This discussion is in context with a video that I saw on YouTube in regards to negative reviews from smaller creators, based on the latest novel Zenith by Sasha Alsberg and Lindsay Cummings.
However, this topic can be expanded in general for how negative reviews are portrayed by the public. There are some people in the blogosphere who seem to think that smaller creators who have opinions and reactions to popular things, that may be different than the normal response, are only doing it for attention. They feel those reviewers need to speak negatively in order to make a name for themselves. But the thing is, negative commentators don’t need the attention they already have. Just because a review is negative, it’s a form of opinion. If we all had the same opinions, life would be pretty boring.
With that being said, here is our roundtable of book-lovers who have experienced similar experiences from sharing their honest opinions.
Participants:
Amber (The Literary Phoenix)
Erica (Erica Robyn)
Taylor (Taylor Tracy)
Chloe (Book Dragons)
Debbie (Debbie’s Library)
Camilla (Reader Attic)
Camilla (Reader Attic) 1. How has writing negative reviews or opinions changed the way you think in general about pop culture?
Erica- I’m still so hesitant to write a negative review simply because of how quickly some people write things off after reading just one negative review. I, personally, always state why I didn’t like the thing, but I also make sure to throw in reasons why other people may enjoy it more than I did. Far too often, I see someone say something like, “This book sucks.” Comments like these just aren’t constructive. If I see any review that begins like that, I just keep scrolling. When it comes to pop culture, I would certainly like to see more discussion around things people don’t like, and far less opinion stated as fact.
Chloe – I think a lot of people, try to shut down people who have something negative to say, about something which is popular. For instance any Cassandra Clare books, I personally love her writing and her worlds. But I’m aware that not everyone is going to like her books and that’s totally ok. You know, the point of reviewing a book is to add your opinion into the mix. Maybe it’s an unpopular one, but it’s still valid, negative or positive. I write reviews no matter the rating, this includes any I DNF. The main thing I always make sure to include in my DNF and negative reviews though, is reasons why I didn’t like it. Mostly it’s down to my opinion, we all have different opinions, so that means there’ll be people out there who do like/love it.
Camilla – This is not a usual question I ask myself. I’m always being late or distant towards can be defined as more popular or pop. I’ve never had particular problems to write a negative review not even about something that is wide know and get awesome rating. One of the things I had, and still has sometimes, is that more popular products almost become untouchable, like too perfect, while I always found much more useful to seek and read reviews that analyze in major depth certain aspects. But sometimes the backlash people get for pointing out things, is just… ridiculous.
Amber – There’s a heavy cultural drive to have our opinions heard, and to be acknowledged as correct. Going against the stream can be rough. Negative reviews are important, and often more helpful than positive ones. When I think about it, positive reviews tend to say, “this was great, that was great, everything’s great!” while a well-constructed negative review says “I found the language too flowery and the pacing slow”. As a reader, I’d much prefer knowing about the elements of the story vs. how sweet the smol cinnamon rolls are. Cinnamon rolls don’t help me. Give me ALL the negative reviews!
Cee – OK, so I try not to write any reviews that are 100% positive or 100% negative, because no book is absolutely one way or the other. (Plus I tend to hold a variety of conflicting opinions at the same time!)
I have found though that I’m a butt-tonne more critical now than I used to be. Nothing gets a free ride! And actually, if I know and/or love the author, I’m more like to be critical to fight off the subconscious biases 😉
I have a policy of ‘cards on the table’ when it comes to my blog – especially when it comes to reviewing.
We’re not actually here for the writers. We’re here for the readers. The only duty we have is to them. So if you give them all the info. they need to decide whether this is a book they want to pick up, then you’re doing your job. That’s my perspective anyway!
2. How many times do you write and edit your reviews before posting?
Erica- For me it depends on the post. I’d say that about 85% of the time, I write and then read through it just once before hitting “publish”. For my posts that prove more difficult to write out, I may edit it a couple of times before it’s published.
Chloe – I write my review/review and discussion once, then when I go back through and format it, I edit it a bit so it makes sense. To be honest I probably edit my discussion posts more than my negative reviews, particularly if I’m discussing something where I have a really strong opinion. Sometimes I accidentally switch from strong opinion mode to mini rant mode because I’m damned passionate about the topic. I just don’t want to post a discussion that’s overly opinionated and may, I don’t know, make people shy away from commenting?
