this post was submitted on 05 May 2024
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The Verge published this spam article about the "best printers of 2024" to demonstrate how terrible Google's search results are. It now appears as the top non-sponsored post if you search "best printer" on Google.

I love a good, informative troll.

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[–] [email protected] 36 points 7 months ago (3 children)

I still sign up with them when I’m researching bigger, or long-lasting, purchases. Cars, washing machine, and that sort of thing. I’m always a little annoyed at the price, but the content is SO MUCH better than any other online review source that I’m always happy with my decision in the end. Reddit comments are probably second, but I’ve found those to be littered with what seem to me to be suspiciously positive reviews for items that are not significantly better than their competition. I feel like I need to dial up my critical nature to 10 to fight against the echo chamber and/or the covert advertising.

[–] clay_pidgin 22 points 7 months ago

I get Consumer Reports free through my library. You may too!

[–] [email protected] 16 points 7 months ago* (last edited 7 months ago) (2 children)

I saw a website that was selling Reddit bot services to companies that want to review their products. They would just send a swarm of bad accounts in there and make nice comments. Even replying to their own comments.

After that I stopped trusting almost every Reddit review (⁠╯⁠°⁠□⁠°⁠)⁠╯⁠︵⁠ ⁠┻⁠━⁠┻

*Edit: meant to say bot accounts but leaving it

[–] [email protected] 5 points 7 months ago

I was shopping printers earlier, and reddit-based results had clear paid comments.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 7 months ago

I saw it too and did the same thing.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 7 months ago

Reddit posts could always be company astroturfing as well.