🛑🚫 Don’t Abuse (or harass) the Reviewer 🚫 🛑

 

What in the world??? 🫣

Yup … that’s the subject of this bookish blog …

 

I want to address something that happened to me a few nights ago. And, while I wanted to go in depth on social media … this was more appropriate for a blog. 

 

Before I continue – this is a long blog, but it was necessary. Even more so as the person continued to escalate the harassment. 

 

I first found myself tagged in this comment (8/20/2024 – approximately 7pm PDT) ⤵️

 

 

😳

 

To say I was at a loss for words is just not even accurate or adequate. I really didn’t even know WHAT to say.  

 

Where did that comment come from? I literally had no idea. And, one person I told said it was terrible. 

 

That comment was left in response to an author who posted about low-star ratings without reviews. I don’t even know the author or follow them. I do understand the author’s problem though. Leave a review for the author and potential readers as to why it was rated the way it was (1-star, 3-stars … even 5-stars), don’t just star it and go on.  

 

While this wasn’t the first time someone has come after me over a review (it’s been about 2 years since the one incident), it is the first time I’ve been accused of using my reviews in a retaliatory way (and the first time my reviews were targeted on Amazon). Even worse – according to this comment, I was accused of doing so only because I wasn’t accepted to launch/street teams 🤨

 

I was also perplexed by the “going around doing this” part. What exactly is this person referring to? Are they saying that I go around starring books without reviews? Or that I consistently give bad reviews out of spite?? 👀 

 

I reported the comment, un-tagged myself, and it seems it has since been deleted. Before the comment was deleted, I did invite the person to contact me privately and professionally to discuss my reviews (this was my EXACT reply) ⤵️  

The person has yet to do so, and it’s been OVER 24 hours since the comment was left. But, that wasn’t the end of their harassment (I’ll get to that).  

 

When it happened, I only suspected the reason. But, on 8/22/2024, I got actual proof. And, it was an admission. This was the result of two recent books on tour with a publicity team that this person is NOT associated with. I rated those books 3-stars and 2-stars respectively. These are books that the person is also assisting the different authors on launch/street teams with. I did contact the tour coordinator over this issue; and have since updated them with the new information. The tour coordinator was quite helpful, in addition to being alarmed. Notice I am not naming the authors or books at this book, nor will I unless I am expressly asked. These books were not “spicy” or explicit. They were within my favorite genres, and one author I had reviewed for previously.

 

As I had discussed the 3-star book with the tour group about the problems faced with it, their advice was to be honest in my review(s) since the author was looking for Amazon reviews (which there is evidence of 😉). Now it seems the author doesn’t want the review?? I am withholding the name of the person harassing me on Facebook (for now) as the person is a mutual friend among some writer friends. I don’t know the person per se, and I was only associated with them because of a group I was invited to a few years ago. A group they apparently kicked me out over the bad reviews. They never told me, so I’m only guessing, but it tracks. And, yes, I do have the screencaps with their name. 

 

Apparently, this person thought it was okay to make that comment and behave that way. I get the person is an author assistant and helps with launch teams, but the comment was unprofessional, and bordering on slander. 

 

This was NOT an acceptable way of handling an issue with a review. I am slightly hurt by the comment as well since they feel they can attack me without repercussions. There were better ways of discussing the issue with the reviews. But, they chose pettiness and spite instead (and still chose it even 2-3 days later) 😒 

 

This person also admitted to reporting a review to Amazon to have it removed (about noon, PDT 8/22) – and quite proud of themselves for doing so, even saying “we” as if they were recruiting people to report it (definite violation of Amazon’s policy). They’re also waiting for the other review of mine to be removed as well ⤵️ 

That is unprofessional. It is also an abuse of Amazon’s reporting system. Actual abuse. That is NOT what the feature is for. 

 

I don’t make it a habit to egregiously hand out low reviews. It does take some thought along with a process. I use a grading rubric that is quite extensive, and yes, my reviews are quite long. Anyone who has read them knows that I am thorough. Perhaps too thorough. One author used the word “verbose”.  

 

To address the “going around doing this” accusation … 

 

Since January 2024, I’ve roughly read 37 or more books (some I haven’t tracked in Goodreads yet, so it could be slightly higher). 

