I think it's ridiculous to ban negative reviews. At their best reviews provide the record of an encounter between reader and book. The nature of the encounter is what it is.
Frank and Julie, perhaps the simple omission of what would be negative reviews allows for more space for positive reviews. After all, readers are looking for "good books" rather than the others. Once upon a time, I would write negative reviews; several editors at print outlets that I should not mention convinced me that my time and their space is better spent on books on which readers' time is well spent.
I'll give up appreciating - and occasionally writing - negative reviews when pork farmers produce diet bacon.
@R.T. I also want to read so-called bad books - sometimes they teach me things, sometimes they're fun anyway, and sometimes they're actually quite good.
I think it's ridiculous to ban negative reviews. At their best reviews provide the record of an encounter between reader and book. The nature of the encounter is what it is.
ReplyDeleteFrank and Julie, perhaps the simple omission of what would be negative reviews allows for more space for positive reviews. After all, readers are looking for "good books" rather than the others. Once upon a time, I would write negative reviews; several editors at print outlets that I should not mention convinced me that my time and their space is better spent on books on which readers' time is well spent.
ReplyDeleteI'll give up appreciating - and occasionally writing - negative reviews when pork farmers produce diet bacon.
ReplyDelete@R.T. I also want to read so-called bad books - sometimes they teach me things, sometimes they're fun anyway, and sometimes they're actually quite good.