Good morning all!
I got a mean review the other day, and I went to look at other books the same person had reviewed. I always do this, and I do this for two reasons, if they’ve one or two starred an author I love and respect, then their opinion means less to me, and also to see if they’re basically just the sort of reviewer who hates everything. Because you can tell a lot about people by how they act when reviewing something they didn’t enjoy. Do they give constructive criticism, or do they just try to be rude and “clever” to impress their snarky friends? I have nothing against constructive criticism, nothing at all. I may not agree with it always, but I still appreciate that the reader/reviewer found a way to voice their opinion without being rude.
When I went to see some other reviews this person had written, not of my books by the way, sure enough they were the type of person who one and two starred everybody. The only thing they ever truly loved was their mop. lol But something struck me as I looked over this person’s comments; they said how much they loved this other author they had just left a horrible, mean review on. But there were ZERO positive reviews for that author. That got me thinking about how many times I see reviewers who leave low, borderline rude reviews say that. “I love so and so’s work usually!” “This author usually can do no wrong!” And yet, the ONLY review this person ever wrote for that author was the mean review. REALLY? You supposedly love this author’s work so so SO much, but you could only be bothered to write the review when you hated the book? I don’t get that thought process at all.
Maybe I’m the only one who thinks the world could use more compliments and less criticisms? Let’s be clear; I am in NO WAY saying that reviewers must only leave good reviews. That is NOT what I’m saying so don’t get the wrong idea. My point is why would a person say they love someone’s work, but ONLY post a negative review? If you love something, why wouldn’t you want to share that equally? I just find it odd. My brain doesn’t work that way. I’d always much rather compliment someone than tear them down.
What about you? Do you try to leave both kinds of reviews, or do you only leave positive or negative? I’m curious about how you think.
S.C.
I leave a review for every book I read. Most of my reviews are 4’s and 5’s. I’ve only left 1… 1 and 1… 2 that I can recall. Several 3’s. I always give reasons why I like books…plots, characters, dialogues, etc. If I don’t care for a book I give an honest reason why. Usually it has to do with editing or stilted dialogue. Occasionally because a plot is convoluted or unclear.
I admire anyone who can write a book and publish it. Since I never have, I can only approach each book from the standpoint of a reader. Someone who admires authors and the pleasure they bring to my world.
By the way, I’m an educator so maybe that’s why I always try to focus on the positive and potential in everyone…and I especially to encourage attempts!
I leave both positive and negative reviews. If I dislike a book because of something that’s not my cup of tea, I only give stars if it’s required, otherwise I tell why I didn’t care for the book & don’t mark stars.