Why I Don’t Read Reviews

As an author on Amazon, I need reviews. It doesn’t matter whether the reviews are good or bad because, apparently, Amazon judges whether an author is read by the number of reviews he receives, without regard as to whether they are glowing, or whether they are hateful. A review of a book means they sold a book. A review is engagement.

But I don’t read reviews.

What is a review? Is it a critical analysis of the story by a professional editor? Probably not. More than likely, it’s the opinion of a reader. Certainly the opinion of a reader counts – to other readers. But what can the author gain from it?

Consider the novel “Of Mice and Men” by John Steinbeck, a Nobel laureate. This book was taught in my high school, there has been at least one movie made from it, and yet about 9% of the reviews on Amazon.com are 3 stars or below. 2% are one-star reviews. Would Steinbeck have benefited from reading such reviews? I doubt it.

I have read reviews, and I regretted it. One was extremely vile because the reader disagreed with my description of the hairstyle of a ghost from the 18th century. How do you think that made me feel?

The thing is, I have a self image. An idea of my importance in the world, limited as it is. Should I base that image on the opinion of a person who has never met me?

What if a reviewer says I’m a brilliant writer? There is no doubt that I’m not. Decent? Maybe. But not brilliant in the American sense. (the Brits use “brilliant” to mean real good. Americans take it to mean genius.) My writing, and my self image, will be affected by this.

Similarly, what if a reviewer says that my writing is total trash? I know it isn’t, but I already have enough self-doubt and imposter syndrome to fill a bucket. Why should I be brought closer to being Marat in the bathtub based on the opinion of one or more persons with dubious credentials to judge my writing?

So, by all means, write reviews. But don’t expect me to read them.

(If you have pointers, honest and polite critical analysis,  or can point out typos, please use the Contact form.)

Blog Post Title Two

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Blog Post Title Three

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Blog Post Title Four

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.