advertising.

By: Carl L.

Carl L. — Sat, 03 Apr 2010 04:09:22 +0000

When I first started with Yelp, it immediately became apparent that they were just a shill for specific establishments; reasons unknown.

BUT, they not only CENSOR the bad reviews, they also CENSOR good reviews, if the establishment happens to be a competitor of a more favorable CLIENT.

I tested my theory under numerous guises and various e-mail addresses, only to arrive at the same conclusion.

ABANDON YELP if you are looking for a true critique. There is something there that I am yet unable to define but, trust me, it is not above board.

You are being steered toward establishments that Yelp would like you to patronize, regardless of quality.

By: yelptruther

yelptruther — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 05:41:36 +0000

Yelp is good for yelps owner and its employees but is a nightmare for small business.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D9Mtg04GFrc&feature=channel

By: David

David — Sun, 17 Jan 2010 04:55:49 +0000

My own experience was that they removed my review, but that it shows up when I logon. I think at least one other person above had a similar experience. My review as entirely factual and first-hand. Can’t understand this!!

By: Uncle Fishbits » Blog Archive » Yelp vomit. I am not organizing this, nor am I reading through it. It is a mash of thoughts on user generated content sites.

Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:23:24 +0000

[...] The forest is an amalgamation of healthy trees, unhealthy trees, neutral ones, etc…. and that forest ends up being really big. I used to waste all my time with individual reviews and the algorithmic problems, etc [...]