Quote:
Originally Posted by GraceKrispy
I recently looked up a book (indie) on Amazon and was amazed to see a pile of 5 star reviews (since I didn't think it was even close to 5 stars). Looking more closely, I realized that every 5 star review was from a fellow author who hocked his or her own book at the bottom of the review (one -liner). Further investigating, I realized that all of the reviews written by these other authors were 5 star books, hocking their own book at that bottom each time. Is this an author "you-pat-my-back-(with 5 stars)-I'll pat-yours" ring? In looking up some of the original author's other books, I'm seeing the same pattern.
Is this like the thing to do? I know Amazon reviews (and actually any reviews, anywhere) have to be taken with a grain of salt or a whisper of caution or whatever, but it's really irritating to see the level of "fake reviewing" going on. It's not that it's difficult to believe several people might have a different take on a book I've read, but if the author has reviewed about 10 other indie books, given each one 5 stars, hocked her book in the bottom line of each review... it starts to look like marketing, eh?
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I noticed this a while ago and started to check if the reviewer was an author, then ignored their review of the book, if they were. If the author actually has a line with a link to their own book, I also ignore it. I, also, check to see how many and what other books were reviewed by that person. If I am suspicious, then I also ignore it. (There are a couple of authors that I will pay attention to their comments because they have shown to give a good honest critique of another author's work.)
On Amazon I usually just read the 3 star and below reviews to see what was said, then maybe check some 4 star reviews.
I totally agree with you that it is extremely irritating to see all the mutual 5 star reviewing going on.
More and more, I am starting to not even bother to read Amazon reviews.
I prefer to read comments in the
Hey!! Let's get some action going! What are we reading? thread on MR and look for multiple members who make comments about the book. I especially pay attention to any members who have read and liked a lot of the same books I have. Sometimes, I'll do a search of MobileRead to what comments have been made about a book I'm interested in reading. I also check indie book reviewer blogs that I know give honest reviews.