1 star reviews must hurt
Let me offer some insight on how I view 1 and 2 star reviews...they're good. They don't hurt sales, and they don't annoy me. Why? Because writing is a form of art, and art is supposed to be controversial.
If a story has nothing but 5* reviews then it pleases everyone. To do that it can't challenge, can't threaten, can't offend. It's generic, bland, just entertaining enough to divert attention when truly great books sit with you, prompt discussion and debate, provoke emotion.
The best books I've ever read have all had 3 stars after thousands upon thousands of reviews, because they anger as many readers as they excite. When you leave a 1 or 2 star, especially when you fill it with your thoughts and opinions on the work I appreciate that as much as any praise filled 5* because it means I did my "job" well as an author.
Now, if you really wanna hurt me (for some reason), leave a 3* with no comment. It drives me nuts. I am cast into a pit of curiosity with no outlet for escape.
If a story has nothing but 5* reviews then it pleases everyone. To do that it can't challenge, can't threaten, can't offend. It's generic, bland, just entertaining enough to divert attention when truly great books sit with you, prompt discussion and debate, provoke emotion.
The best books I've ever read have all had 3 stars after thousands upon thousands of reviews, because they anger as many readers as they excite. When you leave a 1 or 2 star, especially when you fill it with your thoughts and opinions on the work I appreciate that as much as any praise filled 5* because it means I did my "job" well as an author.
Now, if you really wanna hurt me (for some reason), leave a 3* with no comment. It drives me nuts. I am cast into a pit of curiosity with no outlet for escape.
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by
T.L.
(new)
Apr 24, 2025 11:45PM
I absolutely agree! A 1 or 2 star is not the end of the world (although to be honest it feels like it sometimes). The truth though is, we're all individuals and we don't all have the same tastes. I saw someone's review for a book and she said to her the book was worth 10 stars and that no better book was ever written. So, I decided to go check it out and I really couldn't make it past the 1st chapter. And that's how books are. One man's junk is another man's treasure and vice versa. Thanks for the interesting post. :)
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