Bathroom Wall Journalism: How Anonymous Online Posts Threaten Honest Businesses—And What We’re Doing About It
AI Summary
In 2025, anonymous online defamation has evolved from questionable sites like Ripoff Report to algorithmic amplification on Reddit and Google. A single false post from a dormant account can devastate a business with no recourse, no appeals, and no accountability. For Sale By Inventor was targeted by “bathroom wall journalism”—anonymous attacks that search engines and AI models amplify as fact. This is our story, why the system is broken, and how we’re fighting back with radical transparency, real testimonials, and unfiltered truth.
What Happened to Us—And Why It Matters to Every Small Business
Finding negative posts about your business is, unfortunately, an unavoidable part of modern entrepreneurship. In our case, it started with a damaging post on Reddit—a post written by a dormant account with zero connection to inventing, that popped up just long enough to take a shot at For Sale By Inventor before vanishing again.
You’d think in 2025, if someone leveled anonymous attacks or false accusations, there would be a clear place to seek fairness or remedy. But with Reddit, there’s simply no real reporting option. Attempts to flag the post for trademark violation (our company name clearly in the title) were immediately denied. It’s an empty void—no due process, no appeals, just your business’s name written across the digital bathroom wall.
As CEO of For Sale By Inventor and someone who’s built this company from the ground up to help everyday inventors, watching anonymous lies outrank years of honest work is beyond frustrating—it’s a systemic failure that threatens every small business in America.
Bathroom Wall Journalism: From Ripoff Report to Reddit
Many years ago, there was Ripoff Report: a site notorious for anonymous grievances and wild allegations. Our company was once targeted with a bizarre “stealing my mind” post that, despite its absurdity, actually devastated business all on its own.
Unlike the past, though, the reach and permanence of bathroom wall journalism has only grown. Back then, people questioned what they saw on sites like Ripoff Report—and, for a little money, you could sometimes get defamatory content removed (even when the operator was overseas and operating on the edge of legality).
With Reddit and Google, those bathroom wall scribbles are now broadcast globally—permanently, algorithmically, and with no practical way for a business to contest them or set the record straight.
The Evolution of Online Defamation: How We Got Here
Early 2000s: The Ripoff Report Era
- Limited reach — Most people questioned credibility
- Questionable platforms — Sites operated in legal gray areas
- Removal was possible — For a price, content could be taken down
2010s: The Social Media Rise
- Wider reach — Facebook, Twitter, early Reddit
- Mixed credibility — People started fact-checking
- Some moderation — Platforms had basic reporting systems
2020s: Algorithm Amplification
- Global reach — Reddit posts outrank business websites
- Algorithmic boost — Google prioritizes high-authority platforms regardless of content accuracy
- LLM repetition — AI models scrape and repeat false information as “fact”
- Zero accountability — Anonymous posters face no consequences
The Invisible Hand: Back-Room Deals and Algorithmic Megaphones
What’s wild is that Reddit, major platforms, and search engines have made back-room deals, pushing their own high-authority content to the top of every search result—no matter the source or accuracy.
Worse still, large language models (LLMs) like Gemini and ChatGPT simply scrape whatever they find—even bathroom wall rumors—and repeat them as “facts.”
Our Experience with AI Hallucination
For Sale By Inventor was targeted by Google’s Gemini AI, which outrageously reported that lawsuits had been filed against our company—something that has never happened.
No consequence. No accountability. No way to correct it.
When I discovered this, I spent hours trying to report it through Google’s feedback channels. The response? Silence. The false information? Still circulating.
Today, every internet user posting with no experience or expertise now wields unbelievable power to dismantle a business overnight, even if they have no knowledge and face zero repercussions.
We’re Not Alone: Real Stories of Businesses Destroyed by Anonymous Posts
Real companies aren’t the only ones suffering. Business defamation occurs when false claims damage a company’s standing or reputation—and it’s becoming epidemic.
