Um – this has already been dealt with when you emailed me a few days ago. As I explained then, the reviews associated with “false” accounts were removed. The rest cannot be removed due to the variations in the posting
IP addresses. Nor can we re-adjust the number of 1-star reviews that will
show for the plugin (this is a known bug in the WPORG forums review system).
I’m sorry but there’s nothing else we can do.
Moderator
Jan Dembowski
(@jdembowski)
Forum Moderator and Brute Squad
It is an imperfect system that’s for sure.
When that happened (it was noticed) the reviews and reviewer are closely looked at. If it is determined that the reviews are spam then they are deleted. Sock puppet accounts get blocked.
The same thing occurs when there is a series of 5 star reviews as well. For example someone was creating sock puppet accounts and was using them to bump up their plugin by leaving 5 star reviews. That behavior has get’s noticed an the plugin author can get into real trouble attempting to “fix” their reviews that way.
It may be tempting to do that but honestly: don’t. Yes, that is a not-so-subtle hint about NOT using sock puppet accounts. That will get you into trouble.
Something that I like to keep in mind is that the review system is a feedback tool. This is not the same thing for example as Amazon’s review system. No one should be trying to use the review system to make money here. 😉
WordPress users are a sharp group and when a plugin (or theme) gets loaded down with 5 star or 1 star reviews they pick that up too. Some users leave unfair reviews but those get to stay. You as an author get to reply and demonstrate that you’re the better person.
Like I said it’s imperfect but you can reply to those reviews well.
