Peer Pressure Works Both Ways
We all know what a sales boost can be gained by people seeing positive comments about a product. There's nothing better than a forum full of people posting rave reviews about something you're selling!
However, it's important to remember that this works the other way, as well. An example:
I'm currently promoting a product on a forum (some here will know what it is), most comments about it were pretty positive, and the sales came in. Yesterday, a more negative comment was posted (though it was the kind I like, with constructive critisism).
This morning I recieved a message from one of my customers along the lines of…
I was happy with the product before but after reading [negative post] I don't anymore, and want a refund.
This guy is a perfect example of somebody who is always following the crowd in his business, looking for the next big "magic solution" to spend his money on. I wish this guy luck with his business, but do not see him having much success with that attitude 
</rant> 
Comment by Stu — February 1, 2008 @ 3:35 am
That's just bizarre!
I wonder how many people will be asking for their money back from liquidweb now after Mark at 45n5.com's rant about their downtime?
Comment by burt — February 1, 2008 @ 10:10 am
Stu, your comment lead me to Marks blog (which I visit now and then). Same old, same old. Mark is a linkbait whore.
Comment by Kay — February 1, 2008 @ 4:21 pm
I agree with Stu's comment. It's just bizarre!
I've bought stuff from Burt and have always been happy with the deal. If someone now comes along and says it's no good, then that's up to them. I don't want to abandon a product or website because of a comment or criticism. I'd rather keep what I've got and enjoy the increased income it brings.
But good though things might be, as Oli says, there are no "magic solutions". If you buy something then YOU have to make it work for you. Maybe the guy didn't expect to have to do anything for himself.
Comment by Paul Forcey — February 2, 2008 @ 12:47 am
I actually thought you handled that negative post really well Oli.
The funny thing is that when you do the updates and the person who made the negative post gives you a 5 star report, the guy who wanted the refund will be asking to buy again and wonder why he cant have it at the old price..
Comment by burt — February 2, 2008 @ 10:28 am
"the guy who wanted the refund will be asking to buy again and wonder why he cant have it at the old price.."
So true. A couple years back when I released v1 of my Site Builder, a person bought it at something like $10 + $4.50 for a couple templates. He hated it, called me all the names under the sun, wanted a refund NOW goddamit etc etc. I gave him one as I couldn't be bothered to be subject to his abuse.
About 3 months later, when people started reporting rises of 50%, 100%, 150% in their earnings, he wanted to buy again. OK, says I. By this time the Site Builder is on v3 and costs $127 with a template pack at $97. Yeah baby, yeah
Comment by Xenocide — February 11, 2008 @ 3:00 pm
OliML strikes again!