tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214401809446305406.post1581923673641320581..comments2023-11-26T08:55:00.075-05:00Comments on Steph Su Reads: A Discussion on Negative ReviewsSteph Suhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09834692034486125015noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214401809446305406.post-32957589230338878482010-11-18T04:43:50.943-05:002010-11-18T04:43:50.943-05:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214401809446305406.post-16015406662585397242010-11-16T19:28:32.529-05:002010-11-16T19:28:32.529-05:00I'm with Lenore-if I don't like a certain ...I'm with Lenore-if I don't like a certain aspect of a book, even if it's a characters decisions or actions, I'm going to explain that. I feel like it's my responsiblity as a reviewer to write honest reviews-and that means there will times I write negative reviews. I always always try to explain why I feel the way I do, but there are times I just am not happy with the way the book is written or the storyline and I'm going to point that out. This isn't to bash the author, but instead pointing out what works and doesn't work for me as a reader. But just because I don't like a book doesn't mean someone else won't like it. I hate when I write a 2 or 3 star review and people say "oh, I won't read it now" Don't take my opinion on something as the final word-it's just my opinion and you might like it! But I'm going to share my honest opinion with people-negative and positive. I think there is an overflow of happy positive reviews in the blogging world and that can get very frustrating and very old. I think reviews need to be well thought out and if you're going to say something you like-explain why. If you're going to talk about something you didn't like-explain why.GreenBeanTeenQueenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08708155058381407531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214401809446305406.post-69115147845757610742010-11-14T16:10:29.709-05:002010-11-14T16:10:29.709-05:00I agree with your general point that negative revi...I agree with your general point that negative reviews should be respectful, but I think you go a bit too far, especially with the following bit: "Readers and reviewers, it's not our place to question the decisions that the author makes for his or her book. Those decisions were made a long time before the book reached our hands." I absolutely think that reviewers can question the author's decisions and say that they didn't work. The focus should be on maintaining a respectful tone, not on considering which aspects of a work are or aren't open to criticism. It's all open to criticism. The fact that the book was finished before it reached our hands doesn't imply that we shouldn't say negative things about it.Zoehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02592373990864946490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214401809446305406.post-56852834517287191592010-11-13T01:49:24.601-05:002010-11-13T01:49:24.601-05:00What a great post! I agree with most of what you w...What a great post! I agree with most of what you wrote and think your post was very well written. The line is so fine between a "reviewer's duty" and a "reviewer's right" and still respecting the author on the other side, because there's also a blurry space where something said in an "objective, critical" way can be interpreted as just mean.<br /><br />I personally hate reviewing books I didn't enjoy because of that. I try to put a lot of "I feel, I think", so that it's clear that my review is just a personal opinion, but I'm not sure how successful I am at that. And I always feel a bit bad when someone comment they'll pass on a book after a negative review because, who knows? It could have been their favorite book of the year!kay - Infinite Shelfhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08227285073921171393noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214401809446305406.post-82965630432762014082010-11-12T21:20:07.090-05:002010-11-12T21:20:07.090-05:00For the most part I agree. I don't know, I fin...For the most part I agree. I don't know, I find negative reviews easier to write than positive reviews, because I find it easier to articulate what I don't like. I guess, I tend to be more emotional in my reviews, so if something provokes an emotional reaction, I write about it, as opposed to the technical things. <br /><br />I mean, you don't have the right to be a jerk and criticize the author as a person. However, if I don't care for a book, I'll straight up say it regardless. And I'm not about to go searching for positive things in a book I didn't like. For me, that's not genuine. Other people may do that, and it may be real, but not me. It is what it is.<br /><br />Whew, that's a super long response.April (BooksandWine)https://www.blogger.com/profile/15268544465552896599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214401809446305406.post-19345536835547119752010-11-12T15:16:36.176-05:002010-11-12T15:16:36.176-05:00great post. nicely written and thought provoking a...great post. nicely written and thought provoking as always. and proof that we can be passionate in our opinions while still being thoughtful in how we present them.