From what I’m seeing, people were asking you not to comment on reviews of your own books here on goodreads and you’ve now doubled down with this nonsense blog post.

I’m just adding some facts and context that you’ve not included.

If you'd like more context then I'll happily provide it (hopefully this doesn't qualify as an author commenting as well). This was only partially inspired by what occurred on twitter.

The post where that discussion began cited a suspected fake account that 1 starred hundreds of LGBT novels in just a few days. There I'd said that I was suspicious of any account with no pic and no info that 1 starred with nothing to indicate why they disliked it so strongly. That's all. Just that it made me suspicious and that I wished people would offer some explanation (even a couple words).

When the discussion turned to authors "hounding" legit profiles that leave 1 star reviews people jumped to the conclusion that I do this when I comment. I do not. All of my comments (I don't generally leave them any more) are still up so people can see what I mean by authors participating in a discussion.

As to the rest (authors banned from readers groups even when they only talk about books that are not their own) that refers to groups primarily on fetlife and facebook where I've been banned the moment I mentioned being an author despite "authors unwelcome" not appearing in the group description.

So, I feel bad for you, because maybe, just maybe you are a baby and you dont know any better. But on fetlife as a rule authors, especially BDSM writers, are as unwelcome as sex workers because they bring the law in writer's case copyright, and image rights down on fetlifers. Over the last, god knows how many maybe close to 12 years, I been on there has been maybe a dozen or so cases of stolen photos and straight copy and paste jobs from people notes on fetlife into publications.

Emily wrote: "So, I feel bad for you, because maybe, just maybe you are a baby and you dont know any better. But on fetlife as a rule authors, especially BDSM writers, are as unwelcome as sex workers because the..."


This was in an erotica readers group. It has nothing to do with photos and stolen stories.

I keep getting these worst case scenario stories. I am not talking about stealing content, sending threatening PMs or sicking armies of fans on someone who doesn't like a book. I am just talking about joining in on a conversation as an equal. There's a difference between trolling behavior and being a content creator willing to discuss their content.

Shawna wrote: "Emily wrote: "So, I feel bad for you, because maybe, just maybe you are a baby and you dont know any better. But on fetlife as a rule authors, especially BDSM writers, are as unwelcome as sex worke..."
So maybe I need context, why did you mention you were an author? Was it because something the author mc or Li didnt/did do you could/couldnt relate to? Was there any reason other than superiority or inferiority of your profession that pursued you to talk about being an author to that group?

Emily wrote: "Shawna wrote: "Emily wrote: "So, I feel bad for you, because maybe, just maybe you are a baby and you dont know any better. But on fetlife as a rule authors, especially BDSM writers, are as unwelco..."


(If memory serves)

We were discussing resources for readers who want to find books similar to the ones they just finished. I mentioned Goodreads groups and they (being unfamiliar with goodreads) were concerned that it would be a paid promo site. So I said something about authors freely submitting their books to group bookshelves and that I've even trusted them to list mine. I think I provided a link to the bookshelf for one of the bdsm book groups I'm on.

Well, I be honest, If it was in that manner, they should have remived you from the group in a kindly matter and changed the group rules to reflected that, which is how many groups handle sex workers and FinDom on fetlife. Which like I have said groups are held differently than individuals. You have to understand at that point, you came across as someone looking for an opportunity to sell your product. The best idea, which a lot of my friends who do BDSM stuff have on Fetlife accout for business (aka one for Shawna) and one for yourself and when you talk about business talk as a separate person. That way one you can direct people to your stuff and links via something "safely in house" like fetlife but not to your personal life and two you dont have to be "on" all the time.

Emily wrote: "Well, I be honest, If it was in that manner, they should have remived you from the group in a kindly matter and changed the group rules to reflected that, which is how many groups handle sex worker..."

To be honest I don't do much as an author on fet. I'm in 2 groups and post short stories but beyond that I only make mention of it on my profile. I view fet as reflecting the lifestyle more than the writing but I also don't want to hide this part of who I am for fear of those I get to kbow feeling betrayed.

