Shall We Discuss #BookBlogger #Hypocrisy ~ Shall We?

I rarely use Random Things as a sounding board. This has always been my little corner of the web where I can shout about the books, authors and publishers that I love. It's my place to talk about the books that I've read, it's where I try to persuade people to part with their cash and buy the book ... or pop to the Library and borrow it.

I think it's probably fair to say that I'm happy to share my point of view with others; I like to do it face-to-face; you know, a good old-fashioned chat, over a glass of wine, or a mug of caramel macchiato, but often I'm to be found in Book Connectors on Facebook, airing my views, hoping to engage in intelligent, considered discussion. I'm not a fan of shouty, ranty, loud arguments. I don't particularly like a 'flouncer' either, and I love to hear opposing views.

I've always encouraged new bloggers. I've been blogging for almost seven years now and have learned lots of things. Passing on time-saving tips, or nuggets of knowledge is a joy, and increases the book shouting, and the book love. This also means that I will point out when I think something is being done in the wrong way, I try to be polite and helpful. Some people don't really like that.

I plan to write a couple of 'helpful tips for book bloggers' posts - people can read them if they want to, they don't have to take notice of them, but they will be there for reference. It's clear that lots of bloggers are unaware of the guidelines around advertising and promotion, and I'd hate anyone to get into trouble, so I will be writing about that very soon.

Today I'm talking about Book Blogger Hypocrisy; sounds harsh, yes? I know, we can call it double-standards, or even misunderstanding, but I'll jump in with both (beautifully boot-clad) feet and call it what I see it as: hypocrisy.

Time and time again I hear Bloggers having a bit of a whinge about how authors and publishers don't share their reviews, or comment, or RT, or like ....   There is no doubt that a blogger does get a bit of a buzz when an author or publisher notices their review. A thank you is gratefully received, and treasured, but it shouldn't be expected. My feeling is that we are writing our reviews and articles to try to help to sell a book to more readers. We are sharing our love of a book with people who may not know about it. We are shouting about the book. We are creating book love.

Some authors and publishers make a point of always acknowledging reviews and Tweets, and that is wonderful. However, some don't, for whatever reason, and to be honest, that should be fine too. 

So, that's the positive reviews, but what about the negative reviews, or those that have found lots of alleged inaccuracies in a book, or those who don't agree that the title, or cover, or strap line fits the story. What about those?

The usual advice to authors, and publishers is; Don't Engage!  Don't Respond!  Ignore!

Sadly, we've all heard the horror stories about bloggers who've done their best to ruin an author's career, or the author who tracked down a blogger because they didn't like their book. This is extreme, and rare. It doesn't happen often, and it shouldn't ever happen. 

What about the author or publisher who has a relevant, considered, intelligent, polite point to make about something that a blogger has said in a review? Surely they are entitled to respond? I enjoy this sort of response; it creates debate and widens understanding and knowledge, and often enables the reviewer to see different things in a story.

I've heard comments such as this "Oh, but once a book is published and out there, people can say what they like about it. The author and publisher has to lump it. They've published it, they have to take it on the chin."

Well, guess what?  It works both ways. When a blogger writes a review, and publishes in on the net, it too, is out there. People can respond - you know, you've written the review, you've published it, how come you think your writing is any different to the author's writing?  Double standards, hypocrisy - you decide. 

I'll shut up in a minute, but finally, I'd like to say how much I despair when I see things blown out of all proportion on Social Media. 

If an author or publisher does respond to a less than glowing review; it's fine to get into a considered discussion with them. If they are rude and abusive then mute them, block them, ignore them but if they are merely stating a different point of view, don't accuse them of attacking you, or bullying you.
Remember that authors and publishers have invested time, money and passion into their book and they really don't expect everyone to love it. However they are entitled to respond politely with their view. Don't turn it into something it isn't, don't try to blacken their name. Have the discussion, if you still have opposing views, then agree to disagree - that's fine, that's what adults do.

A very wise person once said to me; "there are three sides to every story; their side, your side, and the truth."  Something to think about, eh?