As usual, when I see that a lady's ad shows that she has a review on TER, I go to check it out.  However, in far too many cases, that review is either just one review, mediocre or bad.  I just saw one where it was a typical agency bait and switch/additional fee surprise, and the substitute was no good.

I just don't get it--why would a provider send potential clients to see bad reviews?

She is chancing that many will take her word for it and not check the reviews. For those that do check, and don't have VIP service, they can only speculate how the session was by reading the brief description.

By the way this question was just recently posted on the San Diego board and there was some good responses. I would post the link to that discussion but I'm too lazy right now however it is still really near the top of the page if you want to check it out.

Anyway I think the two main reasons are:
1) the provider places the ad, and the ad mall automatically links their reviews. I believe some ad malls do this and the provider is not even aware that her bad reviews are going to be linked to her ad.

2) some providers are counting on the hobbyist being lazy and not checking. If they see "check out my reviews," for some (foolish) guys that is enough. They figure she had reviews, she must be ok. They don't bother to check that the reviews are bad.

I see that kind of claims on ads every day.  They say they are well-reviewed, but offer no link to them.  That usually means just what McD said, it's a lure.  She's banking that you will believe her claim, and not check on them.  One time, I even emailed the provider thru the ad and asked where her reviews were, since I had no luck finding them.  She gave me some BS answer, which just confirmed my suspicions, she doesn't have any.

The other thing I have seen along these lines, is that she does have reviews, usually just a couple, but they suck and say she isn't worth the money or some such thing.  Again, she's hoping you won't look and just take her word for it.

Time to move on.

Swim

-- Modified on 3/12/2012 10:36:23 PM

Typically trying to draw in the borderline guys who are looking to spend short money, but may be skittish about LE stings.  Those guys usually won't pay for VIP to actually read the reviews, and if the profile doesn't have the red "ripoff" on top, it implies legitimacy.

I see it mostly on BP or CV, and have seen an increase since the scores became hidden.

Cityvibe will often create an ad for someone on their site after their first TER review that uses the pictures and wording of whatever ad is linked to their new profile. They automatically link in the TER review when they do this.

Then they email the provider to "claim their account."

This happened to me when I got my first review. That's how I found out about Cityvibe. I got a regular off of that first ad and started posting paid ads on there after that. I still advertise on there.

I also get the "claim your free account" from other sites I've never heard of before. So, I don't think it's just Cityvibe who does this.

That would explain it.

come up with, is I guess they assume you won't check.

I often see links to bad or questionable reviews.  I think it's a hoot!  Obiviously most hobbiests are not TER members & don't know how to check.  
Thanks for the tip...  I usually start with TER reviews & check the links outward from here...  but it's a good tip to ask her where her reviews are if she claims "well reviewed".  
H

-- Modified on 3/13/2012 10:59:08 AM