Fake SBI reviews

[Savage]

FYI Tyra was another fake account created by the same troll that's been spamming anti-SBI messages here in the past. The guy occasionally emails me as a taunt to say he's going to keep coming back. The last time was last week. He really needs some friends.

Apparently some people figured out how to make money by leeching off of SBI's business. This has been going on for months. First, they post anti-SBI messages on forums and blogs, suggesting that SBI is ripping people off. Eventually they throw in links to their own sites, where they promote various Internet marketing services for affiliate commissions. They started out several months ago by posting messages filled with false info, like saying that SBI will hold your domain name hostage, etc. Then they link to their sites where they recommend alternatives for cash. Now they're trying to be more subtle by generally implying that people have been ripped off, that SBI takes advantage of people, etc. The fake reviews are just a scam.

A legitimate SBI critique normally looks something like what Daffy Duck recently posted (see his 60-day review thread). They talk about their personal experience and make a recommendation one way or the other. The fake "reviews" tend to rant about stuff that isn't true, or they make very general negative statements, and in the past they have almost always included an emotional appeal that I should personally stop recommending SBI. Later they suggest something else instead, something that makes them money. These trolls are using the same tactics on other sites too, so it isn't just here.

If people want to discuss their experiences with any products I recommend, that's perfectly fine. If you'd be concerned that I might have a financial incentive to censor negative reviews, there really isn't. Only about 1% of my blog readers even read the forums, so it isn't going to matter one way or the other. If I simply wanted to make more money, I could be recommending a new product every day. There are plenty of them out there.

Anyway, just be wary about the trolls, and try not to feed them.

It's unfortunate that SBI has to deal with these guys. I guess when you become big enough and have enough customers, there will be some leeches trying to suck away some of your business.

[Daffy Duck]

Here's a link to my thread for easy access: Daffy's Site Build It (SBI) 60 Day Review

Originally Posted by Steve Pavlina

I guess when you become big enough and have enough customers, there will be some leeches trying to suck away some of your business.

I have found that is often true in the online business world. As my brother has become more successful in the web hosting industry, we have witnessed many competitors making up fake negative reviews or going around on forums bashing the company. Fortunately, my brother has continued a steady growth of his business for the past ten years, so it's not a deal breaker.

[bluedragon]

I think the problem is that many people like to judge others very quickly in general, and the more someone claims he can do or offer, the harsher the judgment. Since SBI promises something pretty big - to teach any inexperienced person create a website from scratch and turn it into a money-making machine, the critics can hardly resist to throw insults and negative reviews very fast.

[James81]

Hmmm, interesting.

I've always been wary of false positive reviews, but I never considered the idea of false negative reviews. Until now, I never saw what the point of that was.

[cylon]

Originally Posted by bluedragon

I think the problem is that many people like to judge others very quickly in general, and the more someone claims he can do or offer, the harsher the judgment.

Good observation.

[Angela]

I think that whole disingenuous "I'm so saddened by what Steve is up to" - schtick is a pretty good carrying card that let's you know you're probably dealing with a troll.

[st33med]

Originally Posted by Steve Pavlina

Anyway, just be wary about the trolls, and try not to feed them.

But I am hungry ...

Actual trolls exist you know.

[Daffy Duck]

Penn State and other universities even teach SBI: Why Do Universities Choose SBI!

This alone speaks loud and clear about the credibility of the program. I guarantee you the people at Penn State are more intelligent than any blogger out there who hates SBI.