Important Note: Deleted All My Reviews
I have received a lot of messages asking where all my reviews went. It's nothing sinister, don't worry. I deleted them all myself.
I touched upon some of the reasons why in this status update I posted while I was doing the deleting, but there are three main reasons that prompted me to delete seven years' worth of reviews:
1. I'm tired of getting harassed over negative reviews.
It's exhausting, having to defend yourself against ad hominems because you said you didn't like a book. Some of the comments sections of my reviews were literally pages of insults and variations of "you're wrong." I decided I didn't want to look at them anymore. That's not why I signed up to use this site.
2. My opinion has changed a lot.
I joined this site in 2009, when I was still a teenager. I'm almost 30 now, and my taste in books has changed considerably. I have changed considerably. A lot of my reviews were no longer accurate representations of how I feel about various books and issues.
3. I wanted a fresh start.
I was never really comfortable with the fact that all my most popular reviews were all super negative. Now that I'm so busy, I'd rather focus my time and attention on books that are worth reading. Life is too short to focus on bad books. I no longer have the time or the motivation to force myself to finish books I don't enjoy.*
I'm not leaving Goodreads, and I am going to continue to review books. My old reviewing blog, The Armchair Librarian, is now private, and I'll be posting all reviews from this point on at my new blog, Readasaurus Reviews. The focus will be on romance novels and nonfiction, since those are what I enjoy most.
*Please note that this is not a criticism on negative reviews, or the people who write them. I don't think that negative reviews are a bad thing, and I don't think people should be attacked for writing negative reviews. Even if you only managed to make it through a page before calling it quits, that shouldn't render your opinion invalid. I still support negative reviewers, even - especially - the ones who review my own work. I'm just tired of dealing with the fallout from the ones I wrote myself.
P.S. Thank you so much for your support. All of you have been so amazing about understanding and encouraging my decision; it was the best possible choice for me, and I already feel so much better. So here's to good books and better times!
Nenia C.
I touched upon some of the reasons why in this status update I posted while I was doing the deleting, but there are three main reasons that prompted me to delete seven years' worth of reviews:
1. I'm tired of getting harassed over negative reviews.
It's exhausting, having to defend yourself against ad hominems because you said you didn't like a book. Some of the comments sections of my reviews were literally pages of insults and variations of "you're wrong." I decided I didn't want to look at them anymore. That's not why I signed up to use this site.
2. My opinion has changed a lot.
I joined this site in 2009, when I was still a teenager. I'm almost 30 now, and my taste in books has changed considerably. I have changed considerably. A lot of my reviews were no longer accurate representations of how I feel about various books and issues.
3. I wanted a fresh start.
I was never really comfortable with the fact that all my most popular reviews were all super negative. Now that I'm so busy, I'd rather focus my time and attention on books that are worth reading. Life is too short to focus on bad books. I no longer have the time or the motivation to force myself to finish books I don't enjoy.*
I'm not leaving Goodreads, and I am going to continue to review books. My old reviewing blog, The Armchair Librarian, is now private, and I'll be posting all reviews from this point on at my new blog, Readasaurus Reviews. The focus will be on romance novels and nonfiction, since those are what I enjoy most.
*Please note that this is not a criticism on negative reviews, or the people who write them. I don't think that negative reviews are a bad thing, and I don't think people should be attacked for writing negative reviews. Even if you only managed to make it through a page before calling it quits, that shouldn't render your opinion invalid. I still support negative reviewers, even - especially - the ones who review my own work. I'm just tired of dealing with the fallout from the ones I wrote myself.
P.S. Thank you so much for your support. All of you have been so amazing about understanding and encouraging my decision; it was the best possible choice for me, and I already feel so much better. So here's to good books and better times!
Nenia C.
