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.
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I was just talking to a friend about this last night. I agree with you. I can’t imagine someone reading that many 4 and 5 star books. I’ve noticed some blogs I’ve thought were reliable Drift into fluff territory. I don’t know of it’s because they’re reading good fewer books and only reading favorite authors, or if they’re pushing a book to gain blogger incentives. However I can’t call anyone out for it. I don’t want to seem like I’m attacking someone.
In regards to authors and readers attacking those who leave negative reviews, I don’t mind when people call them out, I would prefer it when authors do the attacking. That’s not an author’s place, it’s really not anyone’s place. However I would prefer not to give those authors my money. A blogger recently called out an author, and I was thankful. I thought that the author’s behavior was uncalled for, and I have the choice to not support that.
I’ve recently lost 2 blogging friends b/c I noticed they were getting a bit pissy with me. Apparently, they no longer liked my style of reviewing and told me I was mean. I reminded them that it wasn’t that long ago that they enjoyed my reviews. I let them know, just b/c they started being more “fluffy” as they’ve created relationships with authors doesn’t mean other bloggers need to follow suit.
Our reviews shouldn’t drive us apart as bloggers, they should bring us together. One of the things I hope to gain from this podcast is bringing the book blogging community closer together. But that won’t happen if we lose our honesty.
I had an author who I reviewed for many, many time and beta read her books block me on FB. I was like. . . bitch, really?!?!?!
I’m loving your podcast! I’m glad you talked about this and I think more people need to. This is why I love your reviews and blog because I know I can trust that what you write is your honest opinion. And you’re real! There are some bloggers I do not follow because they never anything three stars or below. But I see them everywhere! I don’t give very many two or one stars because I’m selective of my books and I have friends who read a ton more books than I to give me spoilers lol.
It sad people are afraid to review because of backlash. Everyone is going to have different opinions and reading preferences. We should all embrace that.
I’m so happy to hear you like the podcast!!!! It makes me smile when I know other enjoy it.
I love reading and I look to my fellow reader friends for advice, recommendations, new books, etc. I have friends who I know won’t like a book that I loved because I know their tastes and that’s part of the fun. When I notice a pattern of 4 and 5 stars on everything they read, I lose my trust in them.