I saw this on my TL yesterday and chose to protect my peace rather than wade into these waters but since it's still going around and I feel better today, let me share w/y'all why authors complaining about reader reviews turn me into Monique Heart.

In short, when y'all do this:

Before we even get into this let's establish that we're speaking IN GENERAL on reader reviews where folks either pay out of their own pocket to purchase a book or the God of Arcs smiles upon them and provides a book in exchange for an *honest review*.

*honest≠positive

With that being said, the first thing that needs to be understood is "reviews are for readers" is not just a cute catchphrase. It's the guiding principle that makes READERS seek out spaces like Goodreads or TheStoryGraph, booktube channels, bookstagrammers, or review blogs.

It is the reason why reader review spaces are reader, not author, centered. Thinking that reviews are or should be author centered is where so many authors get into trouble.

Reader reviews and the spaces that host those reader reviews are for the benefit of readers. Period.

From my perspective what I see happen is that authors will go into reader review spaces carrying with them author centered expectations and quickly start to feel a certain way (and often act out) when those expectations are not met.

Some author centered expectations: A reader review is so a reader can "show their appreciation", that any criticism must be constructive/in depth so an author can apply it to future works, that an author's feelings must be considered, or the review must be positive.

These are

Matter of fact, in the words of Kid Fury, these are lies, fairy tales, and fallacies. Reader reviews don't center the author because they are not for the author. Authors *may* benefit from reader reviews but please understand, reader reviews are a FUBU situation: For US By Us.

Reader reviews serve as a way for readers to find out if a book is:

1. Safe (Is there harmful rep or triggering content?)
2. Satisfying
3. Something they want to invest time, money, and emotion into

and sometimes

4. Produced by someone they want to support

If you seek out reader reviews and enter into reader review spaces w/the expectation that what you need the review to do for you as an author will be prioritized over what we need the review to do for us as readers...you will leave disappointed w/hurt feelings every single time.

I understand that authors are human and humans have feelings. I respect that and I appreciate that. I understand that some people troll authors using reader reviews. I acknowledge and condemn that.

But the fact remains that reader reviews and their spaces are for readers.

I'm a writer who struggles w/depression. I get it. BUT if you know negative/nasty reviews crush you creatively/emotionally or you live by the Baduism "I'm an artist and I'm sensitive about my shit" then *seeking out* reader reviews/reader review spaces may leave you crying and

That space is not your space.
You came in anyway.
Your face is cracked now?
That's on you.

*Fellow readers/reviewers, as a general rule don't tag authors in bad reviews. Also, some authors don't want to see their reviews good or bad. Check their policy BEFORE tagging them.

Leaving a negative review is not being entitled. Negative reviews DO serve a purpose and that purpose is to let other readers know "this wasn't for me and it may not be for you."

Reader reviews are for readers. Authors, you may not like that but learn to live with it because