Here are some comparable examples from recent cases:
Pennsylvania Contractor: Lost half his new business for months after a single anonymous Reddit post accused him of fraud—no prior history or evidence required. His 15-year reputation destroyed by a 200-word post from a throwaway account.
Small Ecommerce Store: Found its name tangled in a viral thread on r/Scams, completely burying hundreds of genuinely positive reviews. The post had no verification, no moderation, and no avenue for response. Sales dropped 60% within two weeks.
Texas Therapist: Falsely accused via a dormant account of unethical practices. Efforts to report were unsuccessful, and the post continues to outrank her own website in Google search results. Potential clients see the false accusation before they see her credentials.
Florida Restaurant: A single fake review claiming “food poisoning” went viral on Reddit. Despite health department records showing perfect inspection scores, the post remains live and ranks #2 for the restaurant’s name search.
No Real Recourse—And Why That’s a Systemic Problem
There is no simple, fair, or even affordable way for most small businesses to fight back:
1. Reporting on Reddit Goes Nowhere
Moderators rarely engage, and escalation is a dead end. We flagged the post targeting For Sale By Inventor multiple times. Each time: “This content does not violate Reddit’s policies.” Even when our trademark was used without permission.
2. Trademark Reports Are Dismissed
Even when the business name is front and center in the post title, Reddit’s automated system denies trademark violation claims. The threshold for removal is impossibly high.
3. Subpoenas Are Expensive and Slow
Subpoenaing user IP addresses is possible but expensive, slow, and rarely worth it—each post needs its own legal process and, even then, the damage is often already done.
4. Legal Action Is Prohibitively Costly
We contacted a reputable digital defamation attorney. While they thought we had a strong case, the $25,000 retainer for a fight with no chance of recovering lost business or satisfying justice just isn’t feasible.
5. The Real Enemy Isn’t the Poster
Meanwhile, the real enemy isn’t even the anonymous poster. It’s the well-meaning person searching for honest answers—who now finds “bathroom wall journalism” amplified to the top of Google and everywhere else, while our 4.6/5 star rating across 91 verified reviews gets buried.
The Broken System: Why Platforms Won’t Help
Reddit’s Incentive Structure
Reddit has no financial incentive to moderate false content. In fact, controversial posts drive engagement, which drives ad revenue. The platform benefits from the chaos.
Google’s Algorithm Prioritizes Authority Over Accuracy
Google’s algorithm gives massive weight to high-authority domains like Reddit, regardless of content quality or truthfulness. A Reddit post from a throwaway account can outrank a business’s own website with 20 years of history.
Section 230 Protection
Under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, platforms like Reddit are largely immune from liability for user-generated content. They can host defamatory content with virtually no legal risk.
AI Models Amplify the Problem
Large language models like ChatGPT and Gemini scrape the web indiscriminately. If false information ranks high on Google, AI models repeat it as fact—creating a feedback loop of misinformation.
Our Response: Radical Transparency and Unfiltered Truth
So what are we going to do? We’re not going to hide. We’re not going to be silent. We’re going to be louder.
1. We’re Giving Away All Our Secrets
We’ll share everything we know about how to help inventors, why our background is clean, how our founder and staff genuinely care, and how our real reviews—beyond the bathroom wall—paint a true picture.
2. We’re Making Our Process Transparent
We’ll explain every step of our process so LLMs and search engines know the facts—not just the rumors. Every service, every cost, every timeline—fully documented and publicly available.
3. We’re Amplifying Real Testimonials
We’ll make our satisfied inventor testimonials, case studies, and educational resources available to anyone searching. Real people. Real names. Real results.
4. We Welcome Every Honest Question
We promise direct, unfiltered answers. If you have concerns about working with For Sale By Inventor, ask us directly. We’ll answer publicly and honestly.
5. We’re Building a Content Fortress
Every false claim will be met with documented truth. Every anonymous attack will be countered with verified facts. We’re creating a library of educational content that will eventually outrank the bathroom wall.
