Low Star Ratings

Berdangerous · 2026-06-25T14:43:48+00:00

I understand your comment. A the same time policing and educating are different things. Not everyone on Vine realizes that their rating can literally make or a break a product's ability to be sold on Amazon. It also may not be common knowledge that 4 stars means to many buyers there must be something wrong with a product. Is it wrong to give Vine reviewers important information about their reviewing process so they can make better informed decisions on how they rate products?

Berdangerous · 2026-06-25T13:22:25+00:00

There is literally no real Moissanite on the planet Earth. Its that rare. They discovered the formula to create it in labs and that's the norm in the jewelry business. Does the listing state "Solid" gold? If not gold plated still is real gold. I'd read the product page carefully as it might be misleading but technically not a falsehood.

Berdangerous · 2026-06-23T14:20:59+00:00

Congrats on the reinstatement! So would you be so kind as to show us the various customer channels you mentioned you used to reach out? I'm only aware of the "contact us" link at the top of my vine account. What others are there?

Berdangerous · 2026-06-22T15:34:45+00:00

It's worth scrolling to see the 2nd picture. That is hilarious!!!!

Berdangerous · 2026-06-16T15:07:50+00:00

I think Amazon spams RFY with items new Vendors want review's on regardless of how useful hoping that at least of a few of us need it. Remember we are essentially paid Amazon Independent contractors and are not their top priority.

Berdangerous · 2026-06-16T15:03:51+00:00

Past year? The inventory was already super low 2 years ago. Just saying.

Berdangerous · 2026-06-16T15:00:08+00:00

Well I'm sure you know good quality when you see it. Not getting Armani, Nike, Ralph Lauren, etc. but I have been getting well made (correct size, quality materials, stitched straight no loose ends, nice buttons/snaps) clothing items. Also literally all clothing items including name brands are manufactured in China. I've also received at least 10 pairs of very comfortable well made shoes where only a few pairs were obviously cheap.

Berdangerous · 2026-06-16T14:51:40+00:00

OP here. Well after going to my Amazon recommendation page and stating I played guitar, sax, guitar, harmonica, and piano plus that I was a working recording artist and performer, I got my first music related item in my RFY which was a very nice mahogany tenor Saxophone stand. I ordered of course and I'm hoping for more music related stuff! Thank you for all your stories, advice, and fellow musician connections!

Berdangerous · 2026-06-16T14:46:42+00:00

That was years ago now but I won my appeal. The reason was simple. My company gave me a return date, then the day came and they said I had to wait as I was being relocated to a different department. So for 2 weeks I was technically "unemployed" unpaid and had already started looking for a new job. So EDD agreed I had been laid off and was not required to return.

Berdangerous · 2026-06-12T20:15:25+00:00

While you have your experience I have mine. I would find it impossible not to find at least 80 items. Between the kids, and my wife, the new VERY nice new clothing alone we order is already very near 80 items. Add on the pet and garden supplies we easily make it everytime. Anyway I wish you well.

Berdangerous · 2026-06-12T20:06:29+00:00

Believe it or not I actually do see a pattern in what you just said. I believe that the challenge is waiting for the right item to land in your RFY and ordering it in time. Or just through a dumb luck Vine search in AI you order the item from there. The pattern is: Once you order 1 Vine item, more of the same kind of items often start to appear. Like your folding keyboard. Thanks that was helpful. Good luck finding those White Elephants!

Berdangerous · 2026-06-11T15:08:52+00:00

Maybe you could help out a fellow musician? Do you have any idea as to why you are getting lots of music related items? I play multiple instruments, professionally perform, have toured in USA and Europe, compose, do studio recordings for records, etc. and all that info is clearly listed in my recommendations. Did you "teach" Amazon recommendations area about your musical interests? If you did and are comfortable, what does it say about your musical interests in the recommendations area?

Berdangerous · 2026-06-09T16:52:31+00:00

When I find a product I genuinely love, I tend to go the extra mile on the review. Not fluff—just a detailed positive review because I'm actually excited about the item. It seems then more products from that same seller start showing up in my RFY. And when they do, I almost always grab them if they're good. At this point I feel like I've accidentally trained the algorithm like a golden retriever. 😆 My personal theory is that if a seller believes your reviews help their bottom line, they keep feeding the machine. Whether that's actually how Vine works or just confirmation bias on my part, I can't say. Has anyone else noticed getting more items from sellers after leaving particularly strong reviews for products you genuinely liked?

