Review Guidelines
Last updated: December 13, 2024
Our Commitment to Authentic Reviews
Web3Connect is committed to hosting honest, authentic reviews that help Web3 founders make informed decisions. Our guidelines ensure that every review:
- Reflects genuine, first-hand experience
- Is free from bias or manipulation
- Complies with legal requirements including FTC regulations
- Contributes to a trustworthy ecosystem
These guidelines apply to everyone who submits reviews on Web3Connect. Violations may result in review removal, account suspension, or permanent ban.
1. Who Can Write Reviews
1.1 Eligibility Requirements
To write a review on Web3Connect, you must:
- Be 18 years or older
- Have genuine, first-hand experience with the service you're reviewing
- Have engaged with the service within the past 2 years
- Be willing to verify your identity through our verification process
1.2 Verification Process
We verify reviews to ensure authenticity. Verification methods include:
Required Verification:
- Email verification (all reviews)
Optional Verification (increases trust indicators):
- LinkedIn profile verification
- Employment verification
- Project/engagement verification
Verified reviews receive a verification badge and may be weighted higher in quality calculations.
1.3 Who Cannot Write Reviews
You may not write a review if:
- You are a current employee or owner of the company being reviewed
- You have a financial interest in the company (investor, board member)
- You are a direct competitor writing to damage reputation
- You have never used the service
- You were compensated specifically for a positive (or negative) review
2. Review Content Standards
2.1 What Makes a Good Review
A helpful review:
- Describes your specific experience with dates, project type, and outcomes
- Addresses specific aspects of the service (quality, communication, value)
- Balances pros and cons - no service is perfect
- Provides context about your project size, industry, and needs
- Stays professional even when expressing criticism
2.2 Prohibited Content
Reviews must NOT contain:
Misleading Content:
- False or fabricated claims
- Experiences that didn't happen
- Information about services you didn't use
Inappropriate Content:
- Offensive, obscene, or discriminatory language
- Personal attacks on individuals
- Threats or harassment
- Content promoting illegal activities
2.3 Rating Guidelines
| Stars | Meaning | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
| 5 Stars | Exceptional | Exceeded expectations in all areas |
| 4 Stars | Great | Met or exceeded most expectations |
| 3 Stars | Good | Met basic expectations with some issues |
| 2 Stars | Below Average | Failed to meet several expectations |
| 1 Star | Poor | Significant problems, would not recommend |
3. Incentive Disclosure Requirements
FTC Compliance Notice
The U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires disclosure of "material connections" between reviewers and companies. Non-compliance can result in penalties up to $51,744 per violation.
3.1 What Must Be Disclosed
You must disclose if you received ANY of the following from the company you're reviewing:
Monetary Benefits:
- Payment or compensation for writing the review
- Discounts beyond normal promotional offers
- Gift cards or credits
- Referral bonuses
Non-Monetary Benefits:
- Free products or services
- Free trials specifically for review purposes
- Upgraded service tiers
- Early access to features
- Entry into contests or sweepstakes
3.2 How We Display Disclosures
If you disclose receiving an incentive, we will:
- Display an "Incentivized Review" badge on your published review
- Include a disclosure statement explaining the nature of the incentive
- Allow readers to see this disclosure at a glance
3.3 Prohibited Incentives
The following incentive arrangements are PROHIBITED:
- Conditional Incentives: Incentives offered only if you provide a positive review
- Pay-Per-Positive: Any payment structure tied to positive sentiment
- Review Manipulation: Requests to edit or delete negative reviews in exchange for benefits
If a company offers you a conditional incentive, do NOT accept it and report it to us at [email protected].
4. Review Verification
4.1 Verification Badges
Reviews may display the following badges:
| Badge | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Verified Reviewer | Identity verified via LinkedIn or enhanced verification |
| Email Verified | Email address confirmed |
| Incentivized | Reviewer disclosed receiving an incentive |
| Unverified | Pending verification or unable to verify |
5. Reporting Violations
If you believe a review violates these guidelines:
- Click the "Report" button on the review
- Select the type of violation
- Provide any supporting details
- Submit your report
We review all reports within 5 business days.
What to Report
- Fake or fabricated reviews
- Undisclosed conflicts of interest
- Offensive or inappropriate content
- Reviews by employees or competitors
- Conditional incentive solicitations
6. Enforcement
| Severity | Consequences |
|---|---|
| Minor | Warning + guidance (first offense, unintentional) |
| Moderate | Review removal + account restriction |
| Severe | Permanent ban + potential legal referral |
You may appeal enforcement actions by emailing [email protected] within 30 days.
7. Legal Compliance
These guidelines are designed to comply with:
- FTC Endorsement Guides (16 CFR Part 255)
- FTC Consumer Reviews Rule (16 CFR Part 465)
- FTC Act Section 5 (unfair or deceptive practices)
- Australian Consumer Law (misleading conduct provisions)
Contact Us
Questions about guidelines: [email protected]
Report violations: [email protected]
Appeals: [email protected]
General support: [email protected]
Quick Reference: Review Checklist
Before submitting your review, confirm:
- ☐I have genuine, first-hand experience with this service
- ☐My experience occurred within the past 2 years
- ☐I have disclosed any incentives I received
- ☐My review is honest and reflects my actual experience
- ☐I have not included any prohibited content
- ☐I understand my review may be published publicly