T.R. Robinson's Blog, page 9
April 28, 2020
Your Perspective
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What is your primary perspective when visiting this website and integrated blog?
It will help the website administrator if they knew what your primary perspective is
for following or visiting this website and integrated blog.
To this end a simple survey has been prepared.
It will only take a few seconds to complete it.
You may access the survey ‘Your Perspective’ by clicking anywhere in this line.
Your participation is appreciated.
April 24, 2020
8 Book Reviewer Tips – Infograph
Reviewing a book can be intimidating for some. Nevertheless, to write a review is a valid reward for the author’s time and effort, especially if the reader has enjoyed the book. A previous article Writing Reviews upon which the infograph below is based, dealt with the topic in more detail. However, most people, including readers, tend to be pressed for time, reviewers may therefore appreciate and find this printable, easy to follow, ready reference infograph useful.
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April 14, 2020
Authors! – Do Not Lose Heart
[image error]The advent of free, or minimal cost, ‘self-publishing’ services, just a few years ago, was exciting. Budding authors who had previously been frustrated by the intransigence of traditional publishers, now had free-reign. Many jumped upon the wagon with expectations of finding immediate success. Of course, everyone now appreciates the naivety of that. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied the availability of free, easy to use, publishing services was a positive in an otherwise very constricted marketplace. It must also be accepted, this sudden provision resulted in a surge of books that have inundated the market, with very mixed results (there are some very good but also some very poor publications).
Independent, self-publishing, authors generally have little in the way of resources and consequently have to undertake their own publicity and marketing. The truth is, if they wish to get knowledge of their book(s) existence out to potential readers, they have to work very hard. This is not helped by the fact, literally thousands of books are added to the market each day. No sooner does a book get shown as a new publication on a retailer’s site, than it is pushed down the list by further publications. This can be very disheartening.
There has also been a change of attitude. In the initial, formative, years, authors were generally open to freely helping each other by sharing their knowledge, experiences and insights. Many, who would have otherwise been completely lost, were thereby able to get to grips with publishing mechanisms, social media, and other publicity and marketing tactics. Regrettably, in more recent years, it seems many have developed a self-interest that borders upon rampant selfishness and meanness. For example: It used to be possible to have conversations through social media by means of which authors not only got to know each other but were also able to help their fellows. Now, a majority of posts primarily constitute adverts for books or services. Of course, this is not always the case but the trend is certainly in ascendance.
Unfortunately, the change in attitude has meant, for those who still try to follow the sensible, considerate, and courteous format, the few promotional posts they publish get buried among the drivel. It can be very disappointing and has resulted in some authors abandoning their hopes and aspirations: Very sad. But, should authors give up? Certainly NOT! Doing so not only deprives them but also robs posterity. Whether successful or not within the author’s lifespan all books contribute to societies vast historic library. In one incident the writer of this post heard about, someone’s grandmother published a book that found no success during her lifetime. Then, fairly recently, and for no apparent reason, it started selling well. It is a shame the grandmother did not see this but at least her decedents can be proud of her achievement and presumably benefit from the unexpected royalties. It should also not be forgotten readers are obviously finding pleasure in their read.
There is also the well know fact, many authors who are now recognised and envied for their success, originally met with rejection and failure. Some examples:
J. K. Rowling: It is understood, not until her third book did she get any attention for the Harry Potter series. The first book was rejected multiple times.
A few years ago some students maintained a blog detailing their daily lives. An eccentric millionaire (it is only fair to refer to them as eccentric) bought their story for, it is believed, ten million dollars.
Whilst on holiday Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber came across the book ‘Phantom of the Opera’ in a secondhand shop. Everyone knows what a success that became.
It is also understood, ‘Gone with the Wind’ was rejected many times. Again, who can deny its subsequent success.
It should also be born in mind:
Some independent, self-published books, have hit the best-seller lists.
A few self-published books have been made into successful films.
Sometimes it is just a matter of the right person picking up a book. It may be someone influential or someone who has a ready following. In either case the fact they can draw other peoples attention to the book is what matters. There is no way of knowing if, or when, this may happen but if the book is not out there and is not mentioned from time to time, it is unlikely to find such discovery.
In addition, there is the fact, most authors only do themselves harm by not writing. For most, writing is inherent and for them not to do so brings stress, frustration, and despondency. Of course, they may choose to just write for themselves and perhaps for those close to them but if they have gone to the trouble of doing so, why not contribute to the world’s library. Not only will society be the richer for it but some may also find solace, guidance, encouragement, and help through their words.
