tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post7292576901669969228..comments2023-12-12T11:49:36.184-06:00Comments on GreenBeanTeenQueen: Negative Reviews HappenGreenBeanTeenQueenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08708155058381407531noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-72271525593283453482010-12-01T10:39:52.274-06:002010-12-01T10:39:52.274-06:00Excellent, excellent post. Bravissimo.Excellent, excellent post. Bravissimo.Heather Zundelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16621649337908358313noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-48020503634426099052010-11-24T20:03:21.463-06:002010-11-24T20:03:21.463-06:00I think it's okay for reviewers to post negati...I think it's okay for reviewers to post negative reviews. I think it opens the door for further discussion and for people (the author included) to think about the book in a different way. But I'm not sure as a soon-to-be author if I will ever want to write a public negative review. I feel like I'm too close to the subject to be entirely objective. If you think about other fields, you don't see film directors reviewing movies, or Toyota reviewing Honda vehicles. :-) It feels better to have another group of people handle the reviewing of literature, although there are authors who seemed to have been able to do it successfully.<br /><br />Thanks for the thoughtfully written post.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-74841456594180247852010-11-24T18:29:36.707-06:002010-11-24T18:29:36.707-06:00I appreciate that not every reader will enjoy ever...I appreciate that not every reader will enjoy every book, which is why I enjoy reviews that are honest and fair - whether that reviewer loved or hated or was just meh about the book is not really the point - it's whether I can tell if I will enjoy it or not.Lenore Appelhanshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16664671644163369772noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-90318158316984390192010-11-23T05:09:35.781-06:002010-11-23T05:09:35.781-06:00I was wondering what was going on around the blogo...I was wondering what was going on around the blogosphere as I've seen chatter on twitter and posts on blogs about this issue. LOL<br /><br />I agree, a reviewer has the right to their opinion as well as the right to express it. Like Adele, I think honest criticism is the name of the game but when someone gets into spiteful and hurtful behavior just for the yucks and giggles it's pretty offensive. In fact, I saw a review today where the blogger bashed a book within an inch of it's life in the most hurtful way. It's neither constructive nor professional and frankly makes me think less of the reviewer than the book. <br /><br />I love that negative reviews give your kids a "cool factor"! See negativity can have a silver lining.Michellehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07965647842119649711noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-34925132009794296482010-11-23T03:49:06.662-06:002010-11-23T03:49:06.662-06:00I have nothing against reading negative reviews th...I have nothing against reading negative reviews that just shows me that the blogger I'm following is honest :) But of course it should be respectfully written not some personal attack on the author.Mari - Escape In A Bookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15597584812785465678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-83403778798259300642010-11-23T03:46:56.335-06:002010-11-23T03:46:56.335-06:00Wonderful post! I think it's really hard to wr...Wonderful post! I think it's really hard to write negative reviews, luckily I don't have to do that very often because I tend to like the books I choose to read.<br /><br />I posted one of my first negative reviews yesterday and I hope that I mananged to explain to my readers why I didn't love the book and at that I was respectful to the author at the same time.Mari - Escape In A Bookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15597584812785465678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-80717146263316661422010-11-22T23:56:45.969-06:002010-11-22T23:56:45.969-06:00Hear hear. I also take pride in posting about ever...Hear hear. I also take pride in posting about every book I've read. Yes I aim to always do so fairly and sometimes I've fallen short, but sometimes I've fallen short of my standards on the gushing side as well. Disliking a book is NOT disliking an author. They are two completely different things. In our negative reviews we may pick apart a book... but that isn't a reflection of the author. I always hope that maybe something I've said will help someone hone their craft. If they even read my reviews :)<br /><br />And some of the reactions I've seen from fellow bloggers really saddens me on these posts. Just like we can critique a book without bashing an author, can't we do the same for the reviewer? Sigh. I've also had authors friends attack. Unpleasant, and does NOT give a better impression of the book!! hahAmyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18102250492155489672noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-5741188775599387772010-11-22T21:30:08.098-06:002010-11-22T21:30:08.098-06:00Great post! I rarely comment, but I read your revi...Great post! I rarely comment, but I read your reviews religiously, and one of the reasons is because you are critical. Not mean-critical, but thoughtful. It's obvious that you take care with your reviews. As a reader *and* as an aspiring author, I appreciate that!Jesshttp://jessica-shea.livejournal.