Camilla – Not so much. I usually go for writing it once, do a grammar check and a general re-read to see if I repeated something or should add a part/explanation that can be useful to understand what I’m trying to say.
Amber – Hah! My reviews drop laden with typos. Once I get the review done – it’s done. At least, until I go back and re-read them often after publication and kick myself for being so sloppy, and rush back to editing hoping nobody noticed. I like to be a stream of consciousness reviewer, giving my raw opinions… typos and all, I guess!
Cee – HAHAHAHAHA. Ha. Hahahahaha.
(ahem)
Sorry.
So. I will start out by writing something.
And then I’ll be like ‘and another thing!’ And while I’m adding the other thing, I’ll read over whatever I’ve already written, and a lot of the time I’ll change it, or add something, or take something away, or whatever.
I might write one paragraph in one section, then one paragraph in another section, then I’ll come back to it like three days later with something completely different to add to it.
I think my brain bounces around so many topics at once that I have to write like I’m making a patchwork quilt. 😉
3. Do the heightened growth of a popular book, movie, or show influence the way your write your reviews and opinions?
Erica- Nope! I will say that I am very careful about falling for the hype though. If something is super hyped in either a super positive way, or the most negative, I tend to wait to check it out until the hype has died down a bit or for when I have my expectations under control. However, when it comes to writing up a review, I’m just always honest; I would never say I liked or disliked something based simply on popular opinion.
Chloe – Ha no, as a person who mostly reads backlist books I get round to the new releases/hyped books months sometimes years after the fact. It’s totally not because I’m not interested, it’s just down to me wanting to read my backlist books first. And also, waiting for the hype to die down. When a popular book comes out, you see so many reviews for it everywhere, which is great but also tiring after a while. I tend to wait, so the new releases for this year, I’ll probably get round to later on this year or next year. I always write honest reviews and give my honest opinions, whether it’s positive or negative it’s what I thought. Regardless of how popular or unpopular the book is.
Camilla – Sometimes I can get on with the hype and tend to like a novel more than what I would usually do, but at the same time I’m still quite critical. So, I would say that it might happen, but never so strongly to change my opinion on such book. Also, I must say that if I found something famous that I deeply dislike… save yourself. I can be petty. Don’t ask me why but I do. So, for example, never ask me about Shatter Me.
Amber – If something is hugely popular, I try to tread more carefully with my wording as to not offend people. Last year, I reviewed Caraval and just didn’t like it (though most people do! Definitely read it if you’re on the fence – it’s a great concept!), and I had not read a single negative review of the book at the time. Writing a two-star review was wicked intimidating. But my readers are the best, and have all been very supportive of my opinions, so I worried over nothing.
Cee – If there are more people reviewing something, or talking about something, or whatever, then there’s a lot more opinions flying around – and that’s a good thing!
It means that something you may not have thought of – an idea, a critique, whatever, is more likely to work its li’l way into your brain.
Will you always accept it? Hell no! But that’s how you (should) form opinions – by pitting them against other logical interpretations (not including hate. Hate sucks, and is not logical.)
4. As a lesser-known writer or content creator, how have the reactions of your audience affected how you feel about your opinions?
Erica- I don’t let the comments from my audience sway my opinions in any way. I will say thought that I have gotten very frustrated with people that comment on my posts stating their opinions as if they were the only “correct” opinion. But after trying to start discussions with people like that, I now just delete their comments. Again, it’s just when someone comments to say something unnecessary and unconstructive like, “This book sucks,” or “That author is the worst,” or “How could you actually like this book?!” That last one is my favorite. Like, I just literally wrote a whole blog post about why I liked it…
Chloe – I’ve not had any trolls so far *crosses fingers* but it makes my day, when someone comments on a review offering their opinion. It’s the same when they offer their opinion on my discussion posts, I just love learning about other people’s opinions, and why they feel that way I guess.
Camilla – People tend to act two ways. One is talking about what they liked about such book or didn’t like, and that’s fine. Because I love discussing about what I saw or didn’t see. Other people get really aggressive, even on simple comments or opinions even before I actually write the review. It happened when I said something negative about a certain beloved male character in the ACOTAR series. And I still dislike him with all my heart (fight me). Another things that happened on me when I had the Italian written blog, was people getting mad at me for not reviewing classic books with good ratings. I remember that a person wrote a really long comment about how I was wrong and I was denying its historical importance.
