Thank You Thursday...Random Thought

I've touched on this before, but a little of it bears repeating. Now don't get me wrong, a review is a review. Whether they liked the book or not, having someone else rate/review it, is actually an honor. There are literally millions of books out there. As much as I don't want to read a negative review, I'm kinda happy they took the time to read it.

But here's my random thought. Why in the whole of the universe are we inclined to be negative? There are a couple of review sites out there that specialize in no snark. If they didn't truly like the book, or find enough redeeming qualities in it to post a review, they won't. I give them a lot of credit for being honest.

Then there are the ones who feel that only by being negative do they get their point across.

So where does that come from? Why is it so important to tear the author down? I'm seeing in a lot of reviews, the review isn't even so much about the book. It's the format, or the price, or the author. Just because an author was a snot in person doesn't mean he/she can't write a book. What if he/she was having a off day? What if their dog died? Yanno? I've said this before: the author doesn't choose what format to put the book on. If it's not in the format you want, blame that on the publisher or better yet, wait a little bit. They might be doing it slowly. And price. Again, the publisher sets that. Saying the book was a ripoff because it was too expensive...maybe YOU should shop around first. A lot of times, the publisher has the book cheaper.

But honestly. Where in the world do we as humans get the right to slam other humans? Competitive nature? Only the toughest survive? Stomp on others to bolster yourself?

I honestly don't get it. I was taught to go by the flies with honey train of thought. Vinegar won't get you too far. And yet, the snark seems to fly. I'm only 32, but call me old fashioned. I can't see the point of publishing something on the 'net that you'd be embarrassed to say in person. Same goes for movie bloggers, film critics, tv critics and the like.

If you can't say something nice, then don't say anything at all.

Thoughts? I'd love to know if I'm totally off on this or if someone thinks the same or what your favorite joke is. How about them Blue Jays....

Buehler? Buehler?