Its a delicate balance and it comes down to that distrust you touch on. The idea that an author is just trying to sell their book and that their opinions will always be biased. To me its a case of a few bad apples ruining it for the rest of us. Especially as I became a writer to express a part of myself that I couldn't anywhere else and now I'm told that in doing that I have tk accept being more isolated than before.

This is the point at which you lost me:

"The #WritingCommunity and #ReadingCommunity have a major disconnect when it comes to #reviews. Writers need them for promotion but readers tend to hate writing them. Its often worst when it comes to 1🌟 reviews. Writers end up curious for an explanation that readers hate giving."

https://twitter.com/Shawna_Hunter_A/s...

The Writing Community and the Reader Community are not the same, although a person can be in each. They have different goals and agendas, some of which conflict and are a conflict of interest.

Which means, if you are engaging with readers you need to be very, very aware if you are doing so as an author or as a reader, because there is an important difference.

Beyond that you need to understand that readers do not exist to write promotional material for authors. Consumer reviews are not free marketing for authors. Consumer reviews are not for the benefit of authors. They are not for authors.

Readers do not owe authors anything beyond obtaining their book by legal means. Period.

We certainly do not owe an author an explanation about a rating.

YES there is a major disconnect regarding reviews, intentionally, by design. Consumer reviews are to be free, independant, unbiased opinion, free from any influence by the needs or wants of the producer. That's what they ARE.

Because consumer reviews serve readers, and the benefit of honest reader reviews is at odds with the desire of some authors to co-opt them as free advertising.

What protects readers from all the marketing, advertising and promotion, is the free and unbiased opinion of other consumers, which should never, ever be tried to turn into something serving the needs and wants of authors.

If you "need" promotion pay for it, or find someone who'll promote your books for free. Consumer reviews ain't it.

If you wanna talk books as a reader stick on your reader hat and do it. If you wanna talk about books as an author with readers, do that, but be very, very aware you're speaking as a business owner selling a product speaking to customers and potential customers, and it's wise to ensure you remember that, and stay professional and respectful.

And no, readers shouldn't have to declare in every review that they don't want the author to comment in order for an author to have good sense, respect, and basic PR skills.

Alexandra wrote: "This is the point at which you lost me:

"The #WritingCommunity and #ReadingCommunity have a major disconnect when it comes to #reviews. Writers need them for promotion but readers tend to hate wri..."

In order to overcome the lack of desire to review the author must build a dialogue with readers, a friendly and welcoming environment where readers feel welcome to share their thoughts. This is not to influence the reviews simply to encourage them (good, bad or neutral). If the author is gagged they cannot do this.

As to switching hats, how? Even if 2 different names are used the author risks being distrusted when exposed even on discussions about other people's books. Even non-rivals. It could even discourage a reader from becomming a writer if they know that taking that step will entirely and rather harshly ostracize them from the reading community.

I just don't see how "you aren't allowed to speak" benefits anyone. i get not wanting to be pestered with ads and review requests but that's not what we're talking about here. This is about a "thank you" after the fact not a "you must do" before hand.

Nicely articulated comments, Shawna! Yes, there are so many “walls” and intolerances these days. One would hope and expect that the world of creative fiction would be free of “safe spaces”....don’t read a book you don’t want to read. Review as you wish, but don’t be surprised or angry if others, including the author, have a different opinion.

Expecting authors to stay away from discussions is so odd....why wouldn’t a reader want to engage in discussion with an author?

Because we don’t. This is a website for readers to discuss books. Not a place where want to have authors arguing with us. Read the guidelines and adhere to them. We don’t want you commenting on our reviews and neither does goodreads. If we want to have discussions with you we will join your Facebook group.

The Just-About-Cocky Ms M wrote: "I have been reviewing for years, and my one-star reviews, which are positively legion, are detailed enough for use in a writing seminar, the part where "how not to write" is discussed.

But I don't..."

You put that much effort into a review and an author isn't supposed to show some appreciation? Is thanks really so terrible?

Kara wrote: "Nicely articulated comments, Shawna! Yes, there are so many “walls” and intolerances these days. One would hope and expect that the world of creative fiction would be free of “safe spaces”....don’t..."

Fearing confrontation I get but the anger over an thank you boggles my mind. Maybe its a canadian thing.

