Amazon Reviews

[Ursus]

The following review of Laura and Malcolm's book The Biggest Job We'll Ever Have: The Hyde School Program for Character-Based Education and Parenting (Amazon.com) gave me pause.  The portion that gave me pause has been highlighted in red.

Useful but . . ., February 10, 2004
Reviewer: A reader

This book, written by the daughter-in-law of the founder of the Hyde Schools, espouses a character-first philosophy of education. This philosophy has much to recommend it, although as other reviewers have pointed out, "The Biggest Job . . ." repeats many of the same old cliches as other books. But it does have its place.

Nonetheless, this book should be used with caution IF you are using it to evaluate the Hyde schools. Because it is given out during family interviews, it functions as a recruiting tool. Of the current eight reviews, three of the most glowing are written by parents of Hyde students. Several earlier negative reviews by former Hyde parents have been removed. What those earlier reviews said, in essence, is that the emperor had no clothes and that Hyde's methods did not always mirror their philosphy.

The bottom line is that if you're looking for help raising your childred, then this is as good a book as any. BUT if you're thinking of sending your child to Hyde, it's only part of the picture. Talk to other parents--including those who have had negative epxeriences with the school.
link to book and reviews on Amazon

Did Amazon remove the negative reviews, or did the reviewers?  And if the reviewers removed their reviews, why?  Did Hyde contact them and pressure them?

[Jesus H Christ]

The following review of Laura and Malcolm's book The Biggest Job We'll Ever Have: The Hyde School Program for Character-Based Education and Parenting (Amazon.com) gave me pause.  The portion that gave me pause has been highlighted in red.

Useful but . . ., February 10, 2004
Reviewer: A reader

This book, written by the daughter-in-law of the founder of the Hyde Schools, espouses a character-first philosophy of education. This philosophy has much to recommend it, although as other reviewers have pointed out, "The Biggest Job . . ." repeats many of the same old cliches as other books. But it does have its place.

Nonetheless, this book should be used with caution IF you are using it to evaluate the Hyde schools. Because it is given out during family interviews, it functions as a recruiting tool. Of the current eight reviews, three of the most glowing are written by parents of Hyde students. Several earlier negative reviews by former Hyde parents have been removed. What those earlier reviews said, in essence, is that the emperor had no clothes and that Hyde's methods did not always mirror their philosphy.

The bottom line is that if you're looking for help raising your childred, then this is as good a book as any. BUT if you're thinking of sending your child to Hyde, it's only part of the picture. Talk to other parents--including those who have had negative epxeriences with the school.
link to book and reviews on Amazon

Did Amazon remove the negative reviews, or did the reviewers?  And if the reviewers removed their reviews, why?  Did Hyde contact them and pressure them?

   I think Vanda and Paval imagined a world where there are no bad reviews of Laura's book and they disappeared.  You may feel a tug of Ju Ju from Washington State.  Perhaps they will imagine a reality where you actually like Hyde and have positive feelings about your Hyde experience.

[Ursus]

Amazon's Review Guidelines:

General Review Writing Guidelines
Amazon.com wants your comments to be heard!
Please be advised there is a 1,000 word maximum on reviews. The recommended length is 75 to 300 words.

Who can write customer reviews?
Customers! Anyone who has purchased items from Amazon.com and is in good standing in the Amazon.com community can write reviews.

What to include:
    * Your review should focus on the book's content and context
    * The best reviews include not only whether you liked or disliked a product, but also why. Feel free to talk about other related products and how this item rates in comparison.

What not to include:
Amazon is pleased to provide this forum for you to air your opinions on the products we feature. While we appreciate your time and comments, we request that you refrain from including any of the following in your review:
    * Spoilers! Please don't reveal crucial plot elements.
    * Time-sensitive material (i.e., promotional tours, seminars, lectures, etc.).
    * Commenting on other reviews visible on the page. Other reviews and their position on the page are subject to change without notice.
    * Profanity, obscenities, or spiteful remarks.
    * Single-word reviews. We want to know why you liked or disliked the item.
    * Phone numbers, mail addresses, URLs.
    * Availability, price, or alternative ordering/shipping information.
    * Solicitations for helpful votes.

A review is not an appropriate place to tell us our catalog has typos in it. If you'd like to tell us about a specific problem, please contact us.

Any review in violation of these guidelines will not be posted.

[Ursus]

Hmmm.... I'm not sure that the well wishes of Vanda and Pavel, even were they to include the thought power of the entire contingent of Ramtha-rooters, would be sufficient to alter the reviews by other than mortal means.

Perhaps Hyde or its apologists complained to Amazon about seemingly "spiteful remarks?"  Anyone have any more knowledge or thoughts about this?

[Jesus H Christ]

There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio,
Than are dreamt of in your philosophy.

http://www.online-literature.com/shakespeare/hamlet/6/

[Ursus]

The time is out of joint: O cursed spite,
That ever I was born to set it right!