So what’s up with Goodreads lately? I love Goodreads – I always go there first before buying a book. I have found some wonderful reviewers there that have amazing insight into the books I read. But lately, Goodreads has been popping up in a more negative light. The first time it left a bad taste in my mouth was a few months ago when some people started making fun of an author’s appearance. I think the Goodreads staff made them take down the picture, but the thread itself was horrid and awful. On a site this big, of course there are time when things like this will pop up. But I still think this issue should have been addressed by the people running this site.
More recent, I hear Goodreads has made a rule that authors are no longer allowed to post negative comments on reviews of their books (at least I heard this was the case through Twitter – I have not confirmed this). I kind of agree with this in a sense – I feel Goodreads is there for the readers and if you have an author popping in every time you say something negative against a book, it may limit discussion. How is Goodreads going to determine whether a comment is negative though? It is so subjective – I see drama surrounding this in the future. And on a side note – I cringe every time an author gives their own book five stars. Don’t do it authors!! I have no problem with authors reviewing other authors books. Just don’t review your own.
Finally, and the reason this topic jumped into my mind. Lauren Dane wrote a nice blog post a few days ago about people rating books before they are even out. She has a book in particular that is only in copy edit stages, so there is no way anyone has read it – and it already has a rating on Goodreads. When she contacted Goodreads to remove the rating, they stated that they don’t require readers to read the book before rating it. Huh? I get that if a book is already out, people can rate it and have not read it. Fine, that is not in Goodreads’ control. But to allow a rating in a situation like this? How does this further the purpose of this site? Especially if people are rating low on purpose just because they don’t like the author or the type of books they write.
So don’t rate a book unless you have read it. Don’t personally attack authors or other members. And let’s have some good discussion!
~Mandi
I've seen ratings posted on books that are not even out and the person hasn't even read/reviewed the book. What exactly are they rating when they do this? I don't go by ratings on Goodreads because of this. I actually check out reviews and see what people are saying before making my decision.
Stephanie G
Paranormal Haven
When that smackdown where not only reviewers but a few authors got involved and joined in making fun of an author's looks and her weight, that's when I became a bit sour at Goodreads.
I'll say that I had two author responses on GoodReads that left me feeling two different ways. I gave both books either a 2 or 3 and explained why. One author instant messaged me thanking me for the review and for taking the time to explain why I rated the book the way I did. She was very nice and I was left with a good feeling. The other author left a comment on my review expressing her disbelief that I liked other authors, but had a problem when she did some of the things they are known for. I was upset after reading her post 'cause I don't want to bash anyone, but I'm allowed my own opinion and nobody can force me to change it. I had to wait awhile before responding in a lighthearted manner. Maybe I'm overly sensitive. *shrug* I tried to brush it off, but it still irks me. Please authors, don't argue with my opinion. I think we all agree that a book review is subjective and only an opinion that changes from person to person.
Goodreads does seem to have drama lately. I think it's because it's getting bigger and more well known. Just like Amazon, it seems like people can't resist flaming each other and arguing when they have the chance.
I thought Goodreads nixed the idea of banning authors from commenting on their negative reviews, though. There was a drama in the thread for it in the Feedback group so I thought they backed off the issue.
I could be wrong though. I stopped paying attention when I realized it had gotten to the point that there was drama for the sake of drama.
Maybe it's mean, but I could honestly care less about those issues with Goodreads. I can just click away and avoid those. My issue with Goodreads is how often the notifications are screwed up! It drives me insane. They're lucky they're so awesome in other ways. ;)
"I think we all agree that a book review is subjective and only an opinion that changes from person to person."
I wish more people could get that through their thick skulls. I can't tell ya how many neagtive reviews were the ones that actually sold me on a book. lol Because what one reader hates another reader may adore.
I've noticed the sudden influx of authors 5 starring their own books and the people rating and "reviewing" books that aren't even out as ARCs yet. It really bothers me because I feel like it's dishonest. Of course an author is going to think their own work is the bee's-knees why do they have to say so where the readers would normally comment/review/rate? I saw one yesterday that just made me cringe.
I do think authors should be allowed to comment on ALL reviews of their work. The reviewer certainly doesn't have to respond in kind and if the writer gets nasty they certainly don't need our help making them look unprofessional. I must fly well below the radar because very few authors have commented to my "negative" review of their work, it's usually other readers defending the writing or saying they disliked my thoughts on something.
