How do I protect myself

[Samantha]

Ok I really need help. I signed in yesterday to update my available openings and realized someone had posted a new review. I clicked on it and the blood drained from my face. Someone maliciously posed as a parent and gave me a scathing review. Lie after lie was posted, ending with a personal attack on my character. I was characterized as unfriendly, unprofessional and uneducated! Anyone who knows me will know right away that this is a blatant attack to sabotage my business. I think that the person doing this is my only competition in the area even tho they posted it anonymously (of course). I haven't lost any of my daycare kids since I have started so Its not one of my parents. I can't believe someone could be so cruel. I didn't sleep a wink last night. Advice ?:(

[Inspired by Reggio]

Samantha I am not sure what to advice ~ that is horrible and petty :(

I know that there is a 'reply' option on the reviews which is supposed to be for rebuttal of negative reviews .... as well as you can 'turn that feature off' so that there are no reviews showing for anyone viewing your ad ~ you can make a note ON your ad that you have turned the review option off due to 'spam' and that reviews and references are available in person for any interested clients?

Although there must be a way to 'remove' a blatantly vicious and hurtful reviews by the admins of the website?

[apples and bananas]

oh that's horrible. It made me check mine right away. I'm so sorry, what an awful feeling. I would do as inspired by reggio says and turn the function off. I don't know if I'd mention it though. It's kind of like mentioning something that someone might not know is there. I wouldn't draw attention to it. How horrible.

[Inspired by Reggio]

....I don't know if I'd mention it though. It's kind of like mentioning something that someone might not know is there. I wouldn't draw attention to it. How horrible.

Good point ~ maybe not mention that you turned it off but just that 'references are available upon request'.

[mimi]

Samantha, so sorry to hear some jealous immature idiot did this to you. Proof is in the pudding and you know what kind of provider you are....that said I understand your anger and frustration. I would follow Reggio's suggestions and then put this behind you. Don't let this person win by continuing to let your anger fester, it will do you no good. Get the better of this person by opening your daycare tomorrow with a smile on your face and by having a good day. All the best to you.:flower:

[kidlove]

Slander is free to any idiot who wants to use it!!!!!! Why do people do this? I guess the only thing you can do is get your butt out there and prove to as many people as possible that you are none of those things by doing your job well and spreading a positive opinion of yourself by the good job you do. I was attacked by a few crappy parents when I started, almost closed my daycare after the first few monthes. (obviously had poor judgement choosing parents) (still do sometimes:)) But I didnt and for the most part, an glad I chose to stay open, it is a good job and have had MANY happy parents since then. Just ignore the crap!!!! I know its not easy but people will say things no matter what, just give them something good to talk about. :)

[Momof4]

Did that happen to your ad on this site? You should report it to the moderators and get them to deal with it, whatever site it may be. I'm so sorry you have to deal with a spiteful, stupid idiot!

[dodge__driver11]

I have had this happen to me.

Some things I have done:
- I have taken all review options on any website I am listed on down
-I no longer list my phone number/street on listings (If I have to I list a general area street near by)
-I no lonfer list my email address on my website but rather I have put a contact form on it instead
-I ALWAYS REPORT harrasing emails to someone whenever possible

[apples and bananas]

I'm surprised that this site doesn't forward an email to you if you are reviewed or at least put a notification up.

[DCP_But_Momma_1st]

oh my :( I am so sorry someone did that to you. I agree with contacting the moderator of whatever site it is.

[Samantha]

I want to thank all of you lovely people for all of your great advice. I am so pleased to tell you that after reporting to the web master what had happened, the offensive post has been removed. Your all so awesome. Thanks again!