 

Of those, only ONE (1) fiction book has gotten a 2-star rating. According to Goodreads, that means “OKAY”; according to BookBub it is “disappointing”. I rated it appropriately on Amazon as well. That was the review that was removed, but I did repost it 😉 (I was also ready to re-post the other review just in case, but more on that later). 

There were four (4) books that were given a 3-star rating: 2-fiction, 1-business/self-help, 1-autobiography. Other than that? All other books were 4 or 5-star rated. Hardly “going around doing this”. Hyperbole is strong with some people. 

 

For me 3-stars are neutral ratings. That’s it. It doesn’t mean the book is bad, but it isn’t stellar either. Goodreads describes that as “I liked it”; BookBub describes it as “Okay”. Pretty much what I said – not bad, but not stellar. And, yet, this person is trying to remove a 3-star reviewed book from Amazon?? One that is literally marked “it was okay, I liked it?” 🤨 

 

AND … ALL of those ratings had reviews to explain the rating. I also found some positive things to say about the books (I did screen cap the Amazon reviews). So, I REALLY cannot see the “going around doing this” accusation if it was to state that I egregiously star books without reviews. Hence the “slander” part. Since it’s written, it’s actually libel. 

 

I’m going to be my “unsufferable know-it-all” self here and comment that it is VERY easy to see where I’ve starred books without reviews – either on BookBub or Goodreads. Even with Amazon (you can’t leave a review with just a star). And, most certainly my blog. I’m not going to take the time to post a review with graphics – some I’ve created myself – to NOT explain why I rated a book the way I did. 

 

To state “if you don’t like a book don’t leave a review or rating” – that is dismissive of the reader’s opinions and experience with the book. I’m sorry, but as a reader, if I took the time to read the book – I do get to leave my opinion about said book, even if it was given to me. More so if I bought it. 

 

Also, for me – personally – not leaving a review feels dishonest to potential readers. It’s like knowing about a road hazard or a known scam and not warning people. It seems just morally corrupt to not leave a review. There have been times I haven’t left a review – usually library borrows – but if I’ve been given a book to review (or won it), I’ll review it. If I’ve bought a book – I will review it.  

 

And, if it is part of a publicity tour – it’s nearly required to leave a review. I can’t just NOT do it. Should the issue come up where I really don’t like it, that is between me and the tour coordinator. Some have been gracious to say “don’t worry about it, thanks for letting us know”. Others? “do an honest, thoughtful review” (that was the response to the 3-star book, the one that was awaiting being taken down).  

 

The person who left that comment KNOWS that is what launch/street/review teams and publicity tours are literally for – promoting books and leaving reviews. 

 

So, I’d to address that entire comment and my reviews … 

 

FIRST ➡️ if you (an author or author assistant) have an issue with my review of your book that I’ve done either as a launch/street/review team member or part of a tour, please come to me in a private and professional way. Those are: email; DM/private message; contact form on my blog; or even a message through the tour coordinator. Don’t use accusatory or crude language, a simple “I noticed that the review for this book was 2 (3) stars, and I (or the author) would like to discuss that review for a bit more clarification” works.

 

While I may not be able to alter the review to be more positive, we can have a polite discussion. I can perhaps make your objections as a note in the review. 

 

I discuss the 2-3 star ratings reasons here: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html 

 

Most of my lower rating is due to MAJOR issues that affect the story. These are timeline inconsistencies, character age inconsistencies, or technical (legal, medical) issues. You – the author – should want a book that is plausible and flows. It should be consistent and cohesive. Your readers deserve this, especially if you want their money for your book. 

 

I mention this because two books I’ve reviewed in the past 24 months had not only timeline issues, but character age discrepancies. One age discrepancy was outrageously egregious; another was a bit “concerning”. The timeline issue in one book was questionable, another book the timeline was absolutely impossible. I say that because there was NO way the timeline worked. I’m sure if you read my blog and found some of my last reviews – you’ll see what I mean. 

 

If it is in reference to a technical/legal/medical issue, I can provide information where I got my facts from. One book had an implausible legal issue – as in, “that is not how it happens”. There was NO moving beyond that. 