<br /><br />~LAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214401809446305406.post-76415379886379819082010-11-12T13:08:31.772-05:002010-11-12T13:08:31.772-05:00Thank you for sharing this well written, thoughtfu...Thank you for sharing this well written, thoughtful post. I agree with some of the sentiments already expressed. I like honest reviews. Tell me the good and bad points so I can make the decision if the book is right for me or not. The always gushing, everything is positive blog posts often leave me cold.Lori Lhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04575196285923366103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214401809446305406.post-48107530130182584952010-11-12T00:24:00.863-05:002010-11-12T00:24:00.863-05:00First off, this was really well written and it’s a...First off, this was really well written and it’s a great topic to write about in a review blog that centres on books. <br />I, for one, dislike writing negative reviews but I feel that since I have a blog where I review, I need to discuss the books that I read whether or not I enjoyed reading them. I do try and find something positive about every negative review that I write, though, just in case the author were to ever stumble across it. Even if it’s something as small as a nice cover or a great concept, I try to incorporate that into my review. <br />While I don’t think that I’ve ever attacked an author’s choices with their writing, I can see where someone would get so invested in a review that they would. I’m not saying that it is right, but I can picture it happening that way. I personally never want to personally attack an author for what they have written (or have it come off as though I did), but with the internet I also think that some things can easily be taken out of context or not taken the way that they were meant. <br />Sometimes honesty can be brutal and taken as such even when it was meant to just be purely sincere.-khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05300379143519006957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214401809446305406.post-29415707651806717472010-11-12T00:23:51.906-05:002010-11-12T00:23:51.906-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.-khttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05300379143519006957noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214401809446305406.post-30393739679762950202010-11-11T22:30:15.297-05:002010-11-11T22:30:15.297-05:00I believe the reviewer has an obligation to the re...I believe the reviewer has an obligation to the reader to be honest about the book, what they found good about it, as well as what didn't work for them. When I review a book, I know it may persuade someone to buy the book or not, so I want to tell them what I think. This is also my opinion, and the next reviewer may see it differently. But I never bash the author or say they don't know how to write or other such things. And I never say Don't buy this book.<br /><br />As an author I respect each review for my books and am interested in how others feel. When the reviewer personally attacks me, however, then I am crushed. Yes, writers must have a thick skin. So I put it aside and consider that this is not very professional of the reviewer, or maybe they were having a bad day.Beverly Stowe McClurehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02176195451841801819noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214401809446305406.post-86017416229058347282010-11-11T21:54:17.629-05:002010-11-11T21:54:17.629-05:00Negative reviews are very difficult. I rarely writ...Negative reviews are very difficult. I rarely write completely glowing reviews. I almost always include some criticism in my reviews, even if I really liked the book. I think it's helpful to readers to know what a book's flaws are and whether it's something you can deal with. <br />But I can't imagine ever trashing a book. I'm so conflict averse in every aspect in my life that I tend to fall over backwards to emphasize that just because I didn't like something doesn't other people won't. And I try to find something good about every book, regardless of my rating. <br />Another thing that's tricky is little snarky statements. I'm guilty of this. I've mentioned in my reviews that some aspects of a book (particularly those involving "mean girls") are silly for this or that reason. I don't intend to be overly mean or personal, but it's possible that it could hurt someone's feelings.Alison Can Readhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17908868606441539344noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214401809446305406.post-32504956343629662842010-11-11T21:51:37.182-05:002010-11-11T21:51:37.182-05:00You know, I always find myself scratching my head ...You know, I always find myself scratching my head when I read negative reviews in which the blogger/reviewer makes assumptions about the editorial process that the book went through. E.g., "This book really should have been more closely edited." Or "Why did the editor let the writer do that?" These kinds of statements just seem odd to me because the blogger/reviewer is making assumptions about things they (typically) know nothing about.