Policy change - consumer reviews on Basenotes

[Grant]

Policy change - consumer reviews on Basenotes


Since our launch in 2000, we have actively encouraged our visitors to submit their own reviews of fragrances listed in our database. Presently we have over 30,000 fragrance reviews on the site.


After eight years of showing a wide range of opinions, it is with a tinge of sadness that we are announcing a change in policy. Due to falling sales of fragrances (which affects our business), we have come to an arrangement with the top fragrance houses, that we will only publish positive reviews. We feel that this will cause a boost in sales and lead to a healthier industry.

From 1st May only positive reviews will be accepted. Thank you for your understanding.

[Atlas]

Dear Sir,

Since late 2006 I have been a frequent visitor of Basenotes. In my opinion this is one the best websites to find information on, and comment on, fragrances. I have learned a lot about fragrances because of Basenotes.

I am an avid user of the Fragrance Directory precisely because it provides me with a wide range of opinions: positive, negative, and neutral. The Fragrance Directory is a decisive guideline when I decide to purchase a fragrance (or not to purchase it).

Even though I do not want to reduce the Basenotes' value to just the Fragrance Directory, because there is always the Community, I find the decision to only post positive a very sad and discomforting development.

"Only positive reviews will be accepted?" What kind of attitude is that? You are giving in to the fragrance industry. Is it really so that, the day Basenotes only accepts positive reviews, the "falling sales of fragrances" trend will be reversed? Is that your job? To be a spokesperson for the industry? You cannot even begin to understand how disappointed I am. What about freedom of speech and opinion?

You, dear Sir, are a sellout. I believe you are making the wrong decision.

Sincerely,

Atlas

[holyjes]

::snickers::

[mrblowtorch]

Hah! Nice! Wink wink, nudge nudge, say no more!!

In that case, let me begin - I think that B*Men and Gucci Pour Homme II are the finest fragrances in existence. I have spoken!

[Hoos]

I haven't written a review yet, but have been looking forward to it. It seems like it might be good to do a trial run to be sure it meets the new editorial standards. So, without further ado, I present my first potential review (comments, suggestions, critiques are welcome):

Creed Neroli Sauvage: This scent not only wowed me with its initial punch of neroli and transported me to a football stadium filled to the brim with ripe oranges (hence, the Orange Bowl in America) in which I frolicked unhindered by clothing. It not only did that, it also arranged for my purchase of a villa in Umbria; it made me a passionate, considerate lover; it changed day to night; and it did my dishes.

I don't know if this applies to all of Creed's wonderful range of fragrances (I regularly bathe in Royal Water because I can afford it now), but it doesn't seem likely that you'll be disappointed. Salut, Creed!

[silverbullet]

Hah, you got me on that one. That's the best joke yet.

[deck89]

Wow..Freedom of speech snatched!! Wonder if the IMDB will follow suit?

[ChrisW]

::snickers::

hehehe, April Fools!?

I hope!

[SirSlarty]

You, dear Sir, are a sellout. I believe you are making the wrong decision.

Never believe ANYTHING announced on April 1st on the Internet. Ever.

[ChrisW]

Funny ones from the past!


http://community.basenotes.net/showt...ht=april+fools

http://community.basenotes.net/showt...ht=april+fools

[deck89]

.......

[Ron199]

You almost got me!! This is good stuff.

[MadScientist]

Never believe ANYTHING announced on April 1st on the Internet. Ever.

Ok. Wait....then

I for one applaud censorship. It keeps us, the ignorant masses, in line. We don't have to think about anything because the all-knowing corporations tell us what is best.

[Vivek]

Lol, whilst reading through it, I thought we would have to like make up a secret code for getting negative reviews across :P

[silverbullet]

Well I guess I can appreciate the new policy since it is probably hurting the industry somewhat. So, I comply. Not.

[Tonyprince]

I'm embarrassed to admit I fell for it. I'm so gullible.

[ComDiva]

Another gullible BNer here... Took me 'til half way through the thread to realize. Good one, Grant!

[stuigi]

...and I purchased the rights to Aramis Havana because it has only positive reviews!

[Strollyourlobster]

Excellent, Grant, enough with the negativity! I further move that we only review Bois du Portugal. For me even thinking positive thoughts about a bunch of different frags can be confusing. And maybe also require that members refer to it in their reviews as Bois du Freedom.
Happy April 1!

[Indie_Guy]

G, that was a good one. You almost had me for a sec!

[Endymion]

it's an april's fools joke, right?
i hope so!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[angle]

I'm embarrassed to admit I fell for it. I'm so gullible.

Ditto....

[TwoRoads]

Well done Grant!

Inventive whimsical nonsense in the best of English tradition!

[lally]

Yikes! Ok, got me. Was building up a head of rage until I read the other comments. Newbie here.

Lally

[kbe]

..my blood ran cold...I wet my pants...I wondered the streets for hours, looking for an honest reviewer..

[HughLloyd]

But hey, good news, you can add reviews again!

[Atlas]

Ok, fooled me. What can I say, I'm gullible... :-)

[wildcat]

Riiigghht...LOL!! Good one- Happy April Fools,Y'all!

[irish]

Darn It! at 2 min before Apr. 2 Grant was the only one to get me

[nikkou]

I'm all for positive reviews!

-Poisson d'Avril.