What is a fair review revisited
By Brian Clegg
REVISIT SERIES - An updated post from July 2015
I’ve recently had a very mild case of being trolled when someone moaned about a review I wrote of a book called Chilled.
Before anyone thinks I got too horrible in my opinion, I ought to point out that I gave the book four stars, was very positive about it and the publisher gave every evidence of being highly pleased with the review. But someone wasn’t (and certainly wasn’t chilled), as I received this tweet:
If this sounds rather confusing, I had said in my review:
Incidentally, I know the pro skateboarder is Tony Hawk, not Tony Hawks, but in my defence, I once briefly reviewed computer games for a living, and one was called Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater or some such, so I’ve always considered it fair game to appear to get them confused. I thought it was, to quote, ‘rather a good joke’, and I was sorry it wasn’t for my critic. (If you are wondering where the quote is in the cover shot above, it was removed from the paperback. The original is alongside.)
I thought I’d explain a bit more. And we got into a ‘discussion’ about whether or not you have the right to say what you want on a review site. The final riposte from my critic was that the freedom of the internet also allowed him to comment on ‘unfair criticism like this.’ And this is what got me thinking about what makes for a fair review. Was what I had written unfair criticism? Really? If I had said something about the book that wasn’t true, yes, it would have been unfair. But I honestly don’t think the review was unfair – nor was there anything non-factual about my comment (okay, apart from the joke about Tony Hawk).
In the end it comes back to the reality that reviewing is a subjective art – it is a published opinion, not a scientific measurable fact. The review, including the (brief) moan about the puff on the jacket was my opinion. If someone doesn’t like it, that’s fine. Perhaps they should set up their own review site. But there really is no point arguing with a review simply because someone else doesn’t have the same viewpoint.
Now Appearing is the blog of science writer Brian Clegg (www.brianclegg.net), author of Inflight Science, Before the Big Bang and The God Effect.
Source: http://brianclegg.blogspot.com/2025/07/what-is-fair-review-revisited.html
Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.
"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world. Anyone can join. Anyone can contribute. Anyone can become informed about their world. "United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.
LION'S MANE PRODUCT
Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules
Mushrooms are having a moment. One fabulous fungus in particular, lion’s mane, may help improve memory, depression and anxiety symptoms. They are also an excellent source of nutrients that show promise as a therapy for dementia, and other neurodegenerative diseases. If you’re living with anxiety or depression, you may be curious about all the therapy options out there — including the natural ones.Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend has been formulated to utilize the potency of Lion’s mane but also include the benefits of four other Highly Beneficial Mushrooms. Synergistically, they work together to Build your health through improving cognitive function and immunity regardless of your age. Our Nootropic not only improves your Cognitive Function and Activates your Immune System, but it benefits growth of Essential Gut Flora, further enhancing your Vitality.
Our Formula includes: Lion’s Mane Mushrooms which Increase Brain Power through nerve growth, lessen anxiety, reduce depression, and improve concentration. Its an excellent adaptogen, promotes sleep and improves immunity. Shiitake Mushrooms which Fight cancer cells and infectious disease, boost the immune system, promotes brain function, and serves as a source of B vitamins. Maitake Mushrooms which regulate blood sugar levels of diabetics, reduce hypertension and boosts the immune system. Reishi Mushrooms which Fight inflammation, liver disease, fatigue, tumor growth and cancer. They Improve skin disorders and soothes digestive problems, stomach ulcers and leaky gut syndrome. Chaga Mushrooms which have anti-aging effects, boost immune function, improve stamina and athletic performance, even act as a natural aphrodisiac, fighting diabetes and improving liver function. Try Our Lion’s Mane WHOLE MIND Nootropic Blend 60 Capsules Today. Be 100% Satisfied or Receive a Full Money Back Guarantee. Order Yours Today by Following This Link.
| Visits: | 1,719,977,384 |
| Stories: | 8,476,998 |
Whistler Blowers, Insiders
