Talk North Vancouver

Suspect reviews?

Category: Humor & Offbeat

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Photo of Jenni B.
10/9/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

So I'm trolling around Yelp, looking into a place I want to look at for my flooring... and I'm hit with what I think are potentially three fake reviews. All five stars. Hmm... I've not been there yet, so maybe they are fantastic and cheap, but if you've ever worked with installers you know it's a love-hate relationship....

I know Yelp has filters that they use, but you know, people are tricky with these things. And the reviews I noted I suspect may be fake, but maybe they were just solicited? Is that worse? Should I flag something without physical evidence?

I've come across several business owners reviewing themselves and flagged, and a few straight up advertisements.

Anyone else notice an increase in these suspect-but-I'm-not-sure reviews in the past few months? Well, at least we know Yelp Vancouver has arrived with people putting in all this effort haha!

  1. Photo of Inga K.
    10/9/2009 Inga "Bombeck Wannabe" K. says:

    I like this thread. I have seen a few that were so shameless I flagged them. Others seem contrived, but then I figured, I just won't use that business. I feel very strongly that a business that gets unsolicited good reviews on this site probably earned them the hard way... with good service and consistent attention to customers.

    I totally count on Yelp reviews when selecting a service or a location of any kind, and also check the reviewers for their pattern of reviews. If the only bad review a place ever got was from a person who joined here to slam that business.. I take it with a grain of salt.

    Fake reviews are tacky.

  2. Photo of Marc D.
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    10/9/2009 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    FWIW there was a thread related to this a little while back:  http://www.yelp.ca/top...

    I agree they have picked up lately as Yelp is getting more attention in the area I suppose.

  3. Photo of Jenni B.
    10/9/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Inga - good point about patronage.

    I wonder if other Yelpers would disregard an establishment which toots their own horn on Yelp [or at least you think it does]

  4. Photo of Jenni B.
    10/15/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Whats up with the spamming in Talk today? Noticed spammy reviews (for the same businesses) and events posted.

    Whats up with that?

  5. Photo of Luisa D.
    10/15/2009 Luisa D. says:

    Hmmmm -  I haven't trolled around much but thanks for the heads up.  We're getting ready to renovate our kitchen and want to do the floors around our suite as well so I'd love to hear what your research tells you Jenni.  We're looking at laminate for the durability/value but want top quality.

  6. Photo of Crystal H.
    10/15/2009 Crystal "Queen of the Yelp-i-dom aka Yelp Ambassador" H. says:

    @ Jenni - I've noticed this today and yesterday too. Hearts to your vigilance and for all of the nifty community regulating flags links!

  7. Photo of Luisa D.
    10/16/2009 Luisa D. says:

    Now I'm really curious as I just checked out the reviews for a flooring place I was considering.  They have two reviews, both 5 stars and both the only reviews that these reviewers have posted. Coincidence??  Should I flag them??  Help Crystal. :)

  8. Photo of Crystal H.
    10/16/2009 Crystal "Queen of the Yelp-i-dom aka Yelp Ambassador" H. says:

    @ Luisa - It's totally your call. If you feel like they're on the spammy side, flag away. I'm a big advocate of trusting my gut. Anyone else wanna chime in on what they think Luisa should do, on the flagging side - share your thoughts here.

    ... Also, b/c I wanna get some flooring recommendations too, a new talk thread: Home Renos - Help! http://www.yelp.ca/top...

  9. Photo of Crystal H.
    10/16/2009 Crystal "Queen of the Yelp-i-dom aka Yelp Ambassador" H. says:

    Oops, that was @jenni too!

  10. Photo of Jenni B.
    10/18/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    I'm thinking there is a good gray area in flagging. For instance, "Love Hair" (http://www.yelp.ca/biz... almost sorry for calling it out) has three reviews within a day or two. I'm considering extensions, but the girl I know that does them good and cheap is in Maple Ridge (soooo far!) so I click onto the website. And I notice, the "reviewers" photos are directly off the website. They have two or three reviews each, which I am guessing is to try trick the spam filters. Translation these are looking like real profiles but the reviews seem fake and are saying the same thing (one isn't appearing on the page).

    I'm flagging anything that is obvious spam. I would like to flag a few that I feel are fake reviews [and fake profiles], so Luisa, I think we're both stuck on the same point here.

    So maybe now I've called out an example more avid Yelpers can weigh in?

  11. Photo of Barry M.
    10/18/2009 Barry "lefty" M. says:

    @Jenni: Good catch!  Watch out spammers, Jenni is onto you.

  12. Photo of Marc D.
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    10/18/2009 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    @Jenni @Luisa - flag away!  If it seems off it probably is.  If it isn't, then they won't remove it anyway.  The flag just draws their attention to it, and if your gut is telling you something is off, like a company that has 3 suspicious reviews all from brand new reviewers that are all positive and all sound similar, then flag it!  

    Spam sucks!

  13. Photo of Luisa D.
    10/18/2009 Luisa D. says:

    Ok.  I flagged 'em!  At first I felt weird about it but then I realised that I use this site to get REAL reviews and that's what I expect to find.  If the yelp team affirm my suspicions than we're all better off.  If not, that's even better as there's a local flooring company with 2 rave reviews and that's what I'm looking for.

  14. Photo of Jenni B.
    10/19/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Luisa - were you looking at Mike's Flooring by any chance?

  15. Photo of Jenni B.
    10/19/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Right after I oosted immediately above I noticed another spammer (something about upholstery)... funny thing is, yer man only gave his company three stars haha! http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

  16. Photo of Luisa D.
    10/19/2009 Luisa D. says:

    Yes it was Mike's.  I had been checking them as I got a fax (spam of course) at work and their website looked pretty good so I wanted to see if they'd been reviewed.  I had no problem with the faxing - getting your name out these is important.  But fake reviews?!  That's just wrong.

  17. Photo of Jenni B.
    10/19/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    At least we as yelpers have to appreciate that these businesses see the value. I was looking at mikes too, they are down the road from me and their special on installed laminate is crazy cheap - but I am bothered by their suspect reviews. I'm probably going to check out their store anyways, not sure if I will choose them - because if you are faxing, craigslist, and spam reviews maybe the spam is superior to the work.

  18. Photo of Luisa D.
    10/19/2009 Luisa D. says:

    Let me know what you think after you check the place out Jenni!

