So now you're a professional Game Master running your own business. Sweet! Part of running a business means allowing consumers to leave reviews about their experience with you as a GM. You must manage your reputation by monitoring reviews if you want a successful business.
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Flagging inappropriate reviews are a good idea if you're the victim of a scam or fake reviews. Alerting StartPlaying to the offensive review is the first step in getting us to delete the review. However, there are other reasons for flagging reviews. And in some cases, there are reasons when it's best not to flag a review.
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As any successful business owner (that's you!) knows, reviews are essential for business. They allow readers to learn more about your brand, your GMing style, and the quality of your customer service. Consumers can often discover more from genuine online reviews than from any Adventure because reviews are a form of social proof about the level of service you claim to offer.
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The more reviews, the better—or so you would think. Is flagging inappropriate reviews a good idea? In short, the answer is yes. But there's more to it than that. Knowing what constitutes an inappropriate review and how the flagging process works is vital.

In this article, you'll learn when flagging inappropriate reviews is a good idea.

Part of our commitment to a fantastic gaming community is providing a platform where players can share their thoughts, opinions, and experiences through reviews of their Game Masters (GMs). This feedback is crucial—it helps you, the GM, level up your games and lets players know what to expect.
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However, sometimes a review may cross the line, going from constructive feedback to something that breaks our rules. That's where the power of flagging comes in!
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Not sure when to flag a review? No worries! Here's a handy guide using our review policy to help you decide when it's time to raise the red flag:

1. Breaking the Code of Conduct:

Our Code of Conduct is there to make sure everyone plays nice. If a review breaks any of the tenants in the CoC: Flag it!

​2. Suspected False Reviews:

We love hearing about actual gaming experiences. But if a review is made-up or overly exaggerated, it's not playing fair. If you suspect a review is not based on the player's genuine experience or it seems misleading, give it a flag.

​3. Language Alert:

We don't play with foul language. If a review uses profanity or offensive language, or the tone is downright disrespectful, that's a clear signal to flag it.

​4. Lack of Game Relevance:

Reviews should focus on the gaming experience. If a review gets side-tracked, sharing private info or personal stuff about you or other players, it's time to raise the flag.

Remember, the review section isn't a battlefield—it's a place for honest, helpful feedback and respect. Even if you get a negative review, use that as a growth point to become a better GM!

If a review goes against these guidelines, don't hesitate to flag it. By doing this, you're helping us maintain the incredible community we all love. And don't forget, if you're ever unsure, you can always reach out to our support goblins!

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Being a part of our StartPlaying community means having a voice and sharing your experiences through reviews. But it also means respecting the voice of others. Reviews can range from rave recommendations to critiques that might sting a bit, but remember, every player's perspective is their own, and that's okay!
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Sometimes, the impulse to flag a review can come from a place of disagreement or discomfort, but that doesn't necessarily mean it's flag-worthy. So, let's clarify when you should resist the urge to flag a review:

1. When It's Simply a Matter of Disagreement:

Everyone's game experience is unique. If a player shares an experience that you disagree with or it's different from yours, that doesn't make it flag-worthy. Reviews are personal perspectives, and not everyone will have the same point of view. It's okay to disagree!
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2. When You Don't Like What's Being Said:

Reviews can sometimes be hard to swallow, especially if they're pointing out areas that need improvement. But remember, all feedback, even the tough kind, can help us grow and improve. Unless a review breaks our policy (like using offensive language or spreading falsehoods), not liking what's said is not grounds for flagging.
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3. When You Feel Defensive About Your GMing Style:

As a GM, you might take pride in your specific style of guiding the game, and that's great! However, not every player might gel with it, and that's okay too. Reviews critiquing your style are not a personal attack but a reflection of that player's preference. Don't take it to heart or flag it unless it breaks our rules.
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4. When a Review is Constructively Critical:

Constructive criticism is the lifeblood of improvement. If a player offers specific, respectful critique about something they believe could be improved, this falls well within the boundaries of acceptable reviews. It's not a reason to flag the review; consider it a valuable learning opportunity.
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Ultimately, flagging should be reserved for those reviews that violate our guidelines—disrespectful, false, or inappropriate. But a review that's simply different, uncomfortable, or challenging? That's all part of the game.
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If a flag breaks these rules, we will not take it down. And if it keeps happening, there might be even more significant consequences, like strikes being added to your account.
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As always, if you're uncertain whether a review should be flagged, our support goblins are always here to help clarify things. Happy gaming, and keep the spirit of fair play alive!