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ReputationKiln

A reference on online reputation  ·  Calm, sourced, free

The plain-language glossary of reviews and reputation

By ReputationKiln Editorial · Published

Plain-language definitions of the words the review and reputation world uses, so the jargon stops working on you.

Defined terms

  1. Astroturfing

    What 'Astroturfing' means, in plain language.

  2. Bot follower

    What 'Bot follower' means, in plain language.

  3. Brushing

    What 'Brushing' means, in plain language.

  4. Click farm

    What 'Click farm' means, in plain language.

  5. Content Credentials

    What 'Content Credentials' means, in plain language.

  6. E-E-A-T

    What 'E-E-A-T' means, in plain language.

  7. Engagement pod

    What 'Engagement pod' means, in plain language.

  8. Fake DMCA takedown

    What 'Fake DMCA takedown' means, in plain language.

  9. GEO and AEO

    What 'GEO and AEO' means, in plain language.

  10. Incentivised review

    What 'Incentivised review' means, in plain language.

  11. Invalid traffic

    What 'Invalid traffic' means, in plain language.

  12. Prominence

    What 'Prominence' means, in plain language.

  13. Review extortion

    What 'Review extortion' means, in plain language.

  14. Review gating

    What 'Review gating' means, in plain language.

  15. Review hijacking

    What 'Review hijacking' means, in plain language.

  16. Review-bombing

    What 'Review-bombing' means, in plain language.

  17. Royalty pool

    What 'Royalty pool' means, in plain language.

  18. Section 230

    What 'Section 230' means, in plain language.

  19. Sockpuppet review

    What 'Sockpuppet review' means, in plain language.

  20. The panic tax

    What 'The panic tax' means, in plain language.

  21. The trust sweet spot

    What 'The trust sweet spot' means, in plain language.

  22. Verified-purchase badge

    What 'Verified-purchase badge' means, in plain language.

Sources

  1. Fake and concealed incentivised reviews are banned practices under UK law, with publishers required to take reasonable steps to remove fakes. — Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, Schedule 20. https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2024/13/schedule/20 · checked 2026-06-04
  2. The US rule defines and bans fake or AI-generated reviews, insider reviews, review suppression and fake social-media indicators. — FTC Rule on the Use of Consumer Reviews and Testimonials, 16 CFR Part 465. https://www.ftc.gov/legal-library/browse/federal-register-notices/16-cfr-part-465-trade-regulation-rule-use-consumer-reviews-testimonials-final-rule · checked 2026-06-04