Shawna wrote: "The Just-About-Cocky Ms M wrote: "I have been reviewing for years, and my one-star reviews, which are positively legion, are detailed enough for use in a writing seminar, the part where "how not to..."


Why can’t you listen to readers and just stop? Go make a Facebook group for the few people who have read your book and you can all chat there.

If you simply insist on having your interactions with readers on this site, make general update posts and wait for people to interact with you there. That’s different from policing reviews of your books. Review books written by people other than yourself and interact with comments there.

Ditto what Ms M. said. Another way to interact with readers here as an author, is on your author profile page. Post things and interact with those who chose to respond. Or join groups for authors and readers to interact.

Best to stay out of our review spaces, unless you know the person and know they won't mind. Most especially of your own books. Or yes, as Swedish Fish said, engage on reviews of other books as a reader, if you can put your author hat aside.

We should not have to explain the fact that readers typically do not write and post reviews with any thought the author may see them, and they shouldn't. Because that intimidates and influences many to be reluctant, or less than honest, both of which are bad things.

The fact that there are authors actually actively reading the consumer reviews of their books is so relatively new, and frankly almost exclusive to self-pubbed authors. When you read a review of your book you're eaves-dropping on a conversation not meant for you. Do the polite thing and don't stick your nose in. Or, if that's not good enough for you, do the smart business thing, and don't risk ticking people off, or making them feel self-conscious about posting honest reviews.

A lot of readers won't even read self-pubbed books, due to all the hassles that can come from that. Do yourself and other self-pubbed authors a favor, and don't give those that do read self-pubbed books reasons to decide not to.

There are authors I'd love to engage with about their books, but not in my review space.

Swedish Fish wrote: "Shawna wrote: "The Just-About-Cocky Ms M wrote: "I have been reviewing for years, and my one-star reviews, which are positively legion, are detailed enough for use in a writing seminar, the part wh..."

You only speak for you. Not all readers.

The Just-About-Cocky Ms M wrote: "Shawna, I answered your question. I am not angry about anything. I have tried patiently to explain to you, as have several other posters here, that we don't want comments from authors on our review..."

You can openly post an opinion and demand that I not read or comment on that public post but here you want me to take your comment as authoritatively representing the opinions of every writer. If you do not want a comment on your reviews then either do not make them public or make it clear in each that you don't want them. That is, quite frankly, your responsobility.

Alexandra wrote: "Ditto what Ms M. said. Another way to interact with readers here as an author, is on your author profile page. Post things and interact with those who chose to respond. Or join groups for authors a..."

"Unless you know the person"

This contradicts other unsolicited advice on how I should behave. Many telling me to shut up are saying that any comment scares them even to someone I know. The fear stems from knowing that I care enough to read reviews. That means any comment, even to those I know, even to those who tag me and request it is unwelcome...according to this small yet vocal minority.

There has never been the expectation that reviews will be hidden from authors. The cliche is literally authors clammoring for newspapers/magazines (that's what we had before social media) to read their review.

I feel sort of bad for you Shawna. You are having a really hard time understanding what people say. Please read the guidelines for using this website and follow them.

Shawna wrote: ""Unless you know the person"

This contradicts other unsolicited advice on how I should behave. Many telling me to shut up are saying that any comment scares them even to someone I know."

As you're an author I would expect you understand the importance of not taking a quote out of context to the point it alters the meaning

What I said was, unless you know the person and know they won't mind.

An important distinction, in my opinion.

Meanwhile, you completely ignored this, and apparently do not care:

We should not have to explain the fact that readers typically do not write and post reviews with any thought the author may see them, and they shouldn't. Because that intimidates and influences many to be reluctant, or less than honest, both of which are bad things.

The fact that there are authors actually actively reading the consumer reviews of their books is so relatively new, and frankly almost exclusive to self-pubbed authors. When you read a review of your book you're eaves-dropping on a conversation not meant for you. Do the polite thing and don't stick your nose in. Or, if that's not good enough for you, do the smart business thing, and don't risk ticking people off, or making them feel self-conscious about posting honest reviews.