PH – Yeah – I check out reviews or at least ratings from people I "know." I never go by the total average of the book.
KB – agreed
Scooper – exactly – I can understand and encourage having a debate about a book – we all have different opinions. But when the author becomes involved, what are you suppose to say? It makes things very difficult. I honestly would prefer no comments – positive or negative from authors.
Catherine – ah – that is why I noted it wasn't confirmed. I wasn't sure if it was a done deal or not. Thanks! And yes, the notifications are not always reliable. Very frustrating!
Rhianna – Yes!! Reading a book is sooo subjective. Which is the reason a site like goodreads is so successful. There are so many opinions you can gather. I have mixed feelings about authors commenting. I want to say they shouldn't – but at the same time I'm not an author – and I don't know how I would feel if I was. I just think when authors become involved, others stop commenting.
Rhianna – You're not the only one flying below the radar, because I haven't ever had an author comment on a negative review of mine either. I've only had other readers blast me for something. :)
Mandi – I agree that when author comments on a thread (even a positive comment) it stifles conversation. No one wants to dissect a book (even if they gave it five stars) when they know the author is following the thread. It just feels weird.
I have no problem with authors. Indeed, I love them and the awesome enjoyment they give me, but I don't like to talk to them in an author-reader situation unless I seek them out on their blog or website asking something specific about a series or book.
It's not because I think they're evil harpies. I do the same thing for actors. I don't want anything influencing my opinion of a movie or book other than the actual material. I don't want to ruin a perfectly good book because I couldn't stop thinking about the outside info I learned about them.
I work in the same office as an author and I can't read her books because I really don't like her. I can't get beyond the impression I have of her from our professional dealings and I just hate that. So I am very wary of accidentally knowing too much about an author I might like to read.
These issues are why I prefer to get my reviews from trusted blogs. Also, I can become more familiar with that blogger's taste and where it diverges from mine. I take Amazon and Goodreads reviews lightly, as I know they can be either written maliciously or inflated because they're friends with the author. Not that this can't happen on a blog, but if you've been reading the blog for any length of time you can spot it more easily. Though, when it comes down to it, I really rely most on back cover blurbs and samples on Kindle or reading a page or two.
It has been a part of their author guidelines for at least the past 6 months (which is when I noticed it) under what not to do. http://www.goodreads.com/author/guidelines
Catherine – I talk to a lot of authors on Twitter – but unless I absolutely love their book, I try not to engage them in discussion about their work. There is a certain author that I can no longer read the blog this person writes. I love this person's books..but the blog makes me want to scratch out my eyeballs. So I totally understand where you are coming from with the woman you work with:)
And off the top of my head, I've only had one author start stuff with me on Goodreads after a review – and I think it was a 3 star one.
Reina – I turn to trusted bloggers as well – or trusted "friends" on GR. I definitely need to build an online relationship with GR people or bloggers before I turn to them for recs. I think that is why I usually stay away from Amazon reviews – I don't know those reviewers.
Dhympna – Oh there is the link! Thanks!
I don't think authors are banned, but I did see the warning and it basically says "Are you going to be nasty? Be nice or don't comment." And I think it's EVERYTIME you post so even if you are making a comment about something else unrelated or want to chime in on a great book you read, there's this assumption that you have to be told everytime to play nice in the sandbox because all authors are going to attack. We all know it's a small minority who do and it's a bit insulting to the good ones to be treated as if they are guilty just for even wanting to post ANYTHING. However like most things, a few bad apples spoil it for others. I'm just not sure if you are prepared to go in and be nasty that a warning will stop you if you are really read to do it.
Gah! The rating the book before it's even out thing drives me nuts! Okay, you're looking forward to the book so you'll rate it a 5. Crazy and strange, but okay fine. It's when the book gets rated 1 or 2 BEFORE the book even comes out. What? People need a hobby…
I was adding books to my GoodReads to-read list and noticed books that don't come out till August had already been rated 3 to 5 stars. I didn't know how, because it didn't sound normal for ARCs. Rating without reading is not fair to readers or authors.
