"Honest Reviews Only" - Do you want to smack this author?

[Dr. Drib]

Would a professional author solicit reviews by asking for "Honest Reviews Only"?

And, if you were a spammer, would you actually listen to such a demand?

My personal opinion is that I want to slap that author upside his noggin' for admonishing me to send him an 'honest' review. In my opinion, this is the mark of an amateur, one who is so desperate to get a review that he or she resorts to silly demands.

What's your thinking about this? Please, only honest responses.

[gmw]

I think it's a great idea and what everyone should do!

Oh, you wanted only honest responses. Damn.

I might remind the occasional person that I know directly that I did ask for their opinion so they should be open about their reactions and not feel that they have to hold back. But asking someone to be honest is almost a declaration that they would otherwise be dishonest. Even if you happen to think that's true, it's generally considered impolite to actually say it.

As for saying such things on the Internet: I would suggest that, even putting aside the lack of faith implied, it is unnecessary. Most of the anonymous people on the Internet don't seem to have a lot of trouble with honest reviews of someone else's work - sometimes to the extreme. And, added to that, it starts to sound a little desperate.

But, no, I don't want to slap them on the noggin'.

[mr ploppy]

Wouldn't an honest review be one that said whatever you thought of the book, whether good or bad? I would read that as meaning he wants negative reviews if you think it's crap, rather than leaving a dishonest one that said it was great.

[cromag]

I try to review as many books (that I read) as possible -- especially for unknown, new and "Indie" authors. That actually does amount to quite a few.

I only give "honest" reviews, but if I can't give at least 3 Stars -- or whatever constitutes a middle ground review -- I usually don't post a review.* Unless I feel that I was somehow misled or cheated.


I've never had an author directly ask me for a review. I would find that a bit "off-putting." On the other hand, I might be willing to provide editing and critiquing services ... if we could agree on a fee.



* I did, in fact, just write up a 2 Star review. It was for an Edgar Rice Burroughs book -- The Cave Girl. I didn't consider it nearly as good as his other work, and I doubt that I damaged his reputation any.

[crich70]

Originally Posted by cromag

I try to review as many books (that I read) as possible -- especially for unknown, new and "Indie" authors. That actually does amount to quite a few.

I only give "honest" reviews, but if I can't give at least 3 Stars -- or whatever constitutes a middle ground review -- I usually don't post a review.* Unless I feel that I was somehow misled or cheated.


I've never had an author directly ask me for a review. I would find that a bit "off-putting." On the other hand, I might be willing to provide editing and critiquing services ... if we could agree on a fee.



I did, in fact, just write up a 2 Star review. It was for an Edgar Rice Burroughs book -- The Cave Girl. I didn't consider it nearly as good as his other work, and I doubt that I damaged his reputation any.

Well he has been deceased since 1950 so it's a moot point. Myself I think I'd be offended by such a header especially if I'd given a review of a particular author's work before as (to me) it would be saying that they felt I hadn't been honest in my reviews in the past.

[Luffy]

Originally Posted by cromag

I try to review as many books (that I read) as possible -- especially for unknown, new and "Indie" authors. That actually does amount to quite a few.

I only give "honest" reviews, but if I can't give at least 3 Stars -- or whatever constitutes a middle ground review -- I usually don't post a review.* Unless I feel that I was somehow misled or cheated.


I've never had an author directly ask me for a review. I would find that a bit "off-putting." On the other hand, I might be willing to provide editing and critiquing services ... if we could agree on a fee.



I did, in fact, just write up a 2 Star review. It was for an Edgar Rice Burroughs book -- The Cave Girl. I didn't consider it nearly as good as his other work, and I doubt that I damaged his reputation any.

When I see people who have twice the ratings than reviews, e.g, I always used to think that they don't have the time. I didn't reckon with a policy as such. I write reviews for all my ratings, but I never read self published or "desperate" authors' work.

[gmw]

Originally Posted by Luffy

[...] but I never read self published or "desperate" authors' work.

Do you equate the two?