Ghost
question
If You Can't Say Something Nice...
Erin
Apr 12, 2012 05:52PM
I just read a bad review of a book that was in my opinion amazingly fantastic.
And OK...I understand that everyone has an opinion and I do think that they are entitled to it but I hope that, when reading a negative review that there are loads of people that take the bad reviews with more than a grain of salt.
I like to think that I'm one of those folks but sometimes I put down a book after 100 pages (that's what I give books...sort of an unwritten rule of mine) and I think, "what the f*$k was I just reading"? But I also think is my not liking a book more of a result of it not being my thing or is it more because it quite simply just sucked? At that point I purposely don't leave a review...good or bad.
I guess my point is this...I've read a few bad reviews posted by readers of authors I LOVE and I'd just like to say, bad reviews may be potentially taking away sales from fantastic writers because they just don't get it or because they object to the content and not the talent.
Just a cautionary note but please, if that's the case, give it some thought and decide, if you can't say something nice, based purely on the authors work and not on your sensibilities or objection to the content...
Please don't bash me for that point of view because it is just that...a point of view but I know how important constructive criticism can be as opposed to outright negativity and negativity always sucks!
And OK...I understand that everyone has an opinion and I do think that they are entitled to it but I hope that, when reading a negative review that there are loads of people that take the bad reviews with more than a grain of salt.
I like to think that I'm one of those folks but sometimes I put down a book after 100 pages (that's what I give books...sort of an unwritten rule of mine) and I think, "what the f*$k was I just reading"? But I also think is my not liking a book more of a result of it not being my thing or is it more because it quite simply just sucked? At that point I purposely don't leave a review...good or bad.
I guess my point is this...I've read a few bad reviews posted by readers of authors I LOVE and I'd just like to say, bad reviews may be potentially taking away sales from fantastic writers because they just don't get it or because they object to the content and not the talent.
Just a cautionary note but please, if that's the case, give it some thought and decide, if you can't say something nice, based purely on the authors work and not on your sensibilities or objection to the content...
Please don't bash me for that point of view because it is just that...a point of view but I know how important constructive criticism can be as opposed to outright negativity and negativity always sucks!
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I realize this, taking a stand, may backfire on me, but for my part, I'm glad people like you are out there, Erin. There is quite a difference between not liking a book and trash-mouthing it to everyone under the sun. I wish you, Erin, and like-minded others out there only the best!
As a writer, may I say thank you.
I think every reader has a right to say why they don't like a story, and as writers we learn from those from reviews.
Trashing a book does nothing except destroy an author's confidence.
I think every reader has a right to say why they don't like a story, and as writers we learn from those from reviews.
Trashing a book does nothing except destroy an author's confidence.
