I had an overwhelming demand of people saying they had a troll. This page is dedicated just to them. Also in future refernce, if you can refer to this page to see if their "review" is legit.
Remember these simple rules.
***If they just created an account and already have an over abundance of friends, most likely, they just went adding people. (Really - within your second day on GR's you have over 100+ friends?)
***If they have left ratings (hardly any reviews for many books of all different genre) and within the short time. (Really? Do you have time to sit and add the same book over and over again, and leave a rating?)
***If they've only left reviews/ratings for one author (or one publisher).
1. Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/gp/pdp/profile/A33UX7AXMC4EV9/ref=cm_cr_dp_pdp
[Reviews only one book, and it's not even the first one in the series. Criticizes the book about everything the author already told readers about. Prime example of a troll] Update: Her goodreads profile was deleted because it was a duplicate account.
2. Goodreads
http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/17240434-kendra
[Examples, new profile with hundreds of books added within the first two days. Leaves only ratings but no reviews. Leaves ratings on books that aren't even published to the public yet. Lays dormant until author she is trolling releases a new book.]
http://www.goodreads.com/user/show/5935292-terry-dubbs
[Rates books 1 star by the same author. Doesn't say why they are horrible. Continues to rate each book in series 1 star.] Prime example of a troll. Why continue reading work by an author if you don't like it? If you read the comments, others have commented exactly as I've written. Plus, for a reader to say they read the book, doesn't mean anything. They have to state why they don't like the book for the rating to count.
So, how do I remove a troll?
Here's how...
1. Amazon
2. Goodreads.
More to come - still gathering. :)
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Saturday, February 9, 2013
Reviewers and Trolls
I've gotten a lot of requests to make a post dedicated to reviews. No review blog would be a review blog without mentioning trolls.
Every person who has accomplished something, (no matter what it is) has a hater (e.g. troll) behind them. There are many things to look for when deciding on whether the book is for you or not.
1. Who cares how many positive reviews a book has. You know their friends/family/publishers aren't going to say anything bad. Which some publishers pay for good reviews.
Lets start off with the positives, shall we? How to determine a good review is really a 'review' or was 'helped' by one of the above. The answer is many, but simple. If the review goes 'into' why you should read the book and is about as long as the first chapter, most likely it's 'helped'. Think about it. how many of you would actually take the time to write all of that out? Especially for a five star? You wouldn't. You would write a paragraph or less, of why YOU liked the book.
I know this sounds like a lot of work, but if you're really curious to know if the review is real or not, check out the other reviews left by the ones who left 5 stars. More often than not, they would have only left reviews for the same author (or publisher in some cases).
But, I really like that author. Okay, agreed. Which is why you still read their work. However, if you don't leave reviews for any other author, one can say you personally know that 'author' in which you 'only' leave remarks for.
2. 4 stars also go with the 5 stars. 3 stars, are the make it or break it factor. 3 stars usually state, "book has potential. But, weak plot/editing and it'd do well..."
3. 2 and 1 star reviews. Those are the best. Now, if there are just star ratings and they don't actually comment, congratulations, it's most likely someone who has a grudge against the author. They want to see the author go down. The other way you can tell by a troll, is if what they are saying isn't even close to what the other negative reviews have to say. Or, they bash what the author has clearly already identified. E.G. "...this book is pure fiction..." and the review reads, "...nothing in this book could actually happen..." Really? Ya think? Or the best review, "...towns are completely made up..." Ummm, lets think about that one for a moment. Made up - in a fiction book - umm yeah. Totally a troll.
Now, some books may be fiction based off true events. We all know if there is one thing in the book that is fiction, the book must be called fiction. Common sense, right? Well, all don't think that way. Inspired by true events, could still be a fiction book. So, if you see a book that says, "Inspired by true events..." that means one or more events in the book actually took place. Though, the author may not tell you 'exactly' which events had taken place. They are just letting you know that is what inspired the book to be written. Now, when you see a review such as, "...none of this stuff actually took place. Everything is too unbelievable..." Now, unless that person was one of the people based in the book, how would they know? They're referring to themselves as a troll. We all know vampires don't exist. Yet, Twilight is being ridiculed on how vampires should act. Contradicting, wouldn't you say? We all know they don't exist, yet screaming that's not how they really are. Hmmm. Okay. So you didn't believe the book, it wasn't meant to be believed, it was meant to entertain. Duh! It's also pretty sad to dimiss a book, when you don't 'personally' know the events. You're not only slandering the author, but the subjects the books were written off of.