A lot of readers won't even read self-pubbed books, due to all the hassles that can come from that. Do yourself and other self-pubbed authors a favor, and don't give those that do read self-pubbed books reasons to decide not to.

"There has never been the expectation that reviews will be hidden from authors."

You're missing the point. It's not about an expectation reviews be "hidden", it's the understanding that, up until the explosion of self-pubbers who unfortunately focus an inordinate amount of time, energy and angst over consumer reviews, trade-pubbed authors - as far as was visible - simply didn't. And still don't. They don't have time, they have better things to focus on, and they either have better business savvy, or have people around them giving them good business advice.

I guarantee you Nora Roberts, Stephen King, Neil Gaiman, and a whole host of others I could name, are not on Goodreads purving reader reviews of their books.

Consumer reviews won't benefit anyone if readers stop feeling safe and free to post their honest opinions, without having to fear hurting the author's feelings - or worse.

You're gonna do what you're gonna do, but if you care about readers, reviewers, self-pubbed authors, and your own reputation, you'll think seriously about the advice you've been given.

Every day I see self-pubbed authors whining about how hard it is to get readers to read their books, and post a review. This is part of why. Due to things that have occurred over the last few years many, many readers won't even consider reading a self-pubbed book anymore. Be smart, and treasure everyone who still will, and start by respecting their spaces, where they get to share their opinion.

Swedish Fish wrote: "I feel sort of bad for you Shawna. You are having a really hard time understanding what people say. Please read the guidelines for using this website and follow them."

I have read them thoroughly. You have not. Nothing I have said has in any way violated or suggested violating them.

Alexandra wrote: "Shawna wrote: ""Unless you know the person"

This contradicts other unsolicited advice on how I should behave. Many telling me to shut up are saying that any comment scares them even to someone I k..."

I understood your point but you missed mine. Posts are public, so are comments. Anyone reading the reviews can see that the author has commented. Those who get triggered by the notion that an author might read their reviews will therefore get triggered even if the comment is not on their review and not directed at them.

I didn't miss the "We should not have to explain..." Part. You don't *have* to explain and no one said you did. I asked because you commented and I was curious as this fear you've expressed does not make sense to me (nor does your answer). Asking a question, however, is simoly that. It doesn't demand a reply.

When you post a review on a public site it is not a private conversation. It is not evesdropping if you shout your opinions through a megaphone. If you want privacy say things privately. Message them, whisper them in person, write them in a locked journal. This is a social media site for authors and readers. This is not a private space.

"...because of all the hassles that come with that."

If a "thank you" comment is a hassle then social media isn't for you.

Trade pubbed authors send their books to one another for reviews because they know that seeing review quotes from famous authors and publications will look better on the back cover. If self-published or indie published authors could do that they would. If one reaches out to you offering a free copy in exchange for an honest review (not a practice I'm advocating for by the way) then thats a sign that they think a review from you will carry weight. That (again NOT what I'm talkong about but what a lot of people seem to think I mean) would be a compliment IMO.

No, Stephen King is on twitter arguing about Trump. As a reader I'd be ecstatic if I got a thank you from a huge author on one of my reviews. I'd probably frame it. That's the kind of author I want to be and the kind of readership I want to cultivate. People who love my work and aren't afraid to let me know if there's a problem with it (so I can fix it).

How many consumer reviews will an author get if they ignore their readership and treat them as insignificant? I do not try and get reviews changed, I don't attack negative reviewers. I thank people for taking the time to share their opinions and I show my appreciation. That's how you encourage honesty. Not with anger or silence but with gratutude.

I have thought very seriously about all of this "advice" to shut up. I've lost sleep over it the last few days. The thing is, if understand you (which isn't easy as your views contradict my core beliefs), then I fundamentally disagree with you. If you are too timid to share your thoughts because someone might *gasp* pay attention to them then what are you doing posting reviews? As far as I'm concerned its like trying to be a firefighter while terrified of flames.

Also, for the record, I am not self published. I'm indie published and my publishers actively encourage me to market, comment, send friend requests, etc. I don't do a lot of it because I know it can be annoying. I am just trying to be courteous and friendly. I have (now) heard about that crazy self-pub stalking a reviewer but to refer you back to the first sentence of my blog post...I am not talking about that sort of behavior.

