[zgohr]

The concern, at least for me, is not that a "public" review being used in a "public" way, it's that these businesses are now paying Google for my review and I get no cut. When I wrote this review I didn't write it to help this business out, per se, I wrote it because I wanted to help potential consumers decide where to do business based on my experiences.

[sadawi]

That's the way it should be. Otherwise, you'd be incentivized to leave (dishonestly) positive reviews.

[zgohr]

I never claimed there was a good solution, because the point you make is very valid.

[grimtrigger]

Why did you put public in quotes?

[zgohr]

Emphasis. A good number of those defending Google are saying they can do whatever they want with your reviews because they are public.