Yes, compromising positions. Too many bloggers and reviewers are in compromising positions. As bloggers and reviewers start to create relationships with authors and others in the book world, do you think they have become less trust worthy? Can readers really believe reviews anymore? Has the world of blogging and reviewing become more of promoting books vs. being honest?
The hubby and I have a quick chat. Well, he’s chatting – I’m ranting and being messy.
https://soundcloud.com/danielle-mcgregor-83863274/episode-102-12618-553-pm
It was inevitable, it takes time to write these in depth book reviews. The authors are earning money, so the bloggers start to feel like they should earn some too. It’s totally understandable, but there is no easy answer. As an author and a book reviewer, I’ve seen it from both sides. I know exactly how long writing the posts take, and editing them etc. Either way, loving your podcast!!
Thanks J.R.!!! I must say I have learned a lot over the last year. There are way more dynamics than I would have ever thought.
Yeah, and the biggest thing I learned was how much time those book reviewers spend doing what they do. I think that it makes more sense to look as the book industry as a chair; author-publisher-reviewer-reader are all the legs that hold it up.
And please don’t judge my grammar, my editrix (aka wife) is asleep! 😛
It takes a long time to review and blog about a book. I didn’t know what I was getting into before I started. It’s one of the reasons I stopped reviewing every book I read. Blogging was taking up my reading time. I’m digging you analogy, BTW.
Thanks! I just wish there was an ethical, and above board way to handle the reviews side of things. I’ve got nothing on a solution though, just the perpetual balance. Then when the bloggers ask for money, they’re called a scam. And still, the authors want the thoughtful reviews. It’s an interesting question to consider!
I have no solution either. It’s a tricky situation. I have no desire for compensation from authors, I want bloggers to maintain integrity in their work. I feel like the longer someone has a blog, the more inauthentic their work becomes. Not all bloggers of course, their are many who remain honest.
True, and there are other ways to receive compensation than through the authors themselves. Affiliate links and the like with Amazon, or other comparable programs.
So Danielle I listened to the whole podcast! First thanks for the trusted bloggers 😉 Second well I’m wanting to ask you to dish but it would be best in a private message Third: I never lied in any review I know mine are usually fluffier than yours but either that’s because I’m easy to please either I choose my books wisely Now I promised myself to stay true to me whatever the author, PR company, etc. because at the end of the day I’m incapable of lying It would be like betraying other readers and I don’t want to . Very interesting topic 😉
You know you’re reviews are one of my favorites. You have always been honest. Even when we’ve spoken privately. We haven’t always agreed and think that’s part of beauty of blogging. I will spill my tea with you when we chat. . . not recording that part of course. 🙂