Scribbles by ME

Two Pet Peeves on Reviewing

Today, I have two pet peeves about reviews.  Only two you say?  That's refreshing.  I know from where both of these review problems are coming, but give me a break.

Reviewer #1:  Great story.  4.0    or    Needs improvement.  4.5      or    Average story.  2.0

My Rebuttal:   If it is such a great story, why not a 5.0?  If is needs help, does it deserve a 4.5?  I don't really personally care about the ratings, but how can a person deliver a rating when they can't find more than two words to say about the piece?  Why would a reviewer waste their time to read a piece if they had no constructive suggestions or a list of the the things they appreciated about the piece?  Even a combination of the two would be “great”.

My Solution:  Don't bother giving reviews.  Don't bother giving ratings without packing them up with something, no matter that I like it or not.

Reviewer #2:  Spends a paragraph or two telling you that this is only their opinion and that it does not reflect upon one's writing and yada, yada, yada.  Then, they give a comprehensive review with very valid input.  Of course, they must close again reminding me that this is just their opinion and should be taken with a grain of salt.

My Rebuttal:   People supposedly signed up to post their writings and improve their craft. I did.  Therefore, why have—apparently--so many people gone berserk on reviewers?  I have noticed the younger a person is the more apt they are to reply to a reviewer:  “I write what I want and there is nothing  wrong with it.  Why didn't you give me a  5.0?  I'm gonna raid your port and get even.”  Okay, so hopefully this is an exaggeration.  Apparently, however, reviews have caused many hard feelings or people wouldn't feel like they must apologize for giving a review before they give it.

My Solution:  1.  Reviewers:  Just review the piece and be tactfully honest.  Quit apologizing before your begin or after you get finished.  2.  Reviewees:  If you don't want constructive feedback, clearly state that in all caps before your piece begins so the reviewers can move on to people who are trying to become better.  And, above all:  DO NOT ACTIVELY SEEK A REVIEW IF YOU JUST WANT TO ARGUE!

Okay, now give me your ideas and feedback on my pet peeves.  Bet you have some I haven't mentioned........yet.  Let's hear 'em!