Let's be honest... we're human and we make mistakes. Unfortunately, being human also means taking offense at people pointing out those mistakes. I know my reviews likely contain spelling and grammar errors, which is inevitable for me, but do I want those mistakes brought to my attention?
Honestly, I don't think I would mind, because then I could fix the error and the review would be better for it. However, what about when someone disagrees with the content you've added in your review? Maybe they think you're mistaken about events that occurred, or that you didn't perceive the story in the correct way? How would you react to those helpful souls that left comments explaining everything they thought you did wrong?
I know most of us enjoy a good book discussion, even if we have differing opinions, but what if it's not about the book itself? Instead, it's about what we thought happened within a story? Do you think you would be as accepting of those commenters that decided to say something?
I'm very meticulous when I take notes on a book, and often keep a notebook around when I'm reading. It's not easy to quote an audiobook, but I do my best to make sure I copy down everything word for word when I want to include something in my review. I know I could make a mistake, like leaving out a word or misspelling a name, and I would be understanding if someone pointed out those mistakes so I could fix them. I don't believe I would be as amendable if someone wanted to correct the content of my reviews. We may have perceived the same situation in two very different ways, and that's part of the reading experience.
What do you think? Has anyone ever commented on a review and told you that you'd make a mistake? Grammar or otherwise? How did you react? If not, how to you think you would respond to something like that happening?
Once I had the very worst spelling error in my friggin' BANNER...it said "rewieved" instead of "reviewed"...for, like, a year or two!!! I was very grateful (though ashamed) when someone finally pointed it out to me LOL. I don't have a clue how it could happen, and why none of my friends/authors seemed to have noticed it (the brain autocorrects, I suppose). I don't even know how I didn't notice! Anyhow, it was kind of hilarious - hey, I'm a book blogger! a very accomplished one! I'll REWIEV your book! LOL.
ReplyDeleteBut apart from that...even when you're writing in your own language (which I don't), mistakes happen. I'm a control freak, and I have spell-checker turned on for English in my browser - but even then, stuff filters in. (Also because spell-checkers have the bad habit of censoring words that DO exist sometimes, so you end up not noticing the real mistakes they underline). So...of course I would be grateful if someone pointed out my mistakes. The review's content, now, is another kettle of fish. Should a reader bring a different interpretation on the table, but in a respectful manner, I think it would be interesting - it might even open my eyes to something I didn't notice, or make me question part of my own. But it's a slippery slope. Most people who see things in a different manner tend to be rude - especially if they chanced upon your review without even having a clue who you are. These things even happen in fandoms, where you're supposed to love the same thing and be together in it, so go figure.
Interesting discussion, and I'm looking forward to what the other bloggers have to say!
The brain does autocorrect! I took a few psychology classes in college (some of my favorite classes), and we did an entire lesson on the brain and how it sometimes makes assumptions without us realizing it. The professor put something up on the board and had us read it, but then when we really focused, we realized it said something else entirely. It was crazy! It's nice that someone pointed it out to you, but I bet you wish someone had noticed it sooner.
DeleteI read over my reviews dozens of times before I post them, and I still find mistakes after its live. It's inevitable! I do wish people would tell me, so then I could fix the errors I didn't catch, but I'm not too worried about it.
That's the thing... people tend to be rude and disrespectful when they have a different opinion. I love to discuss books, especially when we see things differently (more exciting, I think), but people rarely approach it the right way. We can both read something and not come away with the same thoughts/feelings.
That's interesting! I wish I'd taken those classes LOL.
DeleteQuote: "We can both read something and not come away with the same thoughts/feelings."
Absolutely! But it shouldn't be such a big deal as some people make it...
Right?? I haaate when people think everyone should agree on everything. That's not realistic!
DeleteI think stuff like grammatical errors or spelling mistakes shouldn't be pointed out. Everyone makes those, it's not really a big deal. No matter how many times I read something I wrote, I still miss stuff like that.
