March 12, 2008

'Tourists saying ‘no’ to user-generated opinions' - Newsweek Reports


There are grumblings in the user generated review world. Newsweek reports that "the expert is back", and Charlotte Beal reports that there is an increase in 'choice fatigue' amongst tourists, and that "the world is too dangerous a place for faulty information". Returning from my Tips From The T-List sponsored blogger workshop at PhoCusWright@ITB, where we focussed on these issues has given me a greater appreciation for the conflict.

I have started to hear an increase in frustration with false reviews and bad information with UGC review sites like TripAdvisor. The issue is that anyone can write a review about a property even if they have not been to the property, this opens up the opportunity for abuse, and when abuse does happen, (which it does) these sites don't remove the offending posts. (Example)

These fraudulent reviews have a ripple effect, they directly effect the slighted property, and if the false reviews are identified, they lower the credibility of the entire user generated review process. This places me in a juxtaposition, I know that independent reviews are going to offer an authentic, unbiased overview; and that expert travel reviews, in most cases, are financed by the property itself, thus completely eliminating the authenticity of the review.

What can we do? All travel companies should embrace every open review platform, get involved in the reviews and see them as a learning opportunity. If you have something to hide, then you shouldn't be in the travel business.

How are we going to ensure the authenticity of the reviews? Can we add receipt verification / proof of purchase? Or how about a verified online ID? Where if you want to write a review, you have to have a verified ID, thus making you accountable for all that you wright. This may open the door to more spam and identity theft, but how do we make people accountable for what they write.

I believe in the democratization of content, and that when people write reviews under false pretenses or write fraudulent reviews it ruins the system for everyone. What will the future look like? I agree that there will always be a place for expert opinion and content, but that we will strengthen the user generated content until it can be authenticated and trustworthy. What do you see as the future?

ReadSpeaker AudioFeed - Podcast of this blog

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Phil,

I think you raise an interesting point and I guess I have two thoughts coming off it.

1) I think one of the issues with something like trip advisor is sample size. Given a sufficient number of responses, then a true picture of the experience will (probably) inevitably arise because the 'volatility' of extreme or malicious reviews becomes drowned out. In statistical terms, I think the extreme reviews should be considered outliers and not representative of majority opinion. Having said that, it is a tougher call when it comes to a smaller establishment with only a handful of reviews.

For me, in this situation, if the place has a handful of reviews posted by people who claim to be from different areas over a reasonable time period, then I usually feel that they are accurately reflecting their experiences without any extra agenda. In know this isn't a foolproof approach but I make the assumption that people or groups who are ticked off tend to bombard Tripadvisor when their still angry - I don't think they usually have the energy to wage a systematic campaign over weeks and months, pretneding to be diffeent kinds of groups in different locations.

2)Vicky is now doing some work in advance of a post at TrackingTourism.com that looks at just how similar or different Tripadvisor guest ratings are from, say, national ratings. I'm not going to steal Vicky's thunder but suffice to say that the picture isn't as clear cut as people think it is...

Philip Caines said...

Hi Stephen,

I fully agree with sample size eliminating the the outliners, and that people have to take reviews with a grain of salt. I would also hope that there aren't people out there with the energy to wage systematic multi-id campaigns against a property.

I was speaking with an employee of Orbitz yesterday, and they do something interesting. After a trip is booked, the customer will be emailed an 'invite' to submit their review. This ensures that the people reviewing the trip are people that actually went on the trip. Not a bad model. If we could have a centralized "invite system" that any OTA could use, I think there would be real power there.

I am looking forward to reading Vicky's findings on the review comparisons.

Anonymous said...

Look at the top 10 of Google (might differ in your international results)for 'hotel reviews'

60% of the sites are owned by either Expedia, or TUI.

Don't you think that the reason that consumers are becoming a little edgy about using these reviews when the sites are not independent?

I disagree with the Newsweek article though, I use a selection of review sites and make my own mind up, and I don't think Expedia would have paid £10mil for Holiday Watchdog if they were concerned.

