Quote:
Originally Posted by CWatkinsNash
I rate all the books I read on Goodreads, but I no longer write reviews for indie books if I rate them less than four stars. Two experiences of being confronted by disgruntled authors over three-star reviews soured me on that. Ironically, both had given their books away in exchange for "honest reviews" on a site I used to frequent. I'm fine with a PM or email asking for more info on the issues I felt the book had, or to ask for suggestions (one author did that and it was a wonderful exchange) but to call me out publicly to dispute my review in a confrontational manner was a bit much. On the other hand, maybe I should feel flattered that my opinion carried enough weight to warrant a response.  |
My view on that is a bit different. I'm a relatively "new" member of GR and LT and have only been reading vociferously since my retirement 2 years ago. Consequently my review history is not as large as many other readers on those sites. So I'll make some mis-calls on some books, and my background in classic literature is weak so I find it difficult to evaluate a storyline from the standpoint of originality sometimes. But I'm certainly not afraid to tell an indie author what I didn't like about a book. As a rookie, I can be excused for errors, and as I accumulate a history (currently around 150 books), I feel more secure in what I write.
But I'm never afraid of an author attempting to take me to task over a bad review, and certainly not a 3-star. A 3-star on GR, if the mouse-over text is correct, means "I liked it." A 4-star is "I really liked it." The problem is that some tend to see a 5-scale as we did in school: A-B-C-D-F with "C" being "average." I'm rather thick-skinned and I'm also old enough to have seen my share of outspoken flamers online on other forums. Disagreement engenders debate and if an author has no defense other than a loud disagreement with a review, then (s)he will show true colors in a public forum to his/her own detriment. If I'm wrong, I'll step up to the plate and apologize. We learn only by listening, not by talking. I would hope authors, especially indie authors desperately trying to make a small profit on their work, would be receptive to why someone, anyone, wouldn't like their novel.
I've had several good responses talking to authors offline or in private messages. They've always thanked me for my views and usually explain why they initially disagreed with or questioned my review. Indie authors need constructive criticism in order to improve, and how better to receive it than from an avid reader of their genre. Withholding low-star ratings can be counter-productive and inflationary by leaving higher ratings without a counterbalance. Just my thoughts ...