If You Can’t Say Something Nice…
The other day, I was led to the website of Mighty God King, who had created a series of LOLcovers (the covers of famous fantasy and science fiction novels, but with the titles changed to make fun of them. For example, one of Mercedes Lackey’s Valdemar novels was retitled “My Little Pony Goes to War”.) Within hours, the site had been suspended, and no one had cached the pages, so if you didn’t happen to see it, you’ll just have to take my word that it existed. Mighty God King’s LOLcovers were hilarious, and the suspension probably happened because he didn’t have proper rights to display the covers or something. I can’t help wondering if it’s gone because someone was hurt by his joke.
Many years ago, I wrote book reviews for the Rock Hill Herald. At the time, I was of the opinion that an honest review, even when I hated the book, was not just my choice, but my responsibility. I did not pull any punches. Snippets of my more favorable reviews sometimes appeared in mass-market editions of books. Occasionally, snippets of my less-favorable reviews (edited to look as if I was praising the book!) would also show up. Writing reviews helped me see books with a critical eye, in a way that reading alone never had. Suddenly I was noticing flaws that I’d been willing to overlook when I was reading for myself alone. That was a valuable skill to apply to my own work, and I appreciate the time I spent learning how to read that way. But I hate that I might have caused anyone distress.
I quit reviewing a long time ago, for many reasons, not least of which was that I didn’t need to be ruffling the feathers of the people whose ranks I hoped to join. Flash forward to yesterday, laughing over the LOLcovers. And suddenly every opinion I ever shared in print came back to haunt me. How did all those authors feel when I didn’t love their work? Did I hurt someone’s feelings, and because of the anonymity of the newspaper to protect me, now have no way to apologize? These days, unless I loved the book with a burning passion no wine can quench, I’m keeping my opinions close to the vest.
Well, about other people’s books, anyway. 
I think it’s likely that, considering all the high-readership blogs linking to it, the site just exceeded its bandwidth limit, rather than being suspended for content.
Misty, darlin, I never saw a single thing in your reviews that was awful. You were honest, but *very* kind with the views you took. Yeah it hurts when someone doesn’t *totally OMG love your book*, but that is part of the learning process of being a writer. And it is part of growing up, which the lucky ones among us keep doing for our entire lives. We are not in 7th grade anymore. We can take honest (kind) comments, or we *should* be able to do so.
It may not be easy to see that someone views our work as less than perfect, but won’t kill us. Which I know that you know. I command you not to feel guilt!
LOL
Faith
I think that honest, constructive criticism is invaluable to all of us, regardless of where it comes from. But I also agree that we need to take care. Words can wound. Authors take their books VERY seriously. And this is a small community in which we work….
I’ve been on both sides of this as a game writer and reviewer, so I know of which you speak. When I wrote reviews, I endeavored to make them constructive and not blatant attacks on the author. On the writer end, I’ve had the good and the bad said about my work, and know what a bad review can do for a writer’s spritis. However, if there’s truly something to be learned from the comments/criticisms, then I’ve gained some insight to help me. Basically, I can change what is changeable and just not part of “me” as a writer. Because the bottom line is that not everyone will like a certain writer’s style. For instance, there are plenty of writers on the bestseller list that I can’t stand to read at all, but somebody obviously loves their work.
Anyway, when I read a review, I know I’m getting a biased look, but, if the reviewer clicks with me and likes the book, then I at least know I’ve got a shot at liking it, as well. So, they are useful for what they do. I know I’ve picked up plenty of books based on reviews in Romantic Times.
Of course, it may be that you never want to write another review because you are a professional in the field now, and I respect that. I do think it is better to have people talking about your book than not talking about it at all, however. Some things one reviewer criticizes may be something certain readers likes, and they would never have heard of your book otherwise.
I feel the same way about my anime reviewing period. I admired many shows, but when I didn’t like them, I went out of my way to be funny about my snideness.
Looking back, I wonder if perhaps that really was not the best approach.