I can tell you in Hidden Destiny, many situations were written off real events. I had the priviledge of meeting a lot of the real people. They enjoy others thinking the book is pure fiction. It doesn't bother the town, because they know better.
Does that mean everything happened in Hidden Destiny? No. However, more often than not, is where I got the inspiration to write the book. I originally was going to sell the work off, the person who had it, (my freelancer) couldn't get it where I wanted it to go. She's a wonderful ghostwriter to others. So, I took my work back and completed it myself.
You can actually tell in the negative ratings who the trolls are. If they mention the author, AT ALL, they have a grudge against the author. If the belittle the book in anyway against it as part or whole, they are a troll. You can tell those who actually read the book as well.
On Amazon is a little harder than on Goodreads. For example, if the book is not released on Amazon, (meaning the author is getting ready to release the book so it's also on Goodreads) and there are already reviews, they're fake. Especially if the author hasn't given the book to let anyone read in advance. On Goodreads it's very easy to tell who the trolls are. If they just created an account within the month and already took the time to 'rate' hundreds of other books.
What to do if you get a troll? Leave it a lone. Or, better, report that person for being a troll. You bring up things such as they have just opened their account. If you know who your troll is, you send their information to Goodreads, or Amazon. Amazon prides itself in fake reviews. You'll see that sucker come off right away.
I find it funny, one of my works received a 4 star review, yet no one's read it except my editor. Hmmm, now, that doesn't scream troll, right away. Does it? Damn straight I reported them. I want only honest reviews.
Now, if you have a series/saga or what not and that troll keeps leaving you bad reviews. I would. Ask them, publicly in the comment section, if you didn't like my previous works, why are continuing to read them. (Then be nice) I understand some may not like my work. However, why continue to read them if you don't like them?
You are being nice, yet subtle. Now, if they come back with, "I thought it would have gotten better." I would reply back with, "Thank you for giving it a chance. However, I guess in your opinion it hasn't. So why bother?" You are hitting them straight inbetween the eyes. Now, they have to explain why they're buying your book even though they don't like it. No one is going to buy that they thought it was going to get better even after one book.
Trolls and haters will personally go out of their way to leave a bad review. More often than not, they won't leave a review, just a bad rating. Even if it's a 3 star rating, with no review, I bypass them. When you read enough reviews, you know the trolls/haters versus the real ones. Your readers aren't stupid. If you have a collection of work, they'll see the same name throughout the bad reviews. They'll know it's a troll/hater. Which, dear troll/hater, by doing so, you're actually wanting other readers to buy and read the book. The reader will wonder why that person has so many trolls after them. Then they'll continue to follow the author, just to see what you (the troll/hater) does. Other readers actually laugh at you. Your bad ratings actually have nothing to do with the book, but a hit at the author. It makes you the (troll/hater) look stupid.
Dear Authors, if someone leaves a bad review, don't criticize them! Don't even thank them for giving your book a chance. Let it go. If you want to thank the bad reviewers, make it public in a blog. "Thank you for giving my work a chance, I'm sorry you didn't like it..." or something.
Thank you. If you know you have a troll/hater, leave a comment and I'll make a post of who they are, so everyone can see. :)
Every person who has accomplished something, (no matter what it is) has a hater (e.g. troll) behind them. There are many things to look for when deciding on whether the book is for you or not.
1. Who cares how many positive reviews a book has. You know their friends/family/publishers aren't going to say anything bad. Which some publishers pay for good reviews.
Lets start off with the positives, shall we? How to determine a good review is really a 'review' or was 'helped' by one of the above. The answer is many, but simple. If the review goes 'into' why you should read the book and is about as long as the first chapter, most likely it's 'helped'. Think about it. how many of you would actually take the time to write all of that out? Especially for a five star? You wouldn't. You would write a paragraph or less, of why YOU liked the book.
I know this sounds like a lot of work, but if you're really curious to know if the review is real or not, check out the other reviews left by the ones who left 5 stars. More often than not, they would have only left reviews for the same author (or publisher in some cases).
But, I really like that author. Okay, agreed. Which is why you still read their work. However, if you don't leave reviews for any other author, one can say you personally know that 'author' in which you 'only' leave remarks for.
