Tags
Amazon, Authors, Book review, KDP, LA Times, Publishing, reviews, Self-publishing, Writing
Most of the people I’ve met in this strange world of “social media” are other authors, either aspiring or published. I suppose we all, to one degree or another, chase that elusive prey of good book reviews.
I’ve heard of a couple of instances of Amazon removing reviews of authors’ books, but I just shrugged my shoulders and waited to hear the rest of the story. Well today, Thomas Ryder pointed me to this story in the LA Times that may give us a clue as to what’s going on.
And below is the story from the LA Times.
Why is Amazon deleting reviews written by authors of other authors’ books? – latimes.com.
Take a look, mull it over and see what you think.
T. W. Dittmer 
Thanks Tim…not so much for me, but there are a lot of people this is going to effect…good job, brother…
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It’s going to be interesting, that’s for sure.
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Pure T fact, it is…
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This is frustrating. Over four books, I’ve only had 12 reviews so far, and Amazon removed one 5-star review that was a verified purchase. I don’t know if she was an author, but she paid for the book, left a thoughtful review, and a couple weeks later it was gone. I hated to lose it. … I just printed out all of my reviews. I may put a page for reviews on my website and another on my blog (I see you do that). Two of my Amazon reviews are from WordPress authors, and I hate to think I’ll be losing those, too. Thanks for the heads-up, Tim. It gives me a chance to be proactive.
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It’s a conundrum. We’ll handle it, but it remains to be seen how.
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That really sucks. Thankfully none of my reviews have been deleted yet, but I know I’d be pretty miffed if they were. Amazon needs to know that not everything is black and white when it comes to reviews. =/
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It’s something we’re going to have to cope with. I’m still chewing on it.
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I can’t fathom why a review from a ‘direct competitor’ , well a good one, is a reason to delete!!
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I think they’re using the clear-cut methodology of all large corporations. It’s easier and cheaper than actual thought and work.
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I rely on reviews from the public over reviews from the media when buying books. I’ve learned from my daughter who is in Public Relations, product reviews are written by PR firms and handed to the outlet talking about the product as a ready-to-go review. This includes books. Sad that Amazon has taken this stand.
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We’ll have to wait and see how it turns out. To me, with all the noise about sock puppets and paid for reviews, something like this was inevitable.
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You’re right about this being inevitable after the debacle last year. I’ve had no reviews removed (touch wood), but then again – I don’t review much (I think I’ve done two in my life) because I just hate reviewing! But who knows if someone has gone to review your work and not been allowed – it’ll be interesting to see how this pans out…
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I know what you mean about not wanting to write reviews. Once in a while, I REALLY like something. Then I can’t keep my mouth shut. 😉
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The assumption seems to be that an author can’t also be a bone fide reader, right? What are writers always advised? read read read!
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I know. It’s pretty frustrating. I haven’t really studied what’s going on, because it IS so frustrating. Okay. Deep breath. We can handle this.
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There is something that raises doubts about authors reviewing the books of other authors on the same platform where they’re sold. After all, there are a lot of platforms for criticism today. Anyone can start a blog of literary criticism and invite other enthusiasts, and readers… even other authors… to write competent literary reviews. From what I’ve seen in the blog world, it is very common to find mutual flattery and mutual admiration between bloggers, with little criticism in sight. As a reader, I have very little to gain from these soft and loving reviews, and I imagine that were I a bookseller, I wouldn’t want to publicize such writing.
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True. It has become difficult to separate honest opinion from kindness or spite.
There is also a growing tendency of a quid pro quo exchange of reviews.
Some of this can be attributed to a genuine feeling of responsibility, much like someone’s wish to return the favor of a neighbor who has helped with something around the property. Not always, though.
It is a thorny problem.
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As I see it, Amazon is afraid that authors as a class would not be unbiased when reviewing a rival’s book. It would take much effort on Amazon’s part to examine reviews and determine if they are positive or negative. While you might think a positive review indicates lack of bias, it doesn’t always. Authors ARE often reluctant to give ★★ to a book whose author has given them ★★★★★. Hell hath no fury like some writers who get fewer stars than they gave out. Easier to just slam the door on both sides of that dilemma. I suspect they do the same thing in the case of writers with the same last name or the same mailing address. Amazon wants only reviews that can be trusted. If they have to toss 20% of their reviews to ensure honesty, they’ll do it without a qualm.
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