""When you do get a call from Yelp, and you go to the site, it looks like they have been moved," John said. "You don't know if they happen to be at the top legitimately or if the rep moved them to the top. You don't even know if this is someone who legitimately doesn't like your restaurant. ... Almost all the time when they call you, the bad ones will be at the top." Usually, John said, he would politely decline to advertise. "Well, thanks," he'd say. "I'll talk to my partner about it." Or, "It's not really in my budget right now." But inevitably, in another week or so, he'd get another phone call. Occasionally, the voice on the other end of the phone would change, but the calls continued. These days, John chooses to not answer his phone when it's from a number with a 415 area code. John may sound paranoid, but he's got company... - Richard Walker

Yelp response here: Today the East Bay Express ran a lengthy story that accuses Yelp of manipulating review order for money. As we've said many-a-time we do not do this and you don't have to take my word for it. Let's take a quick look... http://officialblog.yelp.com/2009... - Richard Walker