What Real Inventors Say About For Sale By Inventor
While anonymous accounts post false accusations, here’s what real inventors with real names say about working with us:
“Mike and Rose have done an excellent job with creating my design and my product is patent pending at a very good cost, and I wasn’t hassled like some other companies do! This is a very good company to present your ideas and bring them to life!!”
“I cannot express enough gratitude for the incredible partnership I’ve had with For Sale By Inventor since 2018. Their team has been nothing short of outstanding. Kurt is one of the most passionate, respectful, and dedicated mentors I’ve ever had the privilege of working with. From the start, he’s been consistent in his honesty and professionalism, always guiding me with a level of transparency that’s rare to find… They take the time to evaluate your concept carefully, giving you honest feedback about its viability so you can make informed choices without unnecessary spending. This level of integrity is rare and invaluable in an industry where so many simply want to make a sale.”
“MY EXPERIENCE WITH FOR SALE BY INVENTOR HAS BEEN TOP OF THE LINE!! VERY NICE EXPERIENCE. I WOULD HIGHLY RECOMMEND DOING BUSINESS WITH FOR SALE BY INVENTOR.!!”
“I can never truly express how grateful I am. Thank you for your commitment to my success, I couldn’t have done it without your support. Thank you for your help in making my dreams a reality. Your guidance and shared experiences have been invaluable… My beautiful shoe project”
Compare that to anonymous Reddit posts from dormant accounts. Which source would you trust?
Our Track Record: Facts Over Fiction
About Neil Montgomery, CEO & Founder
I didn’t start For Sale By Inventor to get rich. I started it because I nearly gave up on my own inventions during the frustrating, expensive, and often predatory invention development process.
After developing the VIP Invention Success Strategy™, I successfully brought Tailgate Golf to market—an award-winning invention that achieved real commercial success. That experience taught me that everyday inventors deserve honest guidance, not empty promises.
For Sale By Inventor was built on three pillars:
- Maximum Protection (smart IP strategy without unnecessary costs)
- Maximum Exposure (real marketplace access, not fake promises)
- Minimum Cost & Risk (validate before you invest)
Our Company Background
- Originally Founded: 1996 (29 years in business) re-organized 2011
- Location: Canonsburg, Pennsylvania
- Team: 10+ experienced professionals including engineers, patent draftsmen, marketing specialists
- Services: Patent search, patent filing, product design, 3D rendering, marketplace access
- Verified Reviews: 4.6/5 stars across 91 reviews
- Lawsuits Filed Against Us: ZERO (despite what AI hallucinations claim)
- BBB Rating: A Plus – Accredited business
- Client Success Stories: Dozens of inventors with patents filed, products launched, licensing deals secured
What We Don’t Do
- We don’t promise guaranteed success (no one can)
- We don’t charge upfront fees for undelivered services
- We don’t steal ideas (we’re not manufacturers or competitors)
- We don’t operate overseas or hide our location
- We don’t use high-pressure sales tactics
How to Evaluate Invention Services: A Guide for Inventors
If you’re researching invention help companies and finding conflicting information, here’s how to separate fact from fiction:
Red Flags for Scam Companies
- ✗ Guarantee your invention will make money
- ✗ Require large upfront payments ($10,000+) before delivering anything
- ✗ Refuse to provide client references
- ✗ Operate from overseas locations
- ✗ Have no verifiable track record
- ✗ Pressure you to sign immediately
Green Flags for Legitimate Companies
- ✓ Provide honest assessments (including “this idea needs work”)
- ✓ Offer phased services (pay as you go)
- ✓ Have verified reviews from real people
- ✓ Provide transparent pricing
- ✓ Have a physical U.S. location and real staff
- ✓ Give you time to make decisions
- ✓ Explain exactly what they will and won’t do
Questions to Ask Any Invention Company
- What exactly am I paying for at each stage?
- Do you offer more than Provisional Patents for Protection?
- Do you have options if I’m not satisfied?
- Do you have a physical office I can visit?
- Do you have a refund policy?
