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It's not perfect, but I've been using Fakespot [0] for all my Amazon purchases. It helps filter down the info a bit, which makes it easier to make decisions. H

It's not perfect, but I've been using Fakespot [0] for all my Amazon purchases. It helps filter down the info a bit, which makes it easier to make decisions. Honestly, I think what we need is a Consumer Report reboot. I signed up for a subscription recently, and was very disappointed with their service, although I still like idea behind it. I'm often overwhelmed by the huge number of options, and it can be incredibly challenging to narrow the number down, even for everyday purchases. Heck, sometimes you have two options and no easy way of differentiating between em, like with generic vs brand over-the-counter medicine. Unfortunately, now-a-days trying to do any kind of research is most likely to pull up fake or questionable info from paid shills. I wonder how feasible it would be to create a decentralized chain of trust for product and service reviews. [0] https://www.fakespot.com https://www.fakespot.com

pwaai 9y ago
what did you find disappointing about it? First time I heard about it, what is it they do that's worth subscribing? On researching, yeah it's honestly a chore everytime because so much disinformation/misinformation. I'm not sure what decentralization would look like or even make sense. It seems like you just need some central guy like CR to vet and test out all the products. I go to Youtube for that tho.
- TheAceOfHearts 9y ago
  Well, I'd had access to their physical catalogues when I was younger through my parents' subscription, so I had good memories of their reviews. Their site has TONS of tracking and marketing scripts, which I consider anti-user. Furthermore, if you block or disable any, the site breaks. For a service claiming to be pro-user they seem to be engaging in a lot of dark patterns. Aside from that, I found their reviews lacking in detail. For many categories they have dozens of options marked as recommended, with prices ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, but no explanation of why one might prefer certain models. I subscribed because I wanted help narrowing down my options. I wouldn't suggest subscribing for more than a single month. They have some useful information, but not enough to justify a long-term subscription.
  - pwaai 9y ago
    What would the perfect thing look like for helping you narrow down your options? And if it was successful in helping you make informed consumer decisions, would it be something you'd come back for again and again? Lately, I'm super passionate and vocal about protecting consumers rights. I've been disenfranchised and powerless to act against shady business practices. I've been threatened for leaving negative reviews on purchases. Lawyers only go after high profile high payout cases. Local media seems to be in bed with corporate sponsors.

pwaai 9y ago

what did you find disappointing about it? First time I heard about it, what is it they do that's worth subscribing? On researching, yeah it's honestly a chore everytime because so much disinformation/misinformation. I'm not sure what decentralization would look like or even make sense. It seems like you just need some central guy like CR to vet and test out all the products. I go to Youtube for that tho.

TheAceOfHearts 9y ago
Well, I'd had access to their physical catalogues when I was younger through my parents' subscription, so I had good memories of their reviews. Their site has TONS of tracking and marketing scripts, which I consider anti-user. Furthermore, if you block or disable any, the site breaks. For a service claiming to be pro-user they seem to be engaging in a lot of dark patterns. Aside from that, I found their reviews lacking in detail. For many categories they have dozens of options marked as recommended, with prices ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, but no explanation of why one might prefer certain models. I subscribed because I wanted help narrowing down my options. I wouldn't suggest subscribing for more than a single month. They have some useful information, but not enough to justify a long-term subscription.
- pwaai 9y ago
  What would the perfect thing look like for helping you narrow down your options? And if it was successful in helping you make informed consumer decisions, would it be something you'd come back for again and again? Lately, I'm super passionate and vocal about protecting consumers rights. I've been disenfranchised and powerless to act against shady business practices. I've been threatened for leaving negative reviews on purchases. Lawyers only go after high profile high payout cases. Local media seems to be in bed with corporate sponsors.