A new addition to the “Heirloom” collection, this one-of-a-kind piece features 32 custom-cut gemstones.
Yelp’s practices the subject of new documentary
Billion Dollar Bully, an investigative documentary being funded in part by crowdsourcing, looks into claims from business owners that the website manipulates reviews and gives preferential treatment to businesses that advertise.
San Francisco--An investigative documentary featuring interviews with business owners about Yelp’s allegedly flawed review system has passed its initial goal of $60,000 on crowdsourcing site Kickstarter, where filmmakers are raising money to help finish the project.
Led by director and producer Kaylie Milliken and Prost Productions, Billion Dollar Bully will look into “the claims by business owners of extortion, review manipulation and review fabrication,” according to the film’s Kickstarter page.
The filmmakers will interview business owners in person, all of whom have allegations against the review website’s “questionable dealings.” The film has so far been self-funded, with about half of production completed.
Yelp has come under fire before, especially from small business owners who allege that it attempts to coerce businesses to pay to advertise by manipulating which reviews can be seen.
However, the San Francisco-based site said there aren’t any merits to the claims being made in the film, and it calls into question the credibility of the woman making the film.
In response to request for comment about the documentary from National Jeweler, a Yelp spokesperson said over email, “The director has a conflict of interest, as she has a history of trying to mislead consumers on Yelp. There is no merit to the claims they appear to highlight, which have been repeatedly dismissed by courts of law, investigated by government regulators, including the FTC, and disproven by academic study.”
The conflict of interest that Yelp is referring to, according to one report, is that Milliken created three Yelp accounts in 2011 to post fake five-star reviews to boost ratings of her husband’s law firm, which Milliken admits she did do but said they were based on real legal services she received from the firm while she and her husband were dating.
Milliken said that she believes Yelp bringing up her reviews just “shows that they’re concerned about what’s in this film,” and that they’re trying to discredit her, adding that Yelp won’t agree to an interview for the documentary.
Even though Yelp has yet to agree to an interview for Billion Dollar Bully, the company did appear in a recent interview on CNBC, where Shannon Eis, Yelp’s vice president of corporate communications, went head-to-head with Milliken on the claims made against the site.
Milliken and Proust Productions’ initial goal for Billion Dollar Bully was to reach $60,000 on Kickstarter, which it accomplished less
They will continue to take donations until April 20, with a new “stretch goal” of $100,000 to cover additional costs and more research.
The Latest
Last month in Dallas, David Walton pushed another jeweler, David Ettinger, who later died.
The move will allow the manufacturing company to offer a more “diverse and comprehensive” range of products.
With Ho Brothers, you can unlock your brand's true potential and offer customers the personalized jewelry experiences they desire.
From now through mid-May, GIA will be offering the reports at a 50 percent discount.
De Beers’ rough diamond sales were down 18 percent year-over-year in its latest round of sales.
Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show
For over 30 years, JA has advocated for the industry, fought against harmful legislation and backed measures that help jewelry businesses.
The Patek Philippe expert will serve as personal curator for the brand-focused company.
The 553-square-foot shop is aboard the Carnival Jubilee cruise ship.
NDC filed a complaint against Skydiamond for use of phrases like “diamonds made entirely from the sky.”
John Carter received the AGS’s highest honor Tuesday afternoon at Conclave in Austin, Texas.
LVMH said the company performed well despite an uncertain geopolitical and economic environment.
B&D Sales and Service held a ribbon-cutting event for its new location in Cranston, Rhode Island.
It’s ultra-feminine and filled with gold, pearls, and soft pastels.
Emily Highet Morgan and Emily Bennett have joined the agency’s team.
Its updated book for mountings is also now available.
She has been with the organization since 2010, most recently serving as its chief officer of PR and industry relations.
He is remembered by loved ones for his loyalty, integrity, and kindness.
Hosted by Freeman’s | Hindman, the sale will take place May 7-8.
The auction house said all 24 timepieces offered in its underground sale of rare and avant-garde watches quickly found buyers.
From lab-grown diamonds and AI to the inevitable Taylor Swift mention, here are some of Conclave’s most intriguing educational offerings.
From cybersecurity liability to trade show coverage, insurance experts share tips on how to build the right policy.
The charm is a modern rendition of the evil eye amulet that has been worn for thousands of years.
Ahead of its trade show next month, TJS awarded free registration and accommodations to one jewelry professional and three students.
By the end of this year, SRK’s diamond manufacturing complexes will achieve net zero emissions, one of an impressive array of achievements.
Members can still sell lab-grown stones, it said, but only natural gems are allowed on the show floor.