And that is just what they are: guidelines.  We do not consider them rules, but the general framework on how the site is operated and governed.  That is why moderators are chosen to become mediators and "guides" on this site.  We often make judgment calls based on our own personal ethical/emotional compass.

I've read the guidelines many many times.  There is much room for interpretation.  Look at SCOTUS and see the problems they face on a yearly basis with more stringent and specific rules.  We don't have a constitution of sorts for this site, but we do have a certain amount of trust in the community.  If there is something you don't like, voice it.

-poet

milatequila does not understand the "confusion" because she may not have read a lot of reviews other than her own.  Unless she is a paying VIP, she would not be able to do so.

As to the comment of this board's moderator about "guidelines":  the most recent post I have noticed explained that it is paid TER staff that is tasked with approving reviews, not unpaid (and grossly "unpaid" at that) moderators.  We don't know what their hourly wage is nor if for current paid staff English is their first language, so inconsistency might be very understandable.

I've been a member for more than seven years (and most of that time a paying VIP); I never recall anyone suggesting that the clearly stated performance rating requirements were merely "guidelines".  Whatever you call them, anyone who has been reading juicy details for as long as I have would likely conclude that for the past 2-3 years the still-specified requirements are not always being enforced.

it seems quite a bit has changed at TER. when I was first reviewing, quite a few of my reviews had to be edited for lack of 'juicy details' or too much personal information about the provider.  Lately, I've seen reviews on providers, usually newbies, that barely contain 3 or 4 lines of 'juicy details', of which there are none. And these reviews are allowed to be posted. When a provider earns a '10',as with competitive diving, it's damn near perfect. From the provider's point, I'm sure it's a thrill to receive a ten, but to me, there are way too many being accepted by staff.

Dare I say it, but could some of my fellow hobbyists be trying to get in a better situation with the provider?.......nah, no one would stoop to that, would they?

I have visited other review sites and ALWAYS have put my faith and trust in TER as I've felt it was fair and objective (of course YMMV), but now I usually discount the 10's, especially in newbies or those with only a few reviews.

I'm not saying that a 10 review shouldn't be legitimately posted, but I think the pool has been diluted, much to the detriment of those special ladies.