Do you write reviews?

I don’t write many, but I read an awful lot, usually before going away and choosing hotels, restaurants etc, when I can disappear down the Tripadvisor wormhole for hours. It’s helpful to get a good overview of a place or experience, but what I really enjoy are the serial whingers. One American couple reviewing the hotel we went to last month gave it 4 stars, and explained that they hadn’t left it for 2 days because Naples is (of course) far too dangerous and filthy for them to risk going outside. They arrived and left by taxi, and their only issue with the hotel was the lack of English language TV channels.

Personally I’d give Naples 4 stars,

Yes I do, especially if it was good, though I’ve never asked to see the chef- how lovely.
I do put bad reviews if warranted, sometimes hidden in a ‘compliment’ like yesterday when DH’s fish and chips was promptly replaced by an excellent piece of fish and I said so, adding that it was a shame they’d served the ‘batter with a small amount of fish hidden in its depths’ at first.

I do write reviews. I am one of Amazon's best customers and I always read the reviews before I buy anything. I am aware many are fake. I try to trawl through them and I usually find something which is irritating quite a few people so I will ignore that item.

Not everything is made in China-I try to buy from small British companies and many are now advertising that is who they are.

Not many as I find it an imposition.

Then, when I would like to keep it brief - a few tick boxes - they expect an essay and a title (can never think of one). When I have a lot to say there's either insufficient space or just tick boxes!

But I have done the occasional one to complain or to counteract someone else's complaints.

Yes I do ... yes I have given negative reviews aswell, although have spoken to them first if no joy then I do ... I remember years ago working in a shop ... the person I served praised me up to the manager ... he said so easy to complain than compliment ... how true is that ... always remembered that , so I try to do the same ... so that is what I do ... even if people have children & they are doing good ... I will compliment the adult with them ... too many people do complain ... need to give credit where credit is due ...

Sometimes , if things are very good or very bad. If it is a small, relatively unknown business and it provides good food/ service, then I would.

I agree. It's much easier to complain than praise. Once, a while ago, I saw a really good health care professional. I wanted to tell her employers how good she was. The only way was via the health board's complaints dept. The man I spoke to on the phone line was very surprised as they never get praise calls just complaints. He said he'd contact her manager to pass it on.
Re TripAdvisor. I often check out the reviewers to see if their usual opinions about places would match mine. Some are obviously suspicious but others show well travelled and discerning views.

Nope. If I think something was exceptional or dreadful, I tell the company/service provider directly.

I do both.

Yes, both positive and negative, but if negative I will address at the time too, the response would be in the review. Things can’t improve unless the issues are politely pointed out to those who can change the problem.

Yes I do write reviews, almost always when something is really good but occasionally when I’ve received very bad service.
The only time I was appalled by a filthy hotel but didn’t write a review was a few weeks ago. We are hoping to move to that area and didn’t want our name associated with negativity before we even bought a house there. I certainly complained to the management though.
I have often sent my compliments to the chef but never asked to speak to them.
I do think you should forget your embarrassment Aveline and pay him the ultimate compliment of returning to eat his delicious food again. Especially as he turned out to be dish of the day himself.

I have written some for Tesco, they are on their website. I only do so for what I consider a five star product. I have found it quite relaxing to do, as I enjoy writing, so I tend to make the review "a good read".

I have had email requests to write reviews from several companies from which I have bought something delivered by post or courier.

I would be quite happy to do so, but I always read the Terms and Conditions.

One, to my amazement, had outsourced the review system to a foreign company and the terms included that if anyone complained about my review then I would indemnify (a long list of companies and their staff, affiliates, subcontractors etc) for all the costs of doing so, "including reasonable attorney's fees".

I decided not to write a review for them because of that.

Which neck of the woods was the restaurant in Aveline ?

I do write reviews if very pleased with something, or I think it’s particularly good value. Equally, if it’s been disappointing - and I do usually read them before buying.

I nearly ordered a glowing-eyes, growling T Rex for Gds one Christmas - before reading a review that said it hadn’t even lasted until the turkey was out of the oven! Gds was still at the chuck-and-bash stage so that was a narrow escape.

I am inundated with requests to fill in a survey or leave a review and very seldom do so.
I do read them though but take them with a pinch of salt as some are fake and people have different expectations.
The funniest hotel review I remember was from an American who complained that a UK shower was only big enough for one person....what had he been planning?

I do give feedback but I try to be positive and fair. We just recently had a weekend away I reviewed the hotel. To be honest the hotel was old with far to much furniture. I prefer minimalist and modern but it was spotless and the food was brilliant. Therefore I gave a good review based on that not my taste in style.
I have on a few occasions asked to talk to the chef if possible. The hours they work and keeping up with good standards deserves a compliment.

Lucca the restaurant was in an Edinburgh nieghbourhood

I do, when I have the time and energy, both positive and negative. I like to give praise where it's due and reviews help others.

I recently bought vitamin c pills from Nature's Best online and they asked for a review. I said that service was prompt but the pills much bigger than I had been told in an online chat, and I wouldn't be able to swallow them.
They emailed me soon after, and apologised for the mistake and offered me the powder vitamin and told me to pass the pills to someone else.
The powder arrived this morning. First class service.

I always research before visiting, eating out or buying and work on the premise that if reviews are mostly positive then it is probably ok. I write a review if it is good or above average or if it is below average. If eating out or staying somewhere I would like to give them the opportunity to address the problem so would prefer to speak to someone at the time. Have sent compliments to the chef but never asked to speak to them in person. What does annoy me now because it seems to be happening more frequently, especially with online buying is being asked for a review of a purchase when you have hardly taken it out of the packaging let alone worn or used the item.

Yes, all the time, especially for local independent businesses as I feel they deserve the support. In fact, I've written so many and contribute so much to the forums on TripAdvisor that I've been a Destination Expert for some years now.

I was once a top contributor too on TripAdvisor. Sadly, I don't travel far now. I think it's good to help others.
I agree with you toscalily . I like reviews of how things wash or wear.

Yes I always write reviews especially for items I have bought...I always go to the reviews before I purchase any large household items on line...If I'm buying clothes from well known retailers I also look at the reviews first as it gives added information about the product I'm buying...

Aveline, would you name the neighbourhood, please? I'd like to capitalise on your good fortune. Perhaps I already have; who knows?!

I did a poor review on a restaurant recently. The manager soon responded with an invite for a complimentary 'improved' meal. I politely declined but said I would have a drink on her as that had been splendid. My response has been accepted graciously.