tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83528601653366510.post1280355716920636579..comments2024-01-03T04:03:15.300-05:00Comments on S.P. Bowers: What do bookshelves and reviews say about us?S.P. Bowershttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09746614009206426805noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83528601653366510.post-29677504130351664292013-03-11T08:02:06.347-04:002013-03-11T08:02:06.347-04:00I should add that just because I don't review ...I should add that just because I don't review a book doesn't mean I read it and didn't like it. We authors are busy. As much as we'd like, there's not enough time to read every book we hear about. Often, if I don't review one, it's because I couldn't get time to read it.Melissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08516493326566981116noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83528601653366510.post-11862975161498114972013-03-09T19:50:33.318-05:002013-03-09T19:50:33.318-05:00Very good questions! I try not to be on Goodreads ...Very good questions! I try not to be on Goodreads much because I'm still mad that I can't sync all my LibraryThing accounts to Goodreads, so I feel like my Goodreads account doesn't accurately represent all the books I have in my library.<br />As for reviews... I'm one of those that feels badly, so I don't write overly negative reviews. I find it easier to say one nice thing and then move on. So I don't star rate very many books, because I think it's both too objective and too subjective at the same time; everyone has a different idea of what a five-start book is. Yet shouldn't five stars be only for the classics or for The Lord of the Rings or something? It's difficult to say.<br />Oddly enough, I don't find it hard to star-rate songs or albums! Maybe because I can easily see how some (okay, a few) new albums match the best albums of all time in quality, yet many many new books don't...Deniz Bevanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17134553551048836979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83528601653366510.post-12651113188812123222013-03-09T13:29:14.583-05:002013-03-09T13:29:14.583-05:00Ooo. I hadn't thought about authors' likes...Ooo. I hadn't thought about authors' likes and shelves on GR. That's a good question.<br /><br />As for reviews, I did those before I became a writer, so I stick to my original standards for those who follow my 'real me' reviews. (I write with a pen name, which keeps that alter ego separate.) <br /><br />I wasn't going to review as my author persona, but I finally figured out that plan wasn't going to fly. Problem is, now I'm in the position to want to support my fellow authors, and, though the writing community is supportive, it's also political. <br /><br />I'm selective about the books I choose for my 'author me' reviews, and I'll probably not give less than 3 or 4 stars. If it's a 1- or 2-star work, I won't post a review.Melissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08516493326566981116noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83528601653366510.post-29205017825357026362013-03-07T14:24:10.676-05:002013-03-07T14:24:10.676-05:00Gosh, you make some great points. Personally, I...Gosh, you make some great points. Personally, I'd never leave a bad review, not even a polite one. I don't think people pay much attention to how many good reviews we write, but the bad ones would definitely stand out. Then we run the risk of readers scanning our works under a microscope. They'd be like, "Well, let's see what kind of a writer Miss Critic is." LOL, maybe they wouldn't use those words, but you get what I'm saying. I'll leave the harsh reviews to the less sensitive people. Lord knows there's plenty out there. :) Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14326522346206157210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83528601653366510.post-5625955988277408712013-03-07T14:06:08.699-05:002013-03-07T14:06:08.699-05:00Hello from "Blogging from A to Z April Challe...Hello from "Blogging from A to Z April Challenge!" Following all fellow writers. I believe I'd learn a lot from them. Have a great day!<br /><br /><a href="http://sonniajkemmer.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">Sonnia J. Kemmer</a>Sonnia J. Kemmerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06401386282996356514noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83528601653366510.post-65643432467334531012013-03-07T08:09:38.893-05:002013-03-07T08:09:38.893-05:00Great questions for us to think about from both an...Great questions for us to think about from both angles - as writers and as reviewers.<br />My opinion is that there's no need to be downright nasty and attack somebody's work. Every writer has strengths and weaknesses. However, I think it's important to be as honest as possible, yet tactful at the same time.Michellehttp://writer-in-transit.co.za/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83528601653366510.post-29495331391162587052013-03-07T08:08:57.561-05:002013-03-07T08:08:57.561-05:00I wouldn't leave less than a three star review...I wouldn't leave less than a three star review. If I can't find any redeeming features in a book, I won't say anything (and, like others, these days I don't finish a book I don't like). I understand the problem with authors not wanting to undermine their peers, but there are many people who aren't bothered about leaving a bad review - it would just be nice if they were as fair and constructive as possible!Nick Wilfordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03841776353790635132noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83528601653366510.post-24979187400881065472013-03-06T20:41:03.649-05:002013-03-06T20:41:03.649-05:00Wow, really great post here. Interesting probing q...Wow, really great post here. Interesting probing questions of which I don't have the answers to but I will add my two cents. I'm a writer, not published YET! But I've decided not to give a bad review (ie: saying something: this book was terrible or I hated this book). I would like the professional courtesy to have good reviews even if someone doesn't necessarily like my book. There's a point where you can be cruel and nice with how you present you review. Anyway, it's tough. I do put a rating system on my reviews so that people will know what they are getting into.