  19. Photo of Jenni B.
    10/19/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    I definately will. I just had a discussion about the spam and this place (and it being super cheap), he's kinda hesitant now as well. Integrity - that's the point I guess, and he was also put off that fake or solicited reviews were posted on Yelp (even though he's not a Yelper, he hears enough about the site haha). I'm going anyways, it's literally down the road so it can't hurt to look anyways.

  20. Photo of Michael C.
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    10/19/2009 Michael "I would rather be flying" C. says:

    There is a whole wack of spam ads now someone must be paid to do it!

  21. Photo of Jenni B.
    10/19/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Michael, I think you're right. I've been flagging away tonight!

    I noticed a local company posting a "social media strategist" - it specified Yelp as one of the must have social media sites... when it outlined "duties" it didnt say what it had to do with Yelp.

    Crystal - does Yelp ever flag IPs for spam? Just curious :)

  22. Photo of Reena M.
    10/19/2009 Reena "Maple me up" M. says:

    Speaking of suspect reviews... there were just 3 reviews and spam on the talk thread about Speedy and Apollo auto services, and 2 yacht/marine service companies.

  23. Photo of Crystal H.
    10/19/2009 Crystal "Queen of the Yelp-i-dom aka Yelp Ambassador" H. says:

    I woke up this morning and thought I was going to have to flag a thing or two, but nope, you guys are on the ball!

    @ Jenni - I have asked HQ to have a look at the increase in "spammy" looking talk threads. Will let you know if anything arises.

    In the meantime - thank you for vigilance!

  24. Photo of Marc D.
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    10/19/2009 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    I say we create a thread called, "Flag this now" for suspect reviews so we can get a bunch of people to flag suspect reviews quickly and remove this crap!  It is really turning into an issue!

  25. Photo of Jenni B.
    10/20/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Marc - maybe we can post them in here?

    I just flagged outright spam - http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

  26. Photo of Jenni B.
    10/20/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Just received an interesting DM from someone - I totally don't want to start stuff with anyone here, I just want Yelp to be "untainted," someone thinks I should not be flagging their review(s)  - whether or not I did is pure speculation and whether or not it was me, another Yelper or Yelp's spam filter is really irrelevant - is that odd?

  27. Photo of Dani B.
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    10/20/2009 Dani B. says:

    This thread is great, way to keep Yelp transparent and keep the Spammy out too! Great idea Jenni and thanks to all that added. I learn a new thing about Yelp everyday!

  28. Photo of Marc D.
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    10/21/2009 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    I don't "love" spam:  
    - http://www.yelp.ca/biz...
    - http://www.yelp.ca/use...

  29. Photo of Natasha L.
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    10/21/2009 Natasha L. says:

    @Jenni, what's DM?

  30. Photo of Crystal H.
    10/22/2009 Crystal "Queen of the Yelp-i-dom aka Yelp Ambassador" H. says:

    @ Natasha  - DM is a direct message or "PM" for Private Message works too

  31. Photo of Jenni B.
    10/22/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Marc - the 'Love Hair' place is seriously the bane of my existence right now. Someone else has "reviewed it now too http://www.yelp.ca/use...

    I've never, nor will I ever, go to this place, but can I give it a one star FAIL rating for spamming Yelp and compromising the integrity of Yelp?

  32. Photo of Marc D.
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    10/22/2009 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    Here is another company that could use some flagging love:  http://www.yelp.ca/use...

  33. Photo of Marc D.
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    10/22/2009 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    And yet another:  http://www.yelp.ca/use...

    What's going on lately?!?!?!?!  Don't they get it that doing this turns off customers?!?!?!!

  34. Photo of Jenni B.
    10/22/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Crystal - are flags reviewed faster/removed faster when several are submitted?

    Some business owners need Yelp-ucation to learn how to effectively use Yelp (advertising, special offers, completing the business details section, etc) and how to uneffectively use Yelp (ex: spam reviews which just piss Yelpers off).

  35. Photo of Jenni B.
    10/22/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Marc - I think you should get a badge on your profile indicating "Spam Police" :) You're all over them (yaaaay!)

  36. Photo of Marc D.
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    10/22/2009 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    @Jenni - you too!  And from what I understand the more users that flag it the faster it gets removed.

  37. Photo of Natasha L.
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    10/22/2009 Natasha L. says:

    i was just going to ask about Fusion...

  38. Photo of Jenni B.
    10/22/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    I like that this is becoming the Talk Board of Shame.... Shuuuuuunnnnnnn (if you don't get the shun joke go here - http://www.youtube.com...)

  39. Photo of Raymond O.
    10/24/2009 Raymond "Roll me over, I'm done" O. says:

    Speaking of which there "suddenly" were three new reviews that just popped up within 24 hours for a place called Milky Way Bubble Tea. All three reviews - all 5 stars, all of them with no other reviews. Are they serious?

    http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

    Everything so conveniently set up. Photos of the products uploaded. Special offer announced. Three reviews pop up. Nice.

  40. Photo of Marc D.
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    10/24/2009 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    Yum.....spam flavoured bubble tea!  I've flagged all 3 that are currently showing.

  41. Photo of Raymond O.
    10/24/2009 Raymond "Roll me over, I'm done" O. says:

    It's a shame really for businesses to go this route. As you mentioned above, it does turn customers off rather than attract them to try it.

  42. Photo of Jenni B.
    10/24/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Good catch Raymond.

    I found other suspect - http://www.yelp.ca/biz.... It wouldn't have jumped out at me so much had I not noticed that fantastic reviews started popping up after the business owner responded to a negative review.

  43. Photo of Marc D.
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    10/24/2009 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    Good catch, Jenni!  Flagging away!

  44. Photo of Raymond O.
    10/24/2009 Raymond "Roll me over, I'm done" O. says:

    Wow, good catch, Jenni. What's that I smell in the air? Smells like...desperation.

  45. Photo of Rachael T.
    10/25/2009 Rachael "Miss. Bakeaholic" T. says:

    @ all - so just to be clear... I think marc D was on top of things.. but if there are several suspicious reviews, do i flag them all, or just one? or how does it work?

  46. Photo of Raymond O.
    10/25/2009 Raymond "Roll me over, I'm done" O. says:

    Flag 'em all for each and every review you truly believe is suspicious.

