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Old 01-19-2011, 09:58 AM   #1
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Is it ok to post an Amazon review if I know the author?
Is it ok to post an ebook review to Amazon if I know or keep in touch with the author, possibly disclosing in the review any connections with the author? Any review etiquette guidelines or suggestions on this specific issue?
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Old 01-19-2011, 10:13 AM   #2
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Other opinions may vary, but for myself, a simple statement that you know the author seems fine - I can then read the review bearing in mind that you might be more inclined to form a favorable opinion of the author's work, rather than discounting your review entirely if I later find out that you knew the author but didn't say so.
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Old 01-19-2011, 10:40 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by amoroso View Post
Is it ok to post an ebook review to Amazon if I know or keep in touch with the author, possibly disclosing in the review any connections with the author? Any review etiquette guidelines or suggestions on this specific issue?
Depends on how much the author is paying you.
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Old 01-19-2011, 11:24 AM   #4
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Depends on how much the author is paying you.
For the purpose of this question, the review is unsolicited and the author doesn't pay in any way, nor gives anything in ecxhange.
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Old 01-19-2011, 11:46 AM   #5
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I agree with Donna. Just make a statement that you know the author and give an honest review.
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Old 01-19-2011, 11:52 AM   #6
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For the purpose of this question, the review is unsolicited and the author doesn't pay in any way, nor gives anything in ecxhange.
That was just a joke.

Just indicate you know the author and post your review.
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Old 01-19-2011, 12:03 PM   #7
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That was just a joke.
That's fine, you raised a relevant issue.
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Old 01-19-2011, 12:18 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by amoroso View Post
For the purpose of this question, the review is unsolicited and the author doesn't pay in any way, nor gives anything in exchange.
Yes, if you repeat exactly that, I'd respect the review.
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Old 01-19-2011, 01:54 PM   #9
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I agree with SeaBookGuy. I'd read and cogitate on your review.
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Old 01-19-2011, 01:56 PM   #10
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I don't see why not. Some of my friends who genuinely bought my book have left a review but I told them to state that they were friends of mine or knew me from a well-known writing site.

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Old 01-19-2011, 03:11 PM   #11
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Hmmm - it's an interesting question though. What is "knowing" an author?

At MobileRead we know plenty of authors to a degree. At GoodReads I have 2 authors on my friend list and I have corresponded with them - mainly because I read their books and sent them feedback.

Does that mean I should disclose that I know them when I review their work? By default I wouldn't disclose that because I would think the statement would be an exaggeration. However, should I?

Regards
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Old 01-19-2011, 03:41 PM   #12
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As long as you've actually read the book and are giving a 100% honest and unsolicited review, I see no problem. I don't feel there's any need to disclose your relationship with the author either.
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Old 01-19-2011, 05:15 PM   #13
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I don't see why not. I have left public reviews of fanfic chapters despite knowing the author before; this can't be much different. I don't see why the review has to be unsolicited, either, as long as it's being honest.
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Old 01-20-2011, 11:36 AM   #14
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When I'm browsing the reviews, and the book only has one or two reviews and they are five stars, I assume that reviewers know the author even if they don't say so.

You have to take the reviews with a grain of salt. The reviewer could be a moron. The dozen reviews could all be one person with a bunch of sockpuppet accounts.

I guess what I'm saying is that if you feel you are giving an impartial review, you're above average, ethically, and you should just go ahead.
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Old 01-20-2011, 01:14 PM   #15
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I agree with Donna. Just make a statement that you know the author and give an honest review.
Ditto.
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