I like reviews, indeed I have a blog where I post reviews of independently developed videogames. I've been considering about how to go about writing book reviews myself. Should I be hypercritical or extremely gushy? Consider this response from an author after I sent him my review prior to the reviews publication,
"I wish that you placed your last line—the fact that you enjoyed the novel and laughed--at the beginning of your review. As written, I don’t know that anyone would read beyond some of the criticism. I hope that you will consider some modifications to your review —I do not think that what I suggested would compromise your viewpoint—only make it more balanced. You said that you enjoyed the book—please give other people the chance to enjoy it as well."
Personally, I feel that the author is underestimating his audience, but I did modify my review and I do feel that the review is better because of it.
On the other hand, what with free samples, reviews are essentially meaningless. Just click to send to device and read at your leisure.
Is the true purpose of a review to get the browser to click the button? Or to get the browser to not click the button? That is the question.