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message 1:
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Emma Sea
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Mar 27, 2016 05:54PM
wow. Bold move. Congratulations for doing what you feel is the right thing for you
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@Cindy: I never felt that my opinion didn't matter, but there was definitely more attention whenever I posted a negative review. My mother used to say that people like negative reviews of things because while there's only one way to say you liked something, there's an infinite number of creative ways to say that you hated it. :P
@Emma: I appreciate that, Emma. Thank you. :)
Good for you, Nenia. I'm so happy for you. I didn't say that earlier so I'm saying it now. :)
Sandy wrote: "Good for you, Nenia. I'm so happy for you. I didn't say that earlier so I'm saying it now. :)"Thank you so much, Sandy. :)
Ugh, trolls. I completely feel you, Nenia. I used to reply to them, but now I just delete whatever they say, if they dare cross my review. Please don't let them get to you. Honestly, I feel they're harmless. But I'm so glad you're doing what's best for you!
Peach wrote: "Ugh, trolls. I completely feel you, Nenia. I used to reply to them, but now I just delete whatever they say, if they dare cross my review. Please don't let them get to you. Honestly, I feel they're..."That's good advice, Peach. I think most are harmless, but sometimes things get way out of hand. In either case, it is none too pleasant to deal with. :(
It takes courage to admit you have changed and that you want to do things differently now. I agree on focusing upon things that you enjoy - I have also become very picky with the books I read, even before I start reading I do a lot of research so the chances that I dislike a book I actually bought are significantly lower than some years ago. A fresh start is a great thing and I am looking forward how things will go for you!Will you also cross-post your new reviews to GR or will you only post reviews on your personal blog?
Yes, doing the research really helps! I've noticed a similar trend in my thoughts of the books that I've been choosing to read, too...although I think I'll miss being pleasantly surprised by books I thought I'd hate.I will be cross-posting! I think three of my new reviews are already up. :)
Nine wrote: "Oh Nenia, I'll miss your reviews so much. Especially the one about one of my favorite books, "The collector" by John Fowles. Your thoughts on "Hate list" convinced me to add it to my to-read shelf ..."Thanks, Nine. I'm actually planning to re-read the Collector soon. ;)
I totally feel you about Number 2. I reviewed on Amazon starting in 2007, and Me in 2007 is completely different than Me in 2016. I have looked at more than a couple reviews and cringed at the opinions expressed in them. Some I've gone back and changed; I have no doubt I've missed loads of them though.It's funny, but I'm finding myself reviewing totally differently these days. I'm not sure if it's because I'm tired of arguing why I'm allowed to write a negative review or a review for a DNF or something else, but these days, I can't seem to muster more than a paragraph or two spattering of my opinion on a book. I think (or hope!) I'm writing fewer negative reviews because I'm avoiding those books (young adult, I'm looking at you!!) or just DNFing before I go into rage mode.
Kudos to you, Nenia! And we look forward to your new reviews :)
Crystal Starr Light wrote: "I totally feel you about Number 2. I reviewed on Amazon starting in 2007, and Me in 2007 is completely different than Me in 2016. I have looked at more than a couple reviews and cringed at the opin..."Thanks, Crystal. :)
Well, even if you aren't writing long reviews, I still enjoy reading them!
I feel you. Sad to see the reviews go, of course - your take on some books was eerily similar to mine, not to mention well presented and entertaining - but I admit to often wondering how you could deal with all that history, the daunting TBR or trolls.Good luck with the fresh start! I'll just be over here waiting for the new stuff...
(hugs)
Alma Q wrote: "I feel you. Sad to see the reviews go, of course - your take on some books was eerily similar to mine, not to mention well presented and entertaining - but I admit to often wondering how you could ..."It was difficult, I'm not going to lie, and I think being an author on top of it all makes it worse.
But I think it was worth it. I developed a lot as a person over the last couple years, both in terms of ability and personality, became better able to gauge whether I'll like a book or not, and also made some wonderful friends. I consider this all time well spent. ;)
So did you delete the ratings of all the books you read and the reviews, or just the text content reviews?
Alyssa wrote: "So did you delete the ratings of all the books you read and the reviews, or just the text content reviews?"I deleted everything.
Oh. :/ That's okay I still understand why you would want to do it. (I go back and delete old FB posts every year or so and I cringe at myself a bit in the process..)I look forward to all your new reviews then!
Alyssa wrote: "Oh. :/ That's okay I still understand why you would want to do it. (I go back and delete old FB posts every year or so and I cringe at myself a bit in the process..)I look forward to all your new ..."