 

While fiction books are that – fiction – most authors make an effort to get some of it correct to make the book/story seem more plausible (even going so far as to contact the FBI, law enforcement agencies, even medical professionals). And, many do it out of respect for the agencies and fields they write about. If there is an error – they own it.  

 

Another issue that resulted in a low rating in a recent book was “red flag” content 🚩⛔ Sadly, the wording and phrasing came off as predatory and inappropriate (considering it was from the father’s POV), about a 14-year-old girl. Some referred to it as sexualizing then teen. I mentioned those red flags in a review out of sensitivity to young girls and women who have been sexually assaulted by the male relatives in their lives. I am certain they would like to avoid that trigger. It was, for me, a warning – and in ways a trigger. I’ve highlighted and photographed those parts of the book for anyone who is curious. 

 

Please know that I’ve likely stated why I rated the book the way I did in said review. If it is for a tour, then perhaps we can ask the tour group about deleting the review from all sites. Understand that I did spend my time on not only reading the book; but writing the review. While a physical book could be “payment”, it is not equal to the hours spent photographing, creating graphics, reading, and reviewing. 

 

DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT ASKING FOR PAYMENT, BUT STATING A FACT

 

Positive reviews should NEVER be required for street teams or a publicity tour. A positive review in exchange for a book is actually shady, if not slightly illegal. It’s dishonest is what it is. It looks like the review was paid for, definitely a MAJOR no-no on Amazon. Hence why a disclaimer is often required. 

 

If I’ve bought the book (either new or second-hand) – I probably like the book anyway so no worries. There is NO obligation for me to leave a review or even delete an unfavorable one. 

 

Even if there is a bad review – reporting it as abuse to Amazon for it to be removed doesn’t make it go away elsewhere – and doesn’t make the claim as true. Abusing Amazon’s system is wrong. Admitting to doing so – that says a lot about someone’s character. 

 

 

SECOND ➡️ I will NEVER tag you or the publisher in a review that is 3-stars or less on social media. I likely won’t even share it beyond Goodreads, BookBub, Amazon, or my blog. That isn’t how I work. I want your book to succeed. I gain NOTHING by seeing it fail (I don’t even gain when it does succeed). I want the “right” audience to find it. You – the author assistant and author (even the fans) – should want the book to succeed. Reviews direct the right audience to it; and steer the wrong audience away. 

 

On the other hand, don’t disparage or tag reviewers who disliked the book 🚫 Again, it was our experience, and our time. It’s akin to dismissing someone’s feelings about a topic. 

 

Don’t report unfavorable reviews as abuse either 🚫 

 

While you might think that is a good idea, perhaps even cute. It isn’t. It’s quite harmful.  

 

It harms customers who are being honest about a product by impacting their ability to review entirely should they get banned (this has actually happened to some reviewers). Sure, you don’t like the review – which is your right. Impacting someone’s ability to review other items (and even lose their account) isn’t your right. It’s also abusing the system. That is cruel, petty, vindictive, and spiteful. What kind of a person wants to impact someone’s life that bad over an unfavorable review? 😡 Think about that for a moment. 

Readers have their own likes, dislikes, and preferences. Guess what? They’re entitled to them. Yes, I used ENTITLED. In addition, if the person has PURCHASED the book – they have a right to be satisfied with their purchase and/or how their time was spent. 

 

If you want someone to delete a review – ASK THEM PRIVATELY, PROFESSIONALLY, and POLITELY. If they say no – GET OVER IT AND MOVE ON ... pack it up and move on 🚚👋🏻 and, no, I was not asked by anyone to delete the targeted reviews. Not once. Not by the person attacking me, or the authors themselves. That is also why I am a bit stunned. 

I decided to reply to the comment in order to open a dialogue. It was simply because I didn’t want this to escalate to me losing my Amazon account over it, especially if this person and the authors were that insistent on reporting the reviews every single chance they could get. I rely too much on Amazon for not just my home needs, but my mom’s health needs. I didn’t want to risk my Amazon account over it. It isn’t worth it. See? I can be amiable. 

In addition, it was to emphasis that the person had failed to do something in a private, professional, polite way ⤵️

You cannot carry on about a bad review if you didn’t try to discuss it first. You cannot attack someone before trying to remedy a situation. 

