Cowards hide behind false names – Helen Martin

Anonymous attacks on an acclaimed Edinburgh restaurant on Tripadvisor put the website to shame, writes Helen Martin (not HelenCatLady123).

Pataka owner Noonu Miah has accused people of posting fake reviews on Tripadvisor, from behind the cloak of anonymity.

THE internet and social media give everyone a right to promote their opinion. But unfortunately, people are not required to do so including their genuine name. If they’re making a joke, sharing a cartoon or displaying a video of their cat, fair enough. But if they are making accusations or dismal reviews of a business, that’s nasty, possibly defamatory and should be blocked.

Pataka, the Indian restaurant on Causewayside, isn’t far from us and has been praised by various celebrities. But as this paper reported last week, it was reviewed, or rather slagged off, on Tripadvisor.

The illustrations revealed names including “Connector06359950131”, “KayleighEdin”, and “Jackyboy223”. Were they too shy to name themselves? Too afraid? Had they ever been at that restaurant? Who knows? But why should that be allowed?

How about if I wrote columns with a by-line of “HelenCatLady123” or just “CatLady123”? How would that go down with readers? Certainly, the Evening News wouldn’t permit that. I have to take crits on the chin.

Noonu Miah, who runs the restaurant, is sure they were not customers. If they had been it would have made more sense to complain to him. If they were telling the truth he could have dealt with the issue, given them their money back or offered them an apology or a voucher.

Whether they were fakes, liars or cowards, the blame should go to Tripadvisor for allowing such obnoxious or pathetic people to get away with it and damage a business.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

The dramatic events of 2020 are having a major impact on many of our advertisers - and consequently the revenue we receive. We are now more reliant than ever on you taking out a digital subscription to support our journalism.

Subscribe to the Edinburgh Evening News online and enjoy unlimited access to trusted, fact-checked news and sport from Edinburgh and the Lothians. Visit www.edinburghnews.scotsman.com/subscriptions now to sign up.

By supporting us, we are able to support you in providing trusted, fact-checked content for this website.

Joy Yates

Editorial Director