Review Group discussion
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Group 224. In this World - Mod. L.N.
message 101:
by
Saal
(new)
Aug 20, 2019 08:25PM
I request the moderator to please help the board here. If the review is 3 star or less then the author should be given the option to allow or disallow review being posted on Amazon and Goodreads. We owe each other this much courtesy at least. It is absolutely ridiculous to post 2 stars for your fellow authors. We didn’t join the club to be humiliated. Honest review is one thing posting them for posterity is cruel
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Saal - there has been much debate in the past around this issue and the consensus has always been that honest reviews are essential to the reputation and ethics of this group and that means posting all reviews. It is also not permitted in these rounds for an author to pressurise a reviewer to change a review. To do so would mean exclusion from participating in any futher rounds.
My review for Room Service is finally up on Amazon.com. (Is anyone else finding that it is taking longer for Amazon.com to post reviews?). I'm on to Round 2.https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
Laura wrote: "My review for "Those Were Not Love Letters"https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...For some reason Amazon does have a place for reviews for this book. I have never had this experience bef..."
Hi Laura
Thank you so much for your review on Goodreads :-)
As far as amazon is concerned.. I have received reviews on amazon.in. Maybe it's not allowing on other market places.
Anyways.. that's Okay.. I really appreciate that you took out time to read my book and left your nice review here..
Also, thank you for highlighting the missing pages.. I will definitely get this checked at the earliest.
Please let me know if you need the PDF copy of my book. I would be happy to send it to you.
Thanks once again.
Kind Regards
Arriah
HiI have not received the books from two authors even though I had left them a message. For remaining two.. my reviews are below. Amazon review will be up in two days
Jay Saph for round 1 - Book Not Received
B.B. James for round 4 - Book Not Received
Laurette Long for round 2
Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Amazon - will be up in 2 days.. will post link soon
D. Gail Miller for round 3
Goodreads Review - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Amazon - Will be up in 2 days. Will post link soon
I will send soon Arriah - sorry didn't see message. Can you provide email address!best john (jay saph)
E.M. wrote: "Saal - there has been much debate in the past around this issue and the consensus has always been that honest reviews are essential to the reputation and ethics of this group and that means posting..."Hey.. can I add just one thing here please.. If the low rating is given because of an editing issue , it would be really great if the bad review is not posted especially for this reason and author is given a feedback personally.
Problem is; author will get their book edited based on the feedback but the bad rating will remain forever on the amazon which will drive away other readers even after book is edited.
That's just my opinion because I never rate an author for editing issues as I know this can be rectified. Moreover, we all know how much efforts indie authors put in writing their book and seeking reviews for it. Most of us can't afford literary agents who can help getting a deal from publishing houses. Hence reviews from Goodreads community matter a lot for them.
But if majority of us still want all kinds of reviews to be posted then that's okay. Indie authors will just have to bear with it :-)
Kind Regards
Arriah
No I disagree. Indie authors dont have to bear with overt injustice. They are hardworking and creative and have brought about a creative piece to share with the world. With immense hope they trust their babies with their colleagues who are in the same boat as them. They are getting 4 and 5 stars and then they join this review group hoping for honest review which might make 3 stars at its worse. But wait there are people in this group ready to blow your reputation on Amazon to smithereens. No sane person would buy let alone read a book given 2 stars and mocked to shame for editing.Are u telling me Indie authors have to bear it???
Don’t we have any dignity any honor.
I propose we restart this debate. The past is in the past. Every year our review and reputation determines we succeed or fail.
Do your honesty but when was the last time you went to a blind person and greeted ‘hello blind man’. Go ahead thats honest isnt it??
Arriah go and report the review as invalid and mean spirited. You dont want those words on your pure sheet for eternity.
We are cultivating image as an author, as a writer. Blogging, author website, Instagram, Facebook, Linked in, Twittering to market our book, to promote our book.Who wants to buy a 2 star book with words to mock your grammar and editing and even the title for God sake.Lets do a consensus right now.
Do you want a choice to stop posting of your book’s 2 and 1 star review in Amazon and in Goodreads by the reviewer in review groups of goodreads.com?
Yes choice
No choice
Just send in your answers
My answer is Yes choice
Unfortunately Saal, as an author we have to take the rough with the smooth. We have all had bad reviews at some point in the process. All you have to realise is that not everyone is going to like what you offer. Also, if a reader picks up on something like the editing then take as advisory and not as a knock on your skill as writer.
Stepping in with Admin mod hat on.We all wear many hats in this group, as writers, readers, and reviewers and we have different responsibilities while wearing those different hats.
As authors, we are responsible for putting out a finishing, polished product, ready for market. As much as we like to think of our books, they aren't babies, they are products. Not everyone is going to like them.
A wide range of reviews shows your book has been READ, not just given an automatic 5 star by friends. Joining the one star club isn't fun, but if you get one, you're in great company. Dickens, Shaekepeare.... me.
Jump up and down, fume to friends, then pull up you big boy/girl/other pants and move on.
As readers, we all have different opinions, all I ask is that reviewers consider a book according to its genre. Does it fit, does it give the feel you expect? Try not to give away the 'who done it' as that's just rude. You don't necessarily have to enjoy it.
