Shill Alert: J Mark's Restaurant Discovers MenuPages
We love it when restaurateurs suddenly discover MenuPages: South Florida. Not only because we like to get the word out about the site, but also because sometimes it can be a bit amusing. How can we tell? Well, it's easy, really. Here's an example: over the past 48 hours, we've received 10 wonderful glowing reviews — three from the same IP address — for J Mark's Restaurant in Pompano Beach. Clearly the manager and/or owner learned of the site and ordered a blitzkrieg of positive reviews to boost ratings. (Also guilty this week: John The Baker.) After the jump, we've included a few of the reviews that didn't make it onto the site because of the obvious shill factor.
This one is titled "FANTASTIC FANTASTIC FANTASTIC!!!!:"
this has to be the greatest resturant i have been to in my life. i had the hawiian rib eye its flavor was unbalivable,the service was fantasic, the owners ariel and steve care enough to stop and check with each guest to ensure that they enjoy there expirence at this resteruant . over all theres nothing to say other than that this was truly a dining expirence i will remember.We highly doubt that this is the greatest restaurant you've been to in your life, and when you reference the owners by name, it makes us conclude that you are either closely related to them or are in fact an owner.
Here's another one:
I recently visited the area and discovered J. Marks. The food was outstanding and the service was spot on. The eggrolls were delicious and the prime rib was some of the best I have ever had. I have recommended J. Mark's to my other friends that have visited the area and agree with me!!!! Steve and his team have done an outstanding job!!! Keep up the great work!!!!!You know, this may be from an actual customer who enjoyed his or her meal, but still, it's tainted by the fact that it arrived within minutes of the last positive review of the restaurant. He or she most likely was asked by the owner/manager to submit a review. Also: excessive exclamation marks are a dead giveaway.
So, restaurateurs, as much as we enjoy the amusement, really, just don't bother. It's futile.
J Mark's Restaurant [MenuPages]
J Mark's Restaurant [Official Site]