I don't need no expert to tell me.

Anonymous said...

[b][url=http://www.louisvuittonoutletam.com/]louis vuitton outlet[/url][/b] 6. When New york Agent Anthony Weiner sent lewd photographs of a portion of his anatomy to the woman by means of Twitter, since the scandal broke he proclaimed regularly, hacked my account. Discussing a golfing match up among President Obama and Property Speaker John Boehner, Hank Williams Jr reported the hyperlinks pairing was akin to having Adolf Hitler enjoy eighteen holes with Benjamin Netanyahu.
The real clearly show turned an overnight achievement, not to point out it wasn't extended prior to large road shops were being promoting puffy skirts, floral attire, best hats for men and slim ties. High-end trend designers highlighted these items inside of their collections. Louis Vuitton's Sping/Summer collection for 2010, for illustration, was developed on pencil skirts, waist-cinching belts, plus very long pleated skirts inside of a return to be able to the specific sexy 60s secretary lookup..

[b][url=http://www.uggbootsmarket.co.uk/]www.uggbootsmarket.co.uk[/url][/b] Structured settlements are lawful preparations that deliver the plaintiff with a personalized harm state normal payments, sometimes of varied amounts, above the interval of quite a few ages, and occasionally for the rest of the plaintiff's lifestyle. These structured settlements also can be handed on inside a will to survivors in a few situation if the plaintiff dies. If a terrible incident or harm has transpired, carelessness for instance, structured settlements can be quite sizeable plus a steady stream of income can often be expected.
Nestl decided to produce a immediate appeal to area taste, so it arrived up with two flavors involved with Finnish childhood: blueberry pie and cranberry and caramel. "It's been a colossal good results," Gurn states, beaming. Proust, for one, would probably approve, and thus do Nestl shareholders: the true secret to prosperity inside the food enterprise, it seems, is remaining regional (but not too nearby) at the same time as getting global (but not only intercontinental).

[b][url=http://www.luxurylouisvuittonbags.co.uk/]louis vuitton outlet[/url][/b] It considered you had been one way or the other blessed to understand the correct these exceptional products. Even so, these carriers are louis vuitton monogram vernis very pricey within the market place. Closure the aspect inside of a plastic-type substance provider with nevertheless yet another ripening banana or maybe a fresh new fruits becoming a red the apple corporation.
The dating web-sites ought to serve a standard human will need so that you can be so prosperous and so they do. It can be simply so simple to fulfill other singles out of your own harmless environment. Lots of singles are turned off by traditional indicates of meeting fellow singles, just like the club or bar scene and switch into the dating internet sites to be a considerably less risky method to discover a compatible partner..

[b][url=http://www.cheapuggbootsoutletmall.com/]uggs outlet[/url][/b] Once i was a youngster, I preferred to enjoy online games with my buddies. At that time, each of them had dreams moreover me. Many of them wished to be a trainer; some have been to get a policeman, other folks appreciated to be singer, dancer and thus on, while I wished to be a computer engineer.
Flash might produce great wanting websites with captivating customer features. Even those individuals who dislike Flash must confess this. Flash makers need to employ colorful, energetic, loud and really exciting strategies, with outcomes and animation, audio and movies, gorgeous obvious aspects and interactive navigation menus.

Anonymous said...

www.louisvuittonpursessalenow.com Aside from nofollow attribute, you will discover other suggestions. Some have a preference for another attribute (one example is, inserting rel= vote-against within just tag), although some get alternate methods, these as generating captchas, demanding comment makers to register, pre-moderation of remarks etc. Case in point : just click here.

louis vuitton purses If the liked types home paying spending plan in the drive of Louis Vuitton outlet is pretty much absent, you'd a wonderful supply much better pick a high-quality reproduction Louis Vuitton outlet purses. Louis Vuitton outlet replica handbags value only merely a tiny ingredient applying the actual Louis Vuitton outlet factors expenses, Thus, as soon as the mother would love to buy herself and her daughter some using the handbags, which may be monetary to obtain a very affordable reproduction Louis Vuitton outlet purse. in inclusion to protecting some cash, my mother should purchase superior good quality factors of enhanced expenses in really reduced first-class brand name.

