 |
| Source |
Naughty authors! Goodreads will smack!
Thanks to a spate of "revenge ratings" on Goodreads, usually organised by a rival author and their cronies, that the social cataloguing site has decided to change their T&C's and start deleting ratings and reviews that are obviously not aimed at the work itself [link]. That's kind of pathetic, isn't it. We can't be grown ups so they have to supervise us.
Although I have to think that the phenomena has less to do with the fact that they're self published authors and more with the online nature of the catalogue. As I'm sure we've all been witness to at least once or twice, people can be little bastards online.
There's just something about the anonymous nature of online interactions that seems to make people believe they can be as rude as they'd like. No face, no consequences. It's all ridiculous, and so 7th grade, but it is what it is.
But I have to admit it makes my soul weep a little when I hear about self published authors doing it to each other. I love the current self publishing trend. It's opening up the industry in a way that's never been seen before and allowing all sorts of wonderful works to be put out there. It's a true revolution, and we're getting to watch it happening.
But instead of supporting, or at least tolerating, each other through it, authors are doing things to each other virtually that they would never dream of doing face to face. All because they don't think anyone will notice and call them on it.
Well, Goodreads has noticed. Consider yourselves grounded.
Great post Kellie. I can't believe how low people will stoop online. Good for Goodreads if that's how the little children want to play! A friend of mine used a picture of rice pudding on her blog that she found on Pinterest. The "owner" of the picture wrote her the nastiest comment and wished bad Karma on her for using the picture. Rice Pudding!! My blogger friend is the sweetest person I know and immediately removed it and notified the owner with an apology. She got another nasty reply to that. Freakin Rice Pudding!! People can be just nasty when they can hide behind the invisible internet wall.
ReplyDeleteSome people are just weird, and way too invested in their own self importance.
DeletePeople really can be viscous online indeed. It's as if the cloak of anonymity brings out a different side in people.
ReplyDeleteThe nature of the beast, I suppose
DeleteI love the idea that struggling self-published authors would, rather than support one another in a field with ever dwindling profits, would sabotage colleagues and subsequently themselves. It is hilarious when people can't see past their ego...said the blogger.
ReplyDeleteLOL! Yeah, as far as different breeds of writers go, we bloggers are right up there with the egos.
DeleteI'm not familiar with any of this subject, but you're right....online no-consequence behavior leaves a lot to be desired sometimes. Pity.
ReplyDeleteS
It just brings out the bratty behaviour, I guess.
DeleteWill there be a movie?
ReplyDeleteI did noticed the review war on goodread but I decided if the book sounds interesting I give it a try and see for myself.
That's probably a better policy :)
DeletePeople will give in to the worst aspects of their nature when they feel protected by anonymity.
ReplyDeleteIt never fails.
DeleteI'm actually more shocked that Goodreads is doing some smacking. Good for them. That has to be a first.
ReplyDeleteSeems to be the wave of online commenting,...that the site owner/administrators get wigged out when a skirmish arises among the commentors. Then they start deleting or at least moderating. You are so right about the anonymity of comments lead people to be rude bastards.
ReplyDeleteI agree with some of the other comments though, that it is a shame that self-published authors aren't more supportive of each other.
I know about this because I'm on Goodreads. From what I have read it was not self pubbed authors doing it to other authors, it was readers shitting all over books they didn't like. They made it personal instead of writing about why they didn't like the book. Unfortunately you can get that on blogs as well. People come along and shit all over you simply for what you say and because they don't like it. It's pathetic.
ReplyDeleteIt is unfortunate but sadly this is the nature of many things on the web. The personal attacks are just totally absurd and are not helpful to the readers at all. I don't go to Goodreads very often so I don't recall seeing much of this activity--well I do remember seeing one strange entry. I've posted a few reviews there but I tried to keep them as professional as I could. After all my review is a reflection of me.
ReplyDeleteLee
Tossing It Out
The web offers anonymity, giving people who are stupid and/or nasty a place to be obnoxious without fear of recrimination. It's too bad not everyone has a conscience!!
ReplyDeletePeople tend to forget that there are real live humans on the other end of the screen. Words hurt.
ReplyDeleteAs a self-published author, I hope I can continue to live in peace while surfing Good Reads. Then again, I tend to act like an adult anyways, so it should be alright.
ReplyDeleteIsn't there room for everyone? Nasty people just make themselves look stupid.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Absolutely ridiculous - writers, especially self-published ones, should look out for one another! x
ReplyDeleteThe Internet is like a circus. A circus that's on fire. With nerds instead of clowns. And no elephants. I've no idea where I'm going with this analogy...
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is when they post about something and they obviously didn't read it. I like to think of them as bitter teenagers.
ReplyDeleteP.s. THANK YOU FOR THE BIRTHDAY PRESENT!!!! I'm in love with it!!
Hugs!
Valerie