Drama: My Message to Authors

The Drama Llamas, don't feed them. Do not even have tea with them. And most of all, do not be one.



I like writing reviews. Reviewing not only gives me space to express my opinion about a certain book, but it also makes the memory of the book last longer. I used to be the kind of reader that reads a book within a day or two, and then completely forget about it (plot, characters, etc) the following week. My line of thinking was: Phew! Finally finished, now on to the next book! There are exceptions, of course. I guess, what I'm trying to point out is that reviewing changed my perspective about reading.

The main reason (at least for me) of reading is to ENJOY it. I love getting lost in a world weaved by a capable author. I get frustrated sometimes. I get sad and afraid. I get extremely happy. But those are feelings that makes my reading experience more memorable. When I feel indifferent about a certain book, there is a big possibility that I will forget about it easily, or worse, will not finish it. I also want a story to teach me something. I do not want to waste my time reading a thick book full of empty words.

So reviewing a book is something that I also enjoy doing.

I enjoy doing it because it gives me freedom to express myself. I enjoy doing it because I like sharing my opinions. I enjoy doing it because I like helping other people to make up their minds (on whether to read a book or not). I enjoy doing it simply because I ENJOY DOING IT.

Getting comments about a certain review I wrote makes me happy. I feel good whenever a fellow reader reads a book because of my recommendation. When Julie Kagawa left a "Thank You" comment on my review of The Immortal Rules, I felt positively giddy.

However, there are certain comments that I do not like receiving. There are comments that make me feel bad and miserable. I do not receive them often, so to that I am thankful. But whenever I received a discouraging comment on my blog, I just delete it. End of drama.

This. Is. My. Own. Space.

I am not obliged to engage with people who contradict me. Especially rude people.


I can say whatever the hell I want because this is MY BLOG. MY REVIEW SPACE. MINE.


MINE

If you do not like what you are reading here, then please feel free to leave. Do not bother on commenting because you WILL OFFEND me and my readers. I do not care about your contradicting opinions. It's either you keep it to yourself or get your own space to vent out.


NEGATIVE REVIEWS...

are not for authors. THEY ARE NOT FOR AUTHORS. As a reviewer, I do not believe in constructive criticism. It's not my job. You, as an author, do not pay me to edit your work. Constructive criticism comes from a professional, preferably your editor. Do not expect me to sugarcoat my words if I do not like your book. I am not your FAMILY, I am not your FRIEND. I am a consumer and a reader, I will say what I feel with my own words.

When I feel strongly about a topic, I will blog about it. When I feel wronged, I will let people know. When I do not like a book, I will review it. I will be straight, humorous and honest. Please, do not forget that.


RESPECT...

are given to those who deserves it. Do not cry "foul!" when people are telling you to shut up. Attacking reviewers (especially in their own reviews) is a guaranteed disaster for you. DO NOT make yourself look bad. You are not fooling anybody. The best weapon you have at hand is SILENCE. I am not asking you to be meek and submissive. Go ahead and tell your loved ones, no one is stopping you. You are human, you need emotional support. I understand that. But you have NO RIGHT to bully/intimidate a reviewer simply because s/he didn't like your book.


BULLYING...

happens when you and your fans gang up on a reviewer. This is not high shool, get over it. Bullying are for sissies. Bullying is not cool. Any form of intimidation on a reviewer (passive or not) is considered bullying.

GET. OVER. IT.



GOODREADS...

are for readers who enjoy interacting with other readers (and sometimes authors). It is called GoodReads for a reason. It is not called GoodWrites. This is where people placed their reviews other than their blog or when they do not have a blog.


SHELVING...

books are personal. You as an author, do not have a say on where I would place your book. It is MY shelf and you do not have the right to MESS WITH IT. Although it is YOUR BOOK, it is also mine. You wrote it, I owned it. And I can do or say whatever I want about the things I own.


RATINGS...

are for books. We do not rate your personality (unless you give us reasons to do so). They are for BOOKS. How many times do we have to say this? Ratings are subjective so do not form a conspiracy theory if you get a one-star rating, despite having ten 5 stars. And please please please, do not mess with the system. Rating your own book and having friends/family to rate it is DISHONESTY. If you do not know why, then there is something very wrong with you as a person.


I wrote this post because some people just don't get it. Some people thinks it's a-ok to react to a negative review and take it personally. It is not. There are no exceptions. So I hope my message got to you. Don't start drama, nobody likes them.

Remember, reviewing should be an enjoyable experience to READERS. Don't spoil it.




DISCLAIMER: ALL RUDE and INAPPROPRIATE comments will be DELETED. So don't bother.


UPDATE:

Comments are now CLOSED.