Let’s talk about anything bookish!
Happy Monday, Bookworms! I’m writing this post on the first Saturday of 2019. However, I didn’t plan to write this post. I actually wrote a draft of a post for today but decided to scrap it after I read a very disturbing news in the bookish community.
I think you know what I’m talking about. If not, there are already a few articles talking about it, bookish Twitter has been talking about it, so it’s a simple Google away.
But this is not what my post is all about. If you read the title of this post, THAT was the post I had planned to write today. Sadly, the draft that I created for this planned post will now go unpublished because of this situation.
See, a few years ago, a YA debut author stalked a book blogger/reviewer because of what she perceived as an attack on her – a negative review of her debut novel. And why is this relevant TODAY? Well, that author is now getting a book deal to publish her essays linked to her stalking incident! Basically, she is now being rewarded for her illegal behavior!
That’s a pretty scary thing, to be honest. I am one reviewer that write negative reviews. Not reviews attacking the author, but a review based on the book. I write DNF (did not finish) reviews and 2-star reviews. These types of reviews are seen as negative. They may be negative, but they do NOT attack the author personally.
To be honest, I post negative reviews on my blog and Goodreads. This is because I want to share different types of reviews on my blog. I also read negative and positive reviews when I decide what to read, especially if it’s an author that I don’t know or have never read before. I also NEVER tag an author when I post these reviews.
But that’s beside the point. I want to talk about SAFETY online. I’m actually pretty open about my personal life on the Interwebs and now, I think maybe I shouldn’t. I’m actually using my real name to blog. The only thing I made sure of was to remove all info of my last name and I also don’t mention the specifics of my work. However, a quick search on Google will probably give you all my info!
Another thought that came to me is that publishers and tour/PR companies have my physical address! And if you remember, the stalking author got the reviewer’s info from a tour company under false pretenses. Now, one of the things that I’m really concerned about is that they might disclose my home address! Yeah, I’m definitely screwed.
While I’m not a popular reviewer or blogger, this still scares the ever-loving fuck out of me. Who wants to be stalked because of a negative review?
I reread my About page earlier today and I sighed in relief. A few years ago, I changed my About page to be as vague as possible because I realized I was too specific! But again, a simple Google search will take you to my personal Facebook page, so…
Also, people who stalk will always find a way to get your information, regardless of where they are in the world!
I’m not sure where I’m going with this post, only that I am not writing another “get to know more about me” post.
All I want to say is be careful of what you reveal about yourself online.
Be safe, reviewers.
What do you think about the current drama in the bookish community?
Do you keep yourself up-to-date with this sort of things?
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It’s crazy that we have to actually be concerned about this. I mean, internet safety is a thing – of course. We don’t go around giving out our personal information. But to have that concern based on backlash from a negative book review is a sad thing. 🙁 Definitely a case of how one bad apple can ruin things for many.
Tanya @ Girl Plus Books recently posted…The Sunday Post #136
I agree, Tanya! I understand authors get protective of their work but it still does not excuse criminal behavior!
That situation has certainly had me thinking in worse case scenarios. Like you, I double checked all my about me info to make sure I wasn’t making things too easy. Just a horrible thing for that poor reviewer.
Right? She actually stopped blogging and is not reviewing. And now the author is getting rewarded for her stalking! gaaah
This is honestly pretty scary. Internet safety always seems like a minefield with hidden traps, and now there are traps I’ve never even known to worry about. 🙁 Book bloggers should be able to post their 100% honest thoughts on a book without worrying about negative, real life, scary consequences. Good grief, it’s just a book!
Right? But I totally understand that the author had invested a lot of time, emotions, and basically everything to write a book but it still does not excuse stalking and other criminal behavior. Even the best of the best authors have negative reviews.
There is so much more drama in the bookish community than there ever used to be. But yeah I only use my middle name …I dont share my full name online. So I do try to stay safe but if someone wants to stalk you there is always a way.
Lover of Romance recently posted…Book Review-Rock Chick Reckoning
Yes! I try to be informed but I really don’t comment much or join in the conversation. I just had to write about this on my blog because I was planning to write another get to know me post! Baaaah
That is so creepy, and I had no idea! Clearly, I need to spend more time on Twitter – I haven’t seen anything about it. Is there a hashtag to look up for it to read up more on it? Glad you shared!
DaisyGal @ DG Book Blog recently posted…Blog Tour & Review ~ The Kiss Thief by L.J. Shen!
I actually avoid bookish twitter but it is a source of all info on bookish drama. One of my friends shared the post on Facebook which is how I found out about it.
I’m horrible about keeping my information off the internet, but I’ve sort of given up on privacy in today’s world. Not saying that’s an attitude I SHOULD have, it just feels true. Hopefully it won’t come back to bite me someday! This world can be sad and scary, that’s for sure.
Nicole @ Feed Your Fiction Addiction recently posted…Top Ten 2018 Books I Totally Meant to Read
Yes! That’s so true! It’s really hard to be super private in this world of oversharing – and I am guilty of this one myself! I do hope that it won’t bite me in the ass in the future!