It Really Is Too Good to Be True

When is an online review the real thing, and when is it a plant?
By Sophie Goldstein,  Newser Staff
Posted Aug 26, 2007 4:11 PM CDT
It Really Is Too Good to Be True
   (Index Stock (http://www.indexstock.com))

You want to find a new place to stay/eat/visit, but how can you trust the online reviews when they could be faked by the owner? Travel + Leisure has a few suggestions for filtering out the self-interested imposters:

  1. Ad copy clichés like "affordable elegant serenity."
  2. Vague praise instead of specific anecdotes.
  3. Industry jargon like "accommodations" and "amenities."
  

  1. Praising features only a hotelier would know about.
  2. Trying too hard to appeal to everyone.
  3. Name-checking of brands is a sure tip-off.
(More travel stories.)

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