Comments on: The Book Not the Author http://www.karen-strong.com/2009/10/19/the-book-not-the-author/ Fri, 10 Feb 2012 11:12:26 +0000 hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 By: Karen http://www.karen-strong.com/2009/10/19/the-book-not-the-author/comment-page-1/#comment-176 Karen Mon, 19 Oct 2009 14:51:06 +0000 http://www.karen-strong.com/?p=865#comment-176 I think you might be right Anna about the Web. Everyone wants to give their opinion and unfortunately only the most negative and drastic ever get the attention. <br> I've also noticed that the influx of "anonymous" posts and comments really bring out the venom in people. I guess it's easy when you're hiding behind your computer. Maybe it's my Southern upbringing, but if I can't say something nice or at least constructive, I'll just keep it to myself. And definitely not broadcast it on my blog or on the Web. I think you might be right Anna about the Web. Everyone wants to give their opinion and unfortunately only the most negative and drastic ever get the attention.

I’ve also noticed that the influx of “anonymous” posts and comments really bring out the venom in people. I guess it’s easy when you’re hiding behind your computer. Maybe it’s my Southern upbringing, but if I can’t say something nice or at least constructive, I’ll just keep it to myself. And definitely not broadcast it on my blog or on the Web.

]]> By: Anna http://www.karen-strong.com/2009/10/19/the-book-not-the-author/comment-page-1/#comment-175 Anna Mon, 19 Oct 2009 13:18:37 +0000 http://www.karen-strong.com/?p=865#comment-175 I find reviews to be perplexing, too. I don't think I've ever read a book and then thought, "I have to warn people about how bad this is!" but it seems like some reviewers feel it's their duty to keep us from picking up a "terrible" book. For review journals that advise libraries what to buy, I can see how they would want to indicate if a book isn't worth the money (often they'll mention other books that are a better investment) but for general reviews that are for general readers, it's purely a matter of taste. I almost wonder if our increasingly internet-focused culture has something to do with it. With everyone having an online outlet (blog, twitter, etc.) it seems that we all have to have an opinion on things, the stronger the better. Opinions are fine as long as, like you said, we keep the intended audience in mind and leave out any personal feelings about the author. I find reviews to be perplexing, too. I don’t think I’ve ever read a book and then thought, “I have to warn people about how bad this is!” but it seems like some reviewers feel it’s their duty to keep us from picking up a “terrible” book.

For review journals that advise libraries what to buy, I can see how they would want to indicate if a book isn’t worth the money (often they’ll mention other books that are a better investment) but for general reviews that are for general readers, it’s purely a matter of taste.

I almost wonder if our increasingly internet-focused culture has something to do with it. With everyone having an online outlet (blog, twitter, etc.) it seems that we all have to have an opinion on things, the stronger the better. Opinions are fine as long as, like you said, we keep the intended audience in mind and leave out any personal feelings about the author.

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