A Review By Any Other Name...

... is just an opinion, whether it be from a lauded 'literary critic", an esteemed academic, or an anonymous reader, it's still just an opinion.

Granted, the 'gatekeepers', or those who have mastered the art of reviewing, generally come gifted with pithy phrases, insider references, and a command of a process that requires a very particular, very professional skill set.

That skill set is something your average Amazon 'reviewer' probably does not possess; but, then again, that doesn't seem to deter anyone and everyone from reviewing books, DVDs or any of the fine products offered by the 8000lb gorilla in cyberspace. And with that influx of opinion-providers comes the occasional episode of bullying and mean-spirited haranguing—the kind of thing that does more than just wound a fragile ego. It can impact careers and livelihoods. The Blogsphere has been awash in discussions about this issue for quite some time.

Generally folks agree that not engaging in verbal fisticuffs or ill-advised flame-outs is the better option. It maintains the professionalism of the author and removes the bully pulpit from anyone desiring unwarranted exposure (something I wish the forum trolls would abide by).

So it came as a bit of a surprise when I stumbled upon a Face Book thread where the author called attention to and commented on a 2-star review that was clearly of the 'this really didn't float my boat' type rather than a sniper attack meant to grievously wound.

The comment was on the vaguely bullying side as were the other (more positive) reviewers who weighed in and re-expressed their opinions. FYI: the '2-star' had reviewed a handful of books, some positively, others less so. And all were of the same tenor: opinions expressed with and without varying degrees of 'reasons why'.

Now, if you wish, Amazon will alert you to follow-up comments. I assume this happened because '2-star' edited  his/her review, expanded on the 'why I didn't like it' and apologized for not leaving 'real feedback'. Ah, Happy Dance time for a successful instructional moment?

Or a disquieting feeling that a reader's been cyber-bullied into re-thinking that opinion and possibly coming up with a more 'positive' way to look at the work. The reviewer appeared to do exactly that, although the overall effect was barely skin-deep and not exactly an affirmation.

In the author's favor was a nicely worded note of appreciation for time and consideration ... and a statement  that '2-star' hadn't read far enough to get to the 'point of the story', along with an observation about the reviewer and a follow-up question.

Now, while generally civil (as these things go), the author and the two back-up supporters all commented on and bemoaned the fact that '2-star' used a pseudonym rather than a 'real name', accompanied by a statement that had a 'real name' been available, the author would have pursued a further discussion about the review. I assume that meant independently of the comment section provided by Amazon. '2-star' did not reply (yet).

I'm trying to put myself in both positions... Yeah, me too.