Yelp is essentially a place for women and beta males to write snarky reviews about boutiques and eateries. I can’t picture too many Freepers on that forum.
I didn’t do that many reviews (< 20.) But when a few merchants were outstanding, I wanted to help them out. And a few that really fell down needed to know about it.
I found that to be true as well. I used to avoid restaurants based on bad reviews at Yelps but not anymore. Especially when I realized many of my favorite restaurants locally were getting bad reviews, most likely because people went out of their way to be "snarky" and put on elitist airs.
Also, politics plays a role in the reviews. There is a liquor store I frequent that has an amazing selection of microbrews and wines. The place is well-lit, spotless and very well run by conservatives. I know they are conservatives because I know them personally but also because the walls are covered in Americana, including the Marine Corps and United States flags and other patriotic themes among the very many vintage beer signage from the past.
I can see your typical liberal walking into that place and cringing. Hence the snarky reviews trying to drive customers away.