This Week's Topic
Random Thoughts - Reviews
I started doing something with respect to my reviews that I hadn't done in the past, and I realized how much easier my life has become each week when I draft my blog posts.
A little background. I write all my posts on the weekend because I really have no time to dedicate to blogging during the week. Because of this, I started just writing my thoughts in Goodreads when I finish a book. Then, come the weekend, I pick which books I will feature on the blog and shine up the review for posting.
I bet this doesn't sound that monumental to you, but it's a switch from what I originally thought I should be doing as a blogger. When I first started out, I would finish my book, mark it read on Goodreads, and write "review to come". I started amassing many books on Goodreads where I forgot to update once I reviewed the book.
But I saw all the other bloggers doing that and believed I shouldn't be posting my reviews anywhere until they were published on my blog. AND, I also saw many bloggers posting partial reviews and then linking to the review on their blog. Well, I did that a handful of times until someone reported me to Goodreads, and my reviews were removed. Lesson learned, right? I stopped doing that.
I realized all these things made more work for me. I am a reader first and a blogger second. It was silly to do things that reduced my available reading time. I also found that my reviews were suffering. They are always better when I can capture my thoughts closer to when I finished the book. I am usually still basking in the feels, and that translates to my reviews.
It's also nice to have all these reviews waiting for me. Most of the time, I don't know which books I will pair for a review post. I always pick two, but I like them to be sort of related and have similar ratings. Preparing a post to type my reviews in when I don't know when they will post made me put it off. Now, I look at the books I have read, select which books I will feature, pop those reviews in a post, and re-read and edit the reviews if necessary. So. Much. Easier.
As always, I continue to read reviews that annoy me. I am not saying that you cannot express your dislike for a book, but I hate when readers are petty and mean. I also get frustrated when I see things like this:
The only reason I'm giving this a 4.5 is because there were a few typos scattered throughout (misspellings, duplicate words, etc)
This makes me nuts especially when you are rating an ARC. We are supposed to accept that ARCs are not finished books, but even if it was a finished book, are you rating the story or the physical presentation of the story? Maybe it's me.....
Now it's your turn!
What are your thoughts on reviews?
Let us know in the comments!
Let us know in the comments!
ReplyDeleteSince 2012, I've maintained a consistent rhythm of reviewing books, which has naturally evolved and refined over time. My approach has an added layer of complexity, as my blog revolves around my dedicated reading schedule. Opting for a book a week was initially a smart strategy for maintaining my pace, although it does introduce some unique challenges to my posting routine. Just as you mentioned, I've come to realize that I am fundamentally a reader first and a blogger second—a realization that was quite liberating.
Nowadays, I've adopted a habit of staying slightly ahead of my schedule. This gives me the flexibility to craft my reviews at my own pace. Like yourself, I tend to jot down initial impressions and thoughts either in drafts or on my phone. These raw notes then become the foundation upon which I build my final review. While it might not be the most streamlined method, it aligns perfectly with my personal workflow and ensures that my reviews capture the essence of my reading experience.
I think it's important to find something that works for you. My troubles were a result of trying to do what everyone else was doing.
DeleteI don't usually talk about typo's, edits, or grammar mistakes in my reviews. My star rating is based solely on the story, characters and and whether I liked it. I usually write the review right after I finish reading the book so everything is still fresh in my mind.
ReplyDeleteThat's how I am when I review too. It's really about my enjoyment and the entertainment value
DeleteI still occasionally come across some old "Review to Come" comments on my books on Goodreads. LOL! I don't do that anymore either. I didn't know it wasn't okay to link to your blog in a review. I see people do that a lot, but I never took the time to learn how. I don't have a specific way I do things now. The amount of time I have to put into it greatly affects my methods. Interesting topic!!
ReplyDeleteTime is definitely runs the show. I found when I am strapped for time, I don't tend to write those prelim reviews right away. I pay for that.
