Since Yelp lets businesses pay to revise reviews and advertise for top results, I was wondering if there were any good open source/non-monetized review sites or apps that people have tried out? I usually compare to google reviews and read some of the top reviews to try and filter out the junk, but I know I'm still getting weighted star ratings and promoted content.

A quick search revealed https://lib.reviews/ but I didn't see a ton of content.

It'd also be great to find an alternative to the shitshow that is amazon product reviews. It would be great to find non-manipulated user opinions. Obviously every review system is going to have bad actors but it's nice when the site itself isn't the one in charge and there's some transparency.

Any recommendations or ideas for how to find feedback on stuff to buy?

I really enjoy the ClimateTown youtube channel. I had never considered that parking laws could be behind why my city looks like such a dystopian concrete jungle.

They also provide some instructions for how to contact your local council reps to voice your concerns - https://www.climatechangemakers.org/playbook-parking-mandates/#action

I don't think I'm as active in politics as I should be but we all have to start somewhere. I'm sharing here and hope some of you also try reaching out to your local reps. You can even complain about more than just parking laws!