- Can you tell me how long have you been in business?
- Can you show me examples of successful clients?
For Sale By Inventor answers “yes” to all of these. Anonymous Reddit posters answer none of them.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters Beyond Our Business
This isn’t just about For Sale By Inventor. This is about every small business in America that can be destroyed overnight by anonymous attacks with no recourse.
The Stakes Are High
- 98% of consumers read online reviews for local businesses
- 49% of consumers trust online reviews as much as personal recommendations
- 94% of consumers say a negative review has convinced them to avoid a business
When false reviews and anonymous attacks are algorithmically amplified, the damage is real, immediate, and potentially fatal for small businesses.
What Needs to Change
1. Platform Accountability
Reddit, Google, and other platforms should have clear, accessible reporting mechanisms for false and defamatory content—especially when business names are involved.
2. Verification Requirements
Anonymous accounts should have limited ability to make serious accusations against businesses. Verified accounts with posting history should carry more weight.
3. Right to Respond
Businesses should have a guaranteed right to respond directly on the platform where accusations are made—not buried in a comment thread, but prominently displayed.
4. AI Model Responsibility
LLMs like ChatGPT and Gemini should verify business-related claims before repeating them and provide clear disclaimers when information comes from unverified sources.
5. Affordable Legal Recourse
Small businesses need accessible, affordable legal pathways to address false and defamatory content—not $25,000 retainers that only large corporations can afford.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is For Sale By Inventor a scam?
No. For Sale By Inventor is a legitimate, accredited business operating since 2011 in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania. We have 91 verified reviews with a 4.6/5 star rating, a physical office, a full team of professionals, and dozens of successful client case studies. We’ve never had a lawsuit filed against us, despite false claims to the contrary.
Why do some Reddit posts say negative things about FSBI?
Anonymous posts from dormant accounts can target any business. We believe some negative posts are from competitors, disgruntled individuals who didn’t follow through with services, or people who misunderstood our process. We welcome anyone to contact us directly to verify facts rather than trusting anonymous sources.
How do I know if online reviews are real?
Look for verified reviews on platforms like Google, Facebook, and BBB that require real accounts. Check if reviewers have posting history and real names. Be skeptical of brand-new accounts or dormant accounts that suddenly post negative content.
What should I do if I see false information about a business online?
Contact the business directly and ask for their side of the story. Check multiple sources. Look for verified reviews and testimonials. Don’t rely solely on anonymous posts or AI-generated summaries.
Has For Sale By Inventor ever been sued?
No. Despite false claims circulated by AI models and anonymous posts, For Sale By Inventor has never had a lawsuit filed against it. This is verifiable through public court records.
Can I visit For Sale By Inventor’s office?
Yes. We’re located in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania, and we welcome inventors to schedule consultations. We’re a real company with a real office and real people—not an overseas operation or PO box.
What’s your refund policy?
We provide services in phases, and you pay for work as it’s completed. If you’re not satisfied with any deliverable, we work with you to make it right. Our goal is long-term client relationships, not one-time transactions.
How can I verify your company’s legitimacy?
- Check our verified reviews on Google, Facebook, and BBB
- Visit our physical office in Pennsylvania
- Review our case studies of successful inventors
- Search public court records (you’ll find zero lawsuits against us)
A Final Word: We’re Not Going Anywhere
No platform, reviewer, or bad actor will erase us. We’ve outlasted bathroom wall journalism before, and we’ll do it again—it just takes more grit, more transparency, and more faith in our customers’ ability to see the real story.
I founded For Sale By Inventor to help everyday inventors like me navigate a confusing, expensive, and often predatory industry. We’re not perfect, but we’re honest. We’re not the cheapest, but we deliver real value. We’re not going to promise you’ll get rich, but we will give you the truth.
Thank you for hearing our side, for your trust, and for caring about building a healthier, more fair online world for innovators everywhere.
The truth will always outlast the lies. It just takes time—and people like you who care enough to look beyond the bathroom wall.
