Poor Moderation
Recently I received a poor review for one of my books on Goodreads. It is not my first poor review, nor, I imagine, will it be my last.
Since I always respond to those who leave comment I did so. My response was to thank that reviewer for the review and then to ask that he expand on his comments. I asked him if it was the story, the topic, the story telling that he did not like. There was nothing remotely inflammatory in my response unless one takes it utterly sarcastically.
In response (I assume) the reviewer flagged the comment. It was summarily removed. I learned of this from a letter from Goodreads stating my comment had been flagged - then I discovered it had been removed.
Of equal interest is the final line in the email I received stating "Please refrain from posting this kind of comment in the future." So, what? I am supposed to not ask a reviewer to tell me what he didn't like? Is that what I am to do? DO I never respond to comments now?
Another line in the letter reads "These guidelines are designed not only to protect our membership, but also to protect well-meaning authors from possibly damaging their public image" - This, combined with the arbitrary removal of my comment tells me that my membership is threatened if my comments are flagged, even if I leave a positive comment on a negative review.
Yup, I am pissed. Goodreads moderators have overstepped their authority.
Now, I have replied to their email and I have also attempted to reach support through another means. So, the jury is still out. Regardless, I intend on repeating my comment once this is resolved and if my comment is not returned. I guess my time on Goodreads may be short lived.
H. Dean
Since I always respond to those who leave comment I did so. My response was to thank that reviewer for the review and then to ask that he expand on his comments. I asked him if it was the story, the topic, the story telling that he did not like. There was nothing remotely inflammatory in my response unless one takes it utterly sarcastically.
In response (I assume) the reviewer flagged the comment. It was summarily removed. I learned of this from a letter from Goodreads stating my comment had been flagged - then I discovered it had been removed.
Of equal interest is the final line in the email I received stating "Please refrain from posting this kind of comment in the future." So, what? I am supposed to not ask a reviewer to tell me what he didn't like? Is that what I am to do? DO I never respond to comments now?
Another line in the letter reads "These guidelines are designed not only to protect our membership, but also to protect well-meaning authors from possibly damaging their public image" - This, combined with the arbitrary removal of my comment tells me that my membership is threatened if my comments are flagged, even if I leave a positive comment on a negative review.
Yup, I am pissed. Goodreads moderators have overstepped their authority.
Now, I have replied to their email and I have also attempted to reach support through another means. So, the jury is still out. Regardless, I intend on repeating my comment once this is resolved and if my comment is not returned. I guess my time on Goodreads may be short lived.
H. Dean
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