Are You Talking to Me?

Are You Talking to Me?

Why do so many authors feel discerned to review other authors work poorly and do so anonymously? And for some reason, Mr. and/or Mrs. Anonymous always leave their “hidden mark” when rating a specific piece badly. Why not be an adult and provide the author with reasons as to why the work deserved such a poor rating? Isn’t that just the humane, decent thing to do? Why are you hiding your identity when you rate and review poorly? If you have nothing to hide and are only trying to help the author, why then must you be invisible? For example, last week I received an extremely poor rating for a group bank, yes a bank! The only comment Mr. Anonymous said to me was, “What type of group is this anyway?” Are you kidding me! You gave me a one star rating all because you couldn’t figure out what kind of group it was? That’s unacceptable. Isn’t that your problem if you can’t figure it out? Why must I pay for your ignorance? Seriously; how can I hear you when you’re always invisible?

For those of us whom are fair and decent, we take great pride in our reviews and our work, and behavior as such is a slap in the face. It’s discouraging and frustrating. I do not mind constructive criticism – I really don’t. But when the criticizing remarks are made and make no sense whatsoever; it’s indecent and very immature. Hey, if you don’t understand the “ropes and guidelines” to reviewing, then I have a really good idea – research and read the rules to reviewing! Gee, how hard can that be? How unfair for those of us who try to help and provide details as to why we reviewed a particular piece as such. In my opinion, Mr. & Mrs. Anonymous give others a black eye. Grow up, learn the rules of reviewing or don’t review. It’s as simple as that.

I know this note must seem out of character for me, but at this point I feel like a ticking time bomb! Well, I don’t foresee myself “blowing” anytime soon, but the frustration and idiotic behavior from certain members does seem to have gotten to me. I’ve sat back for months and watched ignorant members review items anonymously and poorly all because they either didn’t understand what they were reviewing or because they “felt like it”. Some of us work very hard for those pretty purple stars and all it takes is one mindless member to ruin it for the rest us.

So, Mr. & Mrs. Anonymous – the next time ”You Are Talking to Me”, be a trooper will you and give me a proper review. Don’t hide your identity because you know what you’re doing is wrong and indecent. Tell me why you didn’t like about the piece and give me any advice towards improvement that you may have. I may use the advice, and I may not – but at least you gave something.