Overall, no matter how they feel or the hardships they may be experiencing, authors should do not give up. Please do not rob the rest of the world of your valuable words.
Remember, no one may predict whether a book will find success or not.
Many authors have been pleasantly surprised.
April 10, 2020
The Last Forest by A. L. Butcher
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Regular visitors to, and followers of, this website blog will know fantasy is not a genre usually reviewed. Nevertheless, there is the occasional exception. This is one, though, in truth, this little book is not just a fantastical, mythological, tale. It is more of a warning. One people need to take on board.
The tale fluctuates between the inner thoughts, considerations, and musings of trees and human dialogue of proposed intent. All characters (tree and human) are well presented enabling the reader to visualise them as well as the circumstances each find themselves in.
Despite the generally increasing environmental consciousness of modern society, much still goes on that is harmful and cruel. Why should nature put up with it? Why not retaliate?
Though this is a serious tale it is written in a manner that may also be found amusing. In fact, it would not be surprising to find readers cheering along with the supposedly downtrodden.
As implied earlier, this is a short book (equivalent to thirteen print pages), it would therefore spoil it for potential readers to share more.
A well written, insightful, story (warning) that every reader should heed. Four stars (4*).
Available in digital (e-book) format from all major retailers (including Amazon).
Universal Link (Readers may choose which retailer to get their copy from.)
March 31, 2020
The Future of Book Marketing for Independent Authors
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Marketing has always been a challenge for independent (indie) authors, no matter which era they, have lived, or do live, in. In some measure the advent of social media has helped but as many will attest things have markedly changed and it looks like they will continue to do so.
Organic Reach
Most social media sites, originally, distributed user posts, freely, to most of their friends and followers (known as organic reach). This was a great way for people to stay in touch and one many took too quickly. However, as users will have become aware things have changed. In 2019 companies such as Facebook, Google, Amazon, to name but a few, limited organic reach to the point that few of a user’s friends and followers see their posts. This is disappointing but inevitable with changing world economies: there is little doubt the changes are financially motivated.
Advertising Income
From the start the organisations and companies providing social media and publishing services have earned income from advertising, mostly by established corporations and charitable organisations. For several years, this income was considered sufficient to support the broader aspect of enabling society to share together. They were in effect, part social service and part commercial enterprise and were seen as a valuable contributor to local and international communities. However, it appears their goals, aims, and attitudes have changed. They are now looking for increased finances and appear to be far more reliant on advertising revenue. Naturally, especially for those who have been long time users of the services, this is disappointing but, before complaining, they should bear in mind, despite original appearances to the contrary, these are commercial companies and organisations and as such have to meet various costs (salaries; property maintenance; technological tools; taxes, etc.).
The following statistics provide some idea of the impact advertising revenue is having: It is estimated, in one year, YouTube earned $15.15 (£11.6) billion in advertising revenue alone; Instagram $15.00 billion; and Pinterest $1.00 billion. Facebook’s advertising income is thought to be far in excess of these. Bear in mind, these are only advertising earnings, each receives additional income from other sources. Despite these, to the ordinary person in the street, vast figures it appears the companies require further income. This may be due to increasing costs but it must also be accepted commercialism now appears to be a primary goal.
Authors
Naturally, considering a majority of indie authors, as well as some of those who are traditionally published, tend to rely upon social media for getting news of their books into the world, the reduction in organic reach is having an adverse impact. Authors are therefore faced with the quandary of how, in the future, to make readers aware of their book(s) existence.
Existing Sources
Despite the changes mentioned above, social media, at least for the time being, remains viable though it must be born in mind, with the constant adjustments being introduced, this is likely to change. In addition to social media, authors also have their websites and/or blogs (or at least should) and newsletters (though for several these have some drawbacks). However, not everyone wishes to subscribe to these meaning contact is probably limited to social media outlets. The constant adjustments to organic reach are consequently having a very definite impact.
Future Sources
Increasingly users are being forced to opt, if they are serious about getting the message out, for paid advertising or, at a minimum, to pay for a post promotion. Admittedly, there is provision for varied expenditures, though, with the auction bidding method many utilise, lesser investments tend to get lost among the more robust. It is also true, some, one off, set fees are not overly high. However, repetition is a necessity for effective advertising. Obviously, a fee is payable on each occasion. Consequently, what may have first looked like minimum expenditure can quickly escalate.
