*You are welcome to use my meme - just credit me please*
Question: Inspired by Steph's post from Reviewer X: Bloggers, or anyone who posts there reviews on other networks, have you ever felt the need to tone down a negative review?
My Answer: Personally, I hate writing negative reviews, but at the end of the day honesty is the best policy. Usually in my negative reviews, I try to spotlight not only the bad aspects, but the good ones too. That way, I can give a balanced approach instead of knocking it all down. I wouldn't want to discourage someone's hard work, that's an author's baby we're talking about here. However, I never feel the need to tone down a review, I stick to my guns and roll with it.
Most of the time, people can stomach constructive criticism. To those that can't, I really like the motto: "If you can't take the heat, get out of the kitchen." Once I was told by a great publicist that I have the "can't put it down syndrome." I absolutely loved that response, because it's true! Luckily, I've never experienced a negative backlash from writing my honest reviews. All the authors and publicists I've worked with to this day have been the most kindest people. I hope to continue to deliver well balanced reviews that will attract readers, even if it didn't grab my taste buds. Can't we all just get along? Haha. I love all authors and publishers, who is with me!?
I'd love to know your thoughts, so leave me a comment :)
Have a question idea? E-mail me at lafemmereaders@yahoo.com and I'll give you credit!
9 comments:
I wish all reviews could be wonderful and I could love every book I read.... of course that is not realistic. :)
I always write a fair and honest review, and of course the ones I do not enjoy so much are harder to write. Negative seems like a strong word, as my review is really only my opinion.
I do take more care when writing a review of a book I did not really enjoy than writing a gushing review. I make sure my thoughts and opinions are clearly stated that they are my opinions and that I point out what I did not enjoy about the book. I also encourage readers to look at other opinions on the book, not just mine.
I think in terms of book reviews honesty is the best policy. Be honest not malicious. So keep doing what you are doing! :-)
When I write any review, I talk about what I liked and what I didn't. There are very few books that I loved everything about. If a book is downright terrible, I won't finish it. I only review books I've completed, and those I can usually find at least one good thing about.
When I write negative reviews, I try to focus on why I personally didn't like a book. I try not to slam a book as being objectively bad because, really, how can I do that when all I have is my subjective opinion?
If I can't connect with a character, I try to explain why. If I had a problem with the writing style, I try to identify why it didn't work for me personally.
I don't want to hurt an author's feelings, but I also don't want to lie about my own feelings. Just because I didn't like a book doesn't mean someone else won't love it. I do have to keep reminding myself that my negative opinion is just as valid as someone's positive opinion.
I have to agree, I think being honest for any review is really the best way to go. I would say I am not the most harsh person even if I am to give a bad review, unless I really disagreed or was annoyed with what I was reviewing...etc. But usually, if you have something negative to say in a review, saying it tastefully is the best route.
I think you're right about authors being able to take constructive criticism, they know it's apart of what they do.
My answer is kind of long. You can read it here.
I only wrote one negative review and it wasn't all that bad. I merely stated that I wasn't interested in the book
I think it is tough, but it honestly has to be done. Come on, who loves every single book they read? I do make sure to point out what the author did well (because there's always something!)as well as explain WHY I didn't like something.
Wonderful answer, Eleni! I love honest reviews. That's what I look most in reviews, honesty. Sometimes a review can "make it or break it" for me when it comes to either reading a book or not. So, honesty is key. And I absolutely love your reviews, Eleni. Keep up the good work =D.
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