HAHA! That's why I avoid looking at old posts. ;D
Good for you. Although those reviews steered me away from really bad books, I really admire the courage it took to do that.
Aki wrote: "Good for you. Although those reviews steered me away from really bad books, I really admire the courage it took to do that."Aww, thanks, Aki! <3
I have mixed feelings, but support your choice! I also have been on goodreads a lot time, and my book ratings/reviews go back to 2007. (I retroactively added a bunch of stuff when I joined from previous held records). In 2007, I was in the process of leaving a very strict cultic religious group. For almost a 10 year period, I did not read any kind of secular book. I read huge reams of Christian fiction, a genre that I would not have any interest in right now. I have books that I rated 5-Stars, this is the BEST BOOK EVER. That would probably induce eye-rolling and gagging sounds if I were to read it now. I simply created a shelf called "When-I-Was-Christian" and dumped it all there. If someone comments or asks me a question, I simply say "I'm not very religious any longer, but fundamentalist me loved it!"
So I get the becoming a very different person thing very well. (I very much feel my username ALL THE TIME!).
I'd suggest, if it's still possible, to back them up, and file them away in a box, that way you've preserved a part of your life, a snapchat of the person you were, if you ever want to revisit it for nostalgia's sake.
Dichotomy Girl wrote: "I have mixed feelings, but support your choice! I also have been on goodreads a lot time, and my book ratings/reviews go back to 2007. (I retroactively added a bunch of stuff when I joined from pre..."Oh wow, that is a huge change! Thanks for sharing that story, DC. That sounds fascinating. My change isn't quite that dramatic - but there were a lot of books on my shelf rated low - and high - that were no longer really accurate representations of how I feel, and since I value honesty on this site (and was tired of getting crap for opinions that were years out of date), I decided to start over again.
That's really good advice. ;) I did export all my reviews into a file before removing them from the site, so I do have copies of them. And since I made my old blog private instead of deleting it, it will be easier for me to reupload some of my newer-old reviews back to Goodreads if I so choose. :)
Pity for the blog renaming, Armchair librarian sounded comfy.Plus you are not a reading Dinosaur, you are a speeddemonreading Unicorn :P
That's great Nenia! Sorry you had to go through this. It's just getting harder nowadays to write a negative review without being bashed just for having an opinion.
Nenia wrote: "LOL. I could be a unisaurus! :D"I am not sure if they are sparklefluffy....
Ronyell wrote: "That's great Nenia! Sorry you had to go through this. It's just getting harder nowadays to write a negative review without being bashed just for having an opinion."Yeah, I've seen people who write 2- and 3-star reviews getting bashed for their "negative" opinions, and that just isn't right. It's a shame that people cannot speak their honest thoughts about a book without fear of reprisal, but I'm done dealing with that. It just isn't worth the fight to me. I'd rather focus on what I know I love reading, i.e. romance novels.
Bookkitten wrote: "Nenia wrote: "LOL. I could be a unisaurus! :D"I am not sure if they are sparklefluffy...."
OMG, can you imagine a big ol' woolly dinosaur, though?
Nenia wrote: "Bookkitten wrote: "Nenia wrote: "LOL. I could be a unisaurus! :D"I am not sure if they are sparklefluffy...."
OMG, can you imagine a big ol' woolly dinosaur, though?"
Of course I can. So woolly that even Baby Sinclair would become confused :D
Nenia wrote: "Ronyell wrote: "That's great Nenia! Sorry you had to go through this. It's just getting harder nowadays to write a negative review without being bashed just for having an opinion."Yeah, I've seen..."
Yeah, it's great just focusing on books that you enjoy. That's why I mainly pick up graphic novels, romance novels, dystopian novels and children's books since I enjoy those the most.
Ronyell wrote: "Nenia wrote: "Ronyell wrote: "That's great Nenia! Sorry you had to go through this. It's just getting harder nowadays to write a negative review without being bashed just for having an opinion."Y..."
I agree! It's nice to know that there's a good chance that you'll love a book going into it. It feels like a safer choice.
