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Monday, December 20, 2010

Monday's Question of the Day!

*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:

Sheila (Bookjourney) said...

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.

Quelle Books said...

I think in terms of book reviews honesty is the best policy. Be honest not malicious. So keep doing what you are doing! :-)

Tara Martin said...

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.

Small Review said...

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.

Crissy said...

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.

La Coccinelle said...

My answer is kind of long. You can read it here.

Anonymous said...

I only wrote one negative review and it wasn't all that bad. I merely stated that I wasn't interested in the book

Jessica Lawlor said...

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.

Bere said...

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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