2. 4 stars also go with the 5 stars. 3 stars, are the make it or break it factor. 3 stars usually state, "book has potential. But, weak plot/editing and it'd do well..."
3. 2 and 1 star reviews. Those are the best. Now, if there are just star ratings and they don't actually comment, congratulations, it's most likely someone who has a grudge against the author. They want to see the author go down. The other way you can tell by a troll, is if what they are saying isn't even close to what the other negative reviews have to say. Or, they bash what the author has clearly already identified. E.G. "...this book is pure fiction..." and the review reads, "...nothing in this book could actually happen..." Really? Ya think? Or the best review, "...towns are completely made up..." Ummm, lets think about that one for a moment. Made up - in a fiction book - umm yeah. Totally a troll.
Now, some books may be fiction based off true events. We all know if there is one thing in the book that is fiction, the book must be called fiction. Common sense, right? Well, all don't think that way. Inspired by true events, could still be a fiction book. So, if you see a book that says, "Inspired by true events..." that means one or more events in the book actually took place. Though, the author may not tell you 'exactly' which events had taken place. They are just letting you know that is what inspired the book to be written. Now, when you see a review such as, "...none of this stuff actually took place. Everything is too unbelievable..." Now, unless that person was one of the people based in the book, how would they know? They're referring to themselves as a troll. We all know vampires don't exist. Yet, Twilight is being ridiculed on how vampires should act. Contradicting, wouldn't you say? We all know they don't exist, yet screaming that's not how they really are. Hmmm. Okay. So you didn't believe the book, it wasn't meant to be believed, it was meant to entertain. Duh! It's also pretty sad to dimiss a book, when you don't 'personally' know the events. You're not only slandering the author, but the subjects the books were written off of.
I can tell you in Hidden Destiny, many situations were written off real events. I had the priviledge of meeting a lot of the real people. They enjoy others thinking the book is pure fiction. It doesn't bother the town, because they know better.
Does that mean everything happened in Hidden Destiny? No. However, more often than not, is where I got the inspiration to write the book. I originally was going to sell the work off, the person who had it, (my freelancer) couldn't get it where I wanted it to go. She's a wonderful ghostwriter to others. So, I took my work back and completed it myself.
You can actually tell in the negative ratings who the trolls are. If they mention the author, AT ALL, they have a grudge against the author. If the belittle the book in anyway against it as part or whole, they are a troll. You can tell those who actually read the book as well.
On Amazon is a little harder than on Goodreads. For example, if the book is not released on Amazon, (meaning the author is getting ready to release the book so it's also on Goodreads) and there are already reviews, they're fake. Especially if the author hasn't given the book to let anyone read in advance. On Goodreads it's very easy to tell who the trolls are. If they just created an account within the month and already took the time to 'rate' hundreds of other books.
What to do if you get a troll? Leave it a lone. Or, better, report that person for being a troll. You bring up things such as they have just opened their account. If you know who your troll is, you send their information to Goodreads, or Amazon. Amazon prides itself in fake reviews. You'll see that sucker come off right away.
I find it funny, one of my works received a 4 star review, yet no one's read it except my editor. Hmmm, now, that doesn't scream troll, right away. Does it? Damn straight I reported them. I want only honest reviews.
Now, if you have a series/saga or what not and that troll keeps leaving you bad reviews. I would. Ask them, publicly in the comment section, if you didn't like my previous works, why are continuing to read them. (Then be nice) I understand some may not like my work. However, why continue to read them if you don't like them?
You are being nice, yet subtle. Now, if they come back with, "I thought it would have gotten better." I would reply back with, "Thank you for giving it a chance. However, I guess in your opinion it hasn't. So why bother?" You are hitting them straight inbetween the eyes. Now, they have to explain why they're buying your book even though they don't like it. No one is going to buy that they thought it was going to get better even after one book.
Trolls and haters will personally go out of their way to leave a bad review. More often than not, they won't leave a review, just a bad rating. Even if it's a 3 star rating, with no review, I bypass them. When you read enough reviews, you know the trolls/haters versus the real ones. Your readers aren't stupid. If you have a collection of work, they'll see the same name throughout the bad reviews. They'll know it's a troll/hater. Which, dear troll/hater, by doing so, you're actually wanting other readers to buy and read the book. The reader will wonder why that person has so many trolls after them. Then they'll continue to follow the author, just to see what you (the troll/hater) does. Other readers actually laugh at you. Your bad ratings actually have nothing to do with the book, but a hit at the author. It makes you the (troll/hater) look stupid.