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-26940073626939955052010-11-22T19:14:30.538-06:002010-11-22T19:14:30.538-06:00I really enjoyed reading your post and other’s com...I really enjoyed reading your post and other’s comments. As a teen public services assistant, I read your reviews often as another way to keep up on teen literature and I really like the way you write your reviews. You make a good point that negative reviews are okay as long as you do not take it to the level of bashing. I like to know why a person did not like a book. This post reminds me of when I write reviews for our teen writing contest at my library. I try to provide what I call constructive criticism. Without hurting a teen’s feelings, I provide areas where they need to improve on and recommendations. My coworker, that runs the teen writing group, says that the teens really do appreciate the feedback. Perhaps authors could benefit from negative reviews by learning something from them. If people always tell you that you are great at something, you might not think you need to improve. As you said, everyone one has different tastes and feelings on books and just because it receives a negative review does not mean a book is necessarily bad.Becky Cameronnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-67368712276938988762010-11-22T19:10:59.371-06:002010-11-22T19:10:59.371-06:00As an aspiring author, I understand that book blog...As an aspiring author, I understand that book bloggers will write negative reviews. As long as they do them like you say--respectfully and not personally at the author, I'm okay with it.<br /><br />I do know a few authors who give negative reviews. Personally, if I really don't like a book, I just wouldn't comment on it. I feel like as an aspiring author I should support my fellow writers. I think it's a different role for authors and book bloggers, who do such a service to authors BTW.Natalie Aguirrehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03756087804171246660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-4272711454550219842010-11-22T16:42:14.498-06:002010-11-22T16:42:14.498-06:00I agree with you about negative reviews. I wrote ...I agree with you about negative reviews. I wrote a negative review for a book and I explained why I didn't like it. I think that sometimes negative reviews make me want to read a book as well because if I see their reasoning for it then I think I wonder if that's how I'd feel about it so I read it to find out for myself. Great post. I sometimes feel bad about writing a bad review.Rebeccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08438889934815747221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-50985430615391024832010-11-22T16:16:00.792-06:002010-11-22T16:16:00.792-06:00Thanks for a thought-provoking post. As a fairly ...Thanks for a thought-provoking post. As a fairly new blogger, I struggle with this issue--so far I have posted only one really negative review out of almost 100 book reviews. Mainly the reason is I start a lot of books but if I'm not interested I don't bother to finish them, and therefore don't feel it's fair to review them. Sometimes I'll finish a book and it leaves me so lukewarm I don't feel I have anything very illuminating to say about it, so I wind up not reviewing those titles either. Perhaps I should review those lukewarm ones as well, but there's only so much time for blogging and I prefer to try to talk up titles I really love, since no one is paying me to write reviews.Fourth Musketeerhttp://fourthmusketeer.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-2153486205352470172010-11-22T15:25:15.498-06:002010-11-22T15:25:15.498-06:00I recently did a post on negative reviews and I ag...I recently did a post on negative reviews and I agree. Being honest in reviews is one of the most important things to me as a reader, reviewer and writer.<br /><br />But, if the review is going to be a negative one, try to look for the positive, too. Constructive criticism, not bashing. Never, ever bash an author--there is absolutely no reason to get personal. We review the books not the author him/herself.<br /><br />Great post!<br />Mary<br /><a href="http://bookswarm.blogspot.com" rel="nofollow">The Book Swarm</a>Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03402266791214015301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-46459349763179428642010-11-22T15:22:11.742-06:002010-11-22T15:22:11.742-06:00The thing authors and reviewers have to remember i...The thing authors and reviewers have to remember is not every book is for every reader. One reader's Keeper is another reader's DNF. That happens. When I receive negative reviews, I do my level best to remember that.