Book Bloggers Code of Ethics

Comment

Comment by Shelly Burns on November 16, 2008 at 11:41am

Wendi - I totally agree. I am new to reviewing, but in my plea to authors and publishers on my sidebar, I say that I will be honest, and that is what I strive to do. I read the book and then give my opinion. Did I like it or not? Why or why not? I am not going to bash an author, I don't think that's fair. What I am going to do is give my honest opinion of the book. Others who read my review can choose to get the book or not.

Comment by Amy on November 16, 2008 at 11:38am

Yeah, I guess I even thought if we came up with something like this...any bloggers that agreed with it could post it on there blog...like I adhere to the BB Code of Ethics and then it could sort of be a universal way that people who send us review copies or read our blogs could know what they're getting. Maybe that's too pie in the sky, I don't know.

Comment by Wendi Barker on November 16, 2008 at 11:31am

Based on some feedback I received, I'd like to clarify that my (and I'm assuming Amy's) intent is to creat some basic guidelines using a code of ethics that would help empower reviewers to write what they really feel about a book, not to sit in judgement of people. . . something to the affect of:

-If you commit to reviewing the book on your blog, review it yourself, or pass the book to someone who will do a guest review for you.

- There is no right or wrong way to write a review.

- Be honest. If you like the book, let people know. If there is something objectionable in the book, you didn't like it, there were errors in the facts, the writing was sloppy, etc, let readers know.

In all, this should be a simple (stress on simple) list of do's don'ts, not a place to complain or pass judgement on actual reviews.

:) Wendi

Comment by Michele on November 16, 2008 at 11:26am

Good points all around. I also agree with Toni - I think each blogger needs to make the decision for themselves whether or not to promote a book that they haven't even read themselves yet. It's up to each blogger, but I do think it's ethically responsible to state that somewhere in their promotion.

I guess when I read a book that has been put forth by a publishing house (I'm excluding self-published authors here), I am reviewing the entire product, not just what the author wrote. Did the publishing house do their part with proper copy editing, proofreading, etc? Because Amy is right - people are spending money on these books and have a right to know.

I think what I'm trying (unsuccessfully) to say is that there is a difference between respectfully critiquing an author's ideas put forth in a story and the presentation of that story. I have a hard time being harsh with a author's ideas. But technical issues I tend to be more demanding.

Does that make any sense whatsoever? (I'm still on my first cup of coffee here.)

Comment by Toni Gomez on November 16, 2008 at 10:44am

Hi everyone! I am newer to blog world and I will find this group discussion very interesting. 50% of the books that I read or more, I purchase and I feel that I should have complete freedom as to what I write. That being said I don't know anyone that wants me to slam a book for no reason. Most I know want to know why I didn't like it i.e. a tasteful review/recommendation.

Of course lately I have books on offer from publisher so I found this last weeks controversy very interesting and love that this group has been created.

I am learning as I go. For instance I think before signing up for a blog tour I should have the book read and THEN decide whether I should promote. I have been lucky so far.

I have a variety of situations and questions that are forming in my head. I am going to check back and see what everyone has to say about it all.

I have learned and grown a lot in blogging world by reading tons of blogs and then using others good principle's for my own..... not all of course.....we always have to be true to ourselves.

Another note: I have bought many, many books, or have seen many movies even after reading a bad review.

Thank you for the invite.

Comment by Florinda on November 16, 2008 at 9:31am

I guess this week's controversy between a book blogger and an author over a negative review is what spurred this? In any case, the time to get something like this in the works has probably come. Thanks for getting the ball rolling, Amy.

I think the principles that Wendi/Janna posted in her earlier comment are a very good, basic place to start.

Comment by Phoebe Jordan on November 16, 2008 at 8:20am

I completely agree with the points that Wendy posted below. I always post a review of the book I've commited to review by the author or publisher who sent me the books. I also try to be completely honest, gentle and sincere in my reviews because I don't want to lie to the readers but I also don't want to hurt the author who put such hard work into writing the novel for everyone's enjoyment.

Comment by Shelly Burns on November 16, 2008 at 8:15am

Wendi - thanks so much for the invitation. I am more than happy to join you and Amy in this endeavor!

Comment by Wendi Barker on November 16, 2008 at 1:57am

Maybe constructive criticism??

Comment by Amy on November 16, 2008 at 1:56am

I liked Janna's post as well, and I think that's a great starting point. I'm not sure everyone will agree on the gentle part, though, lol

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