Dear Authors, if someone leaves a bad review, don't criticize them! Don't even thank them for giving your book a chance. Let it go. If you want to thank the bad reviewers, make it public in a blog. "Thank you for giving my work a chance, I'm sorry you didn't like it..." or something.
Thank you. If you know you have a troll/hater, leave a comment and I'll make a post of who they are, so everyone can see. :)
Friday, February 1, 2013
February Featured Authors (Serban Andrei Mazilu)
Hello everyone! Welcome to February 2013.
What inspires me to write, in general are...flashes. I can't assume all writers go through the same thing, but I believe it's a requirement for all fantasy authors; I'm usually hit by these mental images, showing me amazing things and I just HAVE to write them down. Speaking CRUX exclusively, it was a static revelation, showing me a crystal desert under a liquid orange sky. I just...kept going from there.
What gets you in the mood to write?
My mood is direct link to coffee and cigarettes. I know it's not a healthy way to get creative, but oth nicotine and caffeine are brain boosters. I'm not flaunting when I'm saying I don't need them - because I already have a hyperactive imagination and I have had it ever since I was four years old - but I enjoy the extra book especially since I have approached this particular genre.
Do you prefer Ebooks or Physical Books?
I've had two other people asking me the same question in their interviews. I will say it from the start: I can't give you a proper answer because I have never read an E-book nor do I think I will in the immediate future. I don't own a Kindle or any type of tablet / reader, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't give it a try. So I can't really express myself on the matter, as you're asking me to give an opinion about something I haven't experienced yet. Even so, I can tell you that in a selfish way I prefer printed books because you can hold them, smell them and they look beautiful on my shelves, but I am also a minor environmentalist (meaning that I love plants and animals, and do what I can to recycle), so if there was a global vote to replace all physical publications with electronic versions, I would always vote YES.
What are you currently working on?
Right now? I'm working on my image, on promoting this book and getting to be known. And that's even more difficult than writing on Book 2. But that's what you wanted to hear about, right? The two are interdependent, as if would be silly of me to launch the sequel immediately...I have over fifty pages of HELLBENT written down and even corrected, but I'm postponing any more progress until I'm sure the fantasy fans get to know me.
Links
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
KOBO
GoodReads
Author's Name: Serban Andrei Mazilu
Book Genre(s): Dark fantasy
Book(s): The Angellove Society: CRUX (first book of the trilogy)
Questions
What inspired you to write?
Book Genre(s): Dark fantasy
Book(s): The Angellove Society: CRUX (first book of the trilogy)
Questions
What inspired you to write?
What inspires me to write, in general are...flashes. I can't assume all writers go through the same thing, but I believe it's a requirement for all fantasy authors; I'm usually hit by these mental images, showing me amazing things and I just HAVE to write them down. Speaking CRUX exclusively, it was a static revelation, showing me a crystal desert under a liquid orange sky. I just...kept going from there.
What gets you in the mood to write?
My mood is direct link to coffee and cigarettes. I know it's not a healthy way to get creative, but oth nicotine and caffeine are brain boosters. I'm not flaunting when I'm saying I don't need them - because I already have a hyperactive imagination and I have had it ever since I was four years old - but I enjoy the extra book especially since I have approached this particular genre.
Do you prefer Ebooks or Physical Books?
I've had two other people asking me the same question in their interviews. I will say it from the start: I can't give you a proper answer because I have never read an E-book nor do I think I will in the immediate future. I don't own a Kindle or any type of tablet / reader, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't give it a try. So I can't really express myself on the matter, as you're asking me to give an opinion about something I haven't experienced yet. Even so, I can tell you that in a selfish way I prefer printed books because you can hold them, smell them and they look beautiful on my shelves, but I am also a minor environmentalist (meaning that I love plants and animals, and do what I can to recycle), so if there was a global vote to replace all physical publications with electronic versions, I would always vote YES.
What are you currently working on?
Right now? I'm working on my image, on promoting this book and getting to be known. And that's even more difficult than writing on Book 2. But that's what you wanted to hear about, right? The two are interdependent, as if would be silly of me to launch the sequel immediately...I have over fifty pages of HELLBENT written down and even corrected, but I'm postponing any more progress until I'm sure the fantasy fans get to know me.
Links
Amazon
Barnes and Noble
KOBO
GoodReads
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