I'd like to know which of my comments are offensive

[Carole]

Hi- I just got this note in my email

Hi Carole,

We're reaching out because several of your recent comments were flagged by Goodreads members. To clarify, incentivized reviews of any kind are prohibited on the site, and review swaps that fall into this category break our rules. This might include implicit agreements between authors to exchange positive reviews, or agreements to exchange a 5-star rating for a 5-star rating.

We hope this information is helpful, but please let us know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,
The Goodreads Team


I"D LIKE TO KNOW who is perceiving me as trying to swap reviews and therefore questioning my integrity?

[Carole]

I will no longer review books.

[Rocio]

Woow, I am sorry that happened to Carole. I am nothing but grateful for all the help you have given me. I can’t believe someone actually said that about you.

[Amy]

This is rubbish. I’ve read a lot of what you’ve posted on these groups and you’ve been the one telling others what they can and cannot do.

[R.L.]

That’s garbage. I’ve never seen you state or imply anything like this...jeez

[X.]

Ask them which comments were flagged.

[Carole]

I did- they haven't gotten back to me.

[Amy]

I'd be interested to know which comments are wrong on the grounds that I hold you up as the standard of what is right on these matters and therefore I'd like to know, for future reference, exactly which comments are not allowed.

[Carole]

Me too, Amy. I don't even ask for reviews for me- I always purchased the books I review. I never told authors I did, in case I couldn't leave a review. I never leave a negative review- so if I didn't enjoy the books- I would never put up a review that might influence people away from the book.

[Amy]

Exactly. I don't get it. Have they got the right person?

[Carole]

I don't know. I will keep you guys updated on their response. It's interesting because the note says "several of my comments," and indicates "several members," apparently have flagged me. I don't think I have ever used the word swap or even asked for a review unless someone volunteered or was looking for books to review. I never ask for people to send me their book- Most are not aware that I've reviewed their book. So the whole thing makes me wonder.

[Amy]

I think until you get an answer to your email we can't even begin to speculate which comments have been flagged. And by several people?

[Theodore]

Unbelievable!! Pretty amazing that they are acting on unsubstantiated claims. This impunes the integrity of Goodreads. They should have performed an internal investigation and verified the veracity of the claims as well as the motives of those complaining. I smell a rat (several, in fact).

[Erica]

It floors me that you even got that email. You are one of the most outspoken people against review swaps. The only time you have come close to asking for reviews is when you encourage authors to leave reviews for books they read, but those aren't even your books!

[Theodore]

Goodreads would be better off spending its time cleaning up its Giveaway fraud than wasting its time on this ghost hunt with you, of all people.

[Margaret]

Oh Carole, that just doesn't seem right. I've never read any comments of yours that haven't been positive and encouraging. Hopefully the situation is resolved quickly. I'm sorry for any upset it's causing you. I hope you know how much the vast majority of people with whom you interact on Goodreads appreciate all you do!

[Pat]

It is wierd, but it must be from someone where you didn't leave a review because you didn't like. I don't leave bad review either.

On another note, what is going on with the Giveaway fraud?

[Theodore]

Pat wrote: "It is wierd, but it must be from someone where you didn't leave a review because you didn't like. I don't leave bad review either.

On another note, what is going on with the Giveaway fraud?"

I assert that majority of Giveaways do NOT result in reviews. This is based on the six I ran, giving away multiple books on each giveaway (and using Priority Mail to send the books to the winners), NONE of which resulted in a review and in a least one confirmed case, resulted in a book appearing for sale on an Amazon reseller's Website within two weeks of the book being mailed to the winner. It's nothing but a fraud perpetrated on authors in that we should not expect these giveaways to result in anything but a loss of money and frustration.

BTW, I made my feelings known to the Goodreads editors, but, of course, received no satisfaction or recognition of the problem.

[Theodore]

Pat wrote: "It is wierd, but it must be from someone where you didn't leave a review because you didn't like. I don't leave bad review either.

On another note, what is going on with the Giveaway fraud?"

BTW, to show you how brazen some people are, I once got a PM via Goodreads from one person who entered their name into one of my giveaways, asking if they won, that I only sign my name on the cover page...nothing more than that. From then on, I made it a point of writing a long, personalized message to each winner! If they're going to resell my books, by G_d, I'm going to devalue them from the get-go.

[Amy]

Oh wow, good move Ted!