DeleteI find it's easier to write a review soon after finishing the book too! As you said thoughts and feelings are fresh. It's so much harder when I wait and it also feels like I have a chore hanging over my head. Not fun. I didn't realize you could get in trouble for linking your review to your blog post on Goodreads. I only did that when I posted my entire review and then I'd say "also posted at The Readers Den" with that phrase hyperlinked. I don't do that anymore (long story), but why do people care if you do that?
ReplyDeleteYES! I feel the obligation hanging too, and when I let them pile up, it's even worse. It all comes down to someone reporting you. I apparently was some of threat. LOL I don't understand why it would bother someone, but lesson learned.
Delete"I also saw many bloggers posting partial reviews and then linking to the review on their blog. Well, I did that a handful of times until someone reported me to Goodreads, and my reviews were removed. Lesson learned, right? I stopped doing that."
ReplyDeleteI mean, what???!!!??? I've been doing that since Day 1, and it's not like there's a GR book of rules where it says it can't be done, that I know of. Should I worry now? I have more than 400 read books listed on there, most of them reviewed...it would be a tragedy if those reviews were removed. Not that I intend on changing my course...Also, what does anybody care if you post the whole review or not? to the point of REPORTING you? People are mad.
"We are supposed to accept that ARCs are not finished books, but even if it was a finished book, are you rating the story or the physical presentation of the story? Maybe it's me..... "
I know we're not supposed to mention typos and the likes, but I can't bring myself to overlook them - I mean, sometimes they're not just typos, but veritable errors, and they say a lot about the author's ability to, well, handle their own language. That being said, I never take it to my rating - i just mention it, because I'm a punctilious human being (and even if I make mistakes myself, at least I do them in a second language LOL).
As for your review routine, it makes total sense for you, as someone who reads practically a book a day and writes shorter reviews - but I could never do the same. I prioritise the blog (unless it's a mini review - as you know, I group 3, sometimes 4 of them in a post at some point, so I have to wait until I have enough of them, and I post them on GR in the meantime. Those are the ones I copy from GR to the blog). When I tag a book as RTC on GR, I usually draft a blog review and schedule it for later, and on the day it posts on the blog I copy it on GR (complete opposite of your method LOL). Then again, my full reviews have a certain structure, so it makes sense to see them in the post template context first.
It was petty of whoever reported me, right? I was so shaken. I was new to blogging, and it really hurt me. Commenting on the writing/structure is one thing, but the reviews I am talking about, call out typos and formatting in ARCs. I consider that a foul as it's an agreement. I found I wasn't able to keep up with setting up the post when I finished a book, and I also didn't know which reviews I would post together. It became a mess and made writing the reviews harder. Everyone has to do what works for them. I had to change what I was doing because it wasn't working for me.
DeleteI have to write my review immediately after finishing a book else I forget! I always write them in a word document and then I copy/paste immediately on Goodreads. Then, on the weekends, I will make the graphics for my recent reviews and will plan everything on the blog.
ReplyDeleteI have a stockpile of reviews. I read 6 or more books a week, but only post 4 reviews. I never know when I will post.
DeleteThis is what I do! When I finish a book, I post a quick paragraph with my initial thoughts on the book. When I sit down to write my actual review, I take that and shine it up a bit and usually expand on it. It makes writing reviews so much easier! I am glad that you found something that works for you.
ReplyDeleteI used to just write a few sentences, but now, I sit down and write what I would consider a full review (I am usually fairly brief). Then I edit it again before I publish to the blog. I usually add a bit, but the bulk is written. Our process sounds pretty similar, and I am glad to hear it works for you too
DeleteI was trying to think how I write reviews. Mostly, I decide if I'm going to review them on the blog (if they're not ARCs) and then either review right away in GR if I'm not doing blog or write a post if I am. I do have a post ready to add my review to in WP if it is an ARC. And I never take off stars for typos in ARCs. Now, if it's a published book and they're on every page, I could see myself doing that.
ReplyDeleteI read more than I post, and I always post two reviews together. Because of that, I never know what I will pair, so I don't prep posts ahead of time. I like to pair reviews that have similar ratings as well, so I have to wait and see how I rate the books.