<br />shrugs<br />Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06519655950073446857noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83528601653366510.post-21659129990951154002013-03-06T20:10:19.804-05:002013-03-06T20:10:19.804-05:00The rating system isn't perfect, but until we ...The rating system isn't perfect, but until we find, and implement, something else it's all we've got. I don't think we should trash at all, kindness is definitely in order. There's always something nice to say.<br /><br />And that's why I worry about leaving reviews. I can't, and don't want to be dishonest or misleading, but I can't leave a poor review to blogger friends, but would I insult them by not reviewing their books since I know how important those reviews are? <br />S.P. Bowershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09746614009206426805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83528601653366510.post-73650495700217368712013-03-06T20:06:09.183-05:002013-03-06T20:06:09.183-05:00Very true that feelings may change with who is pre...Very true that feelings may change with who is presenting the material. S.P. Bowershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09746614009206426805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83528601653366510.post-1721831947064779532013-03-06T01:28:39.180-05:002013-03-06T01:28:39.180-05:00Enjoyed this comment, sets the reader up immediate...Enjoyed this comment, sets the reader up immediately into the protagonist's frame of mind and quickly adds a little intrigue to hook us in and want to know more. I rate it 4 stars. ;)Charmaine Clancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18059559142070140041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83528601653366510.post-49103762057600402972013-03-06T01:25:38.301-05:002013-03-06T01:25:38.301-05:00Hard not to think about it, it's been brought ...Hard not to think about it, it's been brought up a lot lately. There's a lot of sensitive authors who complain when their book receives a negative review. I say learn from it if you can, respect the reader's different opinion and get over it. Authors have no right to intimidate readers into leaving only good reviews. Leaving a good review for a book does not entitle you to a good review in return. Act always with honesty.<br /><br />Now, I don't slam books just because they're not my taste. I will always try to be thorough and explain what I did or didn't like about the story and who it might appeal to. There's no need to be mean - and yet I defend the reviewers' right to leave a mean review if they want. I've also heard complaints of people leaving star rankings on Goodreads without reviewing. You know what? They don't have to.<br /><br />Anyhow that's my two bob's worth :)Charmaine Clancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18059559142070140041noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83528601653366510.post-83575498569584381962013-03-05T19:21:29.082-05:002013-03-05T19:21:29.082-05:00If I can't say something positive about a book...If I can't say something positive about a book, I don't review that book. Great insightful post and comments.<br /><br />NasRomance Book Havenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01268150556737773533noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83528601653366510.post-77853801352788564722013-03-05T18:12:11.553-05:002013-03-05T18:12:11.553-05:00Hi, Sara,
Interesting post. I totally understand ...Hi, Sara,<br /><br />Interesting post. I totally understand why you'd like to have the one and two star ratings. I personally would never leave under a 3 and if I didn't like the book then I wouldn't leave anything. BUT I have to admit that is for my blogger friends, which at this point are mostly their books I read. If I didn't know the author I most likely would leave a lower rating. It's a tough situation because WE, as writers. know how hard it is to finish a novel, no matter how bad the story or writing.Michael Di Gesuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17047267262428143113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83528601653366510.post-49499764041366291762013-03-05T13:00:58.626-05:002013-03-05T13:00:58.626-05:00I'm re-commenting due to too many dumb typos. ...I'm re-commenting due to too many dumb typos. <br /><br />Very thought-provoking post, Karen. Lately I haven't had a chance to read good books, but when I do, I rely on reviews. Time is of the essence and I don't want to waste it on a book where I can't get past the first few pages. I have my tastes, and while they may not meet with everybody else's, and apparently they don't, (I'll explain another day), I know what I like as well as I know what I don't like. Reviews can shorten the search. Joylene Nowell Butlerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04497637513532136615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83528601653366510.post-59843893857113856122013-03-05T13:00:08.740-05:002013-03-05T13:00:08.740-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Joylene Nowell Butlerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04497637513532136615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83528601653366510.post-9701115243861097882013-03-05T11:04:27.507-05:002013-03-05T11:04:27.507-05:00For the most part, I try to adhere to Thumper'...For the most part, I try to adhere to Thumper's rule: "If ya can't say something nice, don't say nothing at all."