[Eldon]

Carole wrote: "I will no longer review books."

Goodreads has obviously made a grievous error here. In every instance I've seen you post anything on this site, you've always done so with the upmost integrity.

I wouldn't stop reviewing books. Why should you let them bully you out of doing something you like to do?

[Marie Silk]

Sorry Carole, it has to be a mistake :(. Hope you get some answers.

[Kimberly]

Wow. Sorry for this mishap. I too have read a lot of your comments and they always seem supportive or simply sharing knowledge. Someone may not know what they are talking about or just being cruel. I remember when I first joined Goodreads and announced I had joined on Social Media, someone texted me(anonymously) saying I could not label my own book as a good read book and that I was lame for doing so. Clearly that person had no clue or understanding how the site works because all I did was set up an author page which is allowed for authors. If I could have I would have texted them back stating this.

I think what you do is great so don't let others stop you. Those people are the ones with issues not you.

[Dale]

Carole wrote: "Hi- I just got this note in my email

Hi Carole,

We're reaching out because several of your recent comments were flagged by Goodreads members. To clarify, incentivized reviews of any kind are proh..."

I've never tried the "flag" functionality, so I don't know how it works, but I suspect this is an automated email. Probably a reason for flagging has to be selected.Emails could then be generated based on the number of flags for specified reasons.

If that's the case, GR staff should be able to investigate to see what messages were flagged and whether or not the flagging was valid. Whether or not they do that and how long it takes is another matter.

It sounds to me like someone is either being very careless (the "flag" link is right next to the "repy" link, which can lead to mistakes; I recently called 911 from an elevator because the emergency call button was right next to the close door button!), or more likely someone is entering bogus flags either out of meanness or because they get their kicks from playing stupid games.

[Dale]

Hmm, actually I just found this page:

https://www.goodreads.com/help/show/5...

It claims they "carefully review" all flags and can "tell the difference" between valid flags and invalid ones. So I definitely think asking for an explanation is reasonable. If they really think there is a problem, they should be able to point out exactly what it is.

[Carole]

As soon as I find out, guys- I'll post it.

[Justin]

Im sorry this happened Carole. It's weird as I've been trying to get two nasty and inappropriate reviews off my book but haven't heard back and they message you and I'm sure you did nothing wrong.

[Carole]

I know I did nothing wrong.
Thanks, Justin.

[Dale]

For general info:

I clicked "flag" on one of my own posts. I got a page to enter info about why I was flagging the post. There are only two options, as follows:

Inappropriate
The comment facilitates illegal activity, contains an image with nudity or excessive violence, or contains hate speech or ad hominem attacks on a Goodreads member or author.

Spam or Self-Promotional
The comment is spam or self-promotional.

There is also space for entering additional comments.

Given how specific the email was, Carole, someone pretty much had to complain about incentivized reviews, or the posts that were flagged may have (out of context) made it look like something like that was going on. I dunno, though. I've never seen anything from you that suggests such a thing, even inadvertently.

[Carmel]

I can only echo all of the above statements, and I hope you find out quickly what generated such an email. I have nothing but respect and admiration for all I've seen you post on here.

[Carole]

I know. Years ago when I first got on Goodreads, I asked why authors don't do that. It was explained to me then that you can't swap reviews. When anyone else has suggested it, I have explained that you can't do that. There are threads on other discussion groups that openly ask for authors to swap reviews- which makes me think this was directed at me.
I have bought at least one book from most of the active people on our threads. They didn't know I bought it- I never told them. I put up reviews without telling people I've done it. Recently, in another discussion, I commented that an author's book was very good. He admonished me by saying that if I took the time to say that- I should take the time to leave a review. I told him to look at his reviews- He had only one review from months ago and it was mine. I have asked people to review our books only when it is offered, and never with an exchange. Anyone who has "spoken" to me, knows I only deal with honest reviews.

[Theodore]

Carole wrote: "I know. Years ago when I first got on Goodreads, I asked why authors don't do that. It was explained to me then that you can't swap reviews. When anyone else has suggested it, I have explained that..."

I wish there were a way to RECOMMEND this post a thousand times!

