I've had nothing but great results using Angie's List - it's made it possible for me to find the local family run businesses, instead of the big corporate ones. So far I've found a plumber, heating and air conditioning guy, concrete/fence/gate repair. None of them have hounded me to review them, although the guy that did our concrete asked politely if I wouldn't mind reviewing them on Yelp.

Now, my brother had an issue with a plumber from A.L in New Jersey. He was great, until my brother left the house and plumber guy was alone with my SIL. Guess he made a few inappropriate comments/suggestions . SIL tossed him out, my brother went ballistic.