tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034142332858737641.post2151153993445611247..comments2024-03-29T02:58:15.661-04:00Comments on I Think; Therefore, I Yam: Don't Forget to Say ThanksSusan Flett Swiderskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09425315552148200073noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034142332858737641.post-37887214506237270662014-02-17T12:18:42.592-05:002014-02-17T12:18:42.592-05:00Hi, Hilary.
Dennis has another giveaway going on ...Hi, Hilary.<br /><br />Dennis has another giveaway going on Goodreads now, but it's about to be over. Tomorrow, maybe. But if you go over there and enter, who knows? You might get lucky!<br /><br />Cheers!Susan Flett Swiderskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09425315552148200073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034142332858737641.post-21998022047123114852014-02-17T05:21:14.777-05:002014-02-17T05:21:14.777-05:00Hi Susan - how interesting to read about Dennis...Hi Susan - how interesting to read about Dennis' book and how he came to be able to be at the White House .. love the Rockefeller story - I bet their garage was some what better kitted out than most homes. I'd love to read through his book ..<br /><br />Also 'thank yous' - are just a critical part of life for all things ... and I must get to the review arena too .. especially when I do start reading = soon I hope!<br /><br />Cheers HilaryHilary Melton-Butcherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17596532480645510678noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034142332858737641.post-22027815893149358632014-02-06T13:13:57.503-05:002014-02-06T13:13:57.503-05:00Interesting. Your writing is usually so readable, ...Interesting. Your writing is usually so readable, and so... "you". (Ya know?) I can't imagine you having trouble writing anything. But evidently, you aren't alone. Others have already expressed a frustration with knowing what to say in a review.Susan Flett Swiderskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09425315552148200073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034142332858737641.post-17475691441397275362014-02-06T00:04:16.085-05:002014-02-06T00:04:16.085-05:00You struck a nerve on reviews. I rarely write them...You struck a nerve on reviews. I rarely write them because I'm just not good at it. Whenever I try, the result is so stiff and forced - even when I've loved the book - that I fear they'll sound like I'm "damning with faint praise". I wonder if anyone else has this problem.LD Mastersonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01202135756299574972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034142332858737641.post-52969779332408304882014-02-04T17:23:00.117-05:002014-02-04T17:23:00.117-05:00Thanks! Yeah, he is. Thanks! Yeah, he is. Susan Flett Swiderskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09425315552148200073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034142332858737641.post-74043610461871795782014-02-04T16:45:52.816-05:002014-02-04T16:45:52.816-05:00Great post and fantastic interview. Dennis does so...Great post and fantastic interview. Dennis does sound like a cool guy.Carol Kilgorehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03745686632918324803noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034142332858737641.post-3281033778243948022014-02-03T17:17:02.397-05:002014-02-03T17:17:02.397-05:00Yeah, reviews do seem to have a lot to do with mar...Yeah, reviews do seem to have a lot to do with marketing these days, because a lot of writers all but stand on their heads to get people to write reviews for them, but to me, the primary purpose for writing reviews remains the same. In the end, it's about giving honest opinions and offering personal recommendations to other readers. It's also a way to express genuine appreciation and respect for the writers' work.<br /><br />No need to beg. If there's ever anything I can read and review for you, I'd be happy to oblige.Susan Flett Swiderskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09425315552148200073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034142332858737641.post-55918639620046108612014-02-03T17:10:22.179-05:002014-02-03T17:10:22.179-05:00Okeydoke, I just resent the last email to you. No ...Okeydoke, I just resent the last email to you. No biggie, though: I'm just glad all is well with you. (Sounds like you need a secretary... or a wife!)Susan Flett Swiderskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09425315552148200073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034142332858737641.post-11141610310185318612014-02-03T01:10:47.981-05:002014-02-03T01:10:47.981-05:00I should have read this before I scheduled my post...I should have read this before I scheduled my post for Monday. No matter, I won't rehash my opinions here other than to say when it comes to the <i>if you can't say something nice…</i> philosophy, I come down squarely on the side of saying nothing at all. I'm reconciled to the new world order. I understand that reviews now have little to do with the book and more to do with marketing, but I'm still hesitant.