This is a weird one, for sure.
Recently, Wiley published a book called Mom Blogging For Dummies. Written by Wendy Piersall, one of the kindest and most giving women I know, the book was eagerly awaited by many in the blogging community. We were together in San Diego last week, ready to launch it at BlogHer.
Then, something strange happened. Someone (who I will not link to because he does not deserve the traffic) put out a call for people to place bogus reviews on the book’s Amazon page – the “winner” would win a t-shirt.
Wendy was hurt, as she should be. No, this was not a personal attack on her, it was clearly against those in the mom blogging community. But still, is it right to load a book’s detail page with rude reviews in order to “get back” at the community? Please.
Amazon may remove the reviews that are clearly against their terms of service (calling out Chapter 35 of a book with 19 chapters is a good example). But there are some that simply may stay there.
What I am asking you to do? There are a few things..
1. If you have read Mom Blogging For Dummies, please consider posting a review of the book on the site. Positive, negative, whatever. Legitimate reviews are a good thing.
2. If you have not read the book, consider voting on whether the reviews are helpful. Again, use your own judgement and see which reviews are most helpful for you.
I hesitated for a long time about posting this. One, Wendy is a dear friend who very much wants to take the high road. I however am from the Bronx and all I know is that a friend of mine was hurt by some actions. Two, is calling more attention to this going to generate more weird reviews? I certainly hope not. Anyone can vote on a review as yes or no – consider doing that rather than really taking the low road. Finally, I do have something to gain or lose here as my company is the one that published the book. I hope you will take my words in the spirit that they are intended and not as schilling for the book. In this case, I must remind everyone that the opinions expressed herein are my own personal opinions and do not necessarily represent those of my employer.
Tell me, what would you have done here?
So sad what some people will do for attention. You’re a good friend :0)
You’re very kind.
I’d have done the same thing. Mean ridiculousness deserves to be called out. Much support to you and Wendy.
Thanks so much Deb.
This sucks so hard. Off to write a good review.
That’s too bad; hopefully she doesn’t get discouraged by the bullies. Going over to read the reviews and leave positive feedback right now.
On the contrary: This could turn into a huge PR situation for Wendy. She’ll get the last laugh.
Jen, I hope that something positive comes from this. I’ll write about it in a follow up post, but it looks like the reviews are all staying.
That is unbelievable. I haven’t read the book but I read the reviews and clicked on the obviously inappropriate and irrelevant ones as extremely unhelpful!
Thanks Jen.
Added, I love your blog!
Perfectly handled, Ellen.