*~Thoughts on Posting Negative Reviews~*

Posted on February 18, 2018 by

86 Comments

So today, I wanted to discuss something that we dread, negative book reviews… You know like going on a rant or posting a 1 or 2 starred review! Don’t get me wrong a good rant is sometimes is just what the doctor ordered.

It literally sucks the life out of me and just puts me in a foul mood. Now I do things a little differently at Touch My Spine Book Reviews. I don’t post most of my negative reviews on my WordPress blog.

I read a book about every day, so that’s a lot of books to say the least and some might wonder why does Dani have so many 3, 4 or 5 starred reviews? Well, I am going to explain how I do things and I would love your thoughts on it because maybe I am breaking a code or something. I honestly don’t know if we even have a code!😂 Oh, and I have to add that this is just my way of doing things and I love everyone else’s way of reviewing! It makes you all unique and special!

Don’t get me wrong folks, I have shared my share of 3, 2 and the dreaded 1 Starred reviews. Ugh and it eats away at my soul.😱😱😱 I just hate bashing books and hate the funk it puts me in but understand it’s a necessary evil. I know I am a book reviewer that’s how it goes well it doesn’t make me feel much better about it.

Anyways, I am going to explain what I do most of the time if I really don’t like a book. First off, I always do my absolute BEST to finish a book no matter if it sucks big ones or not if it’s an advanced reader copy. Regardless of my feelings on a particular story, I do want to give the authors and publishers the best opinion I can by reading it thoroughly. Sometimes this kills me…. Ugh..

Well once that is over and I think things over if I have a negative view on the story, I will post my review on NetGalley and send the publisher a note. I may still put it on Goodreads and Amazon for my own records but I do not waste my time with a full review on WordPress. I don’t know if this is a bad thing. Many publishers appreciate me giving the feedback and don’t really want me going on the rant but pretty much I do this to save myself time and to keep my life as positive as possible. When I send a negative review to the publisher, I send it as detailed as possible as to why I don’t like it or why its just not the book for me.

I don’t know if that is looked bad upon in the book blogging community because if someone brings up the book, I will be completely honest. It’s more of not wasting my time with things that I don’t enjoy doing. Well I thought about it and wondered if I should always post all reviews because my readers can have my “warning” at all times. Most of the books I reviewed negatively and sent personally to the publishers were books with not much hype or such so just didn’t think anything of spreading my opinion. I don’t know if this is a big No-No in the book blogging community or if it’s okay I send half of my negative reviews just directly to the publishers and/or authors but really would love your thoughts. Also wanted to share a 5 star for me doesn’t necessarily mean that it was without flaws it just means that I LOVED it and so forth but you can read more about that, here. I appreciate all of my followers/fellow blogger’s views and opinions! Thanks so much for taking your time to read this post! You guys are the bee’s knees, my friends!❤😊 I love you guys!

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86 Comments on “*~Thoughts on Posting Negative Reviews~*”

  1. I really like your approach, and some of the big paid reviewers follow a similar model. Fortunately I have not had a terrible book recently, but I’ve already decided I am not going to post 1-2 star reviews on my site. I do think it’s important to reach out to the author or publisher to let them know why you didn’t like the book. As a writer, I want all feedback – good and bad. Sometimes it’s the only way we can grow.

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  2. I don’t read many books,as you know. And I do not have a book review blog, as you also know. But I do review films, and also post a shitload of reviews on Amazon, for stuff I get sent free, as well as things I buy. My rule is that if someone is paying for something, they should know what other buyers (or recipients of free stuff) genuinely think about it. So if something is only worth two stars, then that’s the review I write.
    But I also agree that there is not a lot of point just slagging off bad stuff for the sake of it, so when I write film reviews, they tend to mainly be good ones. After all, if I wanted to watch it, it must have something going for it. The other thing I try to avoid in reviews is irrelevance. A lot of stuff on Amazon gets bad reviews based on random issues like delivery time, assembly required, or packaging. This doesn’t tell anyone if the thing is actually any good, so I never understand why people do that.
    Sorry for the long reply! 🙂 x
    Best wishes, Pete. x

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    • Thanks so much for giving me your feedback, Pete!😁 I totally agree that the consumer’s want to know what they are getting themselves into. It’s just for me that I still post about it on other sites like Amazon or Barne’s and Noble. I just don’t take out the time to make it a custom Dani-style post. I don’t know if I was being clear. I also meant if it had a lot of hype with mixed opinions is when I don’t share usually. I’m so torn but a lot of it boils down to if I want to take out my time to write all of that stuff out when I have a backlist of reviews. I still out it on NetGalley and consumer sites but just don’t share on my blog much but am considering doing it more. Hmmmm. Sorry about rambling on, love.

