Getting a good review is a buzz, being told by anyone that "they liked what you wrote" gives you the hope that you're not completely crap after all, and it might just be worth putting pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) again. By contrast, getting a truly awful review, well let's just say hiding in the broom cupboard, with a box of milk tray and bottle or three of sauvignon blanc doesn't feel like an overreaction, at all!
I'm a firm believer in "if you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all", it may be old fashioned, but I'm an old fashion kind of girl, that's just me. I don't expect others to adhere to this, and if someone doesn't like my style or story they have every right to say so after parting with their hard earned cash. (Though I hope they don't.)
I know friends will often give us 5 star reviews or ratings, but I've never asked for that and would never expect it of them, though I do appreciate their support greatly. I think when your friends do that for you, somewhere in the back of your mind you're thinking "Did they really think it was 5 stars? Or do they just love me that much?" I certainly try not to give 5 stars unless I really mean it, but I'm afraid to give friends/acquaintances anything lower in case I offend them. I mean honestly sometimes I'll up a 4 star to 5, but with most of the writers I know I can give my reviews very honestly (which is a massive relief).
What I want most from reviews is reasons. The bits you loved and why, they bits you didn't love and why.
I appreciate anyone who has written a review for any of my stories, whether it's 2 stars or 5. I know I can't please everyone, which is fine, it's just nice to know when I do please someone. x
So how do you feel about reviews? Inquiring minds want to know.
