The internet - it's a fantastic tool - all the latest information right at your fingertips.  With smartphones, you are never more than a few taps from whatever you want to know. 

Want to see a movie - the listings a re right here.  Hungry?  A list of restaurants right here, and you can get there with the navigation included on your phone.  But wait...maybe we shouldn't go to this restaurant.  The reviews don't look good.  Let's try this other place instead.

Hold It! 

Those reviews may not be honest reviews. 

I was inspired to write this post after reading a post by a local business person abut the newest reviews of his craft, a craft I have had personal experience with.  It was the same complaint I have heard from several other business owners, and an issue we have had personal experience with. 

In some instances, employees of a competitor post negative reviews to drive business in their direction.  Some reviews are written by people who have a personal vendetta against the business owner.  There are any number of reason a review may not be truthful.

How do you know if the review is truthful?  A good review (positive or negative) is detailed and specific, and should include specific examples of the experience.  Read several reviews, if there is really something outstanding, or something absolutely horrible, it should be reflected in several reviews.

Both Google and Yahoo have help sections on what constitutes a good review.