The ethics of reviewing

[BWFoster78]

I kinda put myself in a bad position.

A good friend, one who has helped me out a lot in my writing, self published a book on Amazon. I told him I'd buy it, read it, and give him a review.

His style and mine differ a bit, so I wasn't expecting the book to be great. I have read a decent amount of his stuff in the past, however, and it's not terrible.

This book, while not complete excrement, did not exactly inspire me to write a great review. Do I:

1) Neglect to write the review (ignore a problem and it will go away)
2) Write an honest review (honesty is the best policy, and an honest review, in the long run, does the most good)
3) Write a glowing review (friendship trumps the suckers I lead to buy the book)
4) Find a middle ground with the review, being positive but also noting the weak points (not sure how to even do this)

What say you?

[Ireth]

I think you should be honest about it, personally. Do point out its weaknesses politely, but find its strengths as well.

[nlough]

I have to agree with Ireth. It's better to be honest about it. Talk about the good and the bad. When I want a friend to review something I write, I want their honest opinion so I can learn from my mistakes and figure out what I need to fix and work on.

[Steerpike]

Tell your friend how you feel about it and ask him whether he prefers that you write an honest review or forego the review.

[Ankari]

I would review his book and send him the notes of your review to him. Let me have a chance to measure your words, weigh their effect on his story, and accept or dismiss them accordingly. Every writer would rather have bad criticism reach them first, to be given a chance or correction, before the the criticism becomes public.

[psychotick]

Hi,

I'd agree with Ankari. Do an honest review, show it to him, and then ask him if he thinks its fair or not, or if he wants you to post it. He may agree with your points, or not. He may revise the book or not. That's all up to him. The best you can do is give him your honest opinion and then give him the choice.

Cheers, Greg.

[Ghost]

Tell your friend how you feel about it and ask him whether he prefers that you write an honest review or forego the review.

Yeah, I'd go with something like this as well. I'd like a heads up if I was on the other side of the situation.

[Penpilot]

I agree, be honest, but give your friend the choice of whether the review goes up or not.

[BWFoster78]

There seems to be a consensus. It's a good way to handle it. That's what I'll do.

[Shockley]

My personal strategy on this would be to give a high numeric review (assuming Amazon allows this) while letting him know my concerns in private.