| Having read a few of this person's reviews, I think they're doing a decent job. The reviews are factual, sometimes highlighting issues that you wouldn't find in the product description, there is a conclusion that, at least in some cases, proves that this person took the time to test the product. As for gaming the system for own benefit -- obviously people are getting some free stuff, but is it as tempting as it sounds? I don't know. A few years ago I was invited by Amazon to join their UK Vine programme. I was obviously very happy to do so and get things for free just to write a review. After a few (two or three) months I stopped asking for items to review for the following reasons: 1. Most of the non-book stuff I got were things I wouldn't care about unless they were for free. And when I did get something I did like (e.g. headphones) I wasn't impressed with the quality of the product. 2. Some of the books I reviewed were really not that good, and were a proof-read copy filled with typos. 3. With Amazon Vine, you aren't supposed to sell (or give, or throw) the items you receive. I realised that I will quickly fill my house with things I didn't want and didn't like. 4. Writing a review about something I didn't care at all about was a tedious job. I used to like writing reviews about things I felt I had something to say about before joining Vine. Not so much anymore. Since this person is not part of the Vine programme, I guess only #3 doesn't apply to them, but I still don't envy anyone who makes their living by testing a set of spatulas and then sell it on Ebay or wherever. So, since I think they're providing useful information in the reviews (and maybe review stuff that other people wouldn't bother reviewing), and since I don't envy them, I'm not really annoyed by them. I haven't reviewed the other top 50 reviewers, but I suspect that I'd feel more or less the same about all of them. |
I haven't reviewed the other top 50 reviewers
LOL startup opportunity