Recently we have been hit by a few spammers who join the board, then post on many threads with brief replies relevant to the thread and a link to a website. One posted about 10 times one night mention a tour they had just been on. When I put them on moderation, so the posts would not go on the board until approved, then registered with another user name and tried to continue.

Companies are actually paying people to do this for them - to register on message boards, and do lots of posts recommending them. Chris found THIS THREAD where someone is hiring people to do this for their cruise website.

This is why we are suspicious when a member starts frequently recommending the same business or posting with not much information just to get the link in their signature visible.

Pauline,
This is rather depressing news and the "ad" is unbelievable it is so brazen.
Presumably rival companies could ask for people to give very poor comments as well.
I see you have your work cut out.

Wendy

Pauline,

I was just reading about this trend in one of my weekly travel industry publications and find it to be very unethical.

It isn't just cruise reviews either. They are also targeting hotels and other properties where people stay.

Best of luck in finding these people who post under false credentials. It is
going to be a challenge.

All The Best,

This is what gives Slow Travel it's added value.

If you spend enough time here you get to know the community and therefore appreciate those reviews which may be meaningful to you.