Part of me says I shouldn't be drawing attention to this episode, but as usual I can't help myself:
Ouch. The more I see this sort of thing happen (both with kids and adults), the more I'm convinced that an author simply cannot respond to a negative review without sounding like a jackass. Not that we're incapable, mind you. The thing is, even with the best of intentions it's almost impossible to address a negative opinion without coming off as unprofessional, defensive, or just plain cranky. Don't believe me? Read that post again, and pay special attention to the author's response. He didn't say "Hey kid, you're wrong and I can prove it" did he? Not even close. It's actually a fairly neutral response when you consider it closely. But loads of people, myself included, are left hopping mad after reading it, and I think that's because it strikes most of us as implicitly rude to contradict someone's opinion, even indirectly. I once got an anonymous comment on a critical reaction that sounded suspiciously authory, and it raised my blood pressure a good 20 points on the spot. And I'm (allegedly) a grown-up. At any rate, it's sure not worth the backlash.
I honestly didn't post this to finger-point at the [now unfortunate] author in the hotseat. If I can play devil's advocate for a minute, I'd like to say that it sure would be nice if someone would take authors aside after they sign their first contract and clue them in about stuff like this. Goodness knows I've made my share of blunders -- fortunately none of them were this public or inflammatory. Lots of folks will probably holler about common courtesy and/or common sense, and I hear you, I really do, but I'll also remind you that this author's response was not overtly rude or challenging. He tried to deflect negative attention with positive press and now it's being taken out of his backside. As Caroline Ingalls would say, "Least said, soonest mended." (Which means I should probably shut up now.)
One more thing: there's a difference between a review and a reaction, but I've ranted enough for one day.
Thanks (I think) to bookshelves of doom for the link.
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Currently reading:
Marcelo in the Real World
by Francisco X. Stork