ReplyDeleteContent errors, that may be a little different, because it might really affect how people approach the book. I would say if one could point it out in a "nice" way, that would be ok. I don't think anyone has ever pointed out flaws in my reviews (although I'm sure there have been many). I think I would be a bit embarrassed, but if it could help clear something up for another reader, it would have its merits.
I think after we read them for the 10th time, we see what words we want, and not what's actually there, haha. It's easy to miss our own mistakes, because we're too familiar with what we've written. Fresh eyes often catch them right away.
DeleteI think having a non-grammatical error could lead to some interesting discussions, if people were nice about it. One time I mentioned someone not bathing or mentioning hygiene for an entire book, and a commenter said there was an instance on this or that page, which led to a lovely conversation about the book as a whole. No harm done, and I was able to amend my review.
I'd also appreciate if someone pointed any grammar mistakes and the like. I read through my posts a few times to catch any typos, but I'm human and am prone to errors. And I'd rather learn about a mistake sooner than later. A reader could even let me know via email if they're worried about mentioning it in a comment.
ReplyDeleteContent would be more difficult. It'd depend on tone and what they have to say. It'd be fine if someone mentions they perceived or reacted to an event differently or if they liked a book when I didn't like it (or vice versa). It's interesting to learn about what people think about a book, and I love when a commenter has also read the book and has more to say about the book.
I wouldn't appreciate it as much if they outright said my perspective is incorrect or started flaming on my review. I can't be entirely objective with my review since I'm human, and I understand that different people will approach a book differently based on their unique worldview. That's why we have so many blogs and reviews out there; we wouldn't need reviews if everyone had the exact same opinion to give.
I do my best to acknowledge both the positive elements and the negative elements of a book even if the positive elements are small things and the negative elements were glaring at me throughout the book. I know that even if I don't like a book there will be an audience out there, so I do my best to be respectful and I hope people do the same in return when responding to my thoughts.
It's hard to know when a person would appreciate the correction, and when a person would rather it was ignored. Just in these comments... there are people that would welcome the information, while others don't think it should be addressed. Should we include disclaimers in the sidebar? "Please report any grammatical errors or inconsistencies. Thank you!"
DeleteI actually prefer when I don't agree with someone else's review, because then we can talk about WHY! I want to know what happened to make you think/feel that way, because I'm genuinely curious. I don't want to change how anyone thinks about a book, but understand their perspective. However, you're right about not appreciating it when someone attacks your review. We all have different experiences, so of course we're going to take different things away from a book. We shouldn't everyone to have the same reaction to a story. Truth! I'm friends with a lot of bloggers that read different genres. I'm curious about the books and their opinions, but they're not stories I want to read.
Same! I try to list the positives and negatives in my review, even when they're small. It's also why I do my DNF&Y post. I didn't like a book, but that doesn't mean it's not a good fit for someone else. They might like books with a slower pace and angsty characters. It's good to be specific about why we didn't like something, so that people have a better understanding of out feelings. They also need to realize that it's personal preference, and we're not going to like everything we pick up.
I make mistakes all the time. I think I'm okay and even inclined to be appreciative if someone points a mistake (especially if it's a HUGE one) out to me, but I don't think there needs to be a cruel way to do it. I often see people snubbing people while correcting them and offer constructive correction is infinitely different from cruel judgment and on-top-of-the-pedestal correction.
ReplyDeleteIt baffles me, because everyone makes mistakes, even the people doing the snubbing. They have no right to be so judgmental. We're human and we make errors, but it's how we handle them that matters. We can choose to take constructive correction with a laugh, or we can be angry that someone dared disagree with our thoughts/feelings. Everyone is different, and we're allowed to have different reactions to books and experiences.
DeleteGrammar and spelling should be ignored, but content can be approached in a diplomatic way. I remember seeing a person go at a reviewer on GR about a discrepancy. The reviewer handled it well, but the other person was way too hostile about it.
