I've started paying more attention to who wrote the review instead of just the star rating. Am I the only one?

<?xml encoding="utf-8" ?><div><p>I've noticed over the last year that I've completely changed how I research a new place.</p>
<p>I used to glance at the overall rating and maybe read one or two reviews before deciding. Now I barely pay attention to the star rating at first. Instead, I look at <strong>who actually wrote the review</strong>.</p>
<p>If I see a review from someone who's been around for a while, has written a lot of detailed reviews, and has a history of being fair, I put a lot more weight on what they have to say. A 4-star review from someone I trust is usually more valuable to me than a random 5-star review that just says "Great place."</p>
<p>I also like reading reviewers who point out both the good and the bad. Nobody expects every experience to be perfect, but balanced reviews usually feel much more honest than reviews that sound like advertising.</p>
<p>Another thing I look for is consistency. If several experienced members all mention the same positives or the same issues, that's usually a pretty good indicator of what I'll actually experience.</p>
<p>Am I the only one who researches places this way now?</p>
<p>When you're deciding whether to visit a new massage business, what's more important to you?</p>
<ul>
<li>
<p>&nbsp;Overall star rating?</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>&nbsp;Who wrote the review?</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>&nbsp;The amount of detail in the review?</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>&nbsp;How recent the review is?</p>
</li>
<li>
<p>&nbsp;A combination of everything?</p>
</li>
</ul>
<p>Curious how everyone else approaches it.</p>