General > General Technical Chat
Scamazon are at it again (surprise surprise)
PlainName:
--- Quote ---"I just thought I would also say, I am part of the Vine program. So I got the item free. If I don't give enough good reviews, Amazon will stop sending me all this expensive free stuff. But don't worry, it hasn't affected by reviews, at all."
--- End quote ---
That's not what happens on Vine, is it? The vendor doesn't know who gets the kit. They just make x number available for review, and Amazon allocate them. AFAIK, the reviewer isn't bullied to give a 5* review since they are not out of pocket if their give a poor review. Specifically, Amazon hands the stuff out for free.
OTOH, off-Amazon reviewers are the opposite - they ARE bullied to give 5* reviews because if they don't they won't get their kickback. In other words, they buy the kit as a normal buyer and only after giving a 5* review are they refunded.
And, of course, you see who is in the Vine scheme and can thus bear that in mind when reading the review. You have no idea if a 'normal' review is pukka or paid-for, though.
Clearly, the off-Amazon reviews are cons, but I think Vine is a lot more straight-up than you give it credit for.
Ranayna:
I rarely do reviews.
But after buying a set of crimping tools which were wrongly described, I reviewed those with the proper information, and 1 star :p
I also reviewed the set I ordered the second time, and even while I really liked that set, and it worked, I gave it only 4 stars. Why? Because there was a card in there, promising me a 10$ off coupon should I leave a 5 star review and send them a link to that via email... That is a practice I cannot support. Begging for good reviews normally puts me off completely.
MK14:
--- Quote from: dunkemhigh on September 07, 2020, 05:23:57 am ---
--- Quote ---"I just thought I would also say, I am part of the Vine program. So I got the item free. If I don't give enough good reviews, Amazon will stop sending me all this expensive free stuff. But don't worry, it hasn't affected by reviews, at all."
--- End quote ---
That's not what happens on Vine, is it? The vendor doesn't know who gets the kit. They just make x number available for review, and Amazon allocate them. AFAIK, the reviewer isn't bullied to give a 5* review since they are not out of pocket if their give a poor review. Specifically, Amazon hands the stuff out for free.
--- End quote ---
I'm not especially knowledgeable about the Vine programme, I did exaggerate (but in a way, which tended to highlight the reality of the situation, as I see it) the situation and I can believe that technically speaking, you are right about it.
But in practice, my opinion is that I've NOT seen any icon or anything (in general), identifying people in the Vine programme. So it is not that noticeable (at least to me), except sometimes where it says top 500 reviewer or something and/or there was a disclaimer somewhere in the product review (usually towards the end of it), which says it was a Vine and/or given free product review.
My opinion is generally against it, because they are apparently using psychological and/or statistical techniques, to manipulate the reviews and hence the sales of some products.
Reviews should be unbiased, real/genuine things. Not things created/manipulated by the sellers and/or Amazon.
Because of my opinion on this matter, if/when I see the fact that there is at least one Vine review. I'm immediately put off buying the item, and become rather suspicious of it. If the item is such a bargain and/or good value for money and/or liked by so many people. Then why hasn't the reviews been allowed to build up, naturally.
But, on the other hand. I do see/understand that brand new products, have initial slowness/difficulties. Because of how long it needs to (unassisted), gradually build up sales and reviews. The programme does seem to aim for that very situation, so that does tend to sway my opinion into somewhat agreeing with the concept.
They should make it much clearer, when they are semi-professional/free-product reviews. Maybe by making the text a different background text colour and things. I (in particular), can't easily tell they are Vine reviews.
EDIT tl;dr
What I think Amazon should have done, is as follows.
Made/enforced that all user reviews, are genuine/honest affairs.
Created the concept of official (or semi-official), AMAZON (extra) reviews. I.e. Amazon endorsed/created/written reviews. Then that would be honest and fine.
I.e. it would look something like this:
Selection Boxes::::[User Reviews] [Amazon Vine Programme Reviews] [External/Sellers Extra Reviews]
Then the users of Amazon can choose, what types of reviews they can see, and make their mind up, in a fair way.
Ranayna:
Amazon in Germany marks Vine reviews quite well, in my opinion. There is a green line "Vine Kundenrezension eines kostenfreien Produkts" (rough translation: "Vine customer review of a free product"), followed by a link, describing the Vine program.
MK14:
--- Quote from: Ranayna on September 07, 2020, 10:15:00 am ---Amazon in Germany marks Vine reviews quite well, in my opinion. There is a green line "Vine Kundenrezension eines kostenfreien Produkts" (rough translation: "Vine customer review of a free product"), followed by a link, describing the Vine program.
--- End quote ---
I just checked on the UK site. It doesn't make it very clear, it is part of the Vine programme. Here is one, I just found:
The only identification I can see, is where it says "VINE VOICE", but that could easily be missed by someone reading the reviews. I suspect, I miss it, often, as it is not clear at all. Only because this thread has highlighted it, so I'm looking out for it.
--- Quote ---Top reviews
tcg90
VINE VOICE
5.0 out of 5 stars The best air mouse just got updated
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 9 December 2019
Verified Purchase
If you're looking for a remote that has a full qwerty keyboard and an air mouse function, then this one is for you!
Watch my video review: youtu.be/FpYrVKmjLNE
I have bought and used an air mouse before, but there were a few issues with it, a big one being the keyboard not being back lit, well the G9 pro solves just that!
I use this on my Playstation 4, which is now my main hub for entertainment as it supports all the video apps i have, like Netflix and Amazon video. This remote is compatible and recognised by the Ps4 as a keyboard, so the remote function and keyboard function are perfect.
It is great to have a full qwerty keyboard, as it makes it so much more convenient to type in, rather than using the on screen keyboard and going word by word. The keyboard being back lit is also a great upgrade to my old remote as my old one didn't do this.
Another upgrade to this one from my old one, is the battery. My old air mouse had to use 2 triple A batteries, but this one has a built in rechargeable battery, which not only lasts much longer, but is also more convenient.
The tracking on the air mouse function is great, it can be easily used on a pc or laptop from a distance and has enough precision (have got a video demoing this), so yes, this could be used as a keyboard and mouse combo if you are stuck for one.
On my previous air mouse, a lot of people were complaining about the voice assistant not working, i can assure you that on the G9 Pro it works great, there is a button for the microphone and everything.
Overall, this is perhaps the best air mouse out there right now, and for the price it's a bargain!
--- End quote ---
Something funny is going on, anyway. Because a prominent UK newspaper, has found that those reviewers are receiving extra money or something, google for the following (apparently not easily linkable, as gives a limited access link):
https://www.ft.com
--- Quote ---Facebook groups enabling the creation of fraudulent Amazon reviews are thriving, seven months after the social network assured the UK’s competition regulator it would curb the behaviour.
--- End quote ---
Another FT article:
--- Quote ---Amazon deletes 20,000 reviews after evidence of profits for posts
--- End quote ---
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