<br /><br />Most of my reviews on Amazon have been four-star, with a handful of fives, and two threes. But the whole star rating system is pretty much meaningless, as far as I'm concerned. What matters more is the actual review itself. And I try to be as honest as I can with those, and as gentle as I can be with any criticism. I know what it takes to write a book, and I don't want any part of trashing somebody else's efforts. (With the exception of one book, published posthumously, which was allegedly begun by one of my favorite writers prior to his death, and merely "finished" by another writer. Very disappointing. But it was more a trashing of the publisher for pushing that sub-par drivel to cash in on the author's name.)<br /><br />What gets more problematic is reviewing a book by a fellow blogger. I recently completed a book that has gotten great reviews on Amazon, but I found some of the writing to be stiff, and the spelling and grammar less than stellar. The story itself is fine, but there is no doubt the work should have been edited before it was published. But everybody else loves it! Or do they? Maybe, like me, they just really like the guy who wrote it...?Susan Flett Swiderskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09425315552148200073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83528601653366510.post-86161821823985627282013-03-05T10:38:32.137-05:002013-03-05T10:38:32.137-05:00I'll slam something like 'The Avengers'...I'll slam something like 'The Avengers' if I don't care for it. When you're reeling in billions, you damn well better be earning it. But I wouldn't dream of writing a poor review for a small-time artist. The motivation required to stay in the game is too all-important. I wouldn't do anything to even come close to harming that.Suzehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07908805179119217608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83528601653366510.post-19580818292446697602013-03-05T07:10:10.788-05:002013-03-05T07:10:10.788-05:00Discussion about a book, as long as it's polit...Discussion about a book, as long as it's polite and respectful, is always good. I think negative reviews have their place, as long as they're done respectfully and objectively. S.P. Bowershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09746614009206426805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83528601653366510.post-89138000304957026242013-03-05T07:09:00.594-05:002013-03-05T07:09:00.594-05:00If everyone would be polite and non vindictive the...If everyone would be polite and non vindictive the review system would work much better but there are some snarky people out there. <br /><br />Mostly I use goodreads to keep track of books I've read and books I want to read, but I do rate the books I've read and so I've been wondering about much of this.S.P. Bowershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09746614009206426805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83528601653366510.post-59005096633645415902013-03-05T06:47:26.960-05:002013-03-05T06:47:26.960-05:00I feel the same way. As long as people are polite...I feel the same way. As long as people are polite and not vindictive about it. S.P. Bowershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09746614009206426805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83528601653366510.post-60454126062992843622013-03-05T06:43:32.661-05:002013-03-05T06:43:32.661-05:00That's the main reason I use it too. And, yes...That's the main reason I use it too. And, yes, writing good, concise reviews is an art. One that many people haven't mastered yet. It's something I'm still working on. <br /><br />I think that's they key to writing good reviews. Staying objective. It's not about the author or the reviewer, just the work. S.P. Bowershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09746614009206426805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83528601653366510.post-5370935028489957762013-03-05T06:38:49.894-05:002013-03-05T06:38:49.894-05:00I do believe our comments should always be polite ...I do believe our comments should always be polite and point out both good and bad. But I do believe we should be honest. S.P. Bowershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09746614009206426805noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83528601653366510.post-66799280662475145872013-03-05T06:05:14.281-05:002013-03-05T06:05:14.281-05:00I'm pretty thick-skinned, so I (hope!!) think ...I'm pretty thick-skinned, so I (hope!!) think I won't have a problem to see one or two stars... once time goes by, it's a different story :)Mark Koopmanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03634424953074803816noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-83528601653366510.post-33849619200839394702013-03-05T04:29:28.156-05:002013-03-05T04:29:28.156-05:00I don't think there's any harm in writing ...I don't think there's any harm in writing a negative review as (hopefully) there will always be someone who writes a positive one about the same book. It's a good way of sparking discussion about a book and, from the writer's point of view, that's got to be a good thing - as long as people aren't mean about it. :-)Ermiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06379137320794025513noreply@blogger.com