Rentmasseur and suppressing negative reviews

[Mustang]

As of today, the FTC 's final rule banning fake online reviews and testimonials has come into effect. Rentmasseur has actively umm "curated" their reviews for years by deleting negative and leaving the 5 stars. How do you think this will impact the site and the providers? 

 

 

[Lotus-eater]

If RM wants to suppress negative reviews to help their main customers (masseurs), they can give masseurs total control over what reviews are published (which I believe is how masseurfinder works) along with a tiny disclaimer stating that they are "testimonials" rather than reviews.

Edited October 21, 2024 by Lotus-eater

[ArmyHands]

Does this Apply to Google Listings as well ???

[+ KensingtonHomo]

Since RM is not based in the US, I'm unsure how this will impact them. 

[viewing ownly]

This makes no sense to do. That 1 4-star review in a sea of perfect experiences holds the most weight as appearing to be the most genuine, so if that's no longer allowed to submit then it's a real shame. 

I would suggest people look to the time frame of the positive reviews, rather than blanket counting the amount of reviews made. If someone has been making people consistently feeling good for a good while, they're clearly legit and worth trying. 

[maninsoma]

Rentmasseur removing negative reviews likely has nothing to do with what's going on in the USA regarding regulating online reviews.  If that action had anything to do with the FTC's guidelines, then RM would be removing positive reviews as suspect, not negative reviews, if they seemed like they were either "bought" by the masseur (i.e., he gave a free massage in exchange for getting a positive review) or written by someone who had not even hired the masseur.

[starman05]

Thank goodness for this forum which has saved me money and heartache

its one thing to get a bad meal or haircut or pay too much for auto repairs but if I get naked in front of a guy I don’t want to feel I made the wrong choice 

[TonyDown]

Rentmasseur is not a US company, right?   Would the FTC have jurisdiction over any of you if you enter a review?

That said, the only way I might trust a review is messaging the profile about their review to confirm the details.

[Hyattsville]

When did rentmasseur start removing bad reviews? I know a number of masseurs posted new ads to start over and get rid of bad reviews.

[BeefyDude]

Of the few less than positive reviews, all went through and posted

[rvwnsd]

Reading the rules one quickly realizes the FTC is targeting the companies that are being reviewed, not the medium to which the review is posted. They are also not targeting individuals who write reviews. 

I suppose one could file a complaint with the FTC against a masseur who wrote their own review, but how would you know? And do you want the FTC messing with this hobby?