Should critics write negative reviews? - CrimeSpace2024-03-28T18:11:57Zhttp://crimespace.ning.com/forum/topics/537324:Topic:155944?commentId=537324%3AComment%3A155987&feed=yes&xn_auth=noNo. Considering what he's wil…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2008-08-28:537324:Comment:1576682008-08-28T18:12:36.221ZI. J. Parkerhttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/Ingpark
No. Considering what he's willing to pay for all other entertainment, it shows how little he values books.
No. Considering what he's willing to pay for all other entertainment, it shows how little he values books. But the reader doesn't care h…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2008-08-28:537324:Comment:1576662008-08-28T17:21:57.640ZJohn Dishonhttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/whiteskwirl
But the reader doesn't care how much the author makes. The reader cares how much he has to pay.
But the reader doesn't care how much the author makes. The reader cares how much he has to pay. Umm, it's "buyer beware" here…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2008-08-28:537324:Comment:1576502008-08-28T14:31:06.007ZI. J. Parkerhttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/Ingpark
Umm, it's "buyer beware" here. Self-published books are self-published because they didn't make it the ordinary way. Frequently that means the book is terrible.<br />
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As for authors charging outrageous prices: those who publish through major houses like St. Martin's, Morrow, Penguin, Holt etc. receive anywhere between 50 cents and 2 dollars per book -- after their advance has been paid off. Most cannot live on their income from writing and have other fulltime jobs.<br />
(That is not to say that critiques…
Umm, it's "buyer beware" here. Self-published books are self-published because they didn't make it the ordinary way. Frequently that means the book is terrible.<br />
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As for authors charging outrageous prices: those who publish through major houses like St. Martin's, Morrow, Penguin, Holt etc. receive anywhere between 50 cents and 2 dollars per book -- after their advance has been paid off. Most cannot live on their income from writing and have other fulltime jobs.<br />
(That is not to say that critiques should not be honest). I agree: a reviewer who expre…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2008-08-22:537324:Comment:1570462008-08-22T23:21:30.452ZDana Kinghttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/DanaKing
I agree: a reviewer who expresses an opinion needs to back it up, or at least acknowledge a particular criticism is a matter of personal taste. I don't read a lot of reviews anymore, as too many of them are just plot synopses. That's why I want to read the book; to see what happens. I don't even like to read the descriptions on the flap. A good review should tell me if the book is actually funny, or just clever. Or just trying to be clever. Something about the characters. Does the dialog ring…
I agree: a reviewer who expresses an opinion needs to back it up, or at least acknowledge a particular criticism is a matter of personal taste. I don't read a lot of reviews anymore, as too many of them are just plot synopses. That's why I want to read the book; to see what happens. I don't even like to read the descriptions on the flap. A good review should tell me if the book is actually funny, or just clever. Or just trying to be clever. Something about the characters. Does the dialog ring true. Does the plot make sense and hold together? (As opposed to telling what the plot is.) Then justify your opinions. The reviewer should at least show he has a clue as to what he's talking about. Well, I do say what I think,…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2008-08-22:537324:Comment:1570432008-08-22T21:30:39.094ZI. J. Parkerhttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/Ingpark
Well, I do say what I think, even if it's negative. In fact, if the author has a big name, I'm quite likely to comment on weaknesses. Partially, that's because I was irritated, having expected better, and partially because you can't hurt a best-selling author with a few negative comments.<br />
But I also dislike many books because they're not my sort of thing. By my standards then, they are wanting. But by someone else's they may be very entertaining books. Those I generally do not comment on.<br />
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I…
Well, I do say what I think, even if it's negative. In fact, if the author has a big name, I'm quite likely to comment on weaknesses. Partially, that's because I was irritated, having expected better, and partially because you can't hurt a best-selling author with a few negative comments.<br />
But I also dislike many books because they're not my sort of thing. By my standards then, they are wanting. But by someone else's they may be very entertaining books. Those I generally do not comment on.<br />
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I agree that one would like to see reviewers back up their verdict with examples. Yeah, crime fiction doesn't e…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2008-08-22:537324:Comment:1570392008-08-22T18:25:52.388ZJohn Dishonhttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/whiteskwirl
Yeah, crime fiction doesn't even have literary critics, that I know of. Someone like Harold Bloom or James Wood, who write in-depth reviews that really critique work. Those kinds of reviews really inform the reader, at least more than most reviews we get now, which is just a basic plot summary with a sentence or two of opinion about it.<br />
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So I think constructive criticism is just fine within the literary community. But within the genre community, from what I've gathered anyway, such criticism is…
Yeah, crime fiction doesn't even have literary critics, that I know of. Someone like Harold Bloom or James Wood, who write in-depth reviews that really critique work. Those kinds of reviews really inform the reader, at least more than most reviews we get now, which is just a basic plot summary with a sentence or two of opinion about it.<br />