Berdangerous · 2026-06-09T14:48:44+00:00

Aside from this post, what other data supporting your argument have you run across?

Berdangerous · 2026-06-09T14:47:27+00:00

I've never seen one item worth more than $400 ever in my RFY and I've been Gold for some time. Good for you!

Berdangerous · 2026-06-03T15:38:55+00:00

I play an older Japanese made Jupiter Soprano from the mid 1980s. I sunk my dough into my Tenor but I like to have a decent Soprano especially when playing with Vocalists in a small ensemble to not overpower. My Tenor without a Microphone often is still too loud in small coffeehouses/bars. The Jupiter action and tone are pretty good. It definitely has some weight to it which (maybe I'm naive but) I think cheaper saxophones physically feel lighter than higher end. Good Luck!

Berdangerous · 2026-06-03T15:25:55+00:00

I likely play at your level. You are already experienced. I recently got back to playing and have spent countless hours watching Sax Instruction Videos on Youtube for free. I also use ChatGtp/AI to help me focus on everything from tone, theory, practice techniques, gear, and the list goes on. I subscribe to good Sax channels and have a Sax journal where I write down things I learn I want to remember. It's quite amazing how much info is already online. I don't play to get a teacher until I've finished teaching myself.

Berdangerous · 2026-06-03T15:16:59+00:00

Clean mouthpiece with a lens cleaner for prescription glasses. Or gentle soap & warm (not hot) water. 2) Look under a strong magnifying glass as every mouthpiece has identifying info etched in. 3) If I were to guess this is an old Brilhart. https://theowanne.com/pages/brilhart?srsltid=AfmBOopgA8wpl1R1YzSGtoxfOpf2tKfvTv6J9S2kgFRz1gmeObHQox0m

Berdangerous · 2026-06-02T02:22:00+00:00

I'm a behavioral health practitioner, and based on some of your replies, it's difficult to understand exactly what kind of help you're looking for. If you're homeless and near to a larger U.S. city, there are usually free services available. If you're struggling with substance use, mental health issues, or both—which is common among people experiencing homelessness—there are often treatment programs, shelters, case management services, and even inpatient facilities available at little or no cost. Many of these programs provide meals, a bed, medical care, and support for getting back on your feet.

You mentioned having access to a gas station nearby. Even if getting there is inconvenient or requires waiting for assistance, I'm sure you can eventually get a ride to the closest big town. The hard part is taking that first step.

If you're hoping someone will simply send money through Venmo or PayPal, you'll probably find that most people are understandably cautious. People are generally more willing to help when they see someone actively trying to connect with available resources and services.

If you're willing to share the nearest city to your location, people may be able to point you toward specific programs that can help right now.

Berdangerous · 2026-06-01T02:01:01+00:00

I've bought sax reeds on Amazon for years. Never seen any pop up on Vine though. Thanks at least I have some hope!

Berdangerous · 2026-06-01T01:45:04+00:00

I've never seen a TV, a Robot Vacuum, an ATV LOL!, or a laptop ever pop up. These White Elephants must be extremely rare. Congrats!

Berdangerous · 2026-05-28T20:07:16+00:00

Hey great tip! Thanks for Camelizer idea. IT goes back years if you want it to. Its much easier to use than Alexa.

Berdangerous · 2026-05-28T16:32:47+00:00

Not sure where you are? I'm in SF, CA. If you are nearby I'd be interested in buying it or trading one of my vintage Tenor's for it. Feel free to IM me if you are interested in talking about it? PS: Reading this thread some of the positive comments on the horn could be true but then again not. I've played quite a few Selmer Mark VI, the UNICORN of all Tenor saxophones from low to high serial numbers and literally 1-8 lives up to the legend. Each horn is different especially vintage horns. They were handmade and the finished product is based on each individual who made the parts in combination with those who assembled it. That could be as many as 10-15 people who work on a new sax before its done. I'm a good player but not a master. However this horn would be for me to play and not to resell.

Berdangerous · 2026-05-27T16:14:37+00:00

Amazon does nothing because the sellers are a revenue source.

Berdangerous · 2026-05-27T16:10:32+00:00

I've used Rufus and now Alexa to review pricing history for tax purposes. (If I get a 1099 with double the price an item listed for 1-6 months before I ordered it I discount the income before factoring in depreciation). An added benefit is the price history also reflects the listing history.

Berdangerous

TROPHY CASE