We invite you to join our continuing series of conversations about travel ratings, reviews, endorsements and testimonials on the social web. We encourage friends to check out how their local communities are presented and whether the review sites do an adequate job of informing visitors of things to do, places to stay and where to eat. Travel - and in particular responsible travel - requires constructive criticism. These hangouts are intended to provide some needed tips for locals and visitors alike as we navigate peer reviewed sites together. Those interested in appearing on camera are asked to download the Google+ hangout plug-ins (if necessary) and to test this out beforehand. Please let Ron know ahead of time if would like to join on on screen. Everyone is welcome to provide specific examples via the individual event pages on Google+ or via Twitter by including @ronmader in your tweet. January 14, 830am PST: Ratings, Reviews, Endorsements and Testimonials January 21, 830am PST: How powerful is the influence of peer review sites? January 28, 830am PST: Storytelling on the Social Web: making your presence felt Social Web Channels: Facebook, Foodspotting, Google, Klout, LinkedIn, TripAdvisor, Urban Spoon, Yelp, Zagat Links https://plus.google.com/u/0/b/117694449145790663688/events http://planeta.wikispaces.com/hangout YouTube http://youtu.be/SVmMh7UTAb0 http://youtu.be/GISjRa7XMnk