Amber – I try to pretend this doesn’t bother me, but it does. So much. I want people to think I’m funny and smart and interesting – I swear, sometimes I still feel like a high schooler trying to find my place. I’ve only had a couple trolls in the last year, and they bug me. Can we just have an adult conversation? I don’t mind being wrong, but let’s talk about it like civil people. Pfft, see? I’m still mad.
Cee – Oooh (rubs hands) (rolls up sleeves)
Nah, my nerdlets – my readers who visit my blog like, more than once! (Lol) – are generally beautiful peoples who support me a bunch.
And then there’s other people. These are people who have never been to my blog before (usually,) or at all if they find me on Twitter, and, largely, are a**holes. #JustSaying.
These people affect me by making me more determined than ever to talk about comics and books in a way that supports women and marginalised communities.
Plus I find glittery gifs scare them the f**k off – they think they can catch gay 😉
Never be afraid to use block and mute options on various platforms either! You don’t have to put up with people who affect you badly.
5. Do you believe in the “haters gonna hate” mentality some popular creators spin to try to discredit smaller creators?
Erica- This is a tricky one. On one hand, I absolutely think there are many trolls out there that hate on something simply to get a reaction from others or to stir things up. However, on the other hand, I think that trying to shut someone down who is simply giving an honest opinion is totally uncalled for. The dilemma is in figuring out what’s an honest opinion, and what is just a troll.
Chloe – Hmm like Erica said, there’s the dilemma in figuring out, who’s a troll and who’s just giving their honest opinion. I do think that people are going to hate sometimes, and I’ve also used that phrase ‘haters gonna hate’ talking to my friends (outside of the book community, in another community here) when they’re getting hated. I think the root to some people just hating on others can quite often be jealousy, that person has something they don’t etc.
Camilla – I think that haters gonna hate is actually quite truthful. I saw people doing for the sake of doing it or falling into a category in which, if an author they don’t like make a mistake, they’re ready to jump on it. But at the same time there are other side that people, especially if in love with a famous series, tend to label as such when they’re not. It happened to with Harry Potter, that I don’t really love that much, and it’s really impossible to point out a things or talk about Rowling recent behaviour that people get kind mad or dismissive. Like, is not the first time I saw people get really defensive if others point out problematic. They usually get labled as envious. But at the same time it’s a way some authors act to shield themself, usually with a dismissing attitude. Recently we have seen plenty of examples.
Amber – I’m with the other ladies – this is tricky. I do believe that some people are just going to not like something for the sake of not liking it. I remember having disagreements with people about Harry Potter back-in-the-day where they passionately spoke against the series, but hadn’t read it and wouldn’t dare because it was satanic. It used to frustrate me, because I wish people wouldn’t blindly judge something without truly knowing the content? But at the other end of things, I don’t think it’s right to dismiss an eloquent, well-researched opinion just because they don’t have enough followers. That’s just nonsense.
Cee – OK, so there’s a lot of different aspects to this question.
Firstly, if creators are using that mentality to purposely discredit someone, then that’s generally shady. Y’know, it’s not the best of attitudes.
That aside, I think that it’s difficult to talk about generalities here.
Sometimes people are petty. Which side is being petty can be hard to work out from outside it – it may be both sides for all I know, or even neither.
I think for creators who are being criticised, it’s actually sometimes a defence mechanism, because you have to have at least some belief in what you’re doing, so you have to ignore at least a portion of the doubters.
That said, if the same points are coming up time and time again, or if you yourself can see their validity – especially if an #OwnVoices reviewer is doing the criticising – then give yourself some time to go through them.
Being open to change isn’t a bad thing, but then, self-punishment isn’t a good thing; it’s important to try and strike a balance – albeit that’s kinda tricksy.
So, the short answer: it depends on the situation. And that’s the truth.
6. Do you have to be a “professional” in the field you write about to have an opinion that is against the norm?
Erica- No way! We are all entitled to our own opinions, whether we are professionals or not. Especially in pop culture when we’re simply discussing things we enjoy or disliked.
Chloe – No one’s professional in politics but we all have opinions there right? Not that I follow politics but you get the idea, the general population, aren’t professional in politics yet they still have an opinion, they still vote. With writing reviews, I think one of the stupidest comments I’ve heard about is ‘you try writing a book then’
Like really? Are we seriously going there? The ironic thing is if that ever happened to me, I can say I have, and I am writing stories/poems/lyrics. The reply comment would probably be something about how I’m not even published, again doesn’t matter. Even if you don’t write, you read. That kinda makes you a professional in the field since you’ll probably have read a lot of books. But for someone who’s just gotten into reading, it in no way discredits them, they’ll probably have a totally different take on it all. Due to them starting out, they won’t be sick of love triangles, or the same tropes a lot us readers are.
