Do you believe a fair opinion can be produced by somebody that stands to profit, should they give a favourable rating to the resort in question?

Many people own timeshares or condos or whatever you want to call them. A little over a year ago my parents, along with my input, purchased a to-be-built condo at a developing ski resort. The main purpose of this was for this place to function as an investment, with only the occasional personal use coming out of it. By reviewing this place, it could easily be viewed as being completely not helpful given what my family and I could gain. It's not much different than a car salesman writing a review on a car he sells, or an author reviewing their own book. How helpful is that?

However, being that this was a fairly major investment, a lot of time was put in researching this place and closely looking at the details. I've also stayed in multiple units, multiple times. Subsequently, I've got more knowledge about this place than any guest would ever have. After all, if it were a dump, the investment never would have been made.

I'm convinced I could write an unbiased review of this place, and it would get a 5/5 rating from me. If I were to write that review, how would you rate that? Now what if it were a new member and it was their first review? (assume the level of detail and all of that is at the VH level)

I'd hate to be getting VHs while somebody that is just as qualified, though doesn't have any sort of reputation at Epinions, is getting NHs. I can envision the outcry of people saying "but you gave so-and-so a VH," which is only complicated by the fact I hold a hat at the moment, and for those reasons I have avoided writing a review. However, it's been bugging me since I really do like the place and would love to give it a review - and yes, some publicity would result.

One solution is to invite us all to stay there...then we could all write unbiased reviews :) Another solution would be to ask a guest to write a review for epinions. Even if its an "Express Review" it would accomplish your goal. -Dave

I'm of the mind, in all of your examples, that if you state your bias right up front then all is fair...

I say go for it.


Doc

As always, you raise an interesting point, Kenn.

I think in this situation I would personally feel OK writing a general review about the resort as long as I outlined what my knowledge or interest was in the place.

I think your experiences are rather different from an over-eager employee writing a one-off review about their place of work (a type of review often seen in travel). You have a track record of writing a whole series of reviews, rather than simply "appearing" to join Eeps to write about something you might get personal gain from.

I think the other issue is around how much influence your review might actually garner. I'm talking personally about my reviews, but I'm not convinced I've ever solely influenced enough people to make very much economic influence on a place. Epinions might be an influencer as a whole, but its a rare reviewer to have so much pulling power.

Chris

Go for it,

I'm sure you'll give us an impartial and informed review.

And if not well we'll just rip it to shreds now won't we.
(just kidding)

James