Friends, Authors, and Goodreads Changes

Like most authors, I've accepted most friend requests on Goodreads and have enjoyed meeting new readers that way.

Recent changes to Goodreads, (likely meant to siphon out reviews from non-genuine readers), mean that I can no longer do this. Goodreads has decided to differentiate reviews from "friends" and others, and those from "friends" no longer appear on the book's main page, but only on the author's page and the page of those who posted them.

I see the rationale behind the change, but it's unfortunate for those of us who've accepted hundreds of friend requests in the spirit of connecting with readers. It seems to be the wish of Goodreads that authors be "fanned" rather than "friended."

I've never liked the word "fan." I don't see the people who read my books and liked them as fans, as much as I see them as readers who likely have hundreds, if not thousands of books under their belts. I have felt fortunate that mine were among them.

I dislike the distance that this change promotes, but like I said, I do understand it. If you'd like to connect with me, or make a recommendation, please find me on Facebook at http://facebook.com/AHumanStory. I've unlinked Facebook from Goodreads.