<br /><br />I also consider whether I agree with the criticism; if I do, chances are I'll keep it in mind during my next work in progress.<br /><br />What crosses the line for me is when reviews -- or author responses -- go into attack mode. No review, or response, should ever be a personal attack, for way too many reasons to name. As you said, it comes down to respect.<br /><br />Rule of thumb: If you wouldn't say it to the author's or reviewer's face, don't blog it.Jackiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15652261175264210062noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-2886595515271198372010-11-22T15:18:46.700-06:002010-11-22T15:18:46.700-06:00Love this entire post! I think it's something ...Love this entire post! I think it's something we all struggle with, and it's nice to know I'm not alone. I think it's an important discussion we've got to keep going over time for sure.Annahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08190834232858411230noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-74062243647140596162010-11-22T14:43:57.282-06:002010-11-22T14:43:57.282-06:00I think its always good to have open discussions a...I think its always good to have open discussions about this topic especially because people have such strong opinions on the issue! I don't post negative reviews on my blog...it's just a stance I've taken. If I read a book I don't like, I put it down and move on. I have a link on my blog explaining in more depth but that's the basics of it. <br />My only issue with "negative" reviews is that there are so many bloggers out there who write a negative review and then end it with "this book is just not my cup of tea" or something like that. In other words its not the writing or anything substantial...I just get the feeling they didn't like something trivial about the book. Do you know what I mean? It's also frustrating when reviews say "that character totally bugged me, she whined about everything" Hello! The character is 15, and well, as a middle school librarian that's not to far from the truth for 15 year-olds! I guess my point is that sometimes good books don't appeal to everybody (for the life of me I could NOT get into the Ugly series) and sometimes when a writer is being true to a character's personality well, we all know there are irritating and whiny people in the world so they are bound to show up in books now and then!Library Lounge Lizardhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16905798589563323967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-4156361499137333142010-11-22T12:44:13.238-06:002010-11-22T12:44:13.238-06:00When a reviewer takes the time to explain what she...When a reviewer takes the time to explain what she liked or didn't like-- that is a valuable review.<br /><br />I can judge for myself whether or not I agree with the reviewer's criteria and thus decide whether or not I might agree with the review.<br /><br />For example, a reviewer might dislike a book because it is unrealistically romantic. I might be looking for an over-the-top romance and might read the book anyway.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-44249826559395781282010-11-22T12:27:38.504-06:002010-11-22T12:27:38.504-06:00*cheers*
Thanks so much for this post! I agree w...*cheers* <br /><br />Thanks so much for this post! I agree with everything you have said. Not every books is for everyone, and that can be conveyed without getting nasty.Missie, The Unread Readerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10548256640926555361noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-74854947804549883762010-11-22T12:06:15.243-06:002010-11-22T12:06:15.243-06:00This is a great post with so many excellent points...This is a great post with so many excellent points! I completely agree with your comments that negative reviews are important too. I want to know opinions of other readers. I feel cheated if I read a review (of any product) that is an outright lie. I often check reviews before I buy a product and I do like to hear honest and fair opinions before I spend my money. If someone doesn't care for it I would like to know what didn't work for them and why but that doesn't mean I will feel the same way. I don't think there is ever a need to be mean or disrespectful either. I wouldn't want someone to treat me that way. Constructive criticism is much more helpful and professional.Wrightyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16234033570150645504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-30114115613184394572010-11-22T11:48:14.809-06:002010-11-22T11:48:14.809-06:00Shelley-Thanks for responding! I was hoping to get...Shelley-Thanks for responding! I was hoping to get some author input!:) I know negative reviews are hard, but we have to remember that certain people are right for certain books and others are not. And I think it helps to explain why something didn't work instead of just saying you didn't like it.GreenBeanTeenQueenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08708155058381407531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-685075782409874022010-11-22T11:31:24.489-06:002010-11-22T11:31:24.489-06:00I agree with you 100%. I am an author, not a revi...I agree with you 100%. I am an author, not a reviewer. But I appreciate those who honestly and thoughtfully post critiques revealing what they think.