01-19-2011, 08:58 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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01-19-2011, 09:13 AM | #2 |
Enquiring Mind
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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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01-19-2011, 09:40 AM | #3 |
monkey on the fringe
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Depends on how much the author is paying you.
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01-19-2011, 10:24 AM | #4 |
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01-19-2011, 10:46 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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01-19-2011, 10:52 AM | #6 |
monkey on the fringe
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01-19-2011, 11:03 AM | #7 |
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01-19-2011, 11:18 AM | #8 |
Can one read too much?
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01-19-2011, 12:54 PM | #9 |
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I agree with SeaBookGuy. I'd read and cogitate on your review.
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01-19-2011, 12:56 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.
Mel |
01-19-2011, 02:11 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 Caleb |
01-19-2011, 02:41 PM | #12 |
Books are brain food.
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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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01-19-2011, 04:15 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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01-20-2011, 10:36 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. Last edited by elizilla; 01-20-2011 at 10:39 AM. |
01-20-2011, 12:14 PM | #15 |
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