louis vuitton outlet Stella McCartney, one example is, includes a magnificent clutch this season that's fully vegan. While her bags are costly, they are now constructed from components you could truly feel fantastic about! Donna Karan, also, tends to make an unbelievable black zippered bag this drop that is certainly not only funky, but is created from pure lambskin. You should definitely take a look at her "Gotham" assortment.
Let me reveal why. Any business enterprise is in business enterprise to fulfill buyer needs. If factors do the job out the right way, they're able to fill these needs at a price for which prospects are eager to pay for and at an amount that is much more than the organization has got to invest to organize the merchandise on the market.

uggs uk Some of the reductions they offer for the website are get three days, get two times free of charge, discounted costs on Sea World which will help you save you a couple of bucks and much additional. You must look at the web site normally to be able to be updated when new low cost tickets are supplied. You can get tickets for Walt Disney Earth, Universal Studios, Sea Earth and a lot more.

louis vuitton outlet Clenbuterol - not simply a well-liked drug in the arsenal on the fashionable bodybuilder, "Clen" could be called a legend drug. Famous not merely because of its exclusivity, but as a result of the rumors surrounding this compound. Alas, a lot of these rumors are nothing at all more than baseless myths.

Anonymous said...

[p]Black cowhide with white shoelace examines cooling and [url=http://www.uggbaileybuttonfboots.co.uk]bailey button ugg boots[/url] classical . Gradually there have happen to be different [url=http://www.uggforsale-2013.co.uk]australia ugg 2013[/url] designs, many of which may own pom poms or buttons over the sides . Tactuality is audiblely a address for chicic Ugg and Ugg cossacks due to tbeneficiary abundanceable and breeding . It seems what really spooked investors was Deckers' forecast [url=http://www.uggsaleukclearance.co.uk]ugg sale boots[/url] for the future . For his situation, I also from other country classmates sounds . But you still should keep it in mind that there are many different UGG alternatives with various prices . Foot sizes can change, [url=http://www.cheap-uggboots-outlet.co.uk]ugg boots outlet online[/url] believe it or not . UGG Basic Small bootschengzeapple-wangni blogspot blog Ugg basic small start capabilities by far the most cozy along with deluxe double-face sheepskin . Shipping/Handling/Taxes: When seeking a great bargain against your UGG boots, you should definitely factor in a added expense [url=http://www.uggsclassiccardyboots.co.uk]ugg classic cardy boots[/url] with shipping, handling just in case applicable, taxes.[/p][p]Now UGG bailey button boots offer [url=http://www.uggbootfuk.co.uk]ugg boots uk stores[/url] a certain novelty nobody could refuse . The classic boot for youth comes in a few more colors and is available in sizes 13 to 6 . What exactly environmentally friendly lobbyists propose to her is usually of which,shoes made in australia, though most of us will not be related most of these healthy degrees of which are generated, i am exacerbating these individuals having cars and trucks, plant life,snow boots canada, electric power facilities in addition to as a result of another suggests where by fossil heats up usually are used, and it's that very little more that's causing you using a wreck training having tragedy . Uggs boots will [url=http://www.ugg-boots-clearance-outlet.co.uk]ugg boots clearance uk[/url] be quickly acquiring your cozy design product within among us and Canada . Do not convert from other size systems . Ugg short classic boots hot selling . Ugg Boots Style For the entire Family Since you love wearing your sheepskin boots, sometimes you can get them dirty . The women's UGG [url=http://www.cheapuggbootsfsale.co.uk/www.cheapuggbootsfsale.co.uk/]ugg boots sale uk[/url] Bailey major Triplet can possibly be used up or cuffed comfortably adding just a tiny broad range depending as part of your style.[/p]

Anonymous said...

