Quote:
Originally Posted by Lloyd Tackitt
But, when a reviewer leaves either a hateful/spiteful/vile comment that is aimed at me personally as the writer (and the subject and material in my book does tend to attract some of those); or if the reviewer leaves a comment that is factually incorrect (my book has some technical aspects to it) then I respond to correct the erroneous information they have left behind for all of eternity. I respond in the same tone of voice as the reviewer. If it is caustic or sarcastic so is my response. If the tone is courteous, so is my response.
One reason, other than correcting factual errors, is that controversy tends to get people's attention. It is for now a part of my overall marketing strategy to be controversial in response to the hater's reviews. I have noticed, but can't document yet, that I seem to get a small sales spike after receiving a hater review and I comment back in kind. I don't see the spike after positive or neutral reviews, only the vilely negative ones.
What's your take on this?
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People are going to make errors - either because you weren't clear enough, or they aren't careful readers. And there will always be some that don't like your writing, and even some that may attack you personally.
In all cases the best response is to say and do nothing. You'll just fan the fires, look defensive, and invite more "back and forth." I don't think the belief that "any publicity is good publicity." As an author you want a bad review to fade away - you don't want to shed a spotlight on it.
Just my opinion.