  47. Photo of Crystal H.
    10/25/2009 Crystal "Queen of the Yelp-i-dom aka Yelp Ambassador" H. says:

    @ Jenni  and everyone else :-)

    You're right! Lots of new users, including business owners, could use some Yelp-ucation (nice word usage btw). I bet we can all remember scratching our heads on how to use lots of things on Yelp when we first got started.

    When someone flags a review that might look self-promotional, Customer Service looks and will usually respond directly to the yelper, helping to point them in the right direction. Like how to write great reviews: http://www.yelp.ca/faq... and what reviews should you write about: http://www.yelp.ca/faq.... There's lots of other handy info on the FAQ link.

    There's also lots of free ways, as Jenni pointed out, for business owners to join the conversation too. There's even some helpful tips on the http://www.yelp.ca/bus... links.

    I really appreciate that everyone here wants to keep our Vancouver Community real!! Have a happy yelping Sunday! And now... off to spend a day spreading the Yelp love all around at Portobello West. http://www.yelp.ca/eve... If you're coming... make sure you swing by and say hi!

    Posted by a Yelp Ambassador

  48. Photo of Raymond O.
    10/25/2009 Raymond "Roll me over, I'm done" O. says:

    How about this one:

    http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

  49. Photo of Jenni B.
    10/25/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Crystal - it's awesome to know what happens with the flag once you submit it.  

    Raymond - which review were you referring to... and I was just reminded I need to review that place!

  50. Photo of Raymond O.
    10/25/2009 Raymond "Roll me over, I'm done" O. says:

    Jenni, the 5-star one.

  51. Photo of Jenni B.
    10/25/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Raymond, yah that looks fishy. So does the one star. I promise, my review of it isn't a fake.

  52. Photo of Raymond O.
    10/25/2009 Raymond "Roll me over, I'm done" O. says:

    The one star was terrible because it was out of spite.

    As for yours, it's nice to read reviews from people we recognize because at least we know it's an authentic experience.

  53. Photo of Jenni B.
    10/25/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Note: I just gpt another DM, this time from an admitted business owner who is unhappy about having their reviews flagged/removed.

  54. Photo of Marc D.
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    10/25/2009 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    @Jenni - I got it too.

  55. Photo of Marc D.
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    10/25/2009 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    @ Raymond - Do you find it amusing that the potentially questionable review on that pub with 5 stars has the name "AA"?  It certainly gave me a chuckle!

  56. Photo of Jenni B.
    10/25/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Marc - you may have noticed now this business owner has posted a thread.

  57. Photo of Marc D.
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    10/25/2009 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    @Jenni - you mean the one where he admits to soliciting reviews from only his best customers?  :)

  58. Photo of Jenni B.
    10/25/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Marc - Yes. Because soliciting reviews is apparently valid and there is nothing contrived about that. Personally, I think solicited reviews have the marginally more validity of fake reviews. Note, marginally.

  59. Photo of Raymond O.
    10/25/2009 Raymond "Roll me over, I'm done" O. says:

    Wow. I missed a lot since I was gone.

  60. Photo of Jenni B.
    10/29/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Suspect - http://www.yelp.ca/biz... Three new users all five star... seems fishy to me.

  61. Photo of Dave S.
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    • 77 friends
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    10/29/2009 Dave S. says:

    wow im not up to date on this but if it means anything to anyone my dog started growling when  i hit this link

  62. Photo of Marc D.
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    10/29/2009 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    "Old reliable":  http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

  63. Photo of Luisa D.
    10/29/2009 Luisa D. says:

    @ Marc - the recruiting one seems legit to me even though I can see why it would come under the radar.  All the reviewers have other reviews, etc.  Perhaps they're not legit or perhaps the company really is good.  At least they took the time to fill in the 'About this business' section.

  64. Photo of Marc D.
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    10/29/2009 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    @Luisa - With all respect I disagree.  The reviews all came after the original reviews were raised as potential spam.  It looks like they "padded" their accounts to make them look legitimate.  We've seen this happen with some of the other questionable reviewers as well.

  65. Photo of Luisa D.
    10/29/2009 Luisa D. says:

    Ohhhhh - I missed that they'd been flagged previously.  I've been trying to keep up with my flagging but must have fallen behind. : )

  66. Photo of Jenni B.
    10/29/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Luisa - they are indeed long term offenders. I think that business owners who want to avoid the automatic Yelp spam filter will have "reviewer" write a few reviews to trick the filter... that's where we come in!!

    McNak gets the most monsterous fail ever!

  67. Photo of Luisa D.
    10/29/2009 Luisa D. says:

    Gotcha!

  68. Photo of Jenni B.
    10/30/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Another addition to the wall of shame - http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

    Two brand new users, handy enough to post a photo and all, one day people.

  69. Photo of Jenni B.
    10/30/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    And another chronic offender - http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

  70. Photo of Raymond O.
    10/30/2009 Raymond "Roll me over, I'm done" O. says:

    And a brand new one...http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

  71. Photo of Raymond O.
    10/30/2009 Raymond "Roll me over, I'm done" O. says:

    Ha ha ha! Nice one, Jenni. Beat me by a split second I guess.

  72. Photo of Jenni B.
    10/30/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    lol

  73. Photo of Jenni B.
    10/31/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Make that 3 in one day for Enchante Hair Salon http://www.yelp.ca/use...

    Congrats Enchante, you are now in my FAIL book.

  74. Photo of Marc D.
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    10/31/2009 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    I wish Yelp Vancouver would just automatically make any new reviewers read this thread before allowing them to post their first post!

  75. Photo of Marc D.
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    10/31/2009 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    There is more from Enchante:  http://www.yelp.ca/use...

    Fail!

  76. Photo of Natasha L.
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    10/31/2009 Natasha L. says:

    They are really determined!!!

  77. Photo of Jenni B.
    10/31/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Natasha - agreed!

  78. Photo of Marc D.
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    10/31/2009 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    Agreed - but it is such misdirected effort.  They should instead just focus on doing a good job with their hair cuts/treatments and give good customer service.  Reviews will come naturally then.  Doing it this way they just alienate a large group of potential customers.

  79. Photo of Marc D.
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    11/2/2009 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    Ok, if at first you don't succeed with English spam, try French:  http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

    Oy.......

