Oops ... I guess I forgot that the Green Pages were just "recommendations" and not actually reviews.
I think I remember someone once suggesting a *star* type rating system, giving 5 ✶✶✶✶✶ stars for a good rating down to 1 ✶ for a poor rating but only allowing comments for the 5 star companies? ATP is such a pleasant place to spend time so I'm thinking the Green Page recommendations are probably the best way to go, to keep the negativity from creeping in.
I've heard folks talk about ratings getting out of hand on some sites; about people apparently writing bad reviews and sometimes untrue reviews and getting their friends to do the same. I guess it's hard for some folks to be diplomatic without being nasty but I also understand anger and frustration when you've spent your hard earned money on a product and did not receive what was expected and get no results from a vendor. I'm not the confrontational type but like everyone else, if I spend $$ on products I expect to get what I'm paying for.
When I'm browsing a website and find plants that I'm interested in ordering, it has become a habit to check to see if there are any recommendations for that company at our ATP Green Pages. I also sometimes just browse the Green Pages to see what folks have to say about the different vendors ... which usually leads me to their websites to view everything they have to offer.
I have made purchases from a few of the vendors listed in our Green Pages and I've had very positive results.
