As a local guide, I have contributed honest reviews to the people who want to know what the experience is like. When I am traveling or even when I am home in my neighborhood, I like to check the reviews and even add my own review to google.
Sharing experiences gives myself and others greater insight to make better more enjoyable decisions. I used to ask around, but that was maybe a good review or two from people with questionable tastes and selective experiences. When you get multiple reviews from many different people and different times, you can get a more well rounded idea of what the experience is like.I love being apart of making decisions a better experience.
My most memorable review was on a local photographer who did my maternity, newborn, and birth photo-shoot. I live the whole experience, and have since raved about it to my co-workers, family, and friends. Fortunately for the rest of the world, I can share that same experience with them using local guides. The link to that review can be found here: https://goo.gl/maps/N2tEMYR4yku