[Sam (Rescue Dog Mom, Writer, Hugger)]

I just read and responded to this thread in another group. I'm absolutely stunned and furious that this happened to you, straight arrow Carole! You who is constantly helping others, selflessly paying it forward, bringing positive attention to other authors, and sharing your knowledge. GR owes you an explanation of this gross accusation, which to me is merely based on someone trying to make you look bad. So sorry this is happening to you Carole. I hope it's straightened out soon! Hugs

[Prakash]

Shame on GR and Amazon for their dirty tricks. These guys are making everything mess of unfair practices. And, not only that, they are encouraging indie authors.
It's sad to know it happened with Carole who never post anything offensive, rather she shares her experience with all of us and keeps us high.
I support to you, Carole. Please don't give up what good you are doing.

[Christine]

Carole, I just saw this thread and I'm stunned that you would receive that email. It must be a mistake and I hope it's straightened out soon.

[Anna]

I've only just seen this. Doesn't ring true to anything I've seen of you or know you to be.

I can vouch for the fact that I did not know you had read one of my books and left a review until someone from this group told me and you have not asked me for a review and I have not bought one of your books nor given you a review.

[Carole]

Thanks, Anna. I get a little thrill knowing I've left a review and the author doesn't realize it. haha. I felt it's one of our responsibilities as indies- to review as many books as we can. It's the one thing we all need to promote and sell our books and one of the hardest things to get. However, I have offered my books to people with kids- I don't think I've asked for a review. I am glad to share them- I am proud of my series. I have responded to people looking for books to review- offering mine. The whole thing has me baffled. I have encouraged authors to send their books and to read other people's books- I think I have more reviews than most of my buddies on the thread- It honestly has been more important to me to see others getting the reviews- I would like to know what the heck they are referring to!!

[Erica]

When we first met, you sent me a few books for my kids and NEVER asked for a review.

[Carole]

I know- I write for kids- not reveiws. lol

[Anita]

Goodreads is changing and it’s not for the better. I have noticed a steady rise in the censorship of the threads along with new rules and regulations on the content. Additional stipulations and restrictions have been added to the review process. The giveaway promotion has been turned into a source of revenue. I expect the next step will be a fee to list a book.

The email that Carole received is another example. It alleges a violation of Goodreads policy that is prejudicial and without merit. Considering the inequities in Amazon and Goodreads review policy, it is censorship at its worst. Unfortunately, we have now lost an individual who provided an honest and forthright review.

[Peri]

This is, quite simply, laughable. If it weren't for you, Carole, and all your encouragement of new authors like myself in very graciously reviewing our books and giving words of advice, I would have been left to flounder when I first started out a few months ago!

[Carole]

Thanks Peri I really appreciate all the warm support from my family on the threads!!

[Jean]

I am relatively new (to GR, and writing, not life) and whenever I see a post from Carole, I always read it because she has offered so much of her experience and knowledge to help those of us just starting out. Sure hope this doesn't change. Sorry the powers that be are giving you grief.

[Píaras]

Carole wrote: "Hi- I just got this note in my email

Hi Carole,

We're reaching out because several of your recent comments were flagged by Goodreads members. To clarify, incentivized reviews of any kind are proh..."
Absolutely appalling. It's amazing, one click of a mouse can ruin a reputation and years of hard work. A few months ago a guy on Facebook posted that I was stealing author's books and making hundreds of thousands of dollars from them! When I suggested that defamation of character doesn't seem to be a big deal for the young lads at FB, they banned him the next day. If there is anything I, or anybody else here, can to help just let us know and maybe we can contact the young lads at Goodreads and explain what defamation of character really means.

[Carole]

Thanks, Piaras- You've all been wonderful!! The support has been terrific and makes the sting of the whole situation less painful.

[Sam (Rescue Dog Mom, Writer, Hugger)]

Carole, You're always there for us. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to help in this unjust situation. Sending comforting thoughts and hugs.

[C.L.]

You have NEVER asked for a review or suggested a swap.

[Justin]

I like how Goodreads writes poor Carole accusing her of this yet they allow clear abusive and inappropriate reviews on here..smh

[Carole]

Thanks, Guys!!!

[Mary]

thoroughly shocking. I have learnt not to ask for reviews of any kind after reading this post.

yet people with money who publishe a 1000 books a year just gets a programmer who creates 000s of accounts and then has reviews.

look on utube all the know how people who publish a thousand books. they Bragg about it we should post their names and ask if they have been investigated instead of pinging little people trying to make little money.

when amazon come to nz they will be taxed.