This push toward paid options is a serious issue for indie authors. Many have little or no resource to draw upon and even for those who do, the constant outgoing flow, with no guarantee of sales, will probably become unsustainable.
Solutions
At present there appears to be no solution for authors. In their reviews for the coming decade many of those involved in publishing, full time, part time, professional, lay person, etc., concur authors will ultimately have little choice but to employ paid advertising for their marketing and publicity.
The situation is not helped by the fact major publishers, including the big five, are now choosing to use facilities normally the preserve of indie authors. For example, the big five are now enrolling their books into Amazon’s KDP Select and Kindle Unlimited programmes thereby diluting visibility of other authors books.
Thankfully, though reach is being increasingly limited, social media remain viable communication avenues which authors should continue to utilise to the fullest extent. However, they need to take note of the trend toward advertising revenue and prepare for it. Understandably, those without resources will be concerned but, even though it may not be as effective as they would like, they should at least consider a minimal expenditure: most sites allow for this.
Conclusion
Marketing, for many authors, is an anathema subject nevertheless, if they want to get news of their books out, they have no alternative but to take it onboard. This is the time for them to learn about the various advertising programmes available to them. Admittedly, a lot of these are initially confusing but the sites normally have plenty of guidance added to which, many bloggers kindly share their marketing experience, advice, and insights.
Note: This is the time to learn. The various ins and outs cannot be properly or effectively learnt in a rush.
Disclaimer: Neither T. R. Robinson nor T. R. Robinson Publications, other than being users of the services, have any affiliation with or to any of the companies or organisations mentioned. Nor do either receive any remuneration for mentioning them.
March 27, 2020
LIMITED TIME OFFER – 60% OFF!
Three of T. R. Robinson’s books are currently on special offer at 60% off the normal purchase price.
Note1: This is a LIMITED TIME offer for e-book editions of the three books.
Note 2: Offer only available from one retailer but in formats suitable for all device types: E-Reader (including Kindle); Tablet; Smartphone (iPhone and Android); Computer.
Click on the cover image of whichever book(s) you are interested in to be taken to the relevant book page.
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When read it would be appreciated if you leave a review at the retail site and in/on any social media sites you use as well as website/blog.
March 17, 2020
Twitter Enhancements – Topics & Lists
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Over the last couple of years, Twitter’s product managers have been looking at ways to improve customer experience. In particular, how to enable users to see more of what they are interested in. The two areas currently under development are: 1. A new Topics feature and 2. Enhancing the existing lists feature.
Topics
Topics is a new feature that has been slowly and quietly introduced since November 2019. It has in fact been so gently done many existing users will not have noticed. Traditionally users have had to search for people with similar interests to follow and then hope their tweets prove relevant. Of course, this has not always been the case meaning a lot of unwanted waffle crowds the users timeline. For example: someone with an interest in cricket may follow a cricketer but find most of the tweets are about their wife’s knitting designs (perhaps a silly example but one intended to highlight the issue).
Beside the usual ability to follow specific, individual, accounts users may now also follow topics which are designed to home-in on tweets relevant to the subject matter. This helps make their timeline far more interesting and relevant. Twitter has stated their overreaching goal, by giving users control over what shows up in their timeline, is to connect them with the tweets they want to see and thereby make their timeline more meaningful. This is a massive technical investment for Twitter that will change how the site looks and feels.
One of the greatest hurdles is deciding what constitutes a topic. A topic for sports is probably too broad but one dedicated to a specific team, or match, may be too constrained. There is also the fact current events and matches usually constitute breaking news that people will already be tweeting about with relevant hashtags. To deal with the conundrum, at least for now, Twitter has opted for a middle path where the content comprises ‘evergreen’ and ‘lasting pieces’ of information. Because of the controversy, sensitivity, and difficulties that can surround them, topics relating to politics and world affairs have been intentionally omitted from the initial rollout.
