you learn that the off-the-clock coffee often yields greater and more lasting results than insisting on getting paid for every cup. When you realize that reviews are purely subjective (even the lying ones), then you learn to take them with a grain of salt (sometimes it takes a whole pound).
There is a difference between knowing specifics of THIS particular business (such as how to screen clients) and knowing general business practices (that reviews are still and always will be subjectively-based performance reviews).
Yes, I really think a woman can learn from their reviews; even the false ones. They'll learn, if nothing else, to stay away from that particular hobbyist (and also to encourage others to put him on their DNS list).
However, Bella, you missed my point: I wasn't writing on how to GET reviews. I was writing on what they really are; they are subjective reports by the hobbyists on our performances as SERVICE-oriented providers.
Based on many of the posts I've seen on this board, it's a reminder to providers that we are here for the hobbyists. We're good at what we do. The hobbyists show us that every day when they agree to hire us.
Until you can disprove my MAIN points:
**that we are in a SERVICE business and
**that reviews are simply the means by which we're shown whether or not we're performing our services as expected
I have every right to say what I'm saying. I graduated from the school of hard knocks a long time ago. It's a business, regardless of whether it's a "hobby" or selling shoes or whatever. I expect that you and I and all our sisters give excellent service.
BTW, a woman learns a lot in 4 months - including how to screen, how to ignore or clarify for posters who veer from the main points of the OP, and how to accept that not everyone is going to agree with the OP.
Disregarding any facts or otherwise of Jolene that you may or may not know, the thesis of her post was in all forms correct. Consumer reviews are very important, and serve as a learning experience for those providing the service. While some may be falsely made, I would imagine that the majority of reviews made of any company, product, or service, are likely a true representation of what the customer experienced. Regardless if I'm buying a new computer, washer/dryer, or looking into spending time with a provider I read reviews. I don't just read one or the latest, I read a lot of them.
It is the provider's responsibility to ensure that the client has an accurate expectation of what is offered and what is not. I realize you cannot exactly advertise all of these services on your websites. For me, YMMV always is assumed. However, if you feel that it may give you a lower review based of what others have inaccurately said in previous reviews it may be beneficial to you to state these things at some point during your dates. That is, of course, a personal choice. As a rational person, I do not consider a one or even two bad reviews out of many to be a blemish on you. There are many variables, such as an overly picky client, a client who has malicious intent, a fake review, a bad day for any numerous personal reasons on the behalf of the provider, and so on. I look at the overall picture. If most of your scores are good then I am assured that it's a safe bet that we'll both have a great time. If a majority of your scores are low, then I will look elsewhere.
As a provider, you should file a dispute if there is something inaccurate or incorrect about a review. As a client, I despise when people lie about their experiences. It harms the future clients, the provider, and the extent of the damage is impossible to quantify. I sympathize with this fact and that it is something that the ladies have to deal with.
In my job, I get quarterly performance reviews. There have been times that there was false information in them, and in each instance of that I have tried my utmost to correct those falsehoods. I have also diligently corrected any accurate shortcomings because my personal pride in my work and livelihood depends on it. I think it's important for both client and provider to take reviews seriously because they are a reflection of yourself and they do matter, for better or for worse.