  80. Photo of Reena M.
    11/2/2009 Reena "Maple me up" M. says:

    LOL I saw that too

  81. 11/2/2009 Danielle L. says:

    Hi all! As someone who works for a business that is very interested in what yelpers have to say, it's sometimes a tricky business to walk the line between encouraging customers who love us to mention us on Yelp and steering clear of 'recruiting' reviewers. But, because I hold us to such a high standard as far as trying to cultivate our service so that it thrills customers and then they are moved to talk about it rather than finding ways to 'fix' our Yelp scores, I don't have much patience for spammy reviews!

  82. Photo of Marc D.
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    11/2/2009 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    I'm certainly not "enchanted" by this persistent one:  http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

  83. Photo of Jenni B.
    11/2/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Enchanted is the new Love Hair hahaha.

    This company seems to have some suspect reviews, but they're all bad http://www.yelp.ca/biz...... perhaps a clog-selling-rival is trying to put Yelpers off? Is there a five star clog store in the area? Hahaha

  84. Photo of Jenni B.
    11/2/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Danielle - in the Business Owner's section there is a bit on asking for reviews (and yay sounds like you guys aren't soliciting. at least I hope not!). Yelp has posted some "hints" to let people know you're on Yelp http://www.yelp.ca/bus...

  85. Photo of Barry M.
    11/2/2009 Barry "lefty" M. says:

    Was this review  ....?       [  ]  Useful    [  ] Helpful     [  ] Cool      [ X ] A useless waste of space by someone who doesn't 'get it'

  86. Photo of Reena M.
    11/3/2009 Reena "Maple me up" M. says:

    I agree with  [ X ] A useless waste of space by someone who doesn't 'get it'

  87. Photo of Marc D.
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    11/3/2009 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    Our Yelp prayers have been answered - Enchante seems to have no reviews - http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

    Thank you Yelp for cleaning up Vancouver a little bit!

  88. Photo of Jenni B.
    11/3/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    I want a fail button!!

    There are a few spammy looking reviews I noticed, but not Enchante this time. I like when an avid spammer gives up.

  89. Photo of Reena M.
    11/4/2009 Reena "Maple me up" M. says:

    It seems we're wrong. Enchante is at it again.

  90. Photo of Marc D.
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    11/4/2009 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    Oh, I don't think they gave up.  I think Yelp just stopped showing the reviews that had been flagged.  I think as more come they just need to be flagged as well to zap them.  

    Perhaps it would make sense for Yelp to contact the company and let them know continual spamming is counter productive?

  91. Photo of Jenni B.
    11/5/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    I've seen quite a few for these guys the past few weeks, and they just got *another* fivve star (note: all but one has disappeared) - http://www.yelp.ca/biz... Shuuuuuuun!

    Marc - especially when we have our public wall of shame here!

  92. Photo of Jenni B.
    11/5/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Oh yah, Enchante might have earned the biggest fail yet based on persistence and turning to French Spam.

  93. Photo of Marc D.
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    • 1071 friends
    • 1022 reviews
    11/7/2009 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    I've gotta say, this post is pretty uncool:  http://www.facebook.co...

  94. Photo of Jenni B.
    11/7/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Very VERY not cool.

  95. Photo of Jenni B.
    11/7/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    I'm thinking about this whole spam review thing.... is a solicited review not just as spammy as a full stop fake? Is a review you know is solicited worthy of flagging.

    The business owner of Milktea logged in and opened up a thread claiming his reviews were solicited but not fake - and he contradicted himself in that thread. If you check out his facebook you'll note the business has been open for a month, at the time of the thread it had been open a week or two. he claimed to ask his "regular" customers to review him - but he had been open for like a day when reviews started popping up.

    And why would a business owner be happy about five star reviews he asked for?

    So I need a rant - I think it is bullshit that the owner has gotten to log in here, make claims which we can not verify, and now his business is reaping the benefits of 5 star reviews - which for frequent yelpers we don't care about - but for people who don't know us well they might just go there based on these bullshit reviews. Yes, yelp is a marketing tool for business at the end of the day and from the business owner perspective good reviews drive business... but from a consumer standpoint I think it's super shady, and if you were that good you wouldn't have to solicit or fake reviews. It's deceptive. You are betraying the community. Seriously. I'm honestly pissed off right now.

    So official Yelp opinion - a review you know was requested (ie: business owner says "please create a yelp account and give me a good review"), is that flaggable?

  96. Photo of Marc D.
    •  
    • 1071 friends
    • 1022 reviews
    11/7/2009 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    I think any review that sounds fishy deserves a flag.  Period.  The flag just draws attention to Yelp staff to look more deeply into it, and hopefully use some more advanced spam fighting tools to eliminate the crap.

  97. Photo of Michael C.
    •  
    • 63 friends
    • 187 reviews
    11/7/2009 Michael "I would rather be flying" C. says:

    I sure as hell will not visit that Milk Tea place!

  98. Photo of Raymond O.
    11/11/2009 Raymond "Roll me over, I'm done" O. says:

    Someone forgot to explain the terms of Yelp because this is ridiculous:

    The offender - http://www.yelp.ca/use...

    The three 5-star reviews on mattress -

    1. http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

    2. http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

    3. http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

  99. Photo of Peter S.
    11/12/2009 Peter "I don't do walls" S. says:

    hahaha. Nice find Raymond. I love their profile picture!
    It must be a coincidence.

  100. Photo of Jenni B.
    11/13/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    A new one for public SHUUUUUNNNNNNing

    http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

    Click on their website... after one review you can now connect with them on Yelp... fail.

  101. Photo of Dave S.
    •  
    • 77 friends
    • 0 reviews
    11/18/2009 Dave S. says:

    Wow this one made me happy to find two guys never wrote a review decide to review a horrible pitch and putt that i reviewed both are apparently from out of town even though one of their locations suggests otherwise, and both had the overwhelming urge to play pitch and putt even though they are amazing golfers then write a review about it both completely disagreeing with mine and one slandering and making fun of mine... Yay FLAGGED! looks like i should go back to the driving range and say hi. http://www.yelp.ca/use...   and http://www.yelp.ca/use...

  102. Photo of Jenni B.
    11/18/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Dave - you are too nice to not shun the business directly - http://www.yelp.ca/biz...  I will side note - this golf course is actually built on top of a garbage dump - they vent at night.

