Making Connections discussion

Hey, I hope I'm asking this in the right place. :)

Alright, so recently I've had some really great reviews for a book I wrote, and I want to 'like' the reviews. I wonder if that might be perceived as rude, though, or too forward. Might a reader not feel like I'm spying on what they're doing? I mean, I know it's public, so it's not spying, but I don't want to make anyone uncomfortable.

It's also kind of an obvious thing. Of course I'm going to like a positive review of my book, so clicking the 'like' link might be seen as unnecessary. On the other hand, I really do want them to know I saw the review and liked it.

If liking one is ok, is it alright to comment on a review and say "thanks for the great review" or something like that?

Can any readers/reviewers say how they would feel if the author of a book liked their review or commented on it? Or any authors, have you had any issues with doing it?

I've liked great reviews of my book, and I think that's fine. I never go as far as to say "hey, thanks for the great review!" or anything, though. I think if an author liked a review I did of their book, I'd think it was cool that they paid attention to what I had to say, but I'm on the writer side of this so perhaps a non-author would feel differently?

What I want to know is that if I've liked all of these great reviews, is it a schmuck move to not like the bad ones?

I don't see a problem with it at all. You liking the review is bascially indicting to the reviewer that you appreciate their feedback and taking the time to read your book. You should also like the bad reviews, sure you may not like all of whats said but its still good to like it to show you appreciate the criticism. So I say it's a good thing either way.

I can see that. Though I have always, always, ALWAYS heard you should ignore bad reviews. I've seen authors burned for reacting in all ways to bad reviews, even positively. I'm terrified to even acknowledge them!

I think it's good to acknowledge a review. you don't have to like it. I don't like when authors like a review I wrote. I prefer a comment or send me a Private Message.

I'm actually flattered when an author likes a review I wrote it means you've actually read it and not only that you find some appreciation in what I wrote whether it be good or bad. But then again I can only speak for myself.

I like it when an author likes my review of his/her book. I take that as the author's way of thanking me for taking the time to write it. In my case additional comments are unnecessary. I guess it depends on each reviewer.

I had never heard from an author after reviewing one of their novels until I joined Goodreads-Making Connections. The first time an author told me they liked my review, it really made my day! In fact, I think it opens the lines of communication even more between the author and the reader. In my case, I was given the opportunity to interview the author after reviewing his novel - and THAT was a real treat! So, I guess what I'm saying is, as a reviewer, I like when an author says "Thanks". It's a small word, and it doesn't take a lot of time to do...but it's little things like that that make me smile!

Interesting thread. I've been liking reviews good and bad as a way of saying thank you for the time the reviewer took to read and review my book. It hadn't occurred to me that that could be taken negatively. We newer authors sometimes do the wrong things with good intentions. All part of the learning process, I suppose.

I've liked both positive and negative reviews of my books. For a couple, I've added a comment to acknowledge certain points or to thank someone for a unique take.

I like all ratings, too, Patricia. The reader took their time to read it so it's my way of thanking them.

The only time I will write to the author is if I know them and am friends with them and I enjoyed their book. With people I don't know I feel as though I may be stepping a bit too much. As I said in my original comment though liking a review is telling your reader, hey thanks for reading and thanks for your honesty all without actually saying it.

Thanks everyone for the responses. I think I'll stand back for now, without likes or comments. I do want to let readers know, but at the same time I really don't want to upset anyone or make them feel like I'm looking over their shoulder going "Hey, whatcha reading?" :p

Hm, anytime an author has done this to me as a reader, I felt like they were stalking me. (It's even worse when an author writes a comment and gets defensive if I didn't like their story. I'm thoughtful, and not out to get anyone mad. I'm an author too. :) )

I'd just leave them be. I see reviews as a conversation between readers and authors should just stay out of it. Read them, fine, you could get some useful feedback, but that's it!

Just my opinion...

You can always like my reviews. :-)

It doesn't bother me if they "like" my review. I'm okay with that.

I wouldn't respond in any way at all. It makes you look unprofessional and needy. Who's the last well known author you've seen like or comment on any reviews made by the common reader?

Kelly wrote: "I wouldn't respond in any way at all. It makes you look unprofessional and needy. Who's the last well known author you've seen like or comment on any reviews made by the common reader?"

Well, Jayne Ann Krentz sent me one of her books once. This week I got two emails from Lindsey Davis commenting on my comments about her latest book. I get emails from people about my books. I always reply. Authors can feel free to like my reviews on Amazon or B&N. I can see how some people would find it disturbing, but in this day of Facebook, Google Plus, and Twitter, I really don't understand that.

Just as an author appreciates a review, I appreciate acknowledgement of the fact I not only read the book, but took the time to write a review. A simple 'Like' on the review is plenty fine with me though I don't think an author is 'stalking' me if they reply with a 'Thanks, etc.' on any of the social media (my blog, GR, Twitter, FB, etc). Everyone should do what they feel comfortable doing, but personally I appreciate a 'Like'.

And unless a 'bad' review has constructive criticism in it, ignore it. I don't expect any reply when I pan a book. My opinion is just my opinion and I don't want to get into a pissing match over an opinion.

I don't have a problem with an author 'liking' my review. I also don't have a problem with them asking for more feedback. For instance, I got a PM off an author explaining some of the thinking behind the ending of the book which I had described as being a bit sudden). the conversation with the author gave me the chance to let him know why I'd felt that, which in turn gave him some feedback for another edition of the book or any future books.

However, if an author 'bashed' a negative review I posted, I would be less than impressed, it's much better to ignore it.