This seems like a big change for you and I support you in doing so. I am thankful my reviews don't get as much publicity as yours. I agree that reviews I wrote way back when I first started my blog are different then now, though I still stand behind many negative statements I've made. I try and find something positive about every book I review now. Your reviews will be missed and I hope you post new reviews on GR and not just the new blog. Bright Blessings!
Yes, I've been posting my new reviews here, too. :) Thanks!
I love you even more for this! Reviews are supposed to reflect personal opinion, but sadly as authors, we can be scrutinized for our own preferences. I always try to find something good/positive about a book to write in my review because in the age we live in, there's plenty of negativity out there and I purposefully choose to uplift rather than knock down. Anyone can find something wrong with a book. It's easier for most to criticise the author or the reviewer rather than find something good or acknowledge and accept that someone else doesn't agree with you and be 'okay' with that fact. I commend you on your decision and know that regardless if you post a postive or negative review (past, present or future) I wil support you! :) <3
That's fine! It's your decision and you shouldn't be harassed for your choices. I'll still be following/reading your reviews. :) and since you like reading romance novels, as someone whose not a huge fan of the genre, what would you recommend?
I can't figure out why some people draw so much harrassment while other popular reviewers barely receive feedback. Sorry you had to endure so much harrassment. I'm impressed by your decision it's an incredibly bold move.
I'm sorry you were getting hate for your opinion. It sucks that someone can't speak their mind without fear of backlash. I don't understand what drives people to be so hateful toward others simply because their opinion differs.
Nerdie wrote: "That's fine! It's your decision and you shouldn't be harassed for your choices. I'll still be following/reading your reviews. :) and since you like reading romance novels, as someone whose not a ..."
Oooh, Courtney Milan, Linnea Sinclair, and Victoria Holt are some of my autobuy authors. :)
Terence wrote: "I can't figure out why some people draw so much harrassment while other popular reviewers barely receive feedback. Sorry you had to endure so much harrassment. I'm impressed by your decision it's a..."Thanks, Terence! That's very nice of you to say. I think some of it is because I am an author; authors are only supposed to ever say nice things about other people's books, at the risk of sounding jealous or bitter or failed, I guess! At least, this is what I have been told. :P
Martha wrote: "I love you even more for this! Reviews are supposed to reflect personal opinion, but sadly as authors, we can be scrutinized for our own preferences. I always try to find something good/positive ab..."Thank you for the nice comment, Martha! I agree with all your points, and really appreciate your support. I consider myself very lucky indeed to have a wonderful friend like you in my corner! :D
Tenae wrote: "I'm sorry you were getting hate for your opinion. It sucks that someone can't speak their mind without fear of backlash. I don't understand what drives people to be so hateful toward others simply ..."Thank you Tenae. I understand why people do it, I think - it can suck to see people naysaying the things you like - but you don't *have* to read that review and you certainly don't have to comment!
*looks over your bookshelf*Hey, now I have no more books in common with you :/
Such a shame some people have brought such negativity to you over something as subjective as an opinion on books. I'm glad you've done what you feel is best, no one needs to see that kind of nastiness every day.
I respect your decision. Personally I mostly keep to Goodreads, so will be missing your reviews here. But, you gotta do what you must, and I always support that. Often people are so eger to prove themselves right that they forget to have respect on other opinions. Thus mishaps happen. I hope you will keep in touch and keep reading books you like. Wishing you a happy reading life ahead. ^_^
Bookkitten wrote: "*looks over your bookshelf*Hey, now I have no more books in common with you :/
"
SOON. :D
Francesca wrote: "Such a shame some people have brought such negativity to you over something as subjective as an opinion on books. I'm glad you've done what you feel is best, no one needs to see that kind of nastin..."I agree. I think it's important to take your little corner of the internet and make it a happy place. :)
Pranta wrote: "I respect your decision. Personally I mostly keep to Goodreads, so will be missing your reviews here. But, you gotta do what you must, and I always support that. Often people are so eger to prove t..."Thanks, Pranta. I think another problem is that the anonymity of the internet sometimes makes people forget that the person they're insulting is a person and not just some nameless avatar.