  103. Photo of Dave S.
    •  
    • 77 friends
    • 0 reviews
    11/18/2009 Dave S. says:

    well as i said i have flagged both profiles and reviews, I also sent them both a message explaining that there is options for owners and such to partake on yelp. Rick sent me a message back telling me that i have no clue and am obviously not a golfer. haha sad really

  104. Photo of Dave S.
    •  
    • 77 friends
    • 0 reviews
    11/18/2009 Dave S. says:

    Oh also something I found very interesting is Rick states that he is from back east and came on a visit then went on to say when he comes back he will go again but the only field he has on his profile that is filled out is that he is from new wesminster

  105. Photo of Dave S.
    •  
    • 77 friends
    • 0 reviews
    11/18/2009 Dave S. says:

    here is another one for you jenni ,what do you think of this persons profile, 2 reviews both pho places, fiarly close to eachother so they probably are competitiors one review is 5 star the other is 1 star heheh i thought it was interesting
    http://www.yelp.ca/use...

  106. Photo of Jenni B.
    11/19/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Looks like we have a new offender on the hair salon front http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

  107. Photo of Jenni B.
    11/23/2009 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    A new fail - http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

  108. Photo of Jenni B.
    1/7/2010 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Reboot!

    Had too add to the wall of shame:
    User http://www.yelp.ca/use...
    Businesses: http://www.yelp.ca/biz...  http://www.yelp.ca/biz...  http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

    I will note the user begins with stating he is a professional salon promoter - so probably not the fault of the business, except they are outsourcing marketing to someone who doesn't understand Yelp at all.

  109. Photo of Marc D.
    •  
    • 1071 friends
    • 1022 reviews
    1/7/2010 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    Oy.....Flag away!

  110. Photo of Greg S.
    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 86 reviews
    1/8/2010 Greg "Grga" S. says:

    I have seen, once, a Yelp page (for a hotel in Seattle) which had content from the business owner, but it was clearly marked as such, so I don't have a problem with it.

  111. Photo of Marc D.
    •  
    • 1071 friends
    • 1022 reviews
    1/8/2010 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    User:  http://www.yelp.ca/use...

    with a link in his profile to:  http://localsearchprom.../

    Imagine the surprise when the client list on that website matches all of his positive reviews!  Go figure!

  112. Photo of Crystal H.
    1/8/2010 from Yelp for iPhone Crystal "Queen of the Yelp-i-dom aka Yelp Ambassador" H. says:

    @Greg looks like you saw a businesse that "unlocked" their biz profile on yelp (it's free for businesses to do). From there businesses can respond to reviews, post specials and write a description about their business.

  113. Photo of Marc D.
    •  
    • 1071 friends
    • 1022 reviews
    1/18/2010 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    Here's the latest addition to the wall of shame:  http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

    There is a single review from an established reviewer (yes, me, and it wasn't positive).  Then all of a sudden 3 days ago the owner information got completed and we have 3 brand spanking new positive reviews from reviewers with a single review.  

    Sheesh!

  114. Photo of Jenni B.
    1/19/2010 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Marc - I like how one "review" was commentary on pricing.

    Failure flags +++

  115. Photo of Marc D.
    •  
    • 1071 friends
    • 1022 reviews
    1/19/2010 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    Surprise, surprise, Organic Lives has added their daily positive review today:  http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

  116. Photo of Barry M.
    1/19/2010 Barry "lefty" M. says:

    But it's YUM YUM!!    ;)

  117. Photo of Sonya R.
    •  
    • 41 friends
    • 69 reviews
    1/19/2010 Sonya "Here to promote Wal-Mart" R. says:

    It's YUM! It's YUM YUM!!!

    next to:

    At OrganicLives™, we offer the purest, most nutritious organic foods on the planet, always produced using fair trade and sustainable farming practices. OrganicLives is committed to offering the highest quality foods at a fair price - because we believe everyone deserves to have vibrant food!

    Synonymous. I love it.  WAS THIS WRITTEN BY THE SAME PERSON? I will die if it was.

  118. Photo of Sonya R.
    •  
    • 41 friends
    • 69 reviews
    1/19/2010 Sonya "Here to promote Wal-Mart" R. says:

    It's YUM! It's YUM YUM!!!

    next to:

    At OrganicLives™, we offer the purest, most nutritious organic foods on the planet, always produced using fair trade and sustainable farming practices. OrganicLives is committed to offering the highest quality foods at a fair price - because we believe everyone deserves to have vibrant food!

    Synonymous. I love it.  WAS THIS WRITTEN BY THE SAME PERSON? I will die if it was.

  119. Photo of Marc D.
    •  
    • 1071 friends
    • 1022 reviews
    1/20/2010 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    Today's YUM daily installment:  http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

    I think they don't understand how Yelp works.  Sheesh!

  120. Photo of Louise G.
    1/20/2010 Louise "Weezerthe1" G. says:

    Wow to the Organic Lives scam...

    What generally happens with suspect reviews?  Are they ever taken down?

  121. Photo of Jenni B.
    1/20/2010 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Louise - us Spam Fighting Yelpers flag these feckers away. Yelp staff reviews them and makes the call. They mostly seem to be removed quickly. Yelp also uses their top secert algorithim to screen reviews out.

  122. Photo of Jenni B.
    1/20/2010 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Note on Organic Lives - notice the "meet the owner" was removed?

  123. Photo of Marc D.
    •  
    • 1071 friends
    • 1022 reviews
    1/22/2010 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    There has been a flood of questionable reviews on this one:  http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

    If you view this company's promotion page, and its discussion of Yelp, it all makes sense where the spam is coming from:  http://localsearchprom.../

  124. Photo of Marc D.
    •  
    • 1071 friends
    • 1022 reviews
    1/22/2010 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    Oh gee, what a suprise, he is almost mentioning his Yelp posts on Twitter:  http://twitter.com/Meh...

    I feel sorry for the businesses that are paying for this "publicity" as it just gets them a bad reputation as spammers.

  125. Photo of Jenni B.
    1/22/2010 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Marc - I'm just flagging profiles now. Fecking spammers.

  126. Photo of Jenni B.
    2/5/2010 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Seems odd.... http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

  127. Photo of heretoday t.
    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 1 review
    2/5/2010 heretoday t. says:

    Yup.  