On a side note, I tend to read all the negative reviews of books I want to buy to get a feel for the book. They seem to touch upon the small things that make me as a reader tic. But I don't read posts written by reviewers who post only 5 star reviews either.
On the rating without reading, I should have noted that it crops up quite often in the m/m group where someone recently added over 1000 books and every single GLBT title got 1 star, they had a few hundred other books that they gave 4 and 5 stars. So you read over 800 book that you hated? Why would you not stop after 5 or 50? Obviously they had not read them and it happens on occassion that someone feels they are doing good work by trying to discourage anyone from reading gay lit by pulling down the ratings. But it becomes quite obvious as soon as anyone checks their profile. It's so childish.
Tam – Wow – very childish. There are some bad apples out there! I can't believe someone would do that. Blah.
Julie – People totally need a hobby! :)
Scooper – It drives me nuts when there are 100 ratings for a book six months away. Really? Even if they are five stars because the person is excited it is coming out – just wait! It really might not be a five star read!
I'm surprised that there's so much drama over on goodreads.
I agree with earlier comments that its probably because the site is getting more popular and that's the proverbial blood in the water for most groups that want to start some sort of drama.
While I don't mind authors responding to a review, I think if they're going to attack a reader/reviewer, that's in poor taste.
I saw Lauren Dane's post about people rating reviews before the book is out and unless it becomes habitual from the same reviewer I'm inclined to give them the benefit of a doubt, because if you've ever tried updating your status on a book (adding it to your shelf and picking amongst read, to be read and finished) its easy to mistakenly swipe over the stars, and hard to change it back or get your device to register that you have changed it back.
I cringe when authors give their own books 5 stars.
I gave one book 2 stars and the author (I think she's just starting, indie author) contacted me asking why I gave her book only 2 stars when people usually love her books and give only 5 stars. I went and checked both of her pen names (just to satisfy my curiosity), and guess what, she had given those 5 stars herself and usually another 5 stars under that another name of hers.. and if I remember correctly these were the only "ratings" she had got (at least on Goodreads). WTF!
My thoughts:
If you rate a book before reading it-your an idiot. Sorry, but you are. Your also not doing anyone any favors.
If goodreads honestly believes that you don't have to read a book to rate it-then they are idiots.
It's hard for me to agree with not letting authors respond to negative comments. While yes, it may limit some on being completely honest, on the other hand we all should be adults and able to have intelligent non name calling discussions. I sell on ebay and my right to respond to negative comments was taken away a few years ago. Nothing worse then having someone disparage your item and not be able to at least give your side.
On the rating of books before the books are released: I don't understand why so many people on GR insist on rating books they haven't read. They even put comments like "Can't wait to read this one." So you know they haven't read it even thought they have given it five stars.
But how would GoodReads enforce a "must read first" policy? Of course in the case of Lauren Dane's book I think they clearly should have done something about the rating since they had information straight from the author that the book was still in copy edits. But, what about in the case of ARC's. Some ARC's are sent out months in advance so how would GoodReads determine if the member had read a very early ARC or was just posting random ratings? I think that would be a hard policy to enforce.
I was just complaining about this myself the other day. In response to your BDB Lover Unleashed review. I was scrolling through to read other reviews and people were rating it 5 stars and then posted – can't wait to read it! That's happening more and more. I'm looking for honest opinions of what to buy and it wastes my time to slog through that stuff.
Some Like it Hot – That is true – there could be mistakes. I know if I use the GR App on my phone, if I make a mistake it is impossible to fix. But if a book coming out in 6 months already has over 100 ratings…they are not all mistakes.
Maija – Wow…just wow. That is absolutely ridiculous!!!!
Tori – That's true – but on Ebay it is a business..money passed hands. This is just an opinion. Yes, free speech – but I just feel author input limits the speech. Unless the review is inaccurate or misleading.
FV – GR can't enforce a read first policy. But in a case by case basis they could address it. If an author states that a book is in copy edit stages, I think they could have acted.
Karen – I don't know…Maybe they change the ratings after they read it?
I tried to write a long comment earlier and it wouldn't let me through. SADFACE! So here is my recap…let's see if I can remember what I was ranting about, lol.
I will say that as an author — I'm on Goodreads IF you feel like contacting me. I don't contact anyone that reviews my books, and I don't jump into discussions unless asked, because, well, it's not about me, yanno?