<br /><br />I might not agree, but I like living in a world that values diversity in opinions.<br /><br />Shelleystoryqueenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07039684494823420722noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-77400559880438856502010-11-22T11:26:57.982-06:002010-11-22T11:26:57.982-06:00Dreaming of Ink-It's all about respect. I hate...Dreaming of Ink-It's all about respect. I hate when it turns into bashing or a complaint about the author themself. We're reviewing the book, not the person. I'd unfollow too! And just because the book didn't work for me doesn't mean it won't work for someone else-but I'm still going to share my honest opinion. <br /><br />Adele-That's the reason I love your reviews-because you're honest!! You're right that there's this confusion about being mean and being critical. But I take my blog and my reviews very seriously and make myself really examine and analyize each book I read. Being critical is not the same as being mean. And I understand that people are going to read what they enjoy, but if you're to gush about a book, at least tell me why it was so wonderful, don't just keep saying it was amazing and wonderful over and over. I tend to not trust those reviews when that's all I read from someone. <br /><br />Jessica-Nothing happened to me or one of my reviews-that I know of-but I've seen various posts on the subject and felt I needed to chime in as a blogger who writes negative reviews. And even if I didn't like a book, I'll try to find something that I can point to that I think readers will enjoy-or the audience I think it will appeal to. <br /><br />Connie-I think the same thing-how I trust someone who isn't honest in their reviews? But bashing does not need to happen from either end.GreenBeanTeenQueenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08708155058381407531noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-53187027982118935792010-11-22T10:27:45.365-06:002010-11-22T10:27:45.365-06:00I completely agree negative reviews serve a purpos...I completely agree negative reviews serve a purpose & everyone needs to be respectful of each other. I hate reading bashing of any sort, whether a reviewer about an author or an author about a reviewer.<br />How can you trust someone who is not honest? If a reviewer never shares their honest opinion (again in a respectful way) what is the point of their review?Connie Onniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10755735823343995810noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-32429473851329174782010-11-22T10:19:02.658-06:002010-11-22T10:19:02.658-06:00I wholeheartedly agree with you that we need to be...I wholeheartedly agree with you that we need to be honest as bloggers. Though my blog features mostly good reviews, it's not because I won't write a negative review, it's that I tend to pick up books I'm fairly confident I will enjoy. I won't shy away from writing a negative review...unless I really can't find anything positive to point out for others...and I think that's happened about twice in my recent reading career. <br />I'm sorry that it sounds like an author was critical that you posted a negative review of their work. I admire you for it. Your reviews are always honest and "critical" but not mean-spirited.Jessicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06493359469313592497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6075890361193230583.post-67706560005080728262010-11-22T09:00:43.692-06:002010-11-22T09:00:43.692-06:00I've gotten myself a bit of a reputation for b...I've gotten myself a bit of a reputation for being a "mean girl" (yes someone said that) but I think in the blogsophere there is confusion between being mean and critical. Mean is being cruel to hurt someone's feelings, critical is having a negative impression of someone or something with reasoning. They seem to be used interchangeably and that's not fair. <br /><br />That being said I don't like it when bloggers are harsh just to carve themselves an identity or get hits. But I find the gushy, non reviews to be much more offensive. You know the ones I mean, the parapgraph long "reviews" that don't say anything except 'awesome', 'swoon' and 'hawwwwwt'. Why bother having a review site if you're not actually reading the material critically and writing about it?<br /><br />It's a conundrum.Adelehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13025434037081684606noreply@blogger.com