<br /><br />Every book goes through a different editorial process. Every writer makes 1000s of choices before a book is published. I think that maybe what Steph is trying to say is that these decisions are over and done with by the time the book is in reviewers' hands. I think a review is about analyzing (and criticizing) what's on the page. Criticizing what may or may not have happened between an author and her editor is ... well, I think it speaks to a reader's desire to know what goes on behind the scenes, but it says very little about what's actually on the page.<br /><br />I like to read reviews that engage with the story. The black-and-white words in the book. Did they work for the reader? Speculation about editing, or the author's intent (which is another can of worms) usually says more about the reviewer's desires than the author's.<br /><br />Thought-provoking post, Steph!Malinda Lohttp://www.malindalo.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214401809446305406.post-28232643455754000952010-11-11T21:32:37.092-05:002010-11-11T21:32:37.092-05:00I agree with John and Girl on a Mission. I feel l...I agree with John and Girl on a Mission. I feel like I write a lot of negative reviews in comparision to most bloggers. Maybe not totally negative because I do try to weigh out the positives along with the negatives. However, I think too many bloggers are hesitant to be REALLY honest because they don't want to be blacklisted from ARCs and stuff like that. <br /><br />I think editing has gotten horrible lately. With the rise of self-publishing and these little boutique publishers that can't afford to serious copy editors it's like it doesn't matter anymore. I hate that! I call out books that have bad editing and I wish more bloggers would do the same. If we did, maybe they'd pay more attention to it and we'd get better quality product to review.Autumnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17109886403670357674noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214401809446305406.post-66723965082857729142010-11-11T21:23:00.154-05:002010-11-11T21:23:00.154-05:00I've written negative reviews for some books. ...I've written negative reviews for some books. I'm actually slogging through a series right now in which most of the books have gotten negative reviews thus far (I'm more or less obligated to read them after accepting a book via a reviewer program, otherwise I would have stopped after the first).<br /><br />But when I give a negative review, I always try to explain exactly why, and usually my negqative reviews are much more comprehensive than my positive ones. I also figure if you only give positive reviews, then it kind of diminishes the usefulness of your reviews, since then everything washes into an undifferentiated haze of praise, whereas if you give good reviews to good books, bad reviews to bad ones, and indifferent reviews to indifferent ones, the good ones stand out more.Aaron Poundhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11747596648152141394noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214401809446305406.post-14841681974506099152010-11-11T21:14:25.118-05:002010-11-11T21:14:25.118-05:00I agree. I just read a book that I didn't real...I agree. I just read a book that I didn't really like. All I said was that it wasn't my cup of tea, but obviously many people enjoyed the book, it's not my right to tell people not to read a book. At least not on the internet. IRL, I tell people what I truly think of the book, but that's told in the confidence between friends. Things online can easily be found. Just because we have freedom of speech doesn't mean we always need to exercise it and say mean things just because we can. <br /><br />It just makes me wonder how these aspiring authors are going to handle unsavory reviews of their own work.Najelahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03529650047480022627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214401809446305406.post-55768570862900180162010-11-11T20:35:54.283-05:002010-11-11T20:35:54.283-05:00I'd like to see what these authors consider a ...I'd like to see what these authors consider a bad negative review, just to have some basis for comparison. If they're totally bashing, like "this author is full of fail and should stop writing to save the rest of us the reading," then okay, I get that. But if it's a harsh yet supported negative review, I'd have to say suck it up. Everyone's going to come at a review differently and yes, I agree that personal attacks should be left out of them. I think that's a no-brainer. But what's construed as a personal attack differs from person to person.<br /><br />I posted a review on Goodreads that I, and many other people, felt reviewed just the writing, yet people still insisted on calling me mean-spiritied and attacking the author. It got to the point where the author actually stepped in in support of my review, saying that while it was harsh and her first negative review, she appreciated my opinion and how it wasn't mean-spirited. So when you have people reading your reviews that think a negative review of an author's writing is inherently a personal attack, you're kind of screwed.