Reviewing with River

Yes, I do agree with these statements.

I have received a few reviews that had not a single kind word - one that told me I had no business writing and was very mocking in nature. It's discouraging to hear those things. While I know I am not a 'great' write of fiction, I am enjoying myself.

My favorite reviews to receive are the balanced ones that you mentioned. We are all writers, right? Surely we are aware of the power behind our words! Would it kill any of us to also throw a few nuggets in to say what we liked about a particular poem or story? A balanced review is far more useful than one that only focuses solely on the errors. Just my opinion, of course. But that's what works for me. I try to always give balanced reviews.