Via The New York Times:
Like every Web site that depends on consumer critiques, Yelp has a problem with companies trying to manipulate their results. So it set up a sting operation to catch them. The first eight businesses — including a moving company, two repair shops and a concern that organizes treasure hunts — will find themselves exposed on Thursday.
Yelp is a crucial point in their development. The switch by Apple from Google’s Maps has placed Yelp reviews front and centre, and the company needs to take this opportunity seriously. Cracking down of false reviews will bolster Yelp’s reputation, and coupled with their new place on the iPhone, could make them the de facto choice for online reviews.