DeleteI am STUNNED that they removed your reviews. I mean... what is the reason?! You can review however you want, that is the point! I am really shocked by this. And that person should be ashamed of themselves, it isn't hurting anyone! I still see people do that all the time, what even is this!? Anyway. Ahem. Got a little stabby there heh. So I have a thing where I won't post them on Goodreads first, BUT the reason is wholly selfish- I want them on my blog first so that people come there bwhaha. I know it likely doesn't matter one bit, but in my twisted brain it does! 😂 Now, me, I just mostly panic-review, which is where I realize I have to get a post done by X date because I have 9337924 review books and whoops. It's my whole brand at this point, sad to say!
ReplyDeleteApparently linking the way I did is a violation. It came down to someone reporting me though. I agree, no harm in the link. I got over it. I understand wanting the blog to be the first place you publish. That's why I used to drop the RTC on my GR entry too, but I kept forgetting to update, and I never knew when I would publish, putting off writing review, etc. You gotta do what works for you. You put out reviews once or twice a month in a digest sort of format, don't you? Outside of blog tours? I would think you know your dates, but I like to pair books that fit well together and have similar ratings, so I cannot draft the post.
DeleteIndeed, that us how I have been operating lately- it is a juggling game at this point for me heh. I also do not draft, but you are right, I absolutely could. I wish I did, sounds way more organized!
DeleteGreat discussion topic you have there! I see why Goodreads had issues with the link but I personally don't think that there was anything wrong with it. But I never did that or if I did it wasn't for very long. If its a ARC review though, I just have a follow up on trello on when I need to cross post my review and have it go up on the blog first. And then once its safe to cross post, then I do. I think everyone is entitled to their opinion but I do think if you are doing a ARC review, you need to disregard the grammar issues. But I do think people could be better about reviews especially if its negative, be careful not to bash the book or the author. I also try to write my reviews as quickly as possible post reading them, or I just forget all the details of what I read and want to convey in a review.
ReplyDeleteI cut out the reminder by just posting. I was not keeping up with the cross posting. Yes, the details leave my brain quite quickly and sometimes they are things I really want to share.
DeleteI cannot believe someone reported you to Goodreads! People have nothing better to do ugh. And the way I do reviews is I write myself little notes in the book, it's easier on my fire then my paperwhite, while I'm reading. So then when I'm writing my review I can grab all of those thoughts, emotions and words and it flows quicker for me. Ohhhhh yes I hate lowering a rating for an earc because of typos. It hasn't been through the final editing process, sigh.
ReplyDeleteI know. That was a very petty person. The only thing I think I would report is something like serious hate speech or threats. Otherwise, I mind my own business. It was a victimless crime. I used to do notes, but I found it took me out of the story. I guess I have become some sort of purest in my old age.
DeleteYou got reported on GR for posting partial reviews and linking to your blog?? I see that often but had no idea it wasn't allowed (apparently?). Good grief, if the person didn't like that type of partial review, why not just move along? *insert eye roll* I used to be so particular about reviewing a book immediately after finishing it. I wouldn't start a new book until that review was written. Now, not so much. I'm always too excited to dive into a new book and my reviews definitely suffer because of that.
ReplyDeleteYep, some salty hater reported me. I was new to this, and I took it really hard. I probably wouldn't care now. This was a partial like "to read the rest of this review..." Not a short review, but a real partial
DeleteI have started highlighting in my ereader instead of making written notes, except when I read a physical copy. In that case, my review is mostly written as I go along. I used to do that for ebooks too, but arthritis in my hands can make my writing indecipherable. I have gotten pretty good about writing the review with a day or week of reading and that makes things much easier for me. I always put them on my blog first, but do rate of Goodreads, sometimes saying review coming, or a few notes that may intrigue someone checking out the book. It took me ten years to reach something that works well for me. LOL That makes reading more enjoyable. No pressure to review because they flow better when done right away. Sometimes, I use no notes at all. Great post.
ReplyDeletesherry @ fundinmental
I used to highlight, but I found it takes me out of the story. I just hated breaking my flow, though it sounds like such a winning way for you. I know that's a me thing.
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