You have to do all the work because that’s what happens when you choose a vanity press.

Shawna wrote: "Alexandra wrote: "Shawna wrote: ""Unless you know the person"

This contradicts other unsolicited advice on how I should behave. Many telling me to shut up are saying that any comment scares them e..."

Wow are you clueless and tone deaf. Why in the world you'd want to do something that would risk your customers and readers deciding to not support you anymore I can't understand. But go ahead and feel entitled, and insult readers who are actually posting reviews.

You're never gonna get it, so I won't waste my time further.

Swedish Fish wrote: "You have to do all the work because that’s what happens when you choose a vanity press."

Vanity press is yet another different thing. With them you pay upfront. Indie press work on a percentage of royalties with no upfront fees and do advertise as well but they don't have the level of resources that the big pubs do.

Alexandra wrote: "Shawna wrote: "Alexandra wrote: "Shawna wrote: ""Unless you know the person"

This contradicts other unsolicited advice on how I should behave. Many telling me to shut up are saying that any commen..."

Wow, exactly the same to you.

Ms. Hunter, I think you start from an incorrect premise when you say that readers don't want to review. There are certainly many readers who just don't care to write anything, including reviews, but there are also many readers who enjoy reviewing and review just about every book they read. Your comments as an author are more likely to discourage reviews from both types of reader.

When I read a book, I consider it a created world in itself. I really don't want the author coming in separately and talking to me about it afterward. Even with masterpiece books like Kate Atkinson's Life After Life or Donna Tartt's The Goldfinch, I would prefer to keep the author at a remove.

As others have said, reviewers write for readers, not authors. Having the author enter a conversation about his or her book is repressive to that conversation, even if the author simply wants to post a thank you for a positive review. The thank-you makes the review suddenly feel like a transaction between the author and the reviewer, when the reviewer means it to be a contribution in a conversation among readers.

With respect, what readers want from authors is a new book, not an online chat, and certainly not a moan about the relationship between the author and readers and reviewers.

Maine Colonial wrote: "Ms. Hunter, I think you start from an incorrect premise when you say that readers don't want to review. There are certainly many readers who just don't care to write anything, including reviews, bu..."

No one said thank you's only come to positive reviews.

A new book is great, sure, but if it doesn't sell and doesn't improve on the first one then are you going to be satisfied? I believe that it is an author's responsibility to know what their readers want. Not to tailor themselves to it, perhaps, but to keep it in mind.

What I do not understand is how an author's comment can be repressive. Stan Lee created the Marvel Universe (I know, I know, several asterix's there but for the sake of brevity lets go with Stan did it) was he unwelcome at fan conventions? Was he not allowed to discuss Marvel? Authors are fans. They have views on their stories and worlds but those views are not the be all and end all. Once the story is out there its world belongs equally to writer and reader. What it becomes, after that point, is the result both of what was said and how it was interpreted. By ignoring half of that conversation the readers set themselves up for disappointment (if the author's view on where it should go clashes with their own...see Star Wars) and the author sets themselves up for a fan backlash.

Look, I am telling you that for me and the many friends I have from reading and reviewing groups, an author's entrance into the discussion is repressive. Now you're going to argue that we were somehow wrong to feel that way? And to do it by analogy to Stan Lee? Nonsense.

If the author wants to know why his or her book isn't successful, read what reviews there are. If there aren't any, and it isn't selling, you can assume you didn't do a good job. Try joining a writer's group to find out why.

Badgering readers isn't going to help you one little bit. You are clearly set in your insistence that you are right and everybody else is wrong, though, so knock yourself out. I no longer have an interest in talking to you.

Reviews are for readers. Not authors.

"How many consumer reviews will an author get if they ignore their readership and treat them as insignificant?"

Not going into readers spaces uninvited isn't "ignoring" them or "treating them as insignificant". It's being respectful and part of being a professional.

You're demonstrating a serious lack of reading comprehension, or a complete lack of empathy, along with such an entitled attitude you simply cannot see beyond your own nose. Because this has already been explained to you.

Self-pubs, and indies, already have such a reputation that many, many readers won't read them or review their books. You yourself moan above about how many readers don't want to leave reviews.

