When we travel, we meet new places. It’s natural that we want to describe them.
How nice it would be if all places on Google maps could be given the maximum rating (5*). Unfortunately, reality can surprise and it happens that we have to give an absolutely negative rating (1*).
We often rate places under the influence of a very negative experience and related emotions. We often use (too) hard words and negative epithets.
I also meet with opinions that if something is to be judged very badly, then let’s not judge it at all. Because why expose yourself.
I do not agree with both attitudes. Let’s rate, always and everything. But always with deliberation and justice … because we want to change the world for the better. This is (also) the function of the Local Guide, and despite the fact that it is “just” fun, it is an incredibly responsible game.
Therefore, a few tips from me: “How to write a bad opinion”.
- Give yourself a time.
Do not judge negatively immediately. Give yourself some time to cool down and take distance to the situation / place. Take deep breaths, calm down and it’s best to put it off later. Often, after 1-2 days or even less, we will evaluate the given situation differently. - Activate a different point of view.
Once you start writing, stand “next to yourself” and try to look at the situation from a different point of view … would be best, to look from the point of view of the owner of the place being assessed. It happens, it changes our attitude. - Base your opinions on the facts.
Do not exaggerate. Just describe the facts, what you have seen, felt, tasted. Think twice whether your rating is true. - Why was it so unpleasant?
Think if sometimes you did not really initiate a negative situation?! It happens … we’re just human. - Rate similarly.
When assessing, think about whether you are sure that you are fair. Have you not given a better assessment to other places with similar quality of service or other criteria? Try to assign your own ratings to each number of rating, eg 5* = I will definitely come back here. The same applies to negative opinions. - Are you sure you judge a place or only an element related to emotions?
The bathroom was dirty? You are really pissed off and want to give them 1*? But maybe the room was pleasant, the bed comfortable, the kindest service and the food in the restaurant exquisite?! Think about whether you judge the place or your own (single) emotion! - Give opportunities for improvement.
Write so that the owner of the place knows exactly what you mean, to give him possibility to change “it” for the better. A well-written negative pin will be well received and may be a reason for improvement - and that’s what we mean. Thanks to this, yours opinions will also be more reliable.
To sum up: write reviews, always true, without emotions, based on facts.
Let’s change the world so that it becomes better.
Good luck.
Mirek