Not Reading Reviews
May 2nd, 2007 by Me
I don’t read my reviews. I can’t. I’ll read emails from people who write to me about my writing, but the reviews are another thing. I know a few other writers who feel the same way, they won’t read reviews at all. I’ve written book reviews, and I always try to say some kind words and I don’t think I’ve ever written a review that slammed anyone.
The funny thing is, I don’t read reviews myself. I pick up books based on the front cover, the info on the back cover of what the book is about and the genre of the book. Not very critical at all. I have my set favorites and then I find new authors by trial and error. I try it, and if it doesn’t work out, I just don’t buy another book. I avoid reviews if I can. When I do read them, I am often disappointed. But the thing is, some people love Diana Waynne Jones and some don’t. Some love Janet Evanovich and others don’t. For me, reviews are worthless unless the review is by someone whom has the same tastes that I do, and that’s not going to happen. Cause I’m weird like that.
I’ve left reviews before based on books I love. I prefer writing to the author and saying what I think when I can, but when an author doesn’t have some form of email communication, I’ll leave a good review somewhere. I don’t expect them to read them. It’s nice if they do but I know I don’t read reviews so I don’t expect any other author to.
I know a few others that don’t. I don’t really know an author that does read the reviews, not on their own stuff. Anyone out there?