Camilla – When it comes to blog or any other platform that can work as such, the answer is no. I think that one of the main future of blogs is that there are everyday people behind that work on it just for love. That’s the point. Yes, some bloggers may work in a “professional” field that is related to book, but I think that the point of blogger is that people can share what they think without the need of some study degree. Also because we’re talking about fiction that is direct to everyone.
Amber – Absolutely not. I think you’ll be better respected if you are well-read in your topic, and it’s our duty to speak responsibly, but everyone has the right to opinion. Live and let live.
Cee – WTF?! Like, everyone has an opinion. (Maybe not everyone has an opinion worth having, but that’s another issue entirely.) You’re allowed to have, and express, opinions on anything. That is literally the definition of freedom of expression.
If other people listen to your opinion, support your opinion, give your opinion a platform, criticise your opinion, etc. it’s completely up to them – that’s their right. But you can have your opinion on any effing thing you want!
7. To you, does it matter how many followers or subscribers a creator or writer has in order to share an opinion that may not be popular?
Erica- Not at all. I never pay attention to the numbers anyway. I think it’s ridiculous that some people try to preach that only the popular creators are the ones allowed to share unpopular opinions.
Chloe – To me personally, no. To that creator/writer is probably does matter, as they’re most likely wondering if they’re going to have a negative or positive impact by posting the unpopular opinion. And if they emotionally and mentally are ready to deal with the backlash. You can have 5 subscribers or 5k or 5 million…each person’s opinion is valid. The amount of subscribers isn’t a way to validate your opinion, so don’t ever feel that it is, it’s showing you usually how many people enjoy hearing your opinion and viewing your content
Camilla – Not at all. Especially because every blogger start from zero. So it’s normal of sharing positive or negative opinions to very few active followers. But also, something like this can imply that only people with enough followers are the one which opinion is worth listening to, which is kinda toxic.
Amber – Not at all. Popularity doesn’t make a person’s thoughts any more valid, it just means they’re better at marketing or have a great writing voice. While these are all awesome accomplishments, it doesn’t validate their opinion any more than anyone else’s.
Cee – Um… no. Of course not.
I’m actually more suspicious of creators who never criticise anything. Cos dude, you do not love everything about everything!
I actually know of bloggers who have decided not to have ANY negative reviews, or many negative points in their reviews, on their blogs.
Now, if that was cos they don’t need negativity in their life, that’s one thing.
But it’s not. It’s cos they’re afraid they’ll hurt their relationships with authors, publishers, agents, etc., in the future.
And that makes me sad. We’re not paid by them. They’re not our sponsors. They don’t get to dictate what we say! (Live the Bookish Rebel life… you know you want to!)
8. How has this community helped you expand your writing and creativity more, in terms of sharing negative reviews?
Erica- I’ve been honest with my reviews from the start. If I don’t like something, I’m going to say why. End of story. Other than the few trolls, I do enjoy how supportive my audience is. I just love when someone comments saying something like, “Oh bummer. I’m sorry this was a miss for you. This is actually one of my favorite books. I enjoyed it because of x, y, z…” because that can start a great conversation, which is really what book blogging is all about!
Chloe – When I first started blogging, I started with discussion posts…not because I was scared of sharing my honest reviews. Because I felt like my reviews were shambolic and needed like…a lot of improving. It’s really hard to put your thoughts on a book into words. Particularly for books you love, the books I liked or hated (and DNFed) I find easier to write reviews and discuss them. I think that’s the case for a lot if us, and there’s nothing wrong with sharing that review as long as you make sure you say how it’s your opinion and the reader reading your review may enjoy it. All of that, I include because I don’t want anyone reading a negative review of mine, to think ‘oh well cause she doesn’t like it, I’m not going to try it’. Try it – I’ve actually still got to read Zenith and….I’m not going to lie I’m scared. I really want to like it cause I love Sasha’s videos and have been a subscriber of hers since…(a long time like 3 years? Something like that). But just because I love her, her content and have done for 3 years. Doesn’t mean when I get round to reading, I’m going to automatically like it, if I don’t like it I’ll probably explain why anyway.