But ... to quote Hans Gruber (edited for my situation) ... 

I wanted this to be professional, efficient, adult, cooperative … not a lot to ask. Alas, this person did not see it that way, so … they blocked me about an hour later 🤪🤣

I blocked the person as well. I also blocked the two problematic authors. And, you’re probably wondering why. Again, I’m amiable.  

If authors are going to let someone, a fan or author assistant, bully reviewes and harass the reviewers by tagging them in posts to other authors and reporting the reviews to Amazon just because they’re unfavorable ... I can’t support that behavior. It isn’t professional. 

I will still keep the posts and blog about this situation up. It is a PSA for all – readers, authors, publicity teams. I did delete the Amazon reviews. The others (Goodreads, BookBub, and my blog) will stay up. I will email the tour coordinator later on about my decision. 

As I had done one review about three (3) years ago for one of the authors, I deleted that too (as much as I can), and any posts associated with it. While it was a 4-star review, I felt there was a level of disrespect demonstrated in that one comment. The person BRAGGED to that author about getting my review for their newer book deleted; and was waiting for another review to be deleted as well. The author that the reply was directed to said nothing to condemn the action. Nothing at all, nor did the author address me (knowing it was me). The other author (whose review was waiting to be deleted), liked the person’s comment. I did screencap everything. To me, that is a level of disrespect that should be condemned. No author should EVER like the fact a reader’s review has been or waiting to be deleted, even if it is unfavorable. Sure, one doesn’t like unfavorable reviews, but that is going too far.

M, K (author), and M (author) … bless your hearts! I hope y’all can find some sun to shine in your lives, some love somewhere, and some grass to touch!! And, I hope this ends it! Toodlez!! 😉👋🏻

MOVING ON … 

 

THIRD ➡️ If you don’t want me to review for you or be in your group after a bad or neutral review, send me a polite email/message and state why you’re kicking me out of your group. I promise I won’t be mean, rude, or abusive (certainly not like some have been to me). Just ghosting someone is unprofessional. If the reviewer is mean, rude, or abusive after you’ve displayed courtesy and respect – then by all means – block, report, ghost. Be professional and mature first. Again, your actions speak volumes as to your character. 

 

 

FOURTH ➡️ I will NEVER leave a review in retaliation for not being chosen for a launch/street/review team. NEVER. I have far too little money to buy a book, and too little time to read it just to leave a BAD review. Most of the books I get from Amazon (usually with a gift card), Harlequin (when they’ve got a sale), or through review and tour teams as my library doesn’t carry them. My car is not in the greatest of shape to drive to my closest Barnes and Noble or another retail store. If it’s between a book and something else – I might get the something else. My car needs repairs, so that is my #1 priority. I might even grab an extra cookie from Crumbl 🍪😋🥰

 

As far as my time? I’d rather spend it reading books I do like (which y’all can clearly see how many books did get 4 or 5-star ratings). I might even take time to crochet on my many projects. Maybe I’ll even focusing on my own writing.

Oh, and calling someone a “wanna-be author” is pretty sad, weren’t all published authors once wanna-be authors?? Just something to consider. 

Another thing I enjoy in what spare time I have? Doing my nails. 

So, it doesn’t benefit me to be vindictive with a review. I value my 20+ year old Amazon account far too much to risk it. I need it more than I need to be on a power or ego trip. 

 

It’s also, in some ways, petty and just dishonest to use one’s reviews like this. And, if anyone bothers to read my reviews – they’ll see how passionate I am about books. I’ve been a library card holder since I was 9 and lived in Palm Springs. I won a few prizes through the Palm Springs Library programs. I’ve literally been reading since I was 2!  

 

With that said … and hopefully clarified … and hopefully ENDED ...

 

We’re all partners in this bookish adventure and excursion. Readers thrive on books and the adventures inside. Authors thrive on the good reviews to keep bringing out new adventures and reach even more readers. 

 

We’re both symbiotic to each other. Sometimes, if that relationship gets toxic – we cut the cord and move on. But … we should do so in a professional, respectful, and mature manner. We should attempt to communicate.

 

Now … I’m going to head on to my next bookish adventure!! 📚🚗🚢✈️🚀

 

 

 

Marie