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  3. Oohhhh that is a difficult subject, but let me see if I can throw in my 50 cents so to speak.
    First off: this is your blog. So…..in other words you should always be the one to decide what you want to write about, and which reviews you want to share. An opinion on pretty much anything is usually always the opinion of the person that writes the review. Some people may agree with you, others might not. A fun example of this was my most negative post that I have ever written for The Last Jedi. I have, to date, never had a post generate this much responses. If you look at that post now there are over a hundred responses. SO many people reacted: people that agreed with me, and people who didn’t. But you know what the best thing about it was? Everyone stayed respectful. And that I think is key. You have every right to not agree with a post or have a different opinion. I even welcome such discussions: but as long as you show respect.
    Negative reviews might not be fun…they can even put you in a very bad mood (The Last Jedi certainly did that) But if it’s for something that you were looking forward to, it can also work as a kind of healing process. To let out (part) of the anger..and move on. That’s what I think anyway. Now whether or not you want to share those reviews….it’s like I said above: all up to you. I love your blog, no matter what you write (and no I am not kidding here your posts are always a joy to read no matter what they are about 😘😘).
    And I personally don’t think at all badly of you if you are not sharing them. It can occasionally be a nice change of pace though: and knowing you…I think you can still turn even a bad/negative review in something good because of your writing style and your inner ability to spread happyness. That is simply put…your gift. Well…I hope this helps 😘❤️

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    • Well I have shared negative reviews and still plan to do so just didn’t know it splitting it up half and half lime that was looked bad upon or whatnot. Thank you for all the support and vote of confidence, Michel! I love a good healthy debate as well, sometimes. Like you said, as long as everyone is respectful and if someone chooses to go all out on their blog that’s their choice as well. I have a backlist of reviews and a few are negative so was just thinking aloud and gathering some perspective. Thanks so much for all your feedback sweetheart! Xoxoxoxo

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  4. I do something similar only. I do not post one/2 decks my site. I do notified the publisher of the author of my opinion. After seventy years picking books that I seldom get one from NetGalley. The last one I did was from an auhor. Since I started blogging of learned about new authors and the expectation of what you do for the free review. One expected to buy the book to inflated popularity on Amazon. Anything I don’t due is the best because that is my opinion. That all a review means!

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  5. I don’t think I have written one of those on my blog, yet. But I think It’s your blog and if you don’t like to write bad reviews then you shouldn’t haha. As long as you give your honest opinion on Netgalley or the author then I think you’re not breaking any kind of code(if there’s one haha) Love your posts Dani 😀

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    • Thanks so much!😍 I always give my honest opinion and I still will write negative reviews but 1 and 2 started ones. I send to the author or publishers half the time. I think I am going to gain more confidence in myself and start posting more. I guess I let the dress overtake me. Lol. So I just give all my opinions to them. I LOVE your posts too!!!😍 You rock!

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  8. I love your positivity Danii! ❤ I completely udnerstand your point of view, and honestly there's no code LOL you do wtv you want with your blog giiirl! I just like to express myself so egative or not theyre gonna have to deal with me, I just don't feel being honest if I accept a request and I don't give my honest thoughts but some other bloggers like to post only positive reviews and that's okay too 😀

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    • Thanks so much for sharing that sweetheart!!!!😍 XOXOXOXO 🌹💜🌹 I still post negative reviews but don’t do it all the time. I was pondering it that maybe it would do me some good to try and post more of them instead of sending them to NetGalley only because I can gain more confidence in expressing my opinion publicly but I always give my honest opinion on my blog so I guess when I don’t feel like posting them don’t if I do than I should. Thanks so much for all the feedback and love as always, Trang!😘 You are the sweetest and BEST! Also I LOVE your reviews girl!😍

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  9. I like your approach. I don’t go below a 2 star. However when writing the review I try to find the possitives on the book. I read one recently that was great writing and well put together but it got a 2 star from me because it wasn’t my cup of tea, there was far too much violence etc in it and it was very graphic. But it’s my opinion, not everyone’s.
    Thanks for sharing your process ❤️

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  10. Great post! I agree with you completely! This usually happens to me with independent published authors (there are a lot of great ones out there as well). If it was completely horrible, I will reach out to the author first and be very polite and honest, then ask if they wish for me to proceed. The few times I have had to do this, they have left it up to me if I wanted to publish the review. I declined to do so just because I would rather share great books with others instead of horrible books. Maybe I would feel better about publishing a negative review if it was for a large name author or publishing company with big money instead of small time indie authors.

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  12. Sometimes posting a negative review gets positive feedback, some poeple(if they read the book) can maybe make you see things in a diff way. On the other hand, its your opinion and you have realy great followers. So i doubt they will give you negative feedback. I know i wont.