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So I think constructive criticism is just fine within the literary community. But within the genre community, from what I've gathered anyway, such criticism is almost non-existent. Even here on Crimespace, usually when someone criticizes a work they always refer to it vaguely, without mentioning what book it is or who the author is. It's as if people are afraid to say something negative about a book within their own community. Perhaps because they don't want to do or say anything to jeopardize their career? I guess when the bottom line is the end game then you do have to walk on egg shells more, trying to keep everyone happy. But I think genre fiction is hurt because of it. More honest, open discussions are sorely needed. But that sort of criticism is…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2008-08-22:537324:Comment:1570362008-08-22T17:45:00.395ZI. J. Parkerhttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/Ingpark
But that sort of criticism is the prerogative of English professors and editors. To be sure, things can be learned from reviews (if one knows the reviewer and respects his judgment), but reviewers are not in the business of improving authors. They inform would-be readers.<br />
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Don't think I read NOTHING TO LOSE. Lee Child is uneven as far as I'm concerned. He is, however, generally, a fine thriller writer. My guess is that reviewers read and decided to pass because the book was weak. That also is a…
But that sort of criticism is the prerogative of English professors and editors. To be sure, things can be learned from reviews (if one knows the reviewer and respects his judgment), but reviewers are not in the business of improving authors. They inform would-be readers.<br />
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Don't think I read NOTHING TO LOSE. Lee Child is uneven as far as I'm concerned. He is, however, generally, a fine thriller writer. My guess is that reviewers read and decided to pass because the book was weak. That also is a critique of sorts.<br />
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I'm more concerned when awards nominations are influenced by an author's past literary prizes. Praise inflation? Absolutely.…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2008-08-22:537324:Comment:1570252008-08-22T15:19:57.971ZLinda Mickeyhttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/LindaMickey
Praise inflation? Absolutely. I have one name to say - Lee Child. While the "pros" gave <i>Nothing to Lose</i> a pass, the readers have not. Most of his fans are rating this one 3 stars or less. I can only assume that the major reviewers were unwilling to go on record with an honest assessment of this best-selling author's latest effort.<br />
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That said, I feel for reviewers. They are drowning in books and must be under a lot of pressure to get a certain number read before their publication…
Praise inflation? Absolutely. I have one name to say - Lee Child. While the "pros" gave <i>Nothing to Lose</i> a pass, the readers have not. Most of his fans are rating this one 3 stars or less. I can only assume that the major reviewers were unwilling to go on record with an honest assessment of this best-selling author's latest effort.<br />
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That said, I feel for reviewers. They are drowning in books and must be under a lot of pressure to get a certain number read before their publication deadlines. It must be difficult to find adequate time to write what they want to say.<br />
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With the advent of Internet review sites, there are more places to get reviews but I don't think the quality of the review has improved. Constructive criticism is becoming a lost art. The ability to point out the flaws in the work while making recommendations for improvement is a great talent and the reviewers who do it are to be commended. Should critics write negative…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2008-08-20:537324:Comment:1568392008-08-20T20:57:43.091ZTory Richardshttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/DebbieWallace
Should critics write negative reviews? YES, YES and YES!!! But remember, it's only <i>their</i> opinion. Just like the critic who writes a positive review. Above all else it should be honest and done with taste. No one likes to receive a negative review of their work, but if you do, look at it like, how can this help me? Sure, you're mad as hell right now, but <i>read</i> the review and use it to help you write a better manuscript next time.
Should critics write negative reviews? YES, YES and YES!!! But remember, it's only <i>their</i> opinion. Just like the critic who writes a positive review. Above all else it should be honest and done with taste. No one likes to receive a negative review of their work, but if you do, look at it like, how can this help me? Sure, you're mad as hell right now, but <i>read</i> the review and use it to help you write a better manuscript next time. I think your solution works w…tag:crimespace.ning.com,2008-08-19:537324:Comment:1566032008-08-19T13:22:16.270ZDana Kinghttp://crimespace.ning.com/profile/DanaKing
I think your solution works well, since you're writing reviews for your own web site. Recommend good books, and don't go out of your way to pan any. Most people are looking for recommendations of what to read, not what not to read.<br />
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My situation is a little different. I get books sent to me, and, like it or not, I feel an obligation to the editor of New Mystery Reader to send her a review. Some of them are less than flattering. She will occasionally keep one out of print if she thinks it's just…
I think your solution works well, since you're writing reviews for your own web site. Recommend good books, and don't go out of your way to pan any. Most people are looking for recommendations of what to read, not what not to read.<br />
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My situation is a little different. I get books sent to me, and, like it or not, I feel an obligation to the editor of New Mystery Reader to send her a review. Some of them are less than flattering. She will occasionally keep one out of print if she thinks it's just too negative. That works well for us: she knows I read everyting she sends, and I know she'll monitor my comments on those occasions when a book truly irritates me.