And yet you are insistent on justifying your insertion, even where not wanted, up to and including stating those that would feel negatively influenced or self-conscious should then just NOT REVIEW. Many already don't, and with that attitude more and more will stop.

How much lack of self awareness does a person have to have to one minute complain that many readers don't want to leave reviews, then turn around and tell those that are - but would be uncomfortable with an author barging in - to STOP POSTING REVIEWS?

How much harder will it continue to get to get readers to post consumer reviews if authors like you don't get a clue? As more and more decide it's not worth the headache?

You're making yourself a poster child for READ TRADE-PUBS, which is a shame because there are actually some professional quality self-pubbed and indie books whose authors behave like professionals and not entitled divas.

It's NOT ABOUT YOU. Treating readers as insignificant is you deciding that YOU are the important one in the equation, and that what YOU want is all that matters.

Your conversation with the reader begins and ends with your book, unless the reader ops-in for more.

Continue to ignore the difference between situations where authors invite interaction, and readers can choose to interact, and an author just popping in unwanted and uninvited, then say things like, if they're so sensitive they shouldn't be posting reviews anyway, and see how far that attitude gets you.

Eve wrote: "" In giving your unwanted 2 cents to someone who's written a review of your book, you're either going to get a more positive review by that reviewer next time, or completely discourage that reviewer from reviewing your future work because you went and made it awkward."

Yup.

I am convinced at this point that's what she's really after - make sure readers know she's watching so hopefully they'll either skew their review to the positive to spare her tender feelings, or not post a review at all.

That's review manipulation.

Not to mention the fact that it could turn a customer into a non-customer very quickly.

Eve wrote: "Yeah, I bet you're right. Either that or she's willingly causing some drama around herself to temporarily boost her book sales... "

Yup.

If she really wants to engage with readers as a reader she'd be doing it regarding other people's books.

If she really wants to engage with readers of her books, she'd invite such interaction in HER space, and let her readers join in, if they choose.

The rest of her whining is just bullocks.

Personally, and all any of us can/should do is speak for themselves, I welcome authors reading my reviews, and I welcome authors commenting on my reviews if they wish. If they liked what I wrote and want to say thank you, I find I’m pleased to have encouraged an author.

If they disagree with my review, I certainly don’t expect an argument (same expectation for fellow readers who disagree, of course), but I welcome any comments that might (a) lead me to seeing things differently, and/or (b) being made aware that perhaps the author didn’t intend for something written to be perceived as I did...and perhaps will be influenced to take my review into consideration with future books.

My openness to authors (and narrators) commenting on a review is especially welcome in cases where I’ve accepted a free review copy. While I never write a review differently for a paid copy or a review copy, I certainly would expect that the author or narrator who provided me a free copy would want to see what review resulted. If they wish to comment, I’m absolutely fine with it.

I’ve actually had some very fun and entertaining exchanges with a few authors and narrators who commented on my reviews, and I look forward to more interactions in the future.

I don’t understand why anyone feels threatened or that a “safe place” is being invaded, but for those who feel that way I accept and respect your wish to not have authors comment.

Please don’t tell authors that all readers agree with you. On this matter, I don’t. Perhaps you might include in a profile comment that you don’t invite any comments from authors or narrators.

Kara wrote: "Perhaps you might include in a profile comment that you don’t invite any comments from authors or narrators. "

Um, no. First of all no one should have to do that, and second of all those who feel entitled to comment tend to ignore such things anyway.

You can always state on YOUR profile that you invite such interaction, if you choose.

But certainly you're entitled to your own preferences, and while saying you don't understand why some may feel intimidated, self-conscious, or put off, by an author reading their review (which frankly I don't think is all that hard to understand, and has already been explained), I appreciate that at least you respect their right to hold that view. :D

For me, authors need to stay away from reviews in general. Saying "thank you" or "I'm sorry you didn't like it" is one thing but reviewers aren't there to baby you or edit your books for you.

I almost always get uncomfortable when an author comments on my review because there has been so much harassment and doxxing of reviewers documented. Remember the author that nearly killed a woman with a wine bottle over her review?