Wisely, Twitter has avoided a mass rollout of topics but will slowly add new ones as they identify appropriate subjects. This will be partially achieved by gauging which topics people follow and from the nature of popular tweets. Once the theme and content of a Topic has been nailed down users will be presented with some upfront details designed to help them decide if it is one that meets their interest. The developers emphasise Topics are not simply an aggregation of tweets they sanction. They will check a tweet is about the topic and is by someone who is known for tweeting about the subject. In addition, by means of artificial intelligence mechanics, Topics should be able to identify, and ignore, tweets that are off-topic. Further, for a tweet to be considered appropriate for inclusion, Twitter will also look at such things as likes and retweets but not randomly.
At present, it is not easy for a user to ensure a Topic is entirely relevant to them. To overcome this issue, development is in hand that will enable users to view the stream of tweets in a topic prior to deciding whether to follow it or not. It is also intended to identify individual tweets as belonging to a Topic in the same way as retweets or likes by people the user follows are identified (i.e., small text tag). Topics have also been integrated into the search system.
To access the new Topic feature, and find ones to follow, users need to:
click the ‘More’ option at the bottom of the menu displayed to the left of their timeline;
select the ‘Topics’ tab, at the top of the secondary menu displayed. (The ‘New! Follow Topics’ panel will then be displayed in place of the time line.);
click the ‘Follow some Topics’ button. (A secondary panel will be displayed containing a high level list of available topics.);
click the ‘+’ to the right. (A list of sub-topics is displayed.);
click the ‘+’ to the right of a sub-topic. (A list of secondary sub-topics is displayed.);
click the ‘Follow’ button to the right of the sub-topic(s) to be followed.
Note: To try and make their experience relevant and easier from the start, Twitter now asks new users to choose some topics as part of the initial sign-up process.
In essence, Topics should help all users (existing and new), eventually, enjoy Twitter in a more organised manner; primarily controlling it to meet their interests.
Lists
Some existing users may still not be aware of the Lists feature. This is how Twitter defines it:
‘A List is a curated group of Twitter accounts. You can create your own Lists or subscribe to Lists created by others. Viewing a List timeline will show you a stream of Tweets from only the accounts on that List.’
The feature has been available for more than ten years but, after initial implementation, there has been little, if any, real development. Twitter acknowledges lists are full of unfulfilled potential and that it is now time to address, and enhance, the feature.
As part of the current enhanced development process, Twitter has been looking at the kind of lists users create and, based upon what they find, provide better attuned recommendations of people and accounts to follow.
In a further attempt to make timelines more relevant, a facility enabling users to ‘pin’ lists to the top of their timeline was introduced in September 2019. Users simply have to click the pin symbol displayed to the right of the list name. (It appears this is on a slow roll out because the facility, as at the time of writing, is not currently available in the writer’s Twitter account.)
The Lists feature may be accessed from the menu displayed to the left of the timeline. Any existing lists will displayed in place of the time line together with a closed or open padlock to indicate whether the list is private or public. A new list may be added by clicking on the small page and + icon embedded in the top right corner.
Lists are a helpful way for users to home-in on tweets and accounts they consider will be of relevance and use to them.
Conclusion
Users will no doubt be pleased to know Twitter is earnestly seeking ways to improve the service and many may already be enjoying some of the enhancements already made. However, there are still a lot of things to sort and, as with anything new, there are potential pitfalls. Twitter acknowledges this and undertakes to deal with issues as they become apparent though, of course, they will do their best to avoid as many of these as possible. The aim is to add as many new, helpful, enhancements and features as they are identified consequently, users need to be patient if anything they would like to see has not appeared yet.
Disclaimer: Other than being users of the service, neither T. R. Robinson Publications nor T. R. Robinson have any affiliation to or with Twitter. Nor do either receive any remuneration for mentioning or referring to them.
March 13, 2020
Storm of Divine Light: The Tales of Tyrennia, Book One by Ernesto San Giacomo
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The daring theft of a powerful artefact serves as the crucible for this tale of mixed human resolve and mystical determination. The how takes a while to discover but the why, and potential consequences, are easily detectable. Reluctantly, but knowing the likely outcome if they do not take up the challenge, the protagonists set out on a quest they would prefer to have avoided.
The characters, both human and mystical, and the old world settings, are well developed thereby enabling the reader to visualise and identify with much. The plot develops sensibly drawing the reader along with a desire to see where the story will go and how the protagonists will deal the obstacles and challenges they face. Failure would be disasters for all.
There are what appear to be occasional divergences however, these not only help set the scene for subsequent action but also establish where some of the emotional motivations that follow come from. The book is not only a fantastical tale but also a human story of change, hope, sorrow, suffering, and revenge.