    My authentic review of a mediocre male hairstylist and salon (Coup in Vancouver) has been replaced by a supposedly 'raving' (most probably fake review) in response to my review.  It reeks of dishonesty.

    Oh how so pathetic.

  128. Photo of Steven N.
    •  
    • 13 friends
    • 30 reviews
    2/5/2010 Steven N. says:

    @ Theresa

    Agreed.  I read the review and definitely sounded like a horrible fake review

  129. Photo of heretoday t.
    •  
    • 0 friends
    • 1 review
    2/5/2010 heretoday t. says:

    What is the purpose of this site if one cannot post an honest review without having it be removed?

    So everything is censored, and uh, the public really doesn't have a right to know?

    What a joke of a site.

    PS.  Coup Salon is not a good salon - it's yucky (to put it nicely).

  130. Photo of Marc D.
    •  
    • 1071 friends
    • 1022 reviews
    2/5/2010 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    @Theresa - Your review doesn't look like it was removed.  I can still see it here:  http://www.yelp.ca/use...

    It probably is just not showing on the primary listing for the company due to Yelp's automatic system that filters some reviews from brand new reviewers.  If you write some more reviews of other businesses there is a chance it will start to appear again.

    That said, you have gone on to make additional allegations of inappropriate touching in another talk thread:  http://www.yelp.ca/top...

    That is a very serious claim, and if that happened you should call the police and report it.

  131. Photo of Marc D.
    •  
    • 1071 friends
    • 1022 reviews
    2/5/2010 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    @Jenni - Good catch on those movers.  Very suspicious!  Flagged!

  132. Photo of Greg S.
    •  
    • 1 friend
    • 86 reviews
    2/5/2010 Greg "Grga" S. says:

    Hmmmm... I see one 5-star review at http://www.yelp.ca/biz... also from a person who has never posted a review before.

  133. Photo of Roanna Z.
    2/5/2010 Roanna "@Beandar Zee" Z. says:

    @Jenny, Mark... I also flagged those movers yesterday. Why is it still up? --annoying that people use the site like that.

  134. Photo of Marc D.
    •  
    • 1071 friends
    • 1022 reviews
    2/5/2010 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    @Roanna - even if several people flag sometimes Yelp still leaves it up.  Sad.  But true.

  135. Photo of Naomi C.
    •  
    • 13 friends
    • 9 reviews
    2/5/2010 Naomi "Gossipgurl" C. says:

    I wanna know when is a review too much!? I've seen this one a few times and it's based on a friends experience. Flag flag flag!

    http://www.yelp.ca/use...

  136. Photo of Jenni B.
    2/5/2010 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Theresa - as Marc indicated it Yelp does filter reviews from appearing on a business's profile. Once you have reviewed a few places and built up some Yelp-cred they will reappear. Personally, I would rather Yelp do that and filter some authentic reviews than have to sort the spam.  I also agree with Marc you have made a VERY serious allegation in regards to sexual assault on a talk thread; if this did happen it should be reported to police immediately so appropriate action can be taken. If you have logged onto the interweb to publicly make allegations I would hope you have taken the time to report to the police.

    From my understanding, Yelp Customer Service investigates our little flags and makes the call whether or not to remove a review, profile, thread, etc... I have noticed speediness in response also ranges at times. Good thing we can be fans of and look for reviews from those Yelpers we trust and respect :)

    And Naomi, if a review is based on what a person's friend has told them, it should be flagged. Guidelines state it should be your experience.

  137. Photo of Pia W.
    2/6/2010 Pia "I'm a kayak, hear me roar" W. says:

    look at the one for dougiedog Hot Dogs, something smells fishy

  138. Photo of Luisa D.
    2/6/2010 Luisa D. says:

    Methinks me has spotted something suspicious  http://www.yelp.ca/use...

  139. Photo of Luisa D.
    2/6/2010 Luisa D. says:

    Haha Pia - we both spotted that at the same time

  140. Photo of Pia W.
    2/6/2010 Pia "I'm a kayak, hear me roar" W. says:

    @Luisa - Of course, great minds think alike! :-)

  141. Photo of Marc D.
    •  
    • 1071 friends
    • 1022 reviews
    2/6/2010 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    @Pia and Luisa - good catch!  Clearly something is rotten with Dougie.  I'd suggest flagging the review of Japadog where they plug Dougie and slam Japa as well:  http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

  142. Photo of Jenni B.
    2/6/2010 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Good catch ladies! You can flag spammer profiles too. Fixes that problem quick!

  143. Photo of Jenni B.
    2/7/2010 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    An old favorite is back at it http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

  144. Photo of Marc D.
    •  
    • 1071 friends
    • 1022 reviews
    2/7/2010 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    Oy....Flagged!

  145. Photo of Pia W.
    2/7/2010 Pia "I'm a kayak, hear me roar" W. says:

    This person almost sneaked right by us: http://www.yelp.ca/use...

  146. Photo of Jenni B.
    2/7/2010 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Pia - good one :)

  147. Photo of Christine K.
    •  
    • 13 friends
    • 114 reviews
    2/7/2010 Christine K. says:

    Hahaha, now hookers are advertising here!

    http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

  148. Photo of Natasha L.
    •  
    • 35 friends
    • 187 reviews
    2/7/2010 Natasha L. says:

    yes, i just noticed.... at least they claimed to be 'professional!'

  149. Photo of Roanna Z.
    2/7/2010 Roanna "@Beandar Zee" Z. says:

    "Does my ass look big in this?" LoL

    YES

    http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

    flag flag flag flag flag flag flag flag...............

  150. Photo of Christine K.
    •  
    • 13 friends
    • 114 reviews
    2/7/2010 Christine K. says:

    It's not even the ass, it's the thighs!  LOL!  And I'm only looking because it's posted...  :-)

  151. Photo of Jenni B.
    2/7/2010 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Hahahahha!!!! Hooker spam!! Yelper solicitation!!! Ahhh I can have so much fun with this!

  152. Photo of Natasha L.
    •  
    • 35 friends
    • 187 reviews
    2/7/2010 Natasha L. says:

    The most entertaining one by far!!!! Maybe they'll be interested in hosting a yelp event? ;-p

  153. Photo of Marc D.
    •  
    • 1071 friends
    • 1022 reviews
    2/7/2010 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    Oy......I guess just in time for all the Olympic "VIPs", eh? Flagged.

