THE Group for Authors! discussion

Sayde wrote: "1. Because the Goodreads algorithm means the reviews with most comments and likes goes to the top of the reviews "

Not true - friends review appear first and personally, that's the way I like it. When I am browsing for something to read, I much prefer to see what my friends thought of a book first and often I don't even bother to scroll any further.

Sayde wrote: "It would be easier for me not to see who has downvoted positive reviews or upvoted negative reviews.

Right now I see Goodreads as an unpleasant side-effect of being an author. Maybe you should consider how you can add more value to both authors..."

If seeing a review up or downvoted hurts your feelings, here's an idea - don't look.

Goodreads is a site for readers, not a place to pander to the delicate egos of authors. Millions of people use Goodreads to find their next book to read and to discuss what they love or loathe. So many threads are started by authors who want Goodreads to change to what they want - when those authors don't ever use Goodreads as a reader, nor do they understand the rating or review system. I love Goodreads and it's my go-to place to find books to buy. Maybe you should stop seeing GR as a place to spam/pitch your book and try using it as a person who loves books? It's amazing what a change in perspective can do.

There have been complaints about trolls on Goodreads, and the best way to discourage them is not to offer your book for free. Very few trolls are willing to pay for a novel. A troll could generally be defined as a person who leaves a nasty, sarcastic one sentence comment that shows no real reading of the work. In a way, Goodreads is not much different than Youtube, where some people enjoy leaving nasty comments. It's to be expected when offering any product to the public.

Sayde wrote: "they should consider my right not to be harassed on social media or through their site."

Receiving a negative review on your book is not harassment.

Sayde wrote: "Please go back and read my original post."

I did. In it, first you say that the most controversial reviews get the most likes and come top of the list, you go on to say that Goodreads should order reviews from positive first to negative last, and then you say that the "like" feature should be done away with.

Since I had seen that there was a 1-star review on one of your books that had received a few likes and was listed first, I assumed that was the reason (or one of the reasons) for your request.

Sayde wrote: "A.W., I also note that the first tweet on your own twitter feed is a request not to be tagged in negative reviews of your books..."

So we're digging into the background of commenters now? That tweet was regarding a different scenario. I never said I had an issue with negative reviews, readers can rate/review however they want. That tweet was specifically asking NOT to be tagged in critical reviews on Twitter, as that makes them appear in notifications. There are no review notifications on Goodreads and I don't read reviews, nor do I go looking for them.

I note your books are put out via Xlibris, I assume you did your research and know they are a vanity press who take large amounts of money from naive writers to produce a substandard book. I wonder how much of what you call "trolling" are genuine reviews due to legitimate craft/editing issues that Xlibiris don't bother to address in their rush to take your money?

I see you are one of those authors who hovers over their reviews and engages in debate with critical reviewers. I can guess how that is going to play out for you...

Sayde wrote: "It's not just that, it's the type of reviews that get pushed to the top of all books..."

No they don't, and this is what you don't seem to understand. When I click on that book, first up I see dozens of reviews by my friends. That's how it works, friends reviews come first.

I have seen numerous cases on Goodreads where authors stalk, harass, and intimidate readers who leave critical reviews. Maybe if you used this site as a reader you would understand why a few feel the need to make such disclaimers on their reviews. Maybe then you would understand why you leaving comments on critical reviews and scolding readers for their opinion is a spectacularly bad idea.

Your discussion in this thread is casting you in a negative light. You are complaining about critical reviews, calling readers trolls, commenting on reviews on your book expecting readers to justify their opinion, and generally coming across like a special snowflake who can't handle criticism.

I don't see you complaining about fake 5-star reviews that are upvoted? Interesting that some authors complain loudly about critical reviews and expect Goodreads to do something about it, but they never complain about the inflated reviews left by friends, family, or that they purchased/swapped.

Sayde wrote: "Do you really think this site is flawless? "

Where did I say that? Do I think there are ways this site could be improved? Absolutely, and sometimes I contribute to the relevant feedback thread. Overall, I use this site in a way that works for me. I enjoy reading friends reviews of books I'm thinking of buying. When I mark something as TBR, I have friends commenting with their opinions and we talk about what we liked/disliked.

You are the one complaining about trolling, harassment, and critical reviews on your book (a book produced by a notorious vanity press that is known for low production standards).