In context, I use Goodreads to tag books that I enjoyed, and it is TOTALLY AWKWARD when I add a book to my 'currently reading' and…the author strikes up a conversation. Oy. What do I say? WHY ARE THEY TALKING TO ME??? I JUST WANT TO READ YOUR BOOK. So then it becomes uncomfortable, stalkery, oh look I'm reading your book with a spotlight on my face, and it makes me want to run and hide. I don't care if it is with the BEST INTENTIONS in the world, it still makes me wildly uncomfortable. So I totally agree that authors need to stay out, good or bad. I'm HAPPY to see that little "Be nice!" post that pops up. I mean yes, we SHOULD be nice, but someone always ruins it for everyone. There's also a notice on your hair dryer not to use it while you are sleeping. Why? Because some tool comes along and ruins it for everyone, that's why. ;)
I am a firm believer that Goodreads is a READER site, not an author site, and that authors are invited purely to enhance the reader's experience. If it was all about authors, it'd be called BadassWriters or CoolAuthors or something. It's not. It's called Goodreads. :)
That being said, the reviews ahead of time thing doesn't bother me. I just think people get excited over books (which is awesome) and it's pointless to ask for bad reviews to be taken down (again, it's still not about us). But then again, I rarely pay attention to star ratings on Goodreads and really look for reviews that discuss what they liked about the book vs what they didn't. And okay, SPOILERS. I am a spoiler hound and actively seek them out.
Also? I like caps. A lot.
(Goodreads is a hotbutton topic of mine, can't you tell? ;)
-Jill
Yes – GR is a READER site (yay to caps ;) Obviously we love authors, hence the reading. But I just think they should observe from a distance. Thx for your thoughts :)
GR is becoming more like Amazon and the WTFckery that goes on there.
Also I find it odd that some aspiring authors are writers are posting sections of their writings up there in their update section. Is it just me who finds this strange?
GR is for readers to discuss in an open forum without the fear of being ridiculed by the authors regardless if a reader hates an author's book with a dying passion.
Also I became very uncomfortable when I posted an update on a book and author commented about it. I felt as if I was being watched and if I came out and said the book didn't work for me, the author would comment again.
I completely agree with what you are saying! I didn't realize that GR's has been having anything negative like that go on…of course I am a very new memeber and use it mainly to keep track of my books. I think that it should be open for readers to share their thoughts and feelings about the books they have read! Don't use it as a way to slam and author you don't like and authors don't try to cheat the system by rating your own books highly…I mean hello, that just makes you look insecure in your work! Be proud of it the way we know you are and let readers have their own opinion. I do agree that writers should be able to rate other books they have read because that's just it…they are readers too. I've still never understood why sites like this can't just stay the way they were supposed to be used without shaddy people coming and making the sites get a bad reputation. :-(
It makes me sad to hear some people went nutso on an author's appearance. I feel like authors should be able to be brains in jars for all it matters. Theoretically, the only thing readers should need to care about are the products of the author's imagination, not how fat or old or whatever she might be.
When my latest release got a 3-star rating several weeks before it even came out, I was really surprised by the depth of hurt I felt, just flummoxed. It felt like someone was out to personally attack me. So after that it seemed clear that it simply wasn't constructive for me to read anything about my work that wasn't directed specifically at me in the form of, say, a direct email or a reply to one of my posts.
Knowing there is discussion about my work and stopping myself from even looking at it is a challenge! For me, knowing how darn vulnerable I feel, I think it's just not constructive to wallow in everyone's opinions, good or bad. Better to keep working on the next project.
KB – I feel like it is not as anonymous as Amazon is – so the troll comments are as bad. But who knows as it gets bigger.
Deanna – It's because they are growing..and as it gets bigger, they are going to have to reevaluate their goals and the way they do things. Hopefully they stay on track.
Jordan – On appearance – I totally agree. That thread was just horrible and I shake my head they were allowed to continue.
I don't understand the early, low ratings to try to undermine an author. Grow up people.
I know if I saw something about my blog I would probably respond – So I can't imagine being an author and having constant critics! :)
The most difficult thing is to find a blog with unique and fresh content but your posts are not alike. Bravo.