ReplyDeleteI've had the same discrepancy handled with kindness and humor, and also hostility and anger. The latter was angry that I had remembered a detail incorrectly, and claimed that a "true fan" would have gotten their facts right the first time. The former provided me with a page number so I could accurately amend my review. Then the two of us starting talking about the book as a whole, and it was fun! There was a HUGE difference in how these two people handled the same situation.
DeleteGreat post, Lindsi, it got me thinking. I haven't contacted any fellow bloggers about any spelling or grammar mishaps but I was contacted by an author about a spelling mistake I made in her co-author's name! I was embarrassed but immensely grateful that she'd spotted it and told me.
ReplyDeleteI like that we are all different and there are so many varying opinions out there in the book community. I think the problems occur when people forget their manners. Rudeness is something that I hate. I've written my own replies to some horrendous Goodreads comments that are ranting on some poor reviewer who's opinions differed from the idiot slating them.
My reviews are slightly different as I am looking at how a story is told rather than what the story is about, which means that having to remember plot specifics and sciences and misremembering them isn't something I have to worry about (thank crunchy because my memory is terrible! Lol!).
That was nice of the author! Especially if she was kind about it and didn't yell at you for misspelling something. I read a lot of fantasy books, so I'm ALWAYS worried I'm going to misspell a character's name or a place in the book. Especially since I listen to a lot of audiobooks and don't normally have a reference (Google helps).
DeleteI hate when I see people attacking reviewers. It makes me instantly defensive of the person being attacked, regardless of what it's about. They have a right to express their opinions, and shouldn't be accosted for sharing them. People can express their thoughts/feelings in a constructive/conversational way that doesn't lead to an argument or hurt feelings. We're allowed to have differing opinions, and those opinions should be respected. It's fine to want to discuss a book, but attacking someone else is never okay. I've often commented on those comments to tell them to back the fuck off.
Interesting! I don't think I really look at how a story is told. I'm so caught up in what's happening within the story, that I don't think about much else. :)
DeleteI LOVE when people point out mistakes! I get a little embarrassed, but like you said, we all make mistakes! I'd much rather someone point it out to me rather than realizing it was there on my own weeks later.
ReplyDeleteI always feel worse when I realize my own mistakes weeks after they were made. I start thinking about how many people read this and thought I didn't know how to make words, haha. I would prefer if someone told me right away, because then I could fix it!
DeleteI've had a couple of people comment on my review and let me know that I have some spelling mistakes and I don't mind that at all.
ReplyDeleteWhen I get really excited about a book, I know I make more mistakes in my reviews. I'm just so excited to talk about it, and grammar takes a back seat to my excitement. I don't mind when people point them out, because they usually talk about the book too. We can have a discussion and I can fix my mistakes. :)
DeleteI love this question so much Lindsi! ❤️ Actually I'm mortified when I miss a spelling error hahaha. But I would love to debate more in the comments. Especially if that person has read the book. I love hearing others POVs its why I'm part of 2 book clubs that read books I rather dislike (mostly). I read a lot of arcs so unless that person got one themselves and has read it and written their review they aren't likely to discuss it. I was hoping my buddy reads would inspire this but I guess that kind of discussion isn't really wanted. ;)
ReplyDeleteRight?? I would love to have more discussions with people that disagreed with me. It's like the Storm and Fury review you wrote... the one commenter thought you should have read the previous series first, even though this one should be able to stand on it's own. It was like they were completely dismissing your thoughts and feelings, just because you hadn't read an entirely different series. It wasn't a continuation, it was a spinoff, and your opinions were still valid and had merit based on what you'd read.
DeleteThat same person could have chosen to discuss the book with you, instead of telling you that reading something else might make you feel differently. I think it was a missed opportunity for interesting conversation, but I doubt they would see it like that.
DeleteI don't think anyone has ever pointed out a spelling/grammar mistake in my reviews which I'm grateful for because I know they are there but I don't need to be nit picked at, you know? I'm hard enough on myself. I wouldn't be rude, I'd probably thank them then correct it but then depending on where I'm at I could end up down the self-depreciating rabbit hole and that I wouldn't appreciate.
