Need consumer help? Users give their advice

By: Diane C. Lade

From: South Florida Sun-Sentinel
Everyone’s a critic, as the saying goes. And nowhere is that more true than in cyberspace.
The number of user-generated ratings sites has exploded in recent years, with citizen reviewers posting millions of opinions about everything from their local dry cleaners to their latest hotel stay.
Some sites offer a place to rave or rant. But others have developed rankings and search functions, allowing users to zero in on top-rated services and products.
Cruisecritic.com can show you which ships cruisers think are best for fitness buffs. Amazon.com allows readers to rank the books and movies they buy. Epinions.com features top 10 lists, generated from user reviewers, for everything from televisions to strollers.