In a post few weeks ago, I wrote about the online petition requesting Amazon to remove anonymous reviews and allow only verified purchasers. This was allowing unethical people write fake reviews to bring down competitors.
I came to the surprising conclusion that while I agree with the urgency behind the petition, it wasn't the kind of petition I'd sign. One, because I firmly believe that if authors can maintain their privacy by using pen names, reviewers or readers have a right to do the same. Two, I'm not convinced that Amazon would overhaul a system that has worked so well for them. Only allowing verified purchasers to comment would drastically cut down on the number of reviews they've gotten and as a business that is equivalent to shooting themselves in the foot. I am not convinced that Amazon would capitulate.
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