Review & Reference Policy

Review & Reference Policy

Standards for Reviews, Endorsements, and Professional References

1. Why This Policy Exists

The review and reference system exists to help members make informed decisions about who they connect and work with. For this system to have value, every review and reference must be honest, fair, and based on genuine experience. This policy sets the standards that protect both the person writing and the person being written about.

2. The Three Types of Trust Signals

2.1 Client Reviews

Submitted by someone who received services, products, or professional output from the reviewed member. Includes a star rating (1-5) and written review. Displays in the "Client Reviews" section of the profile.

2.2 Collaboration Endorsements

Submitted by a peer professional who worked alongside the member — not as a client but as a co-worker, partner, or fellow professional on a shared project. Written text only, no star rating. Displays in the "Worked With" section of the profile.

2.3 Vendor and Resource Ratings

Submitted by a member who transacted with a vendor, gear rental company, software provider, or resource company. Includes a star rating and written note. Displays in the "Vendor Ratings" section of the profile.

3. What Every Review Must Be

• Based on your genuine, direct, personal experience with the reviewed member
• Submitted only by someone who actually received services, worked alongside, or transacted with the reviewed member
• Your honest assessment — not inflated, not unfairly negative
• Written in your own words without assistance from the reviewed member
• Submitted within a reasonable time after the experience being reviewed

4. What Reviews May Not Contain

• False statements of fact — your opinion is protected but fabricated facts are not
• Personal attacks, threats, or harassment directed at the reviewed member
• Claims about illegal conduct unless you have direct personal knowledge
• Content that discriminates based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any protected characteristic
• Third-party confidential information
• Promotional content for your own business or services
• Content submitted in exchange for compensation, discounts, or any benefit
• Statements about individuals who are not the subject of the review

5. The Professional Reference System

5.1 How References Work

A member may request a professional reference from another member through the structured reference form. The reference writer chooses a visibility level: Public (visible to all visitors), Connections Only (visible only to the profile owner's connections), or Private Link (accessible only through a specific link the profile owner shares).

5.2 Reference Form Standards

• Select accurately from the dropdown options describing your relationship to the profile owner
• Limit written descriptions to factual account of what was worked on together (200 character maximum)
• Select honestly from the provided strength checkboxes
• Use the "I prefer not to say" option for "Would you work with them again" if you do not wish to answer that question affirmatively or negatively

The reference form does not ask and reference writers must not include information about a person's age, health status, family status, national origin, religion, or any other characteristic protected by employment law.

5.3 Reference Disclaimer

Every reference displayed carries this notice: "This reference represents the personal opinion of the member who wrote it based on their direct professional experience. It is not a verified employment record. The Matrix Grid makes no representations about its accuracy. Do not use Matrix Grid references as a substitute for formal background checks or employment verification."

5.4 Withdrawal

A reference writer may withdraw their reference at any time through their account settings. Withdrawal removes the reference from all display immediately. The request record remains for administrative purposes.

6. Display Thresholds

• Star ratings display only after a member has received 3 or more reviews. Before this threshold a "New Member" badge appears. A blank or zero rating is never displayed.
• Collaboration Endorsements section is hidden until the member receives their first endorsement.
• Vendor ratings display only after 3 or more ratings. Before this threshold a "New to the Grid" badge appears.
• Reliability tier badges do not display during a member's first 90 days on the Platform.
• Skills display as self-reported until 3 or more members confirm that specific skill.

7. Responding to Reviews

Any member who receives a review may submit one professional response displayed alongside that review. Responses must be professional in tone and comply with all standards in Section 4.

8. Disputing a Review

If you believe a review about you violates this policy, flag it using the report function. Explain which specific provision is violated and provide relevant context. IMI will review within five (5) business days and notify you of the outcome.

A review may be removed if it violates this policy. A review will not be removed simply because the reviewed member disagrees with the opinion expressed. Honest negative opinions, when based on genuine experience, are protected.

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