How Important Is Accurate Information On Website?
Two days ago, I noticed a long-time WA member's 10-year-old website which supposedly tries out stuff to report scams and give info on legitimate opportunities had wrong information.
Supposedly, they test out things themselves.
However, I noticed the information written about a transcription company called TranscribeMe was seriously inaccurate. It said you can make up to $20/hour. The truth is you can make up to $20 per audio hour.
Anyone who has ever worked as a transcriptionist (such as myself) knows that it takes about 4 times the amount of time to transcribe the duration of an audio, and therefore you can only make about $5/hour.
Some other info written led me to conclude that no one ever even applied for this company to try it out, even though the website is supposedly about trying things out themselves so that they can tell you their honest appraisal.
Anyway, it made me a little annoyed and I contacted the website about the inaccurate information. (One might say I was doing them a favor, since if someone else discovered this inaccuracy, it would make their entire website seem less trustworthy, wouldn't it? especially since the website is SUPPOSEDLY ABOUT TRYING OUT THINGS before reporting on them.)
Anyway, they haven't replied back (left my email with them). IMO, this is not good customer service either.
But since the website has been around 10 years and makes 6 figures, it must be because there's a lot of content and good SEO.
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Yes, that website comes across authoritative because it's got lots of posts and has been around, but the minute I saw that big inaccuracy, I didn't trust the site anymore to read all the other posts which may or may not be entirely accurate.
There is no rule or requirement that we try things out ourselves. I find it irritating and a bit misleading that many people "review" things they have not used at all. This is a very good example! Someone probably just wrote down what they saw advertised somewhere and has no idea that the $20 per hour is completely unrealistic.
If someone was honest and explained that they had not tried or tested the item or service then it would be perfectly acceptable as long as they tried to accurately portray it.
Good for you for pointing out this highly misleading review!
If the website characterizes itself as reviewing products or services the author has tested, then it is certainly misleading. This is not illegal however and there is no way to prove they did or did not test it. So, there is not much we can do about it.
I would never employ such a practice on my sites however and as you know I only review products I actually use in real life. There have only been one or two instances where I had a link to a product I don't own but I explained in my review the original product I reviewed was no longer available and this was the closest substitute I could find. I am very proud of the fact that I actually use all the products I promote.
I know what you mean. I'm glad you're honest.
Yes, people who don't actually try product shouldn't act as if they did. At least say so that they didn't try it.
From what you said, that website lost so much credibility in eyes that I don't really believe that the website is earning six figures either.
If they truly are earning that much, well - that probably isn't someone that I would do business with much less call a friend.
They may trick some people or maybe that was just a bad post where they messed up. Regardless, if I saw something like that, I would never go back.
Yes, I personally don't trust the site as a result of this error. Also, the fact that they didn't respond to me after 2 days leaves a sour taste. And this wasn't the first time but second time I contacted them. I don't think they actually try everything, even though they make it sound like they do.
That is probably why they don't want to respond to you. They know they messed up.
I hope you have a good night sleep.
Jean this is obviously something that requires more research and investigation.Kyle and Carson have never encouraged anyone to BS their way into making money. Accurate information is what has made Wealthy Affiliate a success.
Right, accuracy should be the name of the game if the site literally makes a claim of trying things out so that you don't have to. Considering it has a lot of posts, in a way can't blame them for bullshitting on some things, I guess. But still annoyed.
WA, on the other hand, can always trust and comes across like they take care of you too.
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Accuracy is the key! Lies will catch-up eventually.
Right, lies or lack of sufficient research that leads to wrong information.
Absolutely!