07-22-2022, 10:13 AM | #166 |
Wizard
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I don't belong to Goodreads but do look at reviews there. I have seen some negative reviews for ARCs, though not as many as the positives
If I'm trying to decide whether to read a book, I usually scroll through looking for the 3-star reviews. They often point out both good and bad things about the book. I wish it were easier to find reviews that do or don't contain spoilers. It's a bummer to accidentally get spoiled for an important plot point. But there are times when I actually want the spoilers - like I've read a blurb for a thriller, know I don't want to read the whole book, but now I kinda want to know whodunnit. |
07-22-2022, 10:54 AM | #167 |
Grand Sorcerer
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I don't look at anonymous reviews (anonymous meaning any one I don't know and/or whose tastes I'm not familiar with) anywhere. It's much more useful to limit myself to the reviews from people I KNOW a) like the things like, b) hate the things I hate, c) like the things I hate, d) hate the things I like. I get those kinds of reviews by getting to know and eventually "friending" people on the internet (or in meatspace). Places like here and Goodreads. Rando book reviews are not something I waste any time on.
If Jon, here, hates something for instance, I know I should seriously give it a shot sometime. |
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07-22-2022, 11:28 AM | #168 | |
o saeclum infacetum
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I agree that glowing reviews from people I don’t know are worthless. However, I find thoughtful two-star reviews can be enlightening. Does it seem as if the things the reviewer dislikes are things I also find objectionable? Something already got me to consider the book; now I want to hear from the devil’s advocates. |
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07-22-2022, 11:50 AM | #169 |
Wizard
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I never read 5 star reviews, but head straight for the 1 & 2 stars. Like issybird said, many times those low star reviews mention the same things I dislike.
I do the same for non-book items from Amazon. It's turned into a junk store stocked with no-name products. |
07-22-2022, 11:57 AM | #170 |
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07-22-2022, 01:19 PM | #171 |
Readaholic
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07-22-2022, 01:30 PM | #172 |
Bibliophagist
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07-22-2022, 01:48 PM | #173 |
Grand Sorcerer
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Ok. Since you don't seem to want to read my sentence in the way you KNOW that I meant it:
If it were objectively useless, millions of people wouldn't find it useful. And yes. Bets. Big bets. More simply put: I find Goodreads useful. I'm not alone. So Goodreads can't be considered objectively useless. Last edited by DiapDealer; 07-22-2022 at 01:52 PM. |
07-22-2022, 01:55 PM | #174 |
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I make allowances for ARC reviews as many who request an ARC will already be a fan of the author or at least the genre. So they are usually hoping to enjoy the book when they request it.
A review is useful so long as the reviewer explains why they liked or disliked a book. "This is the best story ever can't wait for more" is the type of review I get nothing from. |
07-22-2022, 02:01 PM | #175 |
Well trained by Cats
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What I don't understand is why there is not some simple test that you actually have a copy.
eg. (random location generated. requires GR have a copy) 3rd word of the first paragraph of chapter 2 That only proves they could have read it completely. But that would thin the totally fake readers. |
07-22-2022, 02:59 PM | #176 | |
the rook, bossing Never.
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Also product review on Amazon is ONLY product, not the market place seller (supplier) review. You have to dig down inside the seller and on some you can't do reviews. Nor of Amazon themselves. |
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07-22-2022, 03:33 PM | #177 | |
Bibliophagist
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Take astrology as an example. A belief that the stars control your life. Yet over 30% of the American population believe in astrology and they are willing to spend money on it. A 2.2 billion dollar industry (astrology, palm readings, tarot cards, etc.) is hard to disregard. |
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07-22-2022, 03:51 PM | #178 | |
Onyx-maniac
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https://www.theverge.com/2022/7/12/23204950/bmw-subscriptions-microtransactions-heated-seats-feature |
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07-22-2022, 04:30 PM | #179 | |
Resident Curmudgeon
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But when there are enough real reviews, I can have a read and see what others think. |
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07-22-2022, 04:51 PM | #180 |
Grand Sorcerer
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I don't really even look at star ratings. They don't factor into my decisions.
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