Odd question, What are reviews FOR?

[Sarah]

Not as repetitive as it sounds.
Because we have, Why do we read them, why do we write them, which sounds like we know what they're for. But I'm not so sure.
What do you think reviews are for? What are their purpose?

I personally don't think that reviews are purely informational, because I read a lot of reviews about books I'd never read for fun.
When I'm writing reviews I feel like I'm writing to help people spend their money for the best effect, since I often mention price points vs. length of the novel. But I also sometimes mention content/author habits(a bit controversial I know) because I also want to help people to spend responsibly (i.e. not give their money to bigots, con-men, whatever).

What do you think?

[Thomas]

I think reviews are helpful especially when there are a lot of them. Some will be biased, some will be fluffy, but some will be honest. I actually will be intrigued to read a book that everybody raves about and compares to other great books or authors I have read. I will be intrigued to read a book were most of the reviews are good but one or two really trash the book. I'm an author as of very recently. I have reviewed books for years before I ever written a book. As an published author I am curious when I see a book purchased. Who bought it? Where do they live? What are they like? Will they enjoy it? Will they want to read more of my work?
The reason we have so many flavors is people like different things. Not everybody enjoys the classics. I like a various different things in what I read.
I write what I know, what I want to write, the stories I feel passionate about. Some will like it, some will not. Either way I will still be writing and living the dream.
As I have a day job and need recogintion, reviews, to spur word of mouth about my books, I will give away E-book copies of my books to people who will read and review my work here, at Smashwords or Amazon.
Just check out my profile, read my book synopsis' and if they sound like something you want to read and would review, send me a message.
I don't think authors are con-men, I believe a lot of people share my dream of someday writing full time. All people are not created equal, some have the gift of being able to tell a story, some do not. Word of mouth, time, and reviews will seperate those who write and those who will join the ranks of great authors. May God bless them all. Great is rare!

[Cheryl, first facilitator]

Sorry, Sarah, I don't understand the distinction you're making. I mean, I thought that, when I set up those threads about why we write & read reviews, that I was indeed asking what they're for... to help others spend money wisely is a good reason to write them....

[Sarah]

Hmm. Maybe I'm being obtuse. :p

[Cheryl, first facilitator]

Prolly not. I can be very slow sometimes.