Post by ailishsmom on May 23, 2010 12:46:28 GMT -5
So I was surfing around on Amazon and found this old thread started by someone (read:jerk):
I smell a support group in action for Vicki Petterssen
Initial post: Nov. 12, 2009 5:15 PM PST
"The sudden influx of "the best yet", and "just getting better" 5 star reviews make me suspect that a publisher, or author support group is at work. Many of these 5 star reviews are from reviewers who have one and only one review in their history, and I just find it hard that this particular book inspired these readers to post their first opinion. I appreciate a difference of opinion about a book, but this book has attracted drastic "love it" versus "dislike it" reactions, and the sudden "love it" activity makes me suspect the motive and sincerity of the reviewers. JMO
I freely admit that I disliked the book, and read it from the library, but now that Amazon is offering the "verified purchase" tag I think that information can be used to help identify reviewers with motives that suddenly appear to love a book that was previously getting a majority of poor reviews.
As someone who offers my reviews to help other, and who uses others' reviews to help make good purchasing decisions I feel strongly about some trying to take advantage.
Am I wrong?"
My response:
I'm confused how "verified purchase" helps clear anything up. As you said, you got yours from the library, as do other people I'm sure. I personally own and love this series, and probably purchased them all on Amazon, but does that make my opinion more valid than someone else?
As far as motive and sincerity of "support groups", if you love an author's work you want to encourage others to do so as well. If you dislike a book I can understand expressing that opinion as well. What I don't understand is spending time creating a conspiracy theory and discrediting those who have other opinions. For the record, I have no ulterior motives, nor am I "trying to take advantage" of anyone.
I tried not to personally attack the guy. I mean, I didn't even mention the fact that he spelled Vicki's name WRONG in the thread title.
I smell a support group in action for Vicki Petterssen
Initial post: Nov. 12, 2009 5:15 PM PST
"The sudden influx of "the best yet", and "just getting better" 5 star reviews make me suspect that a publisher, or author support group is at work. Many of these 5 star reviews are from reviewers who have one and only one review in their history, and I just find it hard that this particular book inspired these readers to post their first opinion. I appreciate a difference of opinion about a book, but this book has attracted drastic "love it" versus "dislike it" reactions, and the sudden "love it" activity makes me suspect the motive and sincerity of the reviewers. JMO
I freely admit that I disliked the book, and read it from the library, but now that Amazon is offering the "verified purchase" tag I think that information can be used to help identify reviewers with motives that suddenly appear to love a book that was previously getting a majority of poor reviews.
As someone who offers my reviews to help other, and who uses others' reviews to help make good purchasing decisions I feel strongly about some trying to take advantage.
Am I wrong?"
My response:
I'm confused how "verified purchase" helps clear anything up. As you said, you got yours from the library, as do other people I'm sure. I personally own and love this series, and probably purchased them all on Amazon, but does that make my opinion more valid than someone else?
As far as motive and sincerity of "support groups", if you love an author's work you want to encourage others to do so as well. If you dislike a book I can understand expressing that opinion as well. What I don't understand is spending time creating a conspiracy theory and discrediting those who have other opinions. For the record, I have no ulterior motives, nor am I "trying to take advantage" of anyone.
I tried not to personally attack the guy. I mean, I didn't even mention the fact that he spelled Vicki's name WRONG in the thread title.