<br /><br />And I really don't think it's a bad thing to question the intent of the author, especially since the intent that a reader picks up on can vary wildly from the intent of the author at the time it was written. The author's subconscious tends to manifest itself in writing, or something they're innocently writing comes across as grossly different to other readers. Take Twilight or Hush,Hush, for example. Are we wrong to question the intent of the author to have a weak protag fall in love with an abusive stalker and make it okay? I think questioning intent in situations like this can help the reader to understand just what the intent is. No really, what WERE you thinking writing this? I want to know. Is this how you saw it when you were writing it? Is this what you really meant?<br /><br />WIth that being said, it all comes down to how things are said as well. Tone is everything, even in a toneless internet. There's a big different between "what the FUCK were you thinking?" and "I'd genuinely like to know why the author portrayed this situation like he/she did." So I really don't think anything's off limits in terms of reviewing writing. I really don't. But how it's worded does make all the difference. The train may have left the station, but you can still question why it took the left track when it took the right one the last time.Donna (Bites)https://www.blogger.com/profile/12585421704517898076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214401809446305406.post-47673309535686197592010-11-11T20:16:12.954-05:002010-11-11T20:16:12.954-05:00I think of it like this:
Once you send your writi...I think of it like this:<br /><br />Once you send your writing out into the world, you no longer have control over it. You no longer have control over people's reactions to it. And you have no right to demand that others see it in a particular way.<br /><br />From the writing side of things, I need to stand behind what I write. On the Internet, if I allow comments, I open up to having a conversation with readers--and if not, then I open up to people talking about what I've written. But again, once it's public, I've ceded control.<br /><br />Outright bashing is...probably a waste of time, but that's more because it doesn't generally tell people why you disliked something. It sure feels good sometimes, though. I find that to be best shared with a smaller circle than the entirety of the internet, and I try to translate bashing into a more rational review. Though, that said, I think I've never bothered to review anything I was tempted to bash.<br /><br />I'll probably come back in ten minutes and want to argue another angle on the topic, heh.Hallie Tibbettshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00981681314071163287noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214401809446305406.post-55071704309952685322010-11-11T19:43:11.847-05:002010-11-11T19:43:11.847-05:00Oh, and there have actually been negative reviews ...Oh, and there have actually been negative reviews that made me WANT to read a book - because the reviewer said very clearly what things in the book didn't work for him/her - and the things that bothered the reviewer were things I actually like in a book! So a well-written negative review can be helpful in that way as well.Rebecca Hermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12045279026055038231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214401809446305406.post-7562284185775289982010-11-11T19:25:39.139-05:002010-11-11T19:25:39.139-05:00As a book reviewer you have the right to review th...As a book reviewer you have the right to review the work, not say anything derogatory about the author writing it. That crosses a line. Authors put their work out there and they must have a thick skin, even if a reviewer may go as far as say the characters are horrible, the storyline is dull and has no excitement and that you wouldn't recommend this book to your friend.<br /><br />Look at People magazine, Entertainment Weekly and Kirkus Reviews. They all will review a book and come across scathing sometimes, including with movies and tv shows.<br /><br />I'm sorry, but you need to roll with the punches if you're publishing your work and having the masses read it.<br /><br />If an author is so sensitive about reviews, don't read them. And I say this as a new author who is published this year and a reviewer blogger of over 3 years.