ReplyDeleteIf I ASK someone to read over something and point that stuff out then it's obviously different because correction is expected and mentally prepared for, otherwise shhh... :)
As for trying to correct my opinion or observations on a book... Yeah. That wouldn't have me doubting myself or upset, that would have me breathing fire. My thoughts/impressions are my thoughts and impressions. If they're 'wrong' or not as the author intended then I'm sorry but they are what I took from the book and telling me I'm wrong... Nope.
I'm always up for debate on a topic though. I have no issues if people disagree with what I've written and then explaining how they interpreted it/felt about it but that's different from 'correcting' for they're acknowledging your opinions and points while sharing theirs. They're not telling you you're wrong. :)
"Shh..." -- love it! I've seen mixed opinions on this one. Some people want their errors pointed out, and others want people to leave them alone. As a reader, how do you know what the reviewer wants? It's safer not to say anything. Although, I am one of those people that wants to know. ;)
DeleteI hate it when people say you've misunderstood a book. We're all different, we have different life experiences, so of course we're going to interpret things differently. It's silly to think people will have the same reaction to a book. Our varying opinions make it more interesting! I love book discussions that have a variety of interpretations. It's fun too see how/why people chose to see something a certain way.
Good question. I don't know if anyone has corrected me before, but like you said, if it was a grammar thing or I didn't spell a character's name right or whatever, then sure, let me know. I've had people tell me about mechanical things on the blog not working right or how I could do something better, and I appreciated it because it was helpful and they weren't mean about it. As for my actual review though, everyone reads the same book differently so someone can state their opinion and that's cool but to fight me over my opinion? Yeah, no thanks. LOL
ReplyDelete-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
I feel like there are people/fandoms out there that are just looking to fight with reviewers that disagree with them. For example, the Caraval series. It wasn't my favorite, and people were livid over my lack of enthusiasm. I didn't hate the first two books, but I did have some issues with the characters and their choices. Also, Scarlett's dress? Does it wash her/itself? How does she clean it since it never comes off? I have questions! ;)
DeleteIf we're just talking about typos, then sure, it's fine, they're probably just trying to help and it makes the review more polished. If I say something offensive without realizing it, I'm also happy to fix that if someone can kindly let me know of my mistake. But no, I wouldn't want someone to point out what they've decided is a "flaw" in how I experienced the story. If I've specifically asked for people to help me understand something or expressed confusion, then I welcome people giving me their interpretation. Or if they're just expressing a different opinion but still respecting mine, that's usually ok. But to just tell me I'm wrong? No thanks. My review is *my* opinion.
ReplyDeleteIt's different when you ask people what they thought about something, or you ask them how they perceived a specific situation. When someone comes out of nowhere to tell you that you interpreted something wrong... ugh. That's when I get upset. My reviews are my opinions and my experiences with a story. If you want to share/discuss how you interpreted something, that's totally fine! I welcome the conversation, but don't flat out tell me I'm wrong.
DeleteOooh! I hate spelling and grammar errors, so I'd hope that someone would point them out to me in any post! But I think the most important factor for me in any instance is compassion! If the comment only mentions a spelling error then I'll feel hurt that someone was nit-picking through my review, rather than engaging!
ReplyDeleteAnd I want to start discussions with people! I understand that people will disagree with me, and I don't want confrontation. I want to start a discussion over the points we disagreed on in a friendly, respectful way! I don't ever want to feel attacked over my opinions!
Great post!
This is so true! If they only mention the spelling error, it's like they didn't read the review for the review itself. I'm more willing to accept criticism and correction when it's done with kindness and compassion.
DeleteI actually prefer when I disagree with people on a book! Those have the potential for the best discussions! I honestly want to know why people viewed something differently, and would love to talk about it. Feeling attacked it never fun!