There's been some discussion over on Kindleboards about the ethics, validity, and worth of independent authors reviewing the books by other independent authors. Some say it's an incestuous circle jerk, and contributes to the perception that independent authors are shady, nepotistic egomaniacs who fluff their peers regardless of quality. Others say that authors reviewing authors is a time-honored tradition, and that being independent does not rob one of objectivity or experience. I can see both sides.
As a disclaimer, I write the reviews on this site primarily as recommendations to friends. That means I'm not going to review a book that I wouldn't recommend to people I know, so you're not going to see bad reviews on this blog. I don't review everything I read because I got shit to do, and I'm not going to let a bad or mediocre book take up any more of my time than it already has.
So you already know my view on this. Yes, there is a chance that some author takes offense to something I say in a four star review and alt-bombs Battlesongs with 1 star reviews, but I like to have more faith in humanity than that. If anyone can write a book good enough that I recommend it to friends, I believe they can handle a negative word about some secondary characters without losing their shit.
And so call me biased if you'd like because I won't roast some of the many bad books I've read on this site. There are other sites for that. When my sister calls me from Barnes and Noble asking for a book suggestion, I don't spend five minutes ripping on bad books either.
I cannot find a way to become a member of this blog. I would like to read your reviews. How do I make sure I see each blog without having to remember to come here?
ReplyDeleteSince I am new to blogger, I don't know. By subscribing to follow-up comments, does that subscribe me?
Hi Caddy, and welcome!
ReplyDeleteI added a Subscribe To tool to make subscribing easier. I'm still trying to feel out how this should look now that BSOH is out.
Thanks for letting me know.