Respectfully, the online world IS the real world, and it is becoming more REAL to more people every day. Shoot, more of my friends are virtual than not right now...
I think that scanning a letter is fine if you want to post that on your site, but a flip video might be better, either way that isn't what we are talking about here. The question was is it ok to load reviews on behalf of someone else. That answer is NO across all reputable sites. I don't think that a picture of the paper would really authenticate it as much or as easily as a unique GUID and IP does. Facts are that "handwritten letters" faxed to a third party that has promised to "get you reviews or raise your ratings" invites fraud. Not at all saying that is what you were doing, Michael, but that is what some of the disreputable companies are doing. Could it be done legitimately? Sure. Does it inherently involve fraud or risk of fraud not present by GUID and IP tracking/blocking? Yes.
The unsold prospect tells us what is valid. 15 days ago is getting aged and 15 years ago never happened. The consumer shows a strong preference for very current review content. That said, if you've been practicing asking the happy people for a positive review for 15 years you should have NO problem getting new reviews that are valid and highly impactful, right? The issue here is understanding the need to modernize the request and delivery of the content. Nobody really wants to plunk down money for a stamp, and frankly, that bulletin board by the drinking fountain isn't getting as many views as your website.
I'm always shocked to see the reports that the Boomers are the fastest growing demographic on FB, but my personal anecdotal evidence supports it. My Grandfather is in his late 80's and is always in my newsfeed, I think he jumped on before I did and he is active there because of his peers...
No disrespect at all Yago, but this doesn't hold water. Don't discount the older folks, they know how to get their voice heard if they are motivated to do so and have proven history of adapting. The issue here is more likely that the sales person or service writer has failed to ask or compel them to take the time to do it.
I get asked to fill out a survey every time I buy anything. Trip to the grocery store, here is a survey. Lunch on Sunday, here is a survey. Exhausting right? The exception was a young lady that took great care of my wife and I and went out of her way to make us happy at dinner. She presented the check and explained that the survey was really important to her because it was important to her boss. It was then important to me because I wanted her boss to know what a great job she was doing and I filled out the survey. She earned my time and had the nerve to ask for it...
