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Wow…did this week fly by, well at it felt like it to me. Good morning Sunday Saloners. Hope you had a productive week reading and blogging. As far as my week goes, let’s get started.
Reading: I only read one book this week, not because of the content, but because I spent too much time at the computer and taking care of other matters. I also got quite a few books this week, but I will share those tomorrow with Mailbox Monday.
Blogging: OK..there is an elephant in the room and I am sure this will be the topic of discussion today. I only found out about it through 2 of my blogging buddies or I wouldn’t have even known what was going on since I have never visited, at least I don’t think I have, the blogs affected. And the topic is plagiarism. I am not going to relate the situation as I don’t know all the details but will say that someone was caught copying another’s blog. And Gina from Hott Books, also wrote about reviewers getting paid to write 5 star reviews.
I’m not going to address all the drama associated with the specifics but would like to state my overall general feelings on both issues. And that is true sadness and much disappointment.
First… on the paid for trumped up reviews that are posted on certain sites. Shame on you for deceiving the public that read your reviews in making their decisions to purchase a book. Before I became a part of this community, I did take into account reviews written by others when I wasn’t sure if I wanted to purchase a book or not. Now that I am part of this community of book bloggers, I 100% rely on other bloggers’ reviews. But after 2+ years, I am almost positive I know who the credible, honest, professional bloggers are and they are the ones that have made my TBR list grow to the point that I have renamed it to “hopefully in my lifetime TBR list”. Do I think the bad apples will hurt book bloggers in general. Unfortunately, yes, for a while until they get caught. The honest book bloggers that review with integrity may not be believed by the general public. But eventually people will see the same name, always giving every book a 5 rating because we all know that not every book is for every person and we have all had those 1 and 2 rated books. And for those paying for 5 star reviews, it will catch up with you. The truth will come out regarding the work. A friend of mine told me a long time, everyone digs their own grave, especially when they are doing wrong, and she is so right. I have seen it happen too many times to the guilty parties. There is Karma!!
And now the big topic of the week, plagiarism. Again, sadness, disappointment and some naivety. When I first started, my mentor Vicki from I’d Rather Be Reading At The Beach, told me that the “nicest bloggers were book bloggers” and I have found that to be 100% true. I have considered this community one big international book club and still do. Plagiarism, I don’t get it? Why? Most of us are copyrighted and personally, at least for me, I feel that is in place from the general public. But if another book blogger asks if they can borrow, likes something on my blog or if they can link back to me, my answer is always a yes. Matter of fact, I take it as a compliment. I just recently saw something on someone’s blog that I liked and emailed her to ask permission if she would mind if I could use a similar format. That’s just everyday courtesy, at least that’s what I think. Aren’t we book bloggers that have a great passion for books and want to share our thoughts on different books? This is a hobby with incredible people interacting because we love to read. But plagiarism, again I ask why? Maybe I’m missing something or like I said, just plain naive.
What are your thoughts about these 2 topics?
Hope you have a great week!! I know I will, but more on that in a couple of days.
