Reviews Ain't What They Used To Be

I am all of a tizz because of several exciting things which happened yesterday, not least of which was being asked to review books for a new website.  Hurray.

Yer Amazon review used to be the best recommendation you could follow, the online answer to word of mouth.  They're entirely open and democratic, because anyone can place a review if they feel moved to give their opinion.  Though JH has asked me not to place my chosen review on his book (just what's wrong with "I love this book because it's dedicated to meeeee!" anyway?)

But since when did Amazon reviews become a place to showcase your comedy writing?  Like this lot from Rundown.  The joke gifts are the worst for attracting showboating reviews - these reviews provide more laughs than the product.

Now have a look at this - the latest Food Doctor Diet book.  It's got several middling reviews, most of which express disappointment that the content has already been published in previous FD books.  That's a fair enough point, which you would need to know if you were considering buying this book.

But one review stands out - Katrina from Preston lavishes the book with fulsome praise, the only reviewer to give it the full 5 stars.   In fact Katrina has contributed 5 reviews, starting in 2005, all of them for Food Doctor books or products, all of them 5 star ratings.  And she's not at all bothered about the new one being less than unique. Is she just a genuine, enthusiastic fan?  Is it some kind of viral marketing PR ploy?   

Who knows, I've been cooking these recipes and am still mulling over a review.  They do seem to vary.  The best comment JH could give it the other night, as he grimly forked his way through a plateful of quinoa was "Well, it keeps you alive, doesn't it?".  Are we missing something Katrina?  Do tell.