Why Are There No Negative Reviews on Product Hunt? 🤔

Question

Hey everyone,
I’ve been browsing Product Hunt for a while now, and one thing that stands out to me is how overwhelmingly positive the feedback is. Don’t get me wrong—positivity is amazing, and it’s great to see makers being supported. But I can’t help but wonder... where’s the healthy criticism?

Negative feedback, when constructive, can be a goldmine for makers. It highlights blind spots, surfaces potential issues, and ultimately helps products improve. Yet, I’ve never come across a truly critical review here. It’s either glowing praise or silence.

Why do you think this happens?

-Is it because people want to keep things positive?
-Do makers remove negative comments?
-Or is it just an unwritten rule of the platform culture?

I’d love to hear your thoughts! And makers, how do you feel about criticism? Would you welcome it, or does it sting too much when shared publicly?

Let’s discuss—because growth often comes from tough conversations too. 😊

André J · Accepted Answer

I think it's just makers supporting makers. It's someone's birthday, and you don't want to be a jerk on someone's birthday right? Personally I always roast with kindness. 😸

Jonathan Michael Blake · Answer

Haha good point! 🎂 I think people just want to keep things positive and supportive here. Maybe negative reviews could be done via DM to give constructive private feedback to the maker. Public roasts, even lighthearted ones, might make PH feel less warm and fuzzy. 🤗 Just my 2 cents! Open to other ideas.

Answer

@sentry_co 
That's an interesting way to put it, but there are indeed times when I really want to hear some honest feedback.😩

Sergey Koshevoy · Answer

@ahmer_saud absolutely agree

Indu Thangamuthu · Answer

Cuz everyone is a maker and someone who is walking the same path, we all know that there's a positive way of saying things better than getting it done with a negative review.

Ahmer Saud · Answer

@koshevoysergey  in that case makers might miss out on insights into what’s not working or why their product didn’t resonate. Could there be a way to encourage more constructive feedback without hurting the positive vibes of the platform?

Ahmer Saud · Answer

@tousif_b Ah, I get it now,most people on PH are makers themselves, not just consumers. That explains the kindness and supportive vibes

Ahmer Saud · Answer

@indu_thangamuthu Totally agree! Constructive feedback does more good than negativity,we're all in this together, after all. 😊

Tousif from SocialMeAi · Answer

Most of the people here are hardworking so they relate to other developers which brings the kindness out of them.

Nancy Wright · Answer

Maybe all the negative reviews are saved for Twitter! 😉 Seriously though, I think you're spot on - PH is all about supporting each other and positivity. And on launch day, what maker wants to rain on another maker's parade? Thoughtful, constructive criticism has its place, but a public roast ain't it. 🙌💯

Joe Ali · Answer

The makers have the ability to hide reviews.

e.g. I recently left a negative review on PH. The review doesn't show up publicly, I left the same review on TrustPilot. There the company just changed their name to avoid responsibility.

Ahmer Saud · Answer

@joe_omd They can hide it? ??? Thats new for me.

Ahmer Saud · Answer

@sentry_co Got it , flattery first 😄

André J · Answer

@ahmer_saud Wrap the punch in flattery ;)

Why Are There No Negative Reviews on Product Hunt? 🤔

Replies