Silk Road forums

Market => Rumor mill => Topic started by: muskabuzz on December 17, 2012, 02:43 am

Title: The Muskabuzz Ask: Are buyers served by review threads?
Post by: muskabuzz on December 17, 2012, 02:43 am
One of the things that works best on the Silk Road is the accountability created by the ratings and reviews system.  Perhaps even more than the escrow system it has enabled accountability and trust in an anonymous environment devoid of any legal protection. It's impossible to imagine SR working without it.  The Muskabuzz pride ourselves on the real reviews we receive from buyers - our listings make no other claims than what our users say (eg: http://silkroadvb5piz3r.onion/silkroad/item/ccd46e0fa5) 

But what of the "official" forum reviews?

After a year of serving you on SR we have never started an official review thread.  Our hesitation stems not so much from the fundamental redundancy but rather because they are so inherently corruptible:
1) No purchase or even use of the product is required to write a review.
2) A relentless cadre of cadgers constantly ask vendors for free samples in exchange for posts.
3) The threads are started by and managed by the vendors themselves rather than an impartial 3rd party.

While its clear that there are many beneficiaries to such a system we don't see how buyers are amongst them. 

Yet we do know that many fine and honest people enjoy such threads and we are constantly asked to add one ourselves.  Should we?  And if so how could we do it in a way that reflects the integrity that as servants of Jah we are sworn to uphold? 

We appreciate your thoughts, and as always, your time.

The Muskabuzz
Title: Re: The Muskabuzz Ask: Are buyers served by review threads?
Post by: brusselsprout on December 18, 2012, 05:39 pm
It's not about one or the other being better, it's about doing as much research as possible. If you have the time to sift through the bullshit on the forums you'll find many credible posters and much useful information. Its value is dictated by your ability to disseminate it.
Title: Re: The Muskabuzz Ask: Are buyers served by review threads?
Post by: OD Orginal Discount on December 21, 2012, 05:41 am
DPR built us a great rating system but that does not mean its the end. The review threads are a way for participants to structure their own  feeds.  Not everyone is ready to review when they finalize and sometimes a little free form batter can bring life.  You need one; you just haven't found how your voice fits in.  This post is a great start i think,  just keep asking provocative questions, maybe that's what's needed the most here since you tend to do it a very respectful way.
Title: Re: The Muskabuzz Ask: Are buyers served by review threads?
Post by: pharmer_pete on December 21, 2012, 07:43 am
There's more than one way for a buyer to be served by an "official" review thread. I have learned so much more about vendors from the forum posts than from the ratings, although ratings are a vital foundation.

I was preparing to place an order with a popular vendor, based on the strength of many favorable SR ratings.  Fortunately, I sensed a change in the pattern of comments on his/her forum review thread. Shortly thereafter, the vendor went dark and has not returned to SR.  I would not have gained the insight to withhold my order based on the ratings and reviews alone.  Quite the opposite.