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    • Thanks so much!😍 I always appreciate your support! You rock! You’re right though, posting a negative review can get positive feedback. I’m not anti negative reviews just don’t do them all because I just don’t always feel like wasting my time and don’t feel like bashing at that moment. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and the support!😘

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  15. I think it’s your blog hence your choice! But I do like knowing when someone didn’t enjoy a book. If there’s a lot of people that don’t like it but I’m still interested I’d check it out at the library rather than buy it. Even if I disagree with the review I still like other people’s opinions. Just do what feels right to you! No rules. 🙂

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  16. I honestly feel like everyone can choose to do whatever they like on their own blog- if it doesn’t make you happy to write negative reviews, no biggie. I rarely write reviews for books I dislike, cos I don’t read as many bad books at the moment *touch wood* 😂 And as long as you’re honest (which you are) it’s really no problem anyway. I think if you have a range from 3-5 stars people generally realise that you are being fair (and I usually guess when I see that the reviewer doesn’t like to give negative reviews- which is fair enough!) Sorry for rambling- I’m a firm believer in “your blog, your rules” so do what makes you happy!

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  17. YAAASSSS!!! I feel the same way about my reviews. I hate posting negative ones. I’ll usually skip the review on books I dislike. That or leave it at Goodreads, and not bother with putting it anywhere else. As a writer, crap reviews scare the holy mother of love out of me!!

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  18. That is a interesting take , I get the reasoning behind your style , but i do post negative reviews , because I feel my reviews are basically my way of recommending or , in case of negative reviews, not recommending a book to whoever reads the review

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  20. I really don’t consider myself “ranting” exactly when I write 1 or 2 star reviews but just try to list what I didn’t like about a book to rate that way. I’d never say anything like the author’s writing sucks etc because I do believe every book out there will have someone who absolutely love them even if I didn’t.

    But on that note that’s why I think low rated reviews are necessary too even if I don’t particularly enjoy writing them but perhaps something I say will register with someone else so they know to move on to the next and not waste their time or perhaps someone rating 1 or 2 did so because they prefer a slow pace and thought the book moved too fast which I personally adore. A bit of an explanation to the why of a rating could help others out as long as it’s not just being mean spirited I don’t think the authors should even mind.

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      • I saw you do one not too long ago where you said the character did something that aggravated you and thought that was a good thing to point out as it might bother others. Stuff like that is just as helpful for other readers as a glowing and positive review can be, heck some say they don’t even bother reading five stars. LOL

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  21. Pingback: The Blogger Recognition Award! – Hammock of Books

  23. I feel that is up to you, as the reviewer to review any way that makes you feel comfortable. I know that I loke to post all my reviews whether I liked the book or not. But, in saying that, if I am in contact with the author I usually like to let them know first to allow them a Vito if they really don’t want me to post it and that way I can just give the constructive criticism to them directly and they can take or leave it. If I’m not in contact with the author then I will post the review but I always try not to rant, but instead to give the criticisms as professionally as I can and to always include anything positive if I can.. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that didn’t have SOMETHING positive about it! I will also ALWAYS finish the book as NOTHING annoys me more than people writing reviews and listing (DNF) (DID NOT FINISH) How do you even know your review is valid then?? The end could have really justified the book or at least dredged up another star or so!! To me, it’s a completely invalid invalid review and a waste of my time to read.

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    • You had fantastic points that you wrote here!! I definitely see all that your coming from!😊 I think you have a great way of reviewing. I agree sometimes the ending makes a book worth it. That’s why I do everything in my power to finish them so I definitely like that point you made there!😄

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  24. Oops. Also meant to say that posting a review for a book that has only 1 or 2 stars is also helpful to others since there may be something else on their list that they could have been reading that was much better, and we all only have so much time in our lives for reading! But, I always state that this is my opinion and could be someone else’s favourite book!! We’re not infallible! Lol!

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  25. First, I agree with everyone else who has already said this is your blog Hon. You make the rules, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Now, as far as my blog goes, I do post negative reviews, although the positive ones definitely outweigh the bad ones. As you know most of my reviews are for eARCS I’ve gotten from publishers via NetGalley and Edelweiss. I feel like once I’ve been approved for a book I have a responsibility to review it on my blog, goodreads, etc. regardless of how I wind up feeling about it. Since I began blogging I think there are only two books that I just couldn’t manage to stick it out until the bitter end. And when I do give a negative review (which kills me and has me completely relating to that gif of the girl drinking under her desk) I’m as honest and fair as I can be. I also try to say something nice, even if it’s about the cover. And if it is receiving some good reviews on sites like goodreads, I try to include that as well. So, there’s my two cents. I hope this makes sense. I’ve got a wicked headache because I’ve been fighting with Goodreads all day as my account was apparently hacked and deleted.😭

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  26. Brilliant. I have a lot to say on this! 🙂 Soon… I have a new segment on my blog and will share more about the review process. I always try to find something nice to say, and I only ever give a 1 or a 2 if it is truly awful on all counts, e.g. mistakes, bad story, inconsistent, poorly edited, does harm to readers, etc.