The descriptive content would certainly help any screenwriter who decided to take up the idea for a film, to which this tale lends itself. Nevertheless, it can sometimes cause the flow to appear disjointed though, to be utterly fair, it assists the reader’s comprehension of the book as a whole. Having said that, there may be readers who find some of the detailed violence a bit too gratuitous.
This is an enjoyable tale, which does draw the reader along, though it must be said it is not an unusual one for the fantasy genre. This combined with this website’s rating policy, merits it to a three star (3*) rating. This does not demerit the value of this tale for the reader but merely reflects the fact, in the writer’s opinion, of most books falling within that rating unless they are truly exceptional in one way or another.
The book is available in paperback and digital (e-book) formats.
March 3, 2020
Click Farms
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A few years ago click farms where a regular topic of discussion but not so much now. Nevertheless, these nefarious organisations still exist, and operate, and are something all online users need to be aware of. This article will consider what click farms are; how they operate; their purpose; the consequences; and possible solutions.
Definitions
‘A commercial enterprise that employs a large number of people to repeatedly click on items of online content in order to artificially inflate statistics of traffic or engagement.’ (Unknown)
‘A click farm is a business that pays employees to click on website elements to artificially boost the status of a client’s website or product.’ (WhatIs.com)
Note 1: It is not just website and product pages that are affected. Social Media sites and accounts are also vulnerable.
Note 2: The above definitions refer to employed people however, with modern technological advances, there are now some automated click farms, as explained below.
Operation
To achieve the organisation’s disruptive, nefarious purposes (explained later), non-automated click farm ‘employees’ are obliged to endlessly click on various social media and website elements and buttons e.g. ‘Like’; ’Follow’; etc. These cannot be accessed without a user account consequently, before they may proceed, click farm owners have to arrange for numerous fictitious accounts to be set up.
In addition to the above some workers are also instructed to click on ‘pay-per-click’ adverts (more about that later). There is also the option of adding comments, etc., to posts to inappropriately draw attention to a product (more later).
As previously mentioned, there are now two operational methods: Manual and Automated.
Manual
Click Farms are usually situated in developing countries such as India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Egypt, to name but a few, where wages are considerably lower than those of western, industrialised countries.
Low paid workers are forced to sit in dark, bare walled, barred windowed, rooms before a computer screen for hours. Their ‘job’ is to endlessly click on designated account buttons and elements. Soulless to put it mildly.
From the information available, it appears the worker has to click at least one thousand times to earn $1.00. Many earn as little as $120 per annum. The immorality of this is self evident though, for those who do the job, the minimum income can make the difference between food on the table or starvation for them and their families. Hard for many in the western world to comprehend.
Automated
The advent of smartphones enables some click farms to now be far more automated. In fact these are almost entirely automated with minimal staff to oversee them. Rather than having rooms full of low paid workers sitting in front of computer screens these tend to be warehouses full of shelves loaded with hundreds of thousands of phones. Each is programmed to search and mimic the manual process and, when required, to download designated applications over and over again.
Purpose
The overall, primary, aim of click farms is to manipulate and distort statistics: Many companies utilise indicators such as ‘Likes’ and ‘Follows’ to monitor the popularity and success of their products and whether to invest further in their marketing budgets.
Most click farms are employed by competitors who are looking to gain an advantage over their rivals. Their primary intent is to trick a competing company into spending beyond designated marketing budgets thereby reducing, or at least limiting, their ability to invest in areas that could be more effective.
Another aspect, the writer has come across, is to inappropriately draw attention to a product by adding nebulous comments, and occasionally such things as pingbacks, to website or blog posts. They usually add comments to a range of posts rather than to just one.
Naturally, for the click farm owner the purpose is to make money. Despite the immorality of it all, these owners insist they are running a business and offering a service. They charge customer’s anywhere from $12 to $15 for 250 to 1000 clicks. Obviously, to have the desired impact companies will contract for many thousands of clicks and consequently, it is understood, pay thousands for the ‘service’. It is estimated click farm earnings reach into the three figure millions.
Consequences
As already mentioned, many companies and organisations utilise feedback to assess the effectiveness and popularity of their products/services. Unless aware the figures are being distorted they may decide, upon seeing elevated ‘likes’; ‘follows’; advert clicks; etc. to increase their marketing spend probably to the detriment of other areas of expenditure. This will obviously impact their competitive edge thereby giving their rival an unwarranted advantage.