I don't worry for myself because someone would have to be real dumb to dox me, look at my location, and say "yeah, let's stalk and harass that woman there" but I am always afraid for my fellow readers.

Engage with readers on books that are not your own. That's fine. But you have to remember that the second that you are talking about your own book, you are talking about a product and therefore, you have to remain professional.

I will never understand why these sorts of authors complain about how hard it is to get readers to post a review, then exhibit the very attitudes and behaviors that have caused many, many readers to stop posting reviews for self-pubs and indies.

It's a vicious cycle of self-defeating behavior.

The Just-About-Cocky Ms M wrote: "Alexandra wrote: "I am convinced at this point that's what she's really after - make sure readers know she's watching so hopefully they'll either skew their review to the positive to spare her tend..."

Ha! It's not my reaction either, but that doesn't mean I'm not very aware it does have that effect on others.

I actually have to agree with Kara here. I don't personally take any issue whatsoever with authors commenting on reviews I've posted. Once they are out there, they are free to the public which means fellow readers and authors. Those who agree with my review, people who don't, and trolls (unfortunately).

I think if you feel like it is an invasion of your space, then that's perfectly fine, that's your right to feel that way, but I don't want anyone speaking on my behalf as a fellow reader. I've developed quite a few personal relationships with authors because of conversations we've had over their books, even when I didn't like them, just because they appreciated finding someone that would be honest with them. And I will always be honest, regardless if you've commented on my review, good or bad.

I think authors, like every human being in the world, has to always tread that line of you're never going to be able to please everyone. You just can't, it is impossible. Ultimately, it is up to each author to decide what kind of author/reader/commenter they want to be and deal with the consequences of those actions. Good and bad. Not every group of readers is going to like something. What pleases one or pisses off one, is not going to do the same to another. But that also means those that don't agree with the way something is said or done have the absolute right to feel that way. Those feelings are fair and justifiable as we are all individuals operating in a public space.

Again, just my personal opinion. I won't speak for anyone else on this thread or elsewhere and will always fight for the rights of everyone to have their own personal opinions, regardless if we agree on them.

I’d like authors to follow the rules of the website.

So, I have stayed away from the argument about good reads, mainly because the rules have a big catch-22 for writers.
YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO ENGAGE NEGATIVE REVIEWS.
Which most author's handlely think means they can engage anything above a 3 star... But technically it means any negative review. So if someone gives you a five star review but points out your spelling mistake on page 128 and you say thanks in the comments. Technically some reader/reviewer who wanders by can report you for engage a negative review and its not false reporting. Is the librarians probably going to do anything? More likely not, but if you get reported a bunch maybe.

Its better to engage your readers through zazzy PR.
Examples:
a)Engaging Answers to Questions on your page. (Missed an excellent opportunity to tease readers to follow by just saying I'm writing a horror erotic, instead of something more informative about the book)
B)Engaging Blog titles on good reads. Again most readers end up scrolling enough to see the title of your newest blog post on your page when they scroll to "more/additional book" make them want to click on it. Will probably earn a follow.
C) have up to date contact information. Again your reader might want to add you to a social media site where they have more comfortable relationships with the technology and with you.

I have been on Goodreads for 5 years (though you cant tell due the WTF-ery that happened when I changed my email to the same one attached to my Kindle last week). This is a site for readers ran by readers, we let authors curated their own pages because its really not fair to have their LiveJournal fanfictions from 8th grade rated along sided their published works. (Though I miss that option on some authors, because some of it was AMAZING!)

Best rule of thumb is to lure readers into engaging with you in open communications where you both are fully consenting to communicate to each other. A tweet from you asking for feedback and conversation about x, is open communication to reader that this is full engagement.
Reviews on a Review sites like Goodreads and Amazon the reviewer isn't necessarily consenting to communication with the author.

Its a different beast if you are a blogger, professional reviewer or regular ARC reviewer. I normally provide my authors I do ARC with my email address so any concerns regarding my reviews can be handled privately, especially if it turns out the book is very problematic, long before I submit the review publicly. So there should be no comments to my review there should be an email.

I'm left with the distinct sense that the wall you're so worried about being built is not between the writer and the reader, but between the writer and the reviewer.