As reviewers, we have a responsibility to those who read our reviews. If you go around giving high star, glowing reviews to books you really feel are not worth it, you are doing your OWN reputation harm. People may buy the book on your recommendation, if its bad... will they trust your opinion again? Will they buy your book if you consider a poorly edited book a five star read?
The group will back any reviewer who give a low star (yes even one star) as long as the review is about the BOOK not the author. It is their right to give whatever review they please.
Asking a reviewer to change a review, is 100% against the rules. If you have a problem with a review of your book, and you think it breaches group rules, contact the mod, NOT the other author.
Getting bad reviews is part of the business of being an author, and it is a business. You sell a product.
Hi Saal,I've got my fair share of 1, 2 and 3 stars and sometimes it is a kick in the balls, especially when you see other authors in certain groups pat each other on the back and dole out 5 stars every time. But what can you do? I always think it just looks more realistic if you've got a spread of ratings - just like the "real" world books ;) best jay
Regarding the low-star reviews issue. One point to keep in mind is that reviewers have different rating systems in their heads. A 3-star review often means the reviewer liked it, but it may not have set them on fire as one of the best in their favorite genre would. I think that reviewers in Goodreads groups, who are reading books they normally would not read, need to be able to put their personal preferences aside and judge the book as readers who love that genre would. Reviewers are ultimately advising readers whether or not they should spend their time and funds on a particular book when there is a vast selection of competing books to choose from. If for some reason, a reviewer simply can't review a particular book fairly because of its content (maybe religious teachings or sexual content, etc.), there should be an option to trade the book with another reviewer. On Amazon, the star ratings do affect sales. Some readers use the 4 stars and above search option. I also think a reviewer could contact the author and ask if they want a really bad review posted or let it pass for a particular round. The reviewer would still be credited for the round. I've received some of my most brutal reviews on Goodreads groups, but they've also been thoughtful and instructive, actually telling the potential reader more about what the book is about than the raving "great read" reviews.
Hi D, this is why we started diversifying the rounds, originally, all rounds were 'general' and anything was allowed. This led to those who wrote horror and books with more sexual content being penalized, and those who had objections to such material being made to feel uncomfortable.When I took over the group I extended the offerings to 'general' 'clean' and '18+' rounds.
But... we also have to remember that the narrower the categories, the more difficult it is to fit on 10 non-reciprocal reviews in a round.
Believe me, its like doing a sudoku puzzle without there being a solution sometimes. I bow to E.M's prowess!
Emma wrote: "Hi D, this is why we started diversifying the rounds, originally, all rounds were 'general' and anything was allowed. This led to those who wrote horror and books with more sexual content being pen..."Goodreads moderators deserve a lot of credit. It's not easy keeping everyone happy! And keeping everything fair.
Dear Saal (and everyone), I really understand your cri de coeur as a member of a group where we have established some sort of connections as we set out, but I have to agree with E.M., L.N., Emma, B.B, D, Jay and Laura. We can’t be seen as a sort of old school tie club ready to pat each other on the back no matter what our real opinions may be as to others’ achievements. This is a group for honest reviews, with members hopefully agreeing to step outside their comfort zones, trying to judge a book according to its merits even if it is in a genre they would not normally read (but hey! sometimes learn to love...) In the very first round I joined, someone gave me two stars, a scathing review and a private lecture. I was devastated, and almost decided to throw in the towel. But scraping up my battered ego from the carpet I realised that this was a ‘real’ readers review world, and that, as others have commented, I had to learn to take the punches with the praise (fortunately there was some of the latter). Take a look at the Goodreads reviews for some of the greatest names in literature. ‘Wuthering Heights’ – for me a masterpiece that changed my life–has got an average of 3.8, and, hold your breath, 53,849 one star reviews!!! The Goodreads rating system states: 1 star ‘did not like it’ 2 star ‘it was OK’, 3 star ‘liked it.’ etc. If, as a reader, you genuinely cannot say that you liked a book, something that has happened to all of us, and are able to articulate why that is, what rating to give? It could be argued that for the purposes of our group a two star ‘it was OK’ on Goodreads may be equivalent to a three star on Amazon- any thoughts on this, anyone?
Arriah wrote: "HiI have not received the books from two authors even though I had left them a message. For remaining two.. my reviews are below. Amazon review will be up in two days
Jay Saph for round 1 - Bo..."
Arriah, thank you so much for your kind review, glad you enjoyed your trip to France ;-)
This forum no doubt is a great learning experience and I hear you guys loud and clear.I am all for honest reviews
I am against patting each other on the back
I am against giving frivolous 5 stars for average work
What I am saying is we are not the same as average reader. We are writers with opinions and personalities and skepticism and cynicism and right hemispheric dominance with strong emotions and abilities to move people.
We should not be arrogant to proclaim that what we dislike about a book or find faults with something in it may be gold for the right reader.
So give bad review in private and good reviews in public.
By signing up for the rounds I have not written off my career and my revenues and my reputation.
To a millennial reader 3 star is dont waste your time
2 star is stay away
1 star is the person should stop writing. The world would be a better place without the book
I earnestly request my reviewers to contact me privately if you have the urge to give me 1,2 or 3 star.
