Today we continue our series talking about what frustrates readers about online groups.
As most of you would know there are different groups. Reader groups which are created for readers and should be reader focused. Mixed groups for both readers and writers like Australasian Christian Writers. Author Groups which are mainly published or aspiring authors. These groups should be self explanatory.
Reader Groups
Readers love reader groups where we can talk about books. But as a reader I get frustrated when authors try to dictate what a reader thinks. A reader will ask a question for other readers to get there perspective but will get author answers. The question maybe something like how do you feel about something in books and then replies come in by authors explaining why we should like the book. We are not asking why we should like a book instead we are asking what other readers think.
I remember asking what readers think of blasphemy in books even if it’s just the initials which people know what it stands for not what they make change it to. Do they cringe, stop reading or let it go. I had some Later Day Saint friends say they will not read books with this in it. In fact would probably give the author a miss due to this. Then I had an author say Oh I did that but the character is a not a Christian so it’s ok. I was actually floored by this comment. However that wasn’t what I was asking, I genuinely wanted to know what readers thought. What I didn’t need was an author explaining or dismissing my initial question. I wanted to know if others feel as strongly as me or not. Actually I don’t care if it’s a Christian character or not I don’t feel blasphemy belongs in Christian Fiction.
Mixed Groups
In a mixed group we expect both perspectives which make these group important to authors. They learn what readers think and readers learn about the writing process. However, all members need to respect each other. Many years ago a question was asked about what genres people like, I mentioned it would be easier to say what I don’t like to read. I did mention the ones I don’t like and there are only a couple of genres. I was contacted privately and told my not liking a particular genre made this writer want to stop writing and then asked to remove my comment. It didn’t matter me explaining why I struggle with the genre. At the time I did remove the comment, now I wouldn’t. Why because it was very unfair of the author to put that pressure and guilt on me that I was the reason she may stop writing. It was also unfair to dismiss my preferences.
The other issue with mixed groups that I have experienced is authors forgetting readers are in the group and they vent about them. A mixed group is not the place for this and will turn readers off. I still remember a comment that readers were ignorant for not understanding an author’s books. The other one was its readers fault for their poor sales because we choose to buy overseas books before their books. Again, these comments upset me and I did stop buying books by the author for the comments. These comments are for an Author only forum. However, when an author chooses to publicly apologise for blaming authors it does impress readers. I now read books by an author who had been quite rude to me but then apologised for it.
Author only groups
Author groups where the members are writers or aspiring authors is where you vent about readers. Vent about the publishing game and anything that you don’t want readers to read. Or you want to vent about reviews, the lack of them or those one-star reviews. Do it in a writer’s group. Complaining in a readers group just makes you look insecure. Of course it may also make you look unprofessional to other writers. Choose how you want to vent and what you want to get out of venting. Maybe find a way to vent while asking for feedback to get a result you are looking for.
Summery
Summing up as readers we don’t need to the blame, pressure, guilted for not buying or liking a book. For having genres and tropes we don’t like or don’t read. Or for leaving a less than 5 star review. So, if you do vent, blame, pressure or guilt readers in reader groups or even mixed groups do it at your own peril.
On the other hand, readers want good books, and we want to support authors. You can nurture true friendships in groups and once you have a loyal reader they will do all they can to help you. We want to read your books and post reviews. The saying you can catch more flies with honey than vinegar is very true.
Hi Jenny, Thanks for sharing your thoughts. I’m sorry you’ve experienced abuse from authors. Abuse is never acceptable and should be called out. Authors aren’t perfect people and we will make mistakes. It says a lot about our character when we’re willing to apologise and make amends. I appreciate the people in my life who are prepared to extend grace when I mess up by doing or saying the wrong thing and need to apologise etc.
Re. Venting – There is a place for constructive venting about genuine problems and issues that are impacting many authors. This type of venting will usually happen behind closed doors in author groups (in closed forums: members only, not public spaces). Other types of venting can potentially come across as unprofessional, irrespective of whether it’s in an author group, reader group, or a mixed group like ACW.
I stopped reading an author years ago because they publicly ridiculed their readers who posted one star reviews on their books. That style of marketing feels icky and, when there are so many great books out there and not enough time to read them all, I can easily pass on reading (and recommending) their books.
Thanks for the comment and the Venting what you said is what I was trying to convey.
I always appreciate Darlene Franklin. I read a book that she helped compile from their writers group. (experienced to novice writers) They were short stories on a single incident. An ice storm that caused a black out in an apartment block. It was a chance for some of the novice writers to actually be published. Some stories were great others not so. I wrote and said I can’t give more than 3 stars and explained why and she replied thats ok its honest and I want you to write your review. I appreciated her for this because I could signal out the 5 star stories and also explain a few while still ok needed a little work without signalling out which authors. Because it was only about .99cents anyone buying would still get to read a few really great stories and some that needed some work and not feel duped.
The authors who accept a lower star review is still valid because not all readers feel the same about books comes across as gracious where the ones who complain, argue with readers and in the case you mention ridicule readers they make us less wanting to a. review and b. read their books.