Then when you were called on your behaviour, you tried to expand it to include critical reviews of other books. That's how this site works - people rate/review how they want which means that yes, some books have lots of critical reviews. Some books have very active discussion about what people like/dislike because the book has polarised opinion.

You keep complaining about critical reviews but as I said, I don't see you complaining about fake 5-star reviews. Nor do I see you taking issue with the stalking/harassment of some authors against GR users (which I see you engage in). The changes you want GR to make (positive reviews have to be shown first, changes to upvoting, no liking etc) are all changes to protect author egos from critical feedback.

To top it off, when someone points out that you have an issue with critical feedback, you immediately complain of being "attacked".

Sayde wrote: "You called me a snowflake because you don't like what I'm saying - get a sense of perspective here."

You are the one demanding changes to protect your author ego.

You are the one stalking Goodreads users and digging through their profiles.

You are the one commenting on critical reviews on your books and demanding readers justify their opinions.

I'm not the one who needs a sense of perspective.

I looked who published your book, because your comments in this thread are common among certain writers. When I saw you paid Xlibris, that confirms what I have seen in the past. When writers rush to publish their first book and don't spend time working with critique partners, alpha/beta readers, and good editors, they become very reactionary to critical reviews.

Again your comments show that you don't understand how Goodreads works. The primary purpose is a book catalogue and a place for readers to discuss books. I'm not sure why you expect a financial "cut" just for being a GR author? Goodreads is rolling out features that will sell more books for authors - such as the notifications of titles on sale. There are hundreds of genre groups where books are recommended between readers, which then spurs sales. But then you'd have to be using the site as a reader and engaging in those groups, to see how that works.

Authors and their friends/family creating fake accounts to 5-star their books in an attempt to manipulate averages, is a long running problem on Goodreads. Authors stalking/harassing readers who leave critical reviews is another continuing issue. Vanity presses such as Xlibris have a reputation for paying for fake glowing reviews on their titles. Again, if you were using the site as a reader and engaging with other readers, you might have an idea of the extent of the problem.

I’m not sure how to read all these posts as the have repeated posts.
I don’t find GoodReads a reliable source for promoting a book. I did read a few reviews on a book and found it was a good thing I did. I’d been holding off on getting it. Then I read a review that mirrored what I’d been thinking. The books blurb was well written but the book didn’t match it.
I get emails from that same book review that was done a few years ago. I don’t think many people are reading it. I feel bad for the author but it is what it is. Some people won’t mind others do.
My book did ok and I’ve just republished it. I love it. Others love it. Is it a best seller? It could be. If it got that one break like 50 shades. Wouldn’t it be great to get the following you deserve?
I think fighting the system just doesn’t work. If you’re getting negative reviews. Look at your writing. Do the reviews match your work? What is being said? Not everyone can be wrong.
Why would anyone give you a bad review for no reason?
If you knew it was true then I’d be contacting Goodreads and Amazon.
If they were doing it to others not just you then they need their account canceled.

Sayad. I found the comment about Xlibris offensive. I’ve had a book published where I paid nothing. I got what I paid for. While the book is a great read they skipped the proof reading because the person was sick. They just published it.
This second go around is a little better. I paid for some editing and a new cover. I’m happy. Sometimes you have to pay to get it done. I know I couldn’t have put it together on my own.

My new book Silent River soo does to be released is published by italics publishing. They are great to work with. I love the cover. They are doing a PRelease to 500 places. I’m cool with that. Will it be a best seller? I doubt it. But who knows?

What I’m trying to say is, everyone moves at a different pace in the writing and publishing process. Recognizing where you are doesn’t mean your any better or worse than anyone else.

If your writing is good that’s what matters. Make sure it’s the best you can do and keep writing. When looking at reviews take half the 5 stars and all the 1 stars and throw them out of your mind. It’s the 3&4 stars that will tell you where you need to improve and what you did that was good 👍

Thanks for your feedback. Reviews in the Community Reviews section are ranked based on a number of factors, including number of likes, length, popularity of the reviewer, etc. While we don’t have plans to change how reviews are displayed, we strive to make Goodreads a positive experience for both readers and authors. If you have encountered reviews that violate our Review Guidelines, including reviews that contain ad hominem attacks, please flag that content to bring it to our team’s attention and we will take the appropriate action.

As a reminder, our Author Guidelines are a helpful resource about how to use Goodreads as an author, and you can also contact us if you have any further questions.

I’ll be closing this thread to prevent further personal attacks amongst group members.