But how does attaching a name to the review which criticized Lauren's characterization make it more valid or more damaging? Either it's a sensible comment, or it's not; either the editor is paying too much attention to it, or they're not.

once again -- I think it is a consistancy thing. If you can see other reviews by that person , an editor can make a real judgement-- not just a paniced reaction.

Micole, I brought up the example of Lauren's editor wanting her to rewrite because of an Amazon review only as an example of the fact that those reviews have weight with editors.

My desire for consistency or continuity by people who take the trouble to write a review, so that I can use those feedback instances while working? Totally different thing, personal to me. Only thing they have in common is, both are Amazon.

Thing is, one reason I've become more paranoid about privacy lately is because I'm thinking about my image once I'm published. I don't want anyone to decide they hold a grudge against me because I criticized Ms. Bestsellers for headhopping within scenes, or said that Ms. Wellknown's quality has been uneven of late, and I didn't find her heroine's motives plausible. And while I don't use my full name on forums, it's not that hard to figure out who I really am.

Thing is, one reason I've become more paranoid about privacy lately is because I'm thinking about my image once I'm published. I don't want anyone to decide they hold a grudge against me because I criticized Ms. Bestsellers for headhopping within scenes, or said that Ms. Wellknown's quality has been uneven of late, and I didn't find her heroine's motives plausible.

So, I'm assuming you want Ms Bestseller and Ms Wellknown to pay attention to your reviews, even though you don't want them identifying you as (insert real name here).

So use a pseud. Just, be consistent with it, so that if either Ms. Wellknown or Bestseller has enough nous to put their ego on the shelf for two minutes and pay attention to what you're saying, they can not only use your crit constructively, they can look for it in future.

Unless you don't give a damn whether they read your reviews and suggestions or not, and are just venting. I'd imagine that's different, but I don't do that, so I don't know how it works.

Changeing the Subject if anyone is interested. Has anyone read Blade Dancer by viehl? I'm trying to decide if this is a good book/ average or worse than average book by this author. I'm trying to decide if I want to start searching for the stardoc series.

here is most of my amazon review -- it isn't up yet 'cause I just did it.

I stayed up way too late last night reading it. Very exciting -- and the fight scenes were really well done. I have no experience with fighting, but I could see the scenes. I really liked the character of Jory. However, I didn’t like some things. My feelings for Kol - her partner...well I didn't have any. Parts of the book felt like a text adventure game. Also, I had to fight the urge to say "Luke, I am your father". It was a fun romp. I hadn't read anything by Viehl before.

you want Ms Bestseller and Ms Wellknown to pay attention to your reviews,

No, actually. I don't care WHAT Ms B and Ms W think. I'm not writing for them. I don't give writers critiques unless they've invited me to.

When I post a book review, I'm writing it for fellow readers. I'm saying, Yo, I spent $19.95 on this book, and this is why you should do the same. If Ms. B reads it and is happy, that's a side effect; I'm not doing it for her benefit. Likewise, if I say "I spent $19.95, RUN AWAY!" I don't expect Ms. B to go off and change her writing style; I expect other buyers to say "Hmm, do I care about the things she's criticizing?"

Amazon book reviews are meant to be peer-to-peer, not authority-to-audience like book reviews in magazines and newspapers.

Amazon book reviews are meant to be peer-to-peer, not authority-to-audience like book reviews in magazines and newspapers.

certinly that was how they were meant to be used. I will say that I have used reader reviews from amazon as a reason for getting a book in the library. Because something like PW misses.

When I post a book review, I'm writing it for fellow readers.

Cool. Would you mind very much letting the editors with the chequebooks know that?

Because they seem to think that the writers - and the editors - are right there in your target audience.

Beth, I haven't read Blade Dancer yet (and that reminds me that my sister has it) but I've read the Stardoc books, and I enjoy them. I'd say yes.

My dad has read BD, and he says he likes the Sradoc books better, so if you liked it, it's a pretty good bet you'll like the Stardoc books just as much.