Reviews - to dis or not to dis

[Stacey]

The one thing that I absolutely can not stand about some low ratings is when people have been informed of a books possible or probable content and then complain that the book contains such content.

Let me explain. I have personally seen books where in the description of the book it says things such as: Foulmouthed street fighter who only knows violence meets sweet cafe owner. Then the very first one star review reads "Too much bad language and violence in book"
Or one books description says straight up "Warning this book contains rape and other possible trigger situations" One star rating says this book contains non consensual sex I don't enjoy reading books about that.

What the actual hell??? I understand we all enjoy all types of books and genres. That's why smart authors do post warnings about strong themes and situations that may bother or upset the "masses". So how in the world is it in any way fair to give low ratings for content that was mentioned or warned about in the books description?

Lastly I hate a lot of serials and cliffhangers. Especially ones where you had know idea there was a cliffhanger. But again I have seen this in at least three different situations, where the author puts in the description that this is book 1 in a trilogy or this is book one of two. And the low raters are doing nothing but complaining about how the story wasn't a standalone. I think we as readers have a certain amount of responsibility to read books descriptions and some reviews. To find out if information has been given about offensive content or even content that is simply not your cup of tea.

If anything it might just help you save your time!

[Kari]

I appreciate people who give one star reviews instead of just stars. I want to know where I went wrong. It is relieving to me to know that you tell me why I suck. Yeah, it hurts but I'll get over it.

Oh, and please read the descriptions it does suck when you read one star reviews for what is in the description. I'm like thanks for buying the book, but you should have known it was erotica, but ever... It is a two edged sword... I was once told why I received a low rating for my book and it was because I had all five star ratings and the review wanted to balance my book... I wish they would have kept that to themselves and let me just think I dissatisfied them. It was like doing a project and my professor telling me I deserved and A but he didn't want to mess up the curve.

[Kari]

I appreciate people who give one star reviews instead of just stars. I want to know where I went wrong. It is relieving to me to know that you tell me why I suck. Yeah, it hurts but I'll get over it.

Oh, and please read the descriptions it does suck when you read one star reviews for what is in the description. I'm like thanks for buying the book, but you should have known it was erotica, but ever... It is a two edged sword... I was once told why I received a low rating for my book and it was because I had all five star ratings and the review wanted to balance my book... I wish they would have kept that to themselves and let me just think I dissatisfied them. It was like doing a project and my professor telling me I deserved and A but he didn't want to mess up the curve.

[Diana]

Julie wrote:"I've only done it twice and I don't feel it was wrong, I'm not trying to turn it down for someone else, but I do see a lot of times that someone will ask, why did you give it a 1 star? I personally have never given a 1 star that I can remember and I read ALOT, ..."

I never think it is wrong to give an honest review, but low and high reviews need some backup. That is why we read reviews--to find out about the book, not the reviewer.

[Stacey]

I've had two books that have had reviews that said go in blind, stop reading reviews you'll enjoy it more. One complete success - Black Lies and one complete failure - The Contradiction of Solitude. I am guilty of writing a review for the failure based on my disappointment of being steered wrong and my expectations not being met. That book was not for me and if I'd actually read some of the reviews I would have known it.

I am an emotional reviewer. If I ended up on a high my ratings show it. If I spent most of my time rolling my eyes or grinding my teeth my ratings will show it. I take books personally and my reviews show it. Maybe one day I'll learn to take a step back and learn to write my review more subjectively...maybe :-)

[Ivy]

I do think readers have their own responsibility - due diligence, if you will. If you're going to pick up a book, read the blurb. Scan the reviews. Sometimes the lower ratings can be insightful as the five star reviews. I like to see both sides before I decide to read it.

I will say - sometimes those who post their reviews complaining about the book being a cliffhanger...and then the author changes it afterwards. You look like you're complaining about something you were warned about, when in reality it wasn't part of the blurb when you got it. I have seen that happen.

[Julie]

Stacey wrote: "The one thing that I absolutely can not stand about some low ratings is when people have been informed of a books possible or probable content and then complain that the book contains such content...."


EXCELLENT!

[SB*needs low angst books*]

I write reviews based on my feelings about the book. I don't write about how the writing or the editing. It is more about did I like the story. Did I like the main characters. Was it good enough for a reread. I also will give a bad review but it would be my feelings about it.

[SB*needs low angst books*]

Stacey wrote: "The one thing that I absolutely can not stand about some low ratings is when people have been informed of a books possible or probable content and then complain that the book contains such content...."

I agree!! Especially about being warned about it only to complain. Why did you buy it if it wasn't for you.

[Julie]

I've got a follow up to my first post...Don't read any reviews then it's as simple as that. Those who "slam" well I guess it depends on ones own meaning of "slam" but who am I to stop anyone? PLEASE..FOR THE LOVE OF GOD...STOP, STOP, STOP ignoring authors warnings about the content of their books and then complain about it! Surely if you're reading books then you should be able to read and understand their warning! I see posts of different topics on here all the time but to open one as sensitive as this...I'm not sure is the smartest. I think anyone that's a 1 star to 5 star reviewer has that right, if it bothers you, skip the damn 1 or 2 star reviews and don't worry what they're saying, read the book for yourself then, I choose what I read and I don't let it bother me if someone rates it low but I love their opinions especially those of my GR friends. It's like someone saying I hate chocolate, I don't need them explaining to me why they don't like it unless they want to. Take your own chance. Just move along people.