Wolf shirts are the hottest trend
Roberto Salome
Issue date: 6/5/09 Section: Ed-Op
A few weeks ago, something peculiar occurred on the Amazon.com marketplace. A simple black T-shirt, with three wolves howling at the moon became the best-selling item in the apparel category. It managed to overtake the ever-popular Levi's 505 jeans, Crocs sandals and more. While there is no clear explanation for this phenomenon, the T-shirt's rise in popularity seems to be attributed to its reviews.
This "Three Wolf Moon T-Shirt" has amassed over 900 reviews and an average rating of 4.5 out of five stars. With a standard size that large, purchasing this shirt seems like a no-brainer for the consumer desiring a quality garment. However, upon further review one notices that these reviews are anything but quality.
The reviews are focused on stating that the shirt's magic can be experienced from the first time it is worn. From increasing one's muscles to effortlessly attracting any women in the wearer's vicinity, this T-shirt has been given lofty expectations. Even ex-girlfriends are supposedly not immune to this shirt's allure.
It is not hard to realize that most of these reviews are false. They are the creations of Internet users with too much time on their hands. This is just an example of a innocent prank that does not have any harmful side-effects. Amazon may have to alter its shipping strategy to meet the new demand, but that is something that all online retailers are prepared to handle. The problem arises when marketing firms start to use reviews for their personal benefit.
The advertising industry drives the markets in capitalistic societies. Consumers are constantly being bombarded with choices as to which shoes, electronics or even newspapers to buy. While ads may occasionally be useful at informing the public, most people know that advertisements are heavily biased. Reviews are seen as being for the customers by the customers. Their neutral viewpoint makes them a powerful force.
The eBay feedback system is a prime example of a review's impact. When a transaction goes poorly, it is not uncommon for eBay sellers to do everything in their power to prevent the bidder from leaving negative feedback. Sellers know that one bad review can keep away potential business. With so much online competition, sellers are a dime a dozen, and it is not difficult for a buyer to move on to the next seller.
This "Three Wolf Moon T-Shirt" has amassed over 900 reviews and an average rating of 4.5 out of five stars. With a standard size that large, purchasing this shirt seems like a no-brainer for the consumer desiring a quality garment. However, upon further review one notices that these reviews are anything but quality.
The reviews are focused on stating that the shirt's magic can be experienced from the first time it is worn. From increasing one's muscles to effortlessly attracting any women in the wearer's vicinity, this T-shirt has been given lofty expectations. Even ex-girlfriends are supposedly not immune to this shirt's allure.
It is not hard to realize that most of these reviews are false. They are the creations of Internet users with too much time on their hands. This is just an example of a innocent prank that does not have any harmful side-effects. Amazon may have to alter its shipping strategy to meet the new demand, but that is something that all online retailers are prepared to handle. The problem arises when marketing firms start to use reviews for their personal benefit.
The advertising industry drives the markets in capitalistic societies. Consumers are constantly being bombarded with choices as to which shoes, electronics or even newspapers to buy. While ads may occasionally be useful at informing the public, most people know that advertisements are heavily biased. Reviews are seen as being for the customers by the customers. Their neutral viewpoint makes them a powerful force.
The eBay feedback system is a prime example of a review's impact. When a transaction goes poorly, it is not uncommon for eBay sellers to do everything in their power to prevent the bidder from leaving negative feedback. Sellers know that one bad review can keep away potential business. With so much online competition, sellers are a dime a dozen, and it is not difficult for a buyer to move on to the next seller.
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