In the bustling realm of literary discussions and online book communities, Goodreads has long been a staple - a virtual haven for bibliophiles to connect, share insights, and delve into the world of literature. However, recent rumblings within the book world have cast shadows over Goodreads, with a growing chorus of voices expressing concerns and sparking a heated debate about the platform's current standing.
The recent review-bombing controversy on Goodreads has led users to question the authenticity of reviews on the platform. Works of authors like Bethany Batiste and Molly X Chang have been given bad reviews despite not being released yet. The culprit behind this initiative was identified to be Cait Corrain, a debut author who used fake accounts to review-bomb her peers. This scandal has caused Corrain's publisher to drop out.
Goodreads has recorded a massive 26 million book reviews and 300 million ratings over the past year, showing the impact it holds in the book industry. Bethanne Patrick, a critic, author, and podcaster, stated that Goodreads had a significant influence in the US because lots of people outside the New York publishing ecosystem rely on Goodreads to know what people are currently interested in.
Goodreads permits users to review books that have not been officially released yet. Publishers often distribute pre-release copies to readers, seeking online reviews to create anticipation. However, Goodreads recognized the importance of safeguarding the authenticity of ratings and reviews in October. The platform encouraged users to report any content or behavior that violates its guidelines. Citing Corrain's review manipulation, Goodreads can be detrimental to an author's literary work before it is even published.
Earlier this year, Goodreads launched a feature that temporarily limits submission of ratings and reviews to protect literary works in cases of review-bombing or any activity that violates Goodreads' guidelines.
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Tensions between authors and readers on Goodreads have also escalated. Some authors, frustrated with negative reviews or feedback, have engaged in public disputes with readers. In a recent incident, Sarah Stusek took offense when a Goodreads user, Karleigh Kebartas, gave Stusek's debut novel Three Rivers four stars instead of five. Kebartas commented that the ending was somewhat predictable but found the book incredible overall. Stusek responded by criticizing Kebartas on TikTok, garnering widespread condemnation and ultimately leading to Stusek losing her publisher.
In another incident, author Elizabeth Gilbert delayed the release of a historical novel set in Siberia after receiving criticism from hundreds of users, who found the unpublished book insensitive amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Bethanne Patrick argued that Goodreads lacks the professional standards that critics of large publications hold. Shelly Romero, a freelance editor and writer, shared that the recent targeted campaigns on Goodreads had led to distrust of Goodreads within the industry. Courtney Maum, author of 'Before and After the Book Deal,' stated that Goodreads is destructive and publishers should stop relying on this platform.
The growing concerns and debate surrounding Goodreads' standing in the book world reflect the evolving nature of online communities and the challenges they face in meeting user expectations. Goodreads refutes the accusation of overlooking the difficulties and emphasizes its commitment to upholding the genuineness and integrity of ratings while prioritizing the protection of its community of readers and authors.
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