Note: ‘Pay-per-click’ adverts require the advertiser to pay regardless of whether it leads to a sale or not.
The issues surrounding this abuse are causing many to question the validity, reliability, and effectiveness of social media and internet advertising and sharing. Of course, this may also impact the income of sites normally used e.g. Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Google, etc.
The only way the immoral click farm activity may backfire is, apparently, an estimated thirty-one percent of consumers check, ‘likes’, ‘follows’, ratings, reviews, etc. as part of their purchase decision process. Therefore, the exacerbated statistics may prove a positive influence though whether a consequent sale would offset any additional investment in marketing is open to debate. Whatever the outcome, it should not be forgotten the overall intent of these farms is to distort statistics and undermine the victim’s business.
Solutions
Of course, the obvious solution is to block and delete click farm accounts. However, this is not as easy as it sounds and poses a major problem for social media and website providers, companies, hosts, and holders. Identifying fake, false, user accounts is difficult because they appear genuine: click farms utilise normal name styles and identifiers. In fairness, site providers do their best. Social media sites such as Facebook, Twitter, etc. try to detect where too many pages are ‘liked’, etc. in a short period. Website host systems are often designed to note the source of a comment and, if it does not appear valid, relevant, or appropriate frequently mark the comment, email, or other communication as spam and put it to one side for the account holder to consider separately. The account holder then has the option to approve, delete, and, where the option is available, to block the offending user/instigator.
Note: Users should take care and, before deleting or blocking wholesale, scan through the offending comments list in case a genuine one has been mistakenly included.
Unfortunately, deleting and blocking activists will not prevent the abuse because of the multiple false accounts and addresses used. However, being consistent in deleting and blocking may reduce the quantity and frequency.
Many will naturally ask about the law. Regrettably, there is no direct legislation to prevent these organisations operating. This is despite the fact they are potentially breaching unfair trading regulations thereby effectively misleading consumers. It would seem appropriate for the effected companies and organisations to get together with legislators and demand worldwide legislation to outlaw click farms or their equivalent. It is also suggested such legislation should provide for the severe punishment, and public exposure, of those who employ click farms.
Though click farms are usually contracted, there may be occasions when one will approach an individual with the offer, for a fee, to boost their engagement. Though it may be tempting, those approached should decline. Of course there are some genuine companies, individuals, or organisations who provide marketing packages but these do not normally rely upon constant clicking, if they do the warning bells should be ringing.
Conclusion
Click farms are nefarious organisations that should be resisted and blocked at all stages.
Users, need to be aware and constantly monitor ‘Likes’, ‘Follows’, advert clicks, comments, etc. Of course, paranoia should be avoided because many, perhaps the majority for individual users, of ‘Likes’ etc will be genuine.
It is unfortunate, along with hackers, spammers, cyber criminals, etc. users have to be alert to these additional abusers but, sadly, that is today’s world.
Apologies for the length of this article but it did not lend itself to being broken down into parts.
February 28, 2020
Book Review Ratings
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Since this website was established the article Assessing Book Review Ratings (one of the first to be published) has been utilised as a guide for informing readers, authors, website/blog visitors and followers, and anyone else interested, of how ratings are applied to the books reviewed in this website blog. Several years have passed since the article was first published consequently, it is considered time for the principles to be set out in a more permanent policy document. This has now been done.
The document may be accessed from here or from the above BOOKS tab (under ‘Review Policy’).
To reiterate some of the information:
Due to misunderstandings and misuse the values of review star ratings have become confused and distorted. Many have simply followed the trend however, this website is not prepared to exacerbate the situation. In this website and associated blog the following interpretations are applied:
1* – (I hate it; Did not like it; etc.): Poor content and/or quality.
2* – (I don’t like it; It was OK; etc.): Not brilliant but not totally disastrous.
3* – (It’s okay; Liked it; etc.): The majority of books realistically fall within this rating.
4* – (I like it; Really liked it; etc.): Very good but has some minor drawback.
5* – (I love it; It was amazing; etc.): Excellent, little if anything at fault.
Note: The definitions shown in parenthesis are not the writer’s but those some organisations and companies apply.
This article, in support of the new review rating policy document, has been published in hope it will assist followers, visitors, and fans and prevent any undue surprises for authors or readers.