Saturday night apartment funnies and Yelp’s review filter

The first Yelp review of Reside at Belmont Harbor, 426 W Belmont Ave, dated 12/18/11, was written by a first-time Yelper and flagged as suspicious by Yelp’s review filter:

I have lived at Belmont Harbor for about two years now. I’ve gone through at least three different management companies and during those times, I would rate a one star. However, once Reside took over a few months ago I’ve noticed a tremendous improvement in attentiveness, availability, and overall satisfaction. They are clearly serious about making this place completely much better than in the past.

A definite place to live if you’re a dog lover as you find one in just about every apartment. Units are being renovated so you should always expect some noise and work being done during the day.

The location is perfect for anyone looking for a Lakeview apartment and my only comment is that it’s a bit on the pricey side but in all fairness, these are newly renovated apartments with all new appliances so it should cost a bit more. I have high hopes that the fitness center will finally be repaired and that the laundry facilities will get renovated.

It is certainly worth visiting and you’ll have some excellent people showing all the apartments available. The staff and the tenants are great people and I strongly urge you to take a look at Reside at Belmont.

Two first-time Yelpers have, within minutes of each other, just posted very positive reviews of Reside at Belmont Harbor. Here’s the one from Sabdiel O:

I’ve lived here since November of 2010 and I love it. I love the location, I love my neighbors, and considering the area and amenities offered it is reasonably priced. Brian was a great manager but had limited resources and now that Monica has taken over as building manager and she is backed by Reside, I am hopeful for what’s to come. The building is on its way to being super nice. I’m excited about the new patio and rehabbed hallways and lobby. I’m sad to see the rooftop go but apparently it’s a safety hazard up there and I’m glad Reside is concerned with our safety. I’m also impressed with the rate at which the improvements are being made, the construction guys are doing a great job of getting things done as quickly as possible and when/if issues arise, Monica deals with it promptly and professionally. Also, big ups to Dado for being the one man wonder that he is, the guy seemingly does everything and he seems to do it alone.

Oh and Sara, I doubt that’s u in your profile pic which makes your review less credible…but if it is you, what floor are you on? LOL

But seriously, this building is a work in progress but when all is said and done it’s a great place and it’s filled with great people…both residents and employees.

Chris R, also a Yelp newbie, had this to say:

I have lived here for about 2 years and I have to say Reside is doing it right! It is a bit of an inconvenient right now but you can see that when all the construction is done this place is going to be amazing. I live on a floor that has already been rehabbed and it looks fantastic. You can tell that they are going to make this a much more boutique like apartment complex compared to Resides other sites. But aside from that, this place has the best people living in it. Super friendly and fun. Everyone is very courteous and kind. Monica the building manager is fantastic. She is very thoughtful and tries her best to take care of all concerns and issues that are within her power during the construction. If you want a great place to live that is by the lake with great neighbors, great management and a nice looking apartment this is the place for you.

Why does Yelp have a review filter?

But, while most business owners focus on providing great service and let their business speak for itself, a very small percentage apparently would prefer to take a less than honest approach. That includes writing their own reviews, paying others to write reviews and, at times, even posting negative reviews on competitors’ pages.

Should the filter be applied to tonight’s reviews?

Added: Half an hour ago Reside on Clarendon had its first positive Yelp review, from a second-time Yelper. Reside at 823 had its first review earlier today, 5 stars from a first-time Yelper.

Reside on Morse had two positive reviews, its first, within the past two days, both reviews from Yelp newbies. Reside on Wellington had two new reviews on Yelp within the past week, both of the 5-star variety.

There’s something in the air this evening. A first-time Yelper is trashing one of Reside’s competitors.

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