Recent events have got me thinking. While I'm a firm believer that negative reviews can actually influence someone to read a novel, I would rather not feature these reviews here any longer.
I'm not pointing fingers or criticizing anyone. This is a personal decision for every blogger and either decision has its pros and cons. Personally, I don't want people leaving Chasm of Books blog going, "Whoa, definitely not reading that."
Chasm of Books' purpose is to promote books and reading. Therefore, as of now, Eugenia and I will only be featuring reviews that are at least 3-stars and no lower.
Of course, reviews have been promised to others before this policy change and I would like those authors to know that those reviews will still be featured here regardless of the star rating.
I recognize that some may think less of us because of this decision but this is the path we believe is best for the blog at this time.
I do the same thing! If it's below 3-star, I won't post a review. I have to be able to balance it. I know some people prefer reviews that tear books apart, but that isn't me. Maybe that book I tear apart would have been your favorite book EVER and you chose not to read it because I said it was trash. That denies you AND the author a lifelong fan. If I can't balance a review so that people can form their own opinions apart from mine, I won't review it.
ReplyDeleteSo I completely get where you're coming from!
I shudder to see people tear books apart.
DeleteI completely understand where you're coming from - it's the reason I hate writing negative reviews in the first place. But I always try to explain why others might like it.
ReplyDeleteNegative reviews are awful to write because I have zero motivation. That's good!
DeleteI do understand that...I don't like writing negative reviews, but at the same time I love being honest. I try to write mine in a way that explains why I didn't like it first. But then, I know I can be too tough sometimes. :( *sigh*
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to always explain the why behind your feelings sometimes.
DeleteIt's your blog and you can post what you want. I don't post reviews for books under three stars either. It helps that I am very picky about the books I read so I don't read that many books under three stars.
ReplyDeleteI've gotten pretty good at picking books for myself so I don't read too many that are under 3 stars. My sister is like, "You like every book you read." I can't help it. I'm good at picking out books I like. ;)
DeleteGood on you for deciding what's best Steph, if posting negative reviews makes you uncomfortable then that's the right thing to do.
ReplyDeleteJeann @ Happy Indulgence