  154. Photo of Jenni B.
    2/7/2010 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Did you look at the user profile - crushing on and when not yelping meeting older men. I'm sorry but hahahahaha!!!

    I honestly have nothing wrong with escorts, if that's how you make money and you're okay with it more power to you, I just can't imagine a yelper thinking to search prosititutes. Perhaps a new search filter is needed?

  155. Photo of Roanna Z.
    2/7/2010 Roanna "@Beandar Zee" Z. says:

    @Natasha... LMAO !!!  "I'm in"    lol lol lol lol....

  156. Photo of Inga K.
    2/7/2010 Inga "Bombeck Wannabe" K. says:

    I flagged so fast I think I hurt myself....

    Hookers on Yelp? Ick.

  157. Photo of Natasha L.
    •  
    • 35 friends
    • 187 reviews
    2/8/2010 Natasha L. says:

    And we can named the event bootylicious!

  158. Photo of Jenni B.
    2/11/2010 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    http://www.yelp.ca/biz... Organic fail!! They are at it again!!

  159. Photo of Dean P.
    •  
    • 30 friends
    • 89 reviews
    2/11/2010 from Yelp for iPhone Dean "the Curry Monster" P. says:

    An owner 5 starring their own business:
    http://www.yelp.ca/use...

  160. Photo of Melissa F.
    2/11/2010 from Yelp for iPhone Melissa F. says:

    What's wrong with sex workers advertising on yelp?  It's a registered business. They have an address. They likely pay their taxes. Which I can't say the same for a lot of businesses.

  161. Photo of Roanna Z.
    2/11/2010 Roanna "@Beandar Zee" Z. says:

    @Dean. Someone should send them a bill for the advertising!  ...now "where's the beef?"

  162. Photo of Roanna Z.
    2/11/2010 Roanna "@Beandar Zee" Z. says:

    Oops ! Another one! This shop is local to me and I got a slap on the wrist from the owner for some of my own wording in my review 8-}  I like the shop, but the owner needs a little Yelp-education.

    I think Yelp Vancouver has reached maturity and it's time for that little birds and bees talk.

  163. Photo of Roanna Z.
    2/11/2010 Roanna "@Beandar Zee" Z. says:

    Oh look, i forgot the link ! pffft.
    http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

  164. Photo of Jenni B.
    2/11/2010 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Roanna - good one. Does seem like a good opp for a little Yelpucation hey! At least this one was up front and specified he is the owner (unlike the other ones who just try to sneak by with their spam)

  165. Photo of Johnson C.
    2/11/2010 Johnson C. says:

    @MelissaF:  Good point about adult entertainment joints paying their taxes - in fact, the City clearly delineates, permits and gouges 'body-rub parlours' and 'escort services' on licensing fees (see below).  After all, Vancouver is widely regarded as one of the prostitution capitals in North America.

    Of course, it doesn't give them the right to spam - but I would be curious to what would happen if one of these places offered to advertise on Yelp or if they were listed on 'Best of Yelp' nightlife.  But then again, many 'johns' would probably never post reviews as it lacks anonymity.

    Quoted from: http://canada.justice....
    ============================== =============
    Now consider the fees the City charges for different categories of business:  There are roughly 150 license fee categories in Vancouver.  115 categories of business involve an annual fee of less than $200.00.  Another 24 are between $201.00 and $500.00.  Only a handful are more than $500.00  (e.g. pubs and cabarets are $556.00; a public market is $886.00; concert halls vary from $1839.00 to $2644.00 depending on seating capacity; an amusement park is $3156; the horse racing track is $7473, and the Pacific National Exhibition is $10,463)

    Annual License Fees:
       * Dating Services  $104.00
       * Massage Parlours $172.00
       * Health Enhancement Centres $160.00
       * Body Rub Parlours/etc. $6,527.00
       * Escort Services $802.00
       * At just over $6500.00, a body-rub parlour license is the 3rd most expensive in Vancouver after the Pacific National Exhibition and the horse racing track.

  166. Photo of Jenni B.
    2/12/2010 Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    I want to know why Organic Lives is spamming this shit with 5* reviews on their profile and Yelp is disregarding all the lovely little flags that have been sent.

    Seriously - fuck Organic Lives.

    Marc - I blame you for mocking their $50 pie. Because the spammers all think that is reasonable.

  167. Photo of Marc D.
    •  
    • 1071 friends
    • 1022 reviews
    2/12/2010 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    @Jenni - $50 for a pie?!?!?!  Are you CRAZY?  That would be nuts!  Organic Lives has their apple pie priced at a much more reasonable $49 (as reported in my review).  $50 - Sheesh!

  168. Photo of Peter S.
    2/12/2010 Peter "I don't do walls" S. says:

    That pie better be served with two $20 bills as napkins!

  169. Photo of Roanna Z.
    2/12/2010 Roanna "@Beandar Zee" Z. says:

    hilarious!

  170. Photo of Marc D.
    •  
    • 1071 friends
    • 1022 reviews
    2/12/2010 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    I don't think they can serve $20 bills there.  Isn't heat used in making paper money?  Wouldn't qualify as raw food!  And I have a funny feeling the ink isn't organic!  And I don't think they use recycled paper either, do they?  Money is evil - unless you get a lot of it for making a pie I suppose.

  171. Photo of Kevin R.
    •  
    • 17 friends
    • 51 reviews
    2/13/2010 Kevin "Spring Is In The Air" R. says:

    When will all the 5 stars for DougieDog disappear? Every review on there is obviously suspect.

    http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

  172. Photo of Peter S.
    2/13/2010 Peter "I don't do walls" S. says:

    Oh Dougie!
    That is the only reason why I went there last night. To see what it is really like. Not a five star by any stretch. My post took them down a half star but the orange head five stars still stand.
    All I can say is go check it out for yourself. As Yelpers, we know to trust REAL REVIEWS written by REAL PEOPLE. Not orange heads.
    I am shocked the five stars are still there. Sooooooooo SUSPECT. Come on Yelp.

  173. Photo of Marc D.
    •  
    • 1071 friends
    • 1022 reviews
    2/13/2010 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    I share your pain, Peter.  Here is my review of them:  http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

    Fail!

  174. Photo of Natasha L.
    •  
    • 35 friends
    • 187 reviews
    2/18/2010 Natasha L. says:

    http://www.yelp.ca/biz...
    there are more "5 stars"

  175. Photo of Marc D.
    •  
    • 1071 friends
    • 1022 reviews
    2/18/2010 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    @Natasha - flagged - thanks for spotting!

