Review: Good, Sound Advice, Backed-Up with Irrefutable Data to Help Writers. Amazon Reviews Exposed is a Must Read.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 10, 2014
I'm going to break this review up into three parts, since, even though it is only 50 pages, it is almost three distinct booklets, woven together into a quick, interesting and, well, it has some good humor.First comes the data, number-crunching section. I found this the most interesting and most valuable. Some of it generally duplicates information passed on by others,, except the others did not provide the data. They simply passed on the end result. When they leave out the supporting research, it is not convincing. If the book stopped here, I'd feel I got some value.Second comes the discussion about how to, and how not to get reviews and analysis supporting thoughts expressed by most Top Reviewers. I'm speaking of the J curve. I found this discussion interesting enough to pause from my reading long enough to email a writer I know (only through the internet) suggesting he buy this book and try to contact the author. A book that stimulates me to do that is unusual.I also appreciate that in the author's reprinting of suspected shill, or fake, reviews, he did not name the fakes. I might not have been so kind, but, I do respect his decision.I was surprised to learn of some shenanigans by a Mr. Locke, a writer whose books I bought and that I was less impressed with. I guess I live on a cocoon, because I did not read of the news that is reported in Amazon Reviews Exposed. Glad to finally learn the truth.So far, so good.The reprinting of the humorous reviews. I have a little heartburn on this part. I enjoyed reading them, even if they're not the funniest, they are indeed funny. My favorite is one by a Mark Jaquith on the 9 inch Squatty Potty Toilet. I recently took part in Amazon Forum asking Top Reviewers their opinions on humorous reviews. Other reviewers chipped in with their favorites.I've tried humor but my humor was underappreciated.I should note, among friends I go by the name Bill Anderson. No, I'm not Whispering Bill, but when I sing, any Brit within earshot will tell me to shut the h@$? up or I'll make you into a Bloody Bill Anderson.Anyway, my objection regarding Hofstee's reprinting of the humorous reviews is that he did not give attribution. He should have, for those writers are taking great pains to produce excellent craftsmanship, just as Mr. Hofstee's is.Of course, I still am giving Amazon Reviews Exposed five stars. It is a quick, interesting, humorous read with some very good research. His writing style is fluid and the editing is quite good. I could probably read a 300 page book on this topic if he writes it.Please note, I was gifted a copy of this book for review purposes, but this review is my honest opinion. As I explained to the author before accepting his review request, I post reviews as a service to potential buyers. Having said that, I enjoyed this booklet.