Lordy, lordy.
Among the recent changes at TripAdvisor, we can now add to the list that they'll no longer be exploiting questionable reviews about the Dirtiest Hotels. Well, at least not in their annual PR shindig promoting the worst of the worst.
Of course, I'm sure that has nothing to do with that whole pending litigation business, just a little coinky-dinky.
No surprises there, really. Not for anyone paying attention, that is.
Even as TA continues to claim that everything is just wonderful with their reviews, their actions continue to protect their own image - and assets - as they move further and further away from promoting trustworthiness. Because, of course, there's nothing trustworthy about unverified reviews. Never was.
In fact, some innkeepers might suggest that instead of being promoted as trustworthy, they should be issued with a traveler-beware caveat.
But as long as there's money to be made, those reviews will continue to flow, caveat-free.
And I suppose I shouldn't be at all surprised that the insurance industry has decided that there's money to be made from the whole he-said-she-said game.
Folks, we've moved a step beyond the "reputation management" services of companies who specialize in writing boiler plate fake reviews and onto a whole new money-making venture.
Yes, just in case you missed it over the holidays, it's finally happened. Lloyds of London is now offering Reputational Harm insurance. I kid you not.
Haven't gotten your policy yet? Not to worry. As long as innkeepers can incur needless suffering from unfair online attacks, there will be no shortage of folks standing in line to make money off of it.
Some might say it was bound to happen. The whole ugly game has now officially gone systemic.
