I can’t help but think that the serious serial spammers are in part a cause for the evolution of the PO box TOS. Your review of the 29Prime Case, and analysis of how they tied the PO address to their location in establishing their URL highlighted how deliberate that business was in creating an original address off of a PO box.

It creates a problem and annoyance for small businesses and rural businesses that have genuine reasons for establishing PO box addresses.

As Andy suggested the complex issues with Google Places, and what I suspect are serious issues created by spammers is somehow forcing google to put more resources into Places to get it closer to “correct”

I still hope they put more personnel into effecting “hand fixes” or what Vanessa described in one comment as a “point fix”

That would expedite cleaning up problems for a lot of smbs.

Thanks for the heads up Mike, as well as the process to deal with it

I did check with a lawyer that specializes in internet law and he did feel that ANY deception in the review process would be viewed askance by the FTC AND State AG’s.

@Bryan
I would agree that whenever SEO/Review Management businesses perceive that an economic gain is on the the table an algo is often not up to the task of preventing abuses. These folks will figure out a way around it.

Although Google is moving in the direction of author rank with the rollout of Google + so this might fulfilll your ideal of a verified reviewer at least for them.

The reality is that the industry is unlikely to agree on common verified user system. Like with business verification it might end up as Google against everyone else.

But in addition to a verified user, there is a need (in my opinion) for a clear legal framework AND some enforcement. Otherwise there will continue to be companies that push the limits of the process.

I agree with your points but I think the discussion really brings the obvious question to light.

With the growing importance of reviews for all businesses, how will the industry as a whole monitor and verify that reviews are a real customer writing a real review? I don’t believe that this can be accomplished successful using an algorithm. (even for super smart Google).

I believe that reviewers will somehow need to be “verified”. Maybe through a very small credit card transaction, phone verification, or something similar that would insure a real person wrote the review.

I’d love to hear others thought on this.

PS. As far as legality, I’m sure the FTC wouldn’t approve of “helping” the review posting process.

They also said it was a way to help manage your online reputation.

I think that Google is fearful if they make it obvious wha the algo thinks is the “bad” review that spammers will take more advantage of their system then they already do.

@Miriam
I think there is a general wink and a nod between the business owner and the service provider. It is hard to understand what either are thinking.

In situations like this, I have to wonder if a service like this is created in the absence of knowledge of the guidelines, or, in complete awareness and with a willingness to violate them.

Also, have to say, paying someone $125/month for any professional service is not a surefire way to acquire a high level practitioner.

They both review other 29 Prime locations.