Camilla – Is okay if I answer with: I’ve no idea? It’s a thing of fine to never notice such things that much. I just work on and I suppose that I get influenced by the atmosphere I’m in. One thing for sure is that I never stopped being that bloggers that is better at describe what didn’t work even in a books they like, instead of focusing of what they loved. I can also say that it showed me a lot of I don’t want to write negative review. I found many negative reviews that just don’t say much more than “not my cup of tea”, but I decided where and about what pose the focus on when I write something negative.
Amber – I’ve written a few posts about DNF-ing and I think that the blogging community (or at least my corner of it!) is very receptive to a well-written negative review! After my first couple negative reviews, I would cringe any time I got a comment notification only to find out… someone else disliked that book too! I’ve been truly blessed with an amazing group of followers, and I tell them this all the time but it’s sooo true – the community I’ve landed in is so supportive and I feel so much more comfortable giving my honest opinion about everything than I did a year ago when I was still trying to find my niche.
Cee – Welp, blogging has definitely given me a level of confidence in my own assessments and opinions than I could maintain before.
I’ve struggled with mental health problems for years now, and as part of that I had/have a tendency to not believe in my own capabilities, my own opinions, etc.
Plus I had a toxic/abusive friendship as a teen where I wasn’t allowed, basically, to disagree with anything my so-called ‘friend’ said. I and a few other girls were actually afraid of her, and it got to the point where we went out of our way to avoid contradicting her.
So blogging has really helped me to prove to myself that my opinions – positive, negative, neutral, or some combination – are valid. What I think matters. I matter. I can disagree with people and I’m still valid.
And when you’ve doubted yourself to the extent that you wonder whether you’re valid as a human being? That validation is f**king powerful.
9. How has writing recent negative reviews impacted your life, outside of social media?
Erica- I don’t believe it has. The only negative things that have occured when I write a negative review have occurred virtually. For example, when an author sent me a very nasty email because I didn’t give him a five-star review.
Chloe – Hmmm I don’t think it has? I think it’s made me more aware that people try and shut you down if you have a different opinion, which in MY OPINION, is totally wrong. Like can we just be civil, respect one another, discuss the topic where we have different opinions. Then move on, no one has time to argue. At least I don’t…got my TBR pile plotting my demise so I’m trying to outsmart it *winks*
Camilla – It hasn’t. Few people in real life know where to find my blog and even if people ask for the name, another great part of them never check it out.
Amber – It hasn’t! I even reviewed a book written by a good friend and only gave her three stars (sorry!) and we’re still friends. But most my IRL people aren’t book people. Too many people in my world are sports fans instead of book fans!
Cee – It hasn’t, generally. Certainly not recently.
You hear about extreme situations of course: most of us have heard horror stories about people who’ve been doxxed or stalked or harassed in their day-to-day life (I know I’m repeating a theme of my answers, but marginalised reviewers get targeted the most,) but for most of us that isn’t an issue (thank God!)
Don’t be complacent though – don’t give out your home address, mobile phone number, etc., out on public access platforms or to shifty people generally!
I think the way I’ve been affected the most is mental-health wise. I remember (and I use this example a lot so apologies if you’ve heard it before,) reading a comment where someone had shared a review of a Red Sonja book I wrote a million years ago. It was actually one of my first reviews, and I was even more fragile mentally back then than I am now.
And this guy – listen, I liked the book, I just criticised the over-sexualisation, which is a problem with this franchise – he basically dismissed everything I said on the grounds that I’m female and therefore have no idea what I’m talking about.
I was shaking. I don’t mean that metaphorically. I mean my Anxiety makes me shake when I’m faced with that level of criticism. I’m happy to say that I didn’t let it bug me for long though – I wrote a rant post against the comment, which I don’t recommend on the whole, but for that level of sexism the rules no longer apply.
There have been a couple of other situations – like the time a dude author thought it was OK to mock the Wenglish (Welsh dialect of English) way I talk (and also type, because this is the natural way I speak,) – but on the whole they’re the exception rather than the norm.
Thanks so much to all of my lovely guests for participating in my first roundtable discussion Q&A. Be sure to check out everyone’s blogs and social media platforms, mentioned in the intro above.
What do you readers think? Do you agree or disagree with our roundtable guests? What insights do you have on reviews seeking attention? Comment below.
Follow me on:
Thanks for reading!