There has always, always been a distance purposefully kept between a professional writer and a professional reviewer. Certainly I don't have to explain the reasoning behind this. Now that the publishing field has expanded, it should surprise no one to find the reviewing field has followed suit. What you are proposing here is the dissolution of a barrier that has served an important purpose - which was, essentially, to keep everyone honest. Surely you can see that a review bereft of even the hint of influence is far more valuable than one you have curried through this purported desire to connect?

I have read through this thread very carefully, and I'm trying very hard to believe this isn't about some narcissistic need to start making celebrity appearances. Because, at times, it does read that way. And maybe that's a good thing to be aware of.

Emily wrote: "I have been on Goodreads for 5 years (though you cant tell due the WTF-ery that happened when I changed my email to the same one attached to my Kindle last week). "

So, someone kindly pointed out that 2010 was more than 5 years ago and I should clarify my statement about how long I have actually been on this site.

Emily wrote: "So, I have stayed away from the argument about good reads, mainly because the rules have a big catch-22 for writers.
YOU ARE NOT ALLOWED TO ENGAGE NEGATIVE REVIEWS.
Which most author's handlely t..."

That would fall under false reporting. Contacting a negative review is warned against in the guidelines because it's perceived as attempting to influence the review and/or to be intimidating but there is nothing about not commenting on good reviews especially if they offer direct advice to the author such as warning about a spelling mistake or other such issue that the author may wish to change.

Antigone wrote: "I'm left with the distinct sense that the wall you're so worried about being built is not between the writer and the reader, but between the writer and the reviewer.

There has always, always been..."

You cannot effect the honesty of a review after it has been posted. Commenting with a "thank you" or other such good pr message is something which is only possible after the fact when the review is already posted.

Brittain *Needs a Nap and a Drink* wrote: "For me, authors need to stay away from reviews in general. Saying "thank you" or "I'm sorry you didn't like it" is one thing but reviewers aren't there to baby you or edit your books for you.

I al..."

The behavior you describe with the doxxing and such is absolutely not what I'm talking about as I made clear in the first sentence of the blog post. That said, if you make your opinion known on a pubic forum then it is your responsibility to make your personal hang ups regarding such fears clear as well. You cannot edit who reads a public post. You cannot ban authors because you have fears regarding how other authors have behaved in the past.

I think a key point, for many of these replies, is that reviews are public. If you don't want them to be then don't post them.

Shawna wrote: "Brittain *Needs a Nap and a Drink* wrote: "For me, authors need to stay away from reviews in general. Saying "thank you" or "I'm sorry you didn't like it" is one thing but reviewers aren't there to..."

It sounds like you are blaming the victim here to be honest.

I am just trying to state a natural concern of many. It may not be as extreme as doxxing but I have had several authors say that they are going to 1) sue me for a bad review 2) get me kicked off amazon 3) get me kicked off goodreads 4) tell my boss. It may seem like a small problem to many but many of us reviewers have felt that there is a growing trend of authors that are increasingly aggressive when it comes to their works and it makes us concerned.

I just want to emphasize the fact that it is an author's responsibility to conduct themselves as a professional when it comes to their own books. If you would get upset if a fast food worker said it to you, then don't say it to a reviewer. A book is not in as much constant demand as food and a new author cannot succeed if there is problematic or entitled behavior.

If it is not your own book and you are engaging as a reader, that is a different deal.

Brittain *Needs a Nap and a Drink* wrote: "Shawna wrote: "Brittain *Needs a Nap and a Drink* wrote: "For me, authors need to stay away from reviews in general. Saying "thank you" or "I'm sorry you didn't like it" is one thing but reviewers ..."

I'm not disputing that those things happen. I've had some unfortunate messages from people I've reviewed as well. The disconnect is when you imply that publicly commenting "thanks, this offered some great insights" is the same as "take this down or I'll sue you." It may provoke fear in you but that effect doesn't say anything about the intent of the comment.

If you have a trigger you need to be the one to warn people about it. We can't read your mind.

I didn't comment on the engaging as a reader part because I don't think it needs to be replied to. Your point is clear enough and I don't disagree.