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  27. I do not think you are breaking any code by not posting negative reviews. I think it’s just a matter of personal preference like some have with rating below three stars. I get that completely. I tend to go ahead and post my thoughts on the 1 and 2 star reviews but I like to keep them as short as possible so that I am not spending a lot of time on them and my readers aren’t wasting their time reading about a book I just didn’t like. But I do post them because I like to open myself and my thoughts up to discussion. If someone else enjoyed a book I disliked, I want them to offer their view point – if they feel like it that is. I am a mostly open minded individual and love the process of discussing books, so if someone saw something in a book that I didn’t then I welcome the chance to be “shown the light”. Who knows, maybe their view point will change my opinion – most likely not – but I like to leave the possibility out there.

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    • Thanks so much for sharing this with me, Rochelle!😄 Your feedback makes a lot of sense and I thibk its great how open minded you are. I am also very open minded. I guess sometimes I may be a bit lazy or just not feeling like dwelling on the experience of a bad book! Everyone’s feedback has been fantastic and I really appreciate your support and you sharing yours!!❤❤❤

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  28. This is such an interesting post and the comments area is bursting with a lot of useful information! 😀 I have wondered the same, still wondering how to tackle this properly. My blog doesn’t have a star-rating system, but I need to put stars in NetGalley, Amazon and Goodreads… and it feels weird, like if I was labeling a person…and then I wonder “what if it is only me and the book is great and I am the one who cant appreciate it properly?”. I still have many questions about different ways of reviewing books and even got myself a book called “How to read a book” yep hahahaha!! supposed to be a classic 😉

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    • That book sounds awesome, Alicia!❤ I have questions myself at times but if you ever need to ask something or talk you can reach me @ my email on my homepage. I plan on doing a post about NetGalley soon because I asked a publisher at penguin some questions. I’m so thankful you shared your feedback! Yay!❤ I love how much feedback and different views I received from this post, it’s awesome! I am really pondering a lot with all these new perspectives!❤📚😁 Xoxo

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      • Thank you sweetie ❤ I might take your word at some point 🙂 I love this blog community soo soo much 🙂 we are all spread around the world yet connected, at times even more in tune than with the people around us. Ohhh great that you contacted them! I will be looking forward to your post 😀 ❤ ❤

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  29. I get what you’re saying totally! I hate writing negative things! It does suck the life out of me too! But unlike you, it’s incredibly maddening for me to finish a book that i think is just awful! I do this stuff [writing] for fun and I think my life is too short to spend it doing things that I just don’t enjoy. One of my professors said a quote that has always stuck with me: “I do nothing for a living, I only do things for fun!”

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  30. Thanks for sharing, Dani! Haha, no code. No right or wrong way. Come as you are. Do as you will, so long as it hurts no one. 😄

    I usually do not post 2 or 1 star reviews. I find a way to get a private message to the author about what I felt worked or didn’t and why. I think it’s cause I’m an author too, and I don’t wanna be the bad guy to a baby author and make them lose confidence. I know you never would, but some people leave the nastiest low star reviews and I can only imagine how that makes baby and adolescent (and grownup) authors feel. Constructive criticism is good. Being nasty is just rude. But I do prefer to give private feedback in those cases because it’s what I’d want. I have very low self worth, and feel shamed easily. Add to that the fact that introverts in general don’t like being called out pblcally, or put on the spot, and recipe for meltdown.

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  31. It’s always terrifying when I ask someone to review my book because there is the possibility of them not liking it. I always want honest feedback but I would definitely prefer your method over someone ranting on their blog about how awful they thought my book was. A constructive, private note to the publisher and author is a great idea and leaving a short negative review on one or two sites is also a great idea. You’re being honest, you’re doing what you promised, but you’re not drawing too much attention to it. I like it!

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Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆

Dani☆Touch My Spine Book Reviews☆

Hey everyone! I'm Dani and I am a free spirited bibliophile!💖 I love meeting new people and being a part of this community. I have met the best people in the world being a book blogger and love them as family.😍 Here's some words that describe who I am in a nutshell: Book Nerd Girl, Custom-Made, Hippie Chick, Empath, Open Minded, Spiritual(but doesn't push), A Random Rambler, Loves Humor, Pansexual, Poly, Animal Lover, Book Molester, Life Coach, Psychology Major, Dyslexic That Was Self Taught With Books, Inspiring Author, Loves Others to a Fault!💖😍 The only thing I ask for on this blog is respect! Craziness and dirty joking welcome.💯 Discrimination and disrespectful comments can hit their asses with the door!💯📌📝

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