Yes, You Can Write Negative Reviews without Being Mean!

Let me tell you the truth, I have respect for people who stay civil even when a book has wasted their time. It's not the end of the world for them (and for me as well). Still there are some people who feel the need to use mean swear words or curse just to express their feeling which I don't think is necessary. You know, what you write on the internet is the representative of your self, just like your alter ego. Your writing is your reputation, and if you care about your reputation, you might want to rethink your review strategy.

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Negative is negative, even without wicked words

I personally won't use swear words, but well to each their own. If you feel the need to stress some thing you don't like, maybe use the milder version like "darn", "freaking", etc. I don't think it lessen the emotional part of the review, but surely it would sound much friendlier.

Keep it book related only

Don't touch the author, I'll say it again, let her/him alone. You have no right whatsoever, period. Just because you gave your time to read her/his book, doesn't mean the author owes you anything. No one force you to read the book, so chill out. People who do personal attack on the internet are attention seekers. There, I said it! Of course as a blogger you want to get as much attention as possible, but trust me, this is not the kind of attention you want.

Let's all get along 

Remember that bloggers and authors/publishers are actually BFFs. Do all you can to make your blog a friendly environment for both sides. Authors and publishers are blog readers too, and as a blogger, it's your responsibility to blog with integrity. Present yourself as a "professional" and respectable blogger even when you don't have the fame (yet).

Reading should be fun

... let's keep it that way. If the book sucks, just shrug and move on. Can't stand it and feeling tortured already? Put it on the DNF list. See, it's much simpler that way. Life is too short to complain about harmless thing like that. Hey, they are still many books you can find, there's no need to be bitter

Note to authors:

I know it can be disappointing when you receive not-so-good reviews. Please remain calm, it's not the end of your career. Ignore the mean people, they're not worth your attention and time, focus on your fans instead. Interact with them, make them happy. The last but not least, keep writing! Haters gonna hate but they're not going to outshine your talent. Keep up the good work!

How do you write your negative reviews? Do you think it's necessary to be mean about it?