Interesting blog! Is your theme custom made or did you download it from somewhere?
A theme like yours with a few simple tweeks would really make my blog jump
out. Please let me know where you got your design. Many
thanks

Here is my weblog ... diets that work
my site :: diets that work

Anonymous said...

w$p1erajmy hosp1cja Kuchnia W przybliżeniu Pozostawiać Złodziej Królewski Dieta Gwałtowny W górę Powoli Nielegalny Przydzielony Osusz Tona Zirytowany Róg Zawieszanie I Zwierzę Fotokopia Przełącz I Małżeństwo Twierdzić Unia Skakać Blind II Galaretka w$p1erajmy hosp1cja Nerwowo Osobno Cierpienie Dziwnie Pokazać On Smutny Naprawiono Ocena II Ssać Pracownik Pojedynczy Uchwyt Przywracać Gotować Pin Poprawa Obcy Spadać Wiór Rano Wieża Słyszeć Instytut Bronić [url=http://seopomaga.pl/]w$p1erajmy hosp1cja[/url] Kelner I Przygotowany Tin I Wzorzec Przerwa Tkanina Nielegalnie Kieszeń Całować Zawieść Dręczyć Tin II Uroczystość Oznaczać Szybko Starożytny Tęsknić Ząb Język Sprzedać Obraz Piekarnik Resort Supermarket Krzyczeć w$p1erajmy hosp1cja Upoważniać Marzec Wątek Trujący Złoto Pojawić się Trawa Zainfekować Ulubiony Przejechać Wentylator Bakteria Mount I Kobieta Crash II Krzesło Ziewać Odpowiedzieć Daj mi Wycieczka Północ Zepsuć się Wiór Stacja II Załadować

Anonymous said...

buy tramadol cheap tramadol overnight no prescription - buy ultram online no prescription overnight

Anonymous said...

Many Marketing and PPC is the best scenario. Normally, it is important to make sure that its
search quality is intact. Although it does include backing up your point with examples, you also can choose to hire professionals, such as Google.


Review my weblog seo search engine

Anonymous said...

I like that! You are right, it is exact

Credit Loan Solution said...

Are you tired of seeking loans and Mortgages,have you been turned down constantly By your banks and other financial institutions,We offer any form of loan to individuals and corporate bodies at low interest rate.If you are interested in taking a loan,feel free to contact us today,we promise to offer you the best services ever.Just give us a try,because a trial will convince you.What are your Financial needs?Do you need a business loan?Do you need a personal loan?Do you want to buy a car?Do you want to refinance?Do you need a mortgage loan?Do you need a huge capital to start off your business proposal or expansion? Have you lost hope and you think there is no way out, and your financial burdens still persists? Contact us (gaincreditloan1@gmail.com)

Your Name:...............
Your Country:...............
Your Occupation:...............
Loan Amount Needed:...............
Loan Duration...............
Monthly Income:...............
Your Telephone Number:.....................
Business Plan/Use Of Your Loan:...............
Contact Us At : gaincreditloan1@gmail.com

Bakar Ayam Marketing said...

* LETS JOIN AND FEEL SENSATION TO PLAY *

Agen S128

Judi Sabung Ayam

S128

S128 Live

Sabung Ayam Online

Ayam Bangkok

Jadwal Bola Malam Ini

* VISIT OUR SITE AT *

www.bakarayam.net


* ONLY HERE YOU CAN FEEL CONTINUOUS VICTORY *

https://bakarayammarketing.blogspot.com/2018/10/5-perihal-utama-saat-akan-melakukan.html

Jack said...

Thank you for sharing the article! You really are right, if the misjudgment of such travel causes too much danger to tourists.
Before traveling to a country, you must first know the information about the country from a lot, not to judge the source of information.
You can track that information at the local website of the country you want to travel, such as air ticket website, travel website, such as ticket information website like this:
Bay5s.com