cross-posted from: https://discuss.tchncs.de/post/58694811

Happened to me when I saw a book on the US site, I wasn't able to see all reviews, but there was a button to sort-of "apply" to get approved for seeing all of them.

It took five days, then I got this email.

Interestingly, they're not doing this on the European site, you can still see all reviews there.

The most ethical way to deal with Amazon is to not use it.

Weird. I stopped writing reviews because they blocked a negative one once. It wasn’t profane, it was just an honest review of a product I didn’t like. The seller paid to have it removed and they told me.

I wrote my first review in years for a product that died on me. I gave it five stars unironically: it lasted 2 and a half years and cost $20. I had no complaints. I just bought another one. But I’m not going back to reviewing everything. They broke that trust.

I agree with the other person who says the only ethical use is not to use it, but my wife insists on carrying a Prime sub, so I’ll use it when I need something.

+1 to this. If your negative reviews are getting removed and ratings are being manipulated, the only ethical way to deal with this company is to pay for Amazon Prime, buy from them when you need something, but refuse to leave positive reviews. I know it's hard and takes a lot of willpower but if everyone did this they'd be bankrupt in a week. Spread the word.