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Your Thoughts Matter OnlineJuly 9, 2010 – 5:10 pm |
 Abdul Fattah Ismail |
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One may think that tooting your own horn online can lead to identity theft or click fraud. The stance is understandable, but largely jaded. For others, tooting your own horn can pay large dividends. The public review website, Yelp, has thousands of reviewers that have reached “elite” status. Yelp, for the uninitiated, offers locals to discuss the merits and disasters of businesses ranging from pet stores to dentists. Cynics see that as free advertising or disservice for their establishments.
Online reviewers, however, see it as an opportunity to build a valid marketing foundation, followed by a legitimate business opportunity for online advertisers. After ‘Yelpers’ establish their profile online, they get invited to networking soirees where the online friends establish a human connection. The meetings round out the experience for elite reviewers. Their creative expression blossoms, breeding power for both the merchant and product.
Amazon has also generated reviewer cadres over time, which has brought fractious words from certain groups. They tend to target authors in which they have a grudge against, devaluing the experience for those involved. For better or worse, their presence is felt among online communities. Pioneers of online discussion may stick around because they have competitive juices which are nourished by voicing their opinion, which is held in high regard. Some have moved on to the various social media sites which are abound, while others may have to just go to the local tavern or restaurant, where their names are known by everyone.