<br /><br />And if I think a character does something I may deem stupid or do not like, I have a right to say it in my review, especially if I spent my money on the book.KT Granthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15958121742156171756noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214401809446305406.post-70380584509989424792010-11-11T19:20:42.926-05:002010-11-11T19:20:42.926-05:00I don't think anyone that is a book blogger......I don't think anyone that is a book blogger.... enjoys posting a negative review. I want to love everything I read. I go into a book wanting to love it. <br /><br />I actually posted a negative review today... and now you've got me all paranoid! <br /><br />One thing I try to do is be clear about why it didn't work for me. Something that bother me, may not bother another reader. I always try to keep from getting personal.. there is no reason to bash the author, and I hate when I read reviews where that happens. <br /><br />Lovely post Steph.the story sirenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13267020418229202701noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214401809446305406.post-79613764501669462872010-11-11T19:18:48.672-05:002010-11-11T19:18:48.672-05:00Totally agree. I always respect your reviews, and ...Totally agree. I always respect your reviews, and I find them very well thought-out -- especially the negative critiques. I think one of the most important things a book reviewer can do is pinpoint specific reasons a book didn't work for him/her in a professional way. "I didn't like this book" doesn't really help anyone -- neither the reader, checking to see if a book should be added to his/her TBR list nor the author/editor/agent, who could possibly get advice or perspective on an issue and use it to improve.<br /><br />Well-written post!Donna Gambalehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00317767593205769881noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214401809446305406.post-887427995476889232010-11-11T17:02:58.558-05:002010-11-11T17:02:58.558-05:00I hate having to write negative reviews - but if a...I hate having to write negative reviews - but if a book didn't work for me, then I try to be honest. I mostly try to focus on the reasons *I* didn't enjoy it, rather than saying nobody will enjoy it. That way, the reader of my review can see what it is I disliked and decide whether that would bother them or not. There was a book I was really looking forward to recently that I was *so* sad to write a negative review for, but the character's actions and thoughts in the later part of the book just did not seem believable given how the character felt/behaved at the beginning of the book and that nothing happened to show how such a huge change in a short time was believable.Rebecca Hermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12045279026055038231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214401809446305406.post-30484070652761041572010-11-11T16:08:06.769-05:002010-11-11T16:08:06.769-05:00While I really hate posting a negative review, I w...While I really hate posting a negative review, I will but I make sure to do it as professionally as possible. After all, an agent liked it enough to take on the author and a publishing house liked it enough to publish it. So, someone in the target audience is going to love it (hopefully, for the author, many somebodies). <br /><br />I try to stress that it's MY opinion and give concrete reasons why I didn't enjoy the story. Both negative and positive reviews must be written as professionally as possible. <br /><br />A negative review sucks for the author. So, if you have to write a negative review (and, let's be honest, there are books out there that just don't resonate with us--not everything can be positive), be gentle. There's no need to bash or put down. The author worked hard on that novel, even if I didn't like it.<br /><br />Thanks for a GREAT post--I'm totally going to link to this on my blog and add in my take (which is very similar to yours). Keep reading! :)Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03402266791214015301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214401809446305406.post-42876498759599527312010-11-11T16:06:36.073-05:002010-11-11T16:06:36.073-05:00Really great post here. I feel if you wouldn't...Really great post here. I feel if you wouldn't gush and recommend for a reason, you shouldn't recommend against for the same reason. Obviously I'm not perfect, I've posting things before and said oops, maybe should have edited again, but I try!<br /><br />For me I think posting negative reviews is as important as positive reviews. But don't bash the author, explain WHY it didn't work for you and exactly WHAT it was that didn't work. What I hate in a book will quite likely be something that another reader will love, so if the post explains why you didn't like it, others can still benefit from that!<br /><br />So whether it was a character, the style, the events, or anything else - tell me what it was and why you didn't like it... and then I'll make up my own mind :)Amyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18102250492155489672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1214401809446305406.post-76119611367473048462010-11-11T15:55:44.951-05:002010-11-11T15:55:44.951-05:00This is such a difficult issue. As a soon-to-be p...This is such a difficult issue. As a soon-to-be published first-time novelist, I have nightmares about bad reviews. On the other hand, through challenging remarks heard in critique groups and other types of editorial feedback, I feel that my writing gets stronger, so I guess I'm grateful for constructive criticism (not the plain mean stuff!). A nicely considered post on a tough topic. Thanks! - StasiaStasiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17415483299971270025noreply@blogger.com