If you’re going to leave a 1 star review…have at least the cojones to post a review with it.

When you leave a blank review (one without a comment) just a star rating you are taking the cowards way out.

So you didn’t like something about a company, the employees or products then speak up and say something.

Oh, but you’re afraid they might respond to your review or flag it and have it removed. So instead of posting a comment, you just post a 1 star with an empty review.

Those leaving 1 star blank reviews understand the system. They know precisely that although their blank review holds no legitimate weight, it’s harder to dispute. Since they have said nothing in their comment (because they didn’t post a comment) their review can’t be flagged for inappropriateness or offensiveness.

Now it could be flagged for being “off-topic“. Unfortunately, depending on who is reviewing those “flagged” reviews only about 5% are removed.

So yeah, I’m not a fan of blank reviews. I feel if you are upset with a company, have not received the service you thought you were paying for, or their product or employee just weren’t helpful…you should leave a review that reflects that. And that company should be able to respond accordingly.

But leaving a blank review…shouldn’t even be option.

Oh, and the fact anyone can leave a review regardless if they are a customer or not makes any online review system allowing such actions to be worthless.

Reviews should only be allowed from those that actually bought something. Allowing anyone to review a product or service without being a customer creates a system that can be manipulated. A system that can be used as a weapon to put a company out of business or help another gain an unfair advantage in the marketplace.

Rob Anspach

Anspach Media | Website | + posts

Rob Anspach is affectionately known as “Mr. Sarcasm” to his friends. To everyone else, he’s a Certified Digital Marketing Strategist, Authority Amplification Expert, Best-Selling Author, Podcaster, Speaker, and Publisher who helps entrepreneurs, experts, and organizations expand their influence, credibility, and legacy.

With more than 25 years of experience building brands and positioning leaders as industry authorities, Rob specializes in authority marketing, storytelling strategy, and digital visibility. He is known for helping experts move beyond simply being known… and become respected, trusted, and remembered.

Rob has authored, co-authored, or produced 60+ books covering topics such as social media marketing, podcasting, copywriting, personal injury law, military law, entrepreneurship, customer experience, life lessons, scams, sarcasm-driven business strategy, and more. His publishing and authority-building clients include attorneys, speakers, doctors, consultants, real estate professionals, coaches, and corporate leaders seeking to elevate their visibility and thought leadership.

He is also the host of The E-Heroes Podcast, featuring 380+ interviews with entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry disruptors. The show is distributed across major platforms including Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, Audible, iHeartRadio, Spotify, and additional global streaming networks.

Through consulting, publishing, and strategic authority positioning, Rob works with businesses and organizations worldwide to help them increase revenue, strengthen brand trust, and capture high-value online opportunities.

Rob is available for speaking engagements, media interviews, podcast guest appearances, and corporate training programs focused on authority marketing, legacy branding, and strategic visibility.

To learn more or to get started, visit www.AnspachMedia.com or call Anspach Media at (412) 267-7224.