Some of the most skeptical independent authors who understand misery, grief and dying themes have given me 5 stars. Is my work moving your soul, is it connecting with some pain inside. Are illustrations beautifully capturing the themes in poetry. Then I deserve much better.
If you are grading me for enjoying the work or happy endings, are you kidding me? These are terminal cases. This is gut churning devastating catastrophic cases I have seen as a doctor. So it turns you off and you give me whatever star you feel like and publish it with my permission?
Read the article below to understand how stars will affect us. Postmortem who cares if Of Myriad Paths is on the same shelf as Wuthering Heights or not
In our lifetime we want to see our books selling and what people are reading and saying. My stars are going to determine (pun not intended) if my books sell it stall.
I am a doctor don’t you think I know what bad reviews mean? But patients like readers can say what they want and I’ll have to take it.
But this forum is a bunch of my colleagues and they can honestly call my book a horrific substance but IN PRIVATE. Just don’t post it on Amazon or Goodreads. I consider it an act of betrayal by my community.
That is all. Is it too much to ask. If it is then I am throwing in the towel right now.
Reviews: What Those Stars Mean to Authors (or When Should I Give 5 Stars)
by Teyla Rachel Branton
March 26, 2013
https://teylarachelbranton.com/review...
Back to reading and reviewing folks, the debate is over in this thread. Further posts will be moderated.if you wish to continue perhaps move it over to this thread where this exact debate has been happening for years. You'll find most people agree with the way things are.
https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...
My Amazon reviews now processed owing to Saal for - Of Myriad Paths.https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customer-...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
Arriah wrote: "HiI have not received the books from two authors even though I had left them a message. For remaining two.. my reviews are below. Amazon review will be up in two days
Jay Saph for round 1 - Bo..."
Update to the post
B.B. James for round 4 - Book yet to be Received
Laurette Long for round 2
Goodreads Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Amazon - https://www.amazon.in/gp/customer-rev...
D. Gail Miller for round 3
Goodreads Review - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Amazon - https://www.amazon.in/gp/customer-rev...
Jay Saph - Snack Van for round 1
Good Reads Review - https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Amazon Review - https://www.amazon.in/gp/customer-rev...
Hi everyone, thank you for the interesting reads.Here are my GRs links.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I'll be back in a mo when I've remembered how to get the Amazon review links.
Thank you Diana. Your obligation is complete. See you in another round soon.
Ah, easier than I thought. My review for Laurette's book isn't showing yet, but here are the othershttps://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customer-...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customer-...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customer-...
Mod
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/f.html?C=3E...
Thank you Diane, and thank you Gene for your links. Your obligation to this round is over. See you soon n another round soon.
Diana wrote: "Hi everyone, thank you for the interesting reads.Here are my GRs links.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
https://www.goodreads.com/..."
Thanks so much for the review Diana, glad you enjoyed it. Hope you are chillaxing on your holiday.
I've finished my review of Of Myriad Paths: To Resilience, Tenacity and Hope. Here is the Goodreads link. The review should be up on Amazon.ca and Amazon.com soon.https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Thank you D for such an insightful review.Saal
Saal wrote: "Thank you D for such an insightful review.Saal"
I enjoyed the book. I could relate to particularly the stories about aging and caregiving, as I was the sole caregiver to my mother during the last two and a half years of her life. One doesn't realize how emotionally taxing these situations can be until you live through them. Any reader can find something of value in your book. Good work!
My review of Of Myriad Paths is live on Amazon.ca. Amazon.com should follow soon.https://www.amazon.ca/review/R14U1MBG...
Completed all the reviews..My review of last one: Room Service by BB James
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.in/gp/customer-rev...
Thank you, Arriah. Your commitment to this round is complete. I hope to see you in another round shortly.
GR review for - Yeah, Shut up.https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com to follow
Just slipping in before round 2 deadline with my reviews for remaining three books:Room Service
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Of Myriad paths
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
and The Dog Thief
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Amazon links not yet up...
Thank you, Laurette. I feel humbled by that review.
Thank you Laurette. Hope to see you in another round soon.
Thank you Laurette for taking the time and effort to review my book and for helpful, encouraging and insightful comments.Saal
Gene wrote: "Thanks for the review, B.B."You're welcome Gene great read. : )
Arriah wrote: "Completed all the reviews..My review of last one: Room Service by BB James
Goodreads https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
Amazon: https://www.amazon.in/gp/cus..."
Thanks for the Review Arriah
My Amazon reviews owing for -Yeah, Shut up.https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/customer-...
Review Group
Books mentioned in this topic
The Dog Thief (other topics)Of Myriad Paths: To resilience, tenacity and hope (other topics)
Yeah, Shut Up. (other topics)
The Gateway to Danger: Chelsea Crosses into e-Commerceland: A Coming of Age Christian Novel for Young Adults (other topics)
Room Service: Love, Lust and Lies (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
L.N. Denison (other topics)L.N. Denison (other topics)
Laura Koerber (other topics)
Saal Baraan (other topics)
D. Gail Miller (other topics)
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