  176. Photo of Marc D.
    •  
    • 1071 friends
    • 1022 reviews
    2/18/2010 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    Spammers can be so stupid sometimes.  Check out this one:  http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

    The User name is "Chris", but the review is signed, "Linda"  and talks about how Chris from the business came by quickly.  Sheesh!

  177. Photo of Natasha L.
    •  
    • 35 friends
    • 187 reviews
    2/18/2010 Natasha L. says:

    maybe linda is chris in the evening ;-p

  178. Photo of Reena M.
    2/18/2010 Reena "Maple me up" M. says:

    @ Marc - I think "Chris" is the owner that received the comment from a customer and decided to retype it and post it on yelp.

  179. Photo of Marc D.
    •  
    • 1071 friends
    • 1022 reviews
    2/18/2010 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    @Reena - I agree.  That is more likely than Natasha's idea!  In any case it is pretty clearly spam.

  180. Photo of Jenni B.
    2/19/2010 from Yelp for iPhone Jenni "Yelp is Not a Singles Bar" B. says:

    Spam police win! Looks like the spam for organic lives has finally been surpressed!

  181. Photo of Marc D.
    •  
    • 1071 friends
    • 1022 reviews
    2/19/2010 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    Hooray!

  182. Photo of Leroy L.
    2/19/2010 Leroy "Bass Down Low" L. says:

    These two reviews for this company look suspicious!

    http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

  183. Photo of Leroy L.
    2/19/2010 Leroy "Bass Down Low" L. says:

    WTF!?

    http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

  184. Photo of Louise G.
    2/19/2010 Louise "Weezerthe1" G. says:

    @ Leroy

    exactly  WTF times eleventy billion

    all photos added by the odd reviewer

    i would suspect that they aren't his photos to add so they could be flagged for copyright...

    *sigh*

  185. Photo of Roanna Z.
    2/19/2010 Roanna "@Beandar Zee" Z. says:

    but wait -there's more!...
    http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

  186. Photo of Reena M.
    2/20/2010 Reena "Maple me up" M. says:

    This just in:

    http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

    Review talks about Jenn and written by Jenn

  187. Photo of Louise G.
    2/20/2010 Louise "Weezerthe1" G. says:

    Here's another suspect review telling us we obviously don't get it...

    http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

  188. Photo of Melissa F.
    2/21/2010 Melissa F. says:

    http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

  189. Photo of Marc D.
    •  
    • 1071 friends
    • 1022 reviews
    2/21/2010 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    Good catch, Melissa!  This seems like a follow-up from the spam by http://www.yelp.ca/use... for someone named Greg at Granville Island Mortgage, which appears to have been blocked.  That user is the one that posted the photo for this listing too!  Big surprise, eh?

  190. Photo of Melissa F.
    2/21/2010 Melissa F. says:

    haha.. generally, if the only reviewer put up a glamour shot of the business owner it's highly suspect.

  191. Photo of Marc D.
    •  
    • 1071 friends
    • 1022 reviews
    2/22/2010 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    @Peter - Dougie is at it again:  http://www.yelp.ca/use...

    He even mentions you specifically in the review - isn't that against the terms of service?  Hm......

    Today also brings another spammer to the table:  http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

    And another post by an old "favourite":  http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

  192. Photo of Peter S.
    2/22/2010 Peter "I don't do walls" S. says:

    Oh, I love Dougie. He is my friend. All five writers under his Dog Empire. Bring it!

    And No, I never thought it would take 15 minutes to create a shit hotdog. My bad.

  193. Photo of Marc D.
    •  
    • 1071 friends
    • 1022 reviews
    2/26/2010 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    I want to see Dougie and Peter duel it out on ice using hotdogs as sticks.  

    Peter can use a good one, and Dougie can use one of his - meaning he has no stick for the first period!

  194. Photo of Roanna Z.
    2/26/2010 Roanna "@Beandar Zee" Z. says:

    Here's a weird one. http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

  195. 2/26/2010 Dingle B. says:

    LOL roanna that one seems too weird to be a 501?  I like it.  

    We talk about this crap all the time on Portland's board.

    Here is the latest one.  

    http://www.yelp.com/to...

  196. Photo of Roanna Z.
    2/26/2010 Roanna "@Beandar Zee" Z. says:

    You guys get the humour / humor award for that thread Dingle.

  197. Photo of Roanna Z.
    2/27/2010 Roanna "@Beandar Zee" Z. says:

    http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

    Suddenly 2 five star reviews written today, eh? hmm..... SUSPECT

  198. 2/27/2010 Dingle B. says:

    Roanna - Hmmm I see a pattern.  You-see-it??  

    Alex S. - Vancouver, BC
    "Pop-in and you will most definitely will find something to accent your home!"

    David U. - Whistler, BC
    "The Cross is a perfect place to pop-in for a special gift, or to enhance the design of your home."

  199. Photo of Reena M.
    2/27/2010 Reena "Maple me up" M. says:

    http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

    Spam?

  200. Photo of Peter S.
    2/27/2010 Peter "I don't do walls" S. says:

    @Reena, I flagged these guys in November. They're back!

    Hahaha  it's ESL SPAM

  201. Photo of Marc D.
    •  
    • 1071 friends
    • 1022 reviews
    2/27/2010 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    They already closed the first account that used to spam for that, which was also named Sarah P.  Hm......

  202. Photo of Peter S.
    2/27/2010 Peter "I don't do walls" S. says:

    Yes, I remember the Sarah P now.
    Booo spammers.

  203. Photo of Marc D.
    •  
    • 1071 friends
    • 1022 reviews
    2/28/2010 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    And another Sarah spammer:  http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

    Sarah R. reviewing Sarah Race.  Hm....Big surprise?

  204. Photo of Marc D.
    •  
    • 1071 friends
    • 1022 reviews
    2/28/2010 Marc "Hole in the Wall" D. says:

    More owner spam:  http://www.yelp.ca/biz...

  205. 2/28/2010 Dingle B. says:

    Them Yelp spam removing algorithms do a great job for removing or hiding negative reviews from those who have advertising contracts with them.  Too bad they havent figured out a way to remove 501s.  :P

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