Monday, May 6, 2013

The Value of Reviews, Good and Bad

Authors, Artists, and Performers build their reputations and their name recognition on reviews, word of mouth, and a general buzz. The ability to create and produce their art is dependent upon the artist’s creativity and flair. However, the same personality traits that allow one to be creative also foster a certain degree of fragility in the creator’s emotional make-up. There is no greater feeling than a positive, uplifting five star review and nothing more devastating than a one star. This is particularly true when that lone star comes with acidic words sans tact.

Creative types establish their own ways of dealing with these situations. Some avoid bad reviews altogether (much easier said than done), it is akin to trying to look away from a train wreck. Others allow advisors to read the reviews and only relate what the artist needs to know. Sadly, most artists read their own reviews, obsess over the bad ones, and bask in the temporary solace of the good ones. (The latter fits me.)

I offer this suggestion for artists and audiences alike; consider the quality and accuracy of the review before you choose to believe what has been said or written as a true representation of the work. Reviews that include some criticism of the facts as portrayed by the artist can be judged by the accuracy of the reviewers’ use of the same or related facts. In books, if a reviewer is critical of composition, grammar, or spelling consider the quality of the review itself. The bottom line is simple, if a review is poorly written or inaccurate how can it be considered a fair judge of someone else’s work?

Remember the artist cannot defend himself without being bombarded by the wrath of sour grapes. It is up to us, the audience, to defend those whose work we like and respect.

Defend your favorite artists, performers, and writers today!

Elizabeth’s Secrets http://amzn.to/IoXLgD

Dark Star http://amzn.to/KsXYOr

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