<br /><br />Well written, critical reader reviews that help authors become better writers, and readers to find books they'll love, are a thing of the past, and I'm still in morning.<br /><br />It's interesting to note, I will be begging for reviews for an anthology later this week. Hope I'm up to it. :)<br /><br /><a href="http://vrbarkowski.wordpress.com" rel="nofollow">VR Barkowski</a> VR Barkowskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04927993233682731113noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034142332858737641.post-40503580099520460382014-02-03T00:41:44.245-05:002014-02-03T00:41:44.245-05:00Hey Susan! Gosh, I thought I replied to you! Pleas...Hey Susan! Gosh, I thought I replied to you! Please e-mail me again, because when my laptop kind of crashed, I didn't lose e-mails, but I lost all the addresses. I was just searching for yours again, to see if I actually replied and then something happened to it or what. I can't find anything. So, please just send me a "test" e-mail and then I can search better. Again, I apologize though if I didn't respond right away. I keep trying to figure out a way to handle all the writerly/office/blogging/marketing/promoting stuff that I'm doing, but I haven't as of yet! I need help!!BECKYhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15184458949017900541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034142332858737641.post-52549060696384006492014-02-02T18:52:15.500-05:002014-02-02T18:52:15.500-05:00I KNOW! I've really been a lucky duck in winni...I KNOW! I've really been a lucky duck in winning so many terrific books.<br /><br />A lot of writers owe YOU and thank you note. You do a wonderful job reviewing and promoting books. (Thanks!)Susan Flett Swiderskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09425315552148200073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034142332858737641.post-91887773134307661652014-02-02T13:51:59.340-05:002014-02-02T13:51:59.340-05:00How awesome you won a book from such a fascinating...How awesome you won a book from such a fascinating author. :)<br /><br />I wrote several reviews today. I don't write a review on every single book I read, but I do write them for most. I know authors find it helpful. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034142332858737641.post-71210798295512101272014-02-02T10:00:40.048-05:002014-02-02T10:00:40.048-05:00Last year, I included a thank you inside a Christm...Last year, I included a thank you inside a Christmas card to a couple who'd opened their home to several other families who'd relocated to GA back in '71. Most of us had left our families and friends behind in other states, and this couple... and their six kids... created "new family" of sorts for us. For several years, their home was a refuge... a place where we shared holiday meals and card games, and good company. And all because our husbands happened to work for the same company. I couldn't remember if I'd ever thought to thank them properly back then, so I wrote them a long note. (It's never too late, right?) They'd moved away some time ago, and we'd lost touch some years back, but the gal called me after they received that card... to tell me how much that note meant to them. So, sometimes, no actual "gift" is required to make a thank you note appropriate. They're both well up in their eighties now, and were touched that someone remembered their kindness all those years ago.<br /><br />For you then, if someone asks you if you liked a book, you could rightfully say, "I read it, didn't I?" HA. Love it. Reminds me of the hubby in my book, who when his wife asks if he loves her, says, "I married you, didn't I?" Thanks for making me smile.<br /><br />Take care.<br /><br />Susan Flett Swiderskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09425315552148200073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034142332858737641.post-43173004966038565062014-02-02T09:43:35.678-05:002014-02-02T09:43:35.678-05:00Hi, Gary.
Thanks! Thanks for reading!
It's v...Hi, Gary.<br /><br />Thanks! Thanks for reading!<br /><br />It's very kind of you to send handwritten thank you notes, not only to express your appreciation, but also to provide your admirers with a bit of income. <br /><br />Or another possibility: they respect your opinion, and trust that you won't say anything hurtful. Sorry, but that's your rep... you're doomed to be the good guy with the kind heart. (So you might as well stop wearing the badass biker jacket... we're on to you.)Susan Flett Swiderskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09425315552148200073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034142332858737641.post-19674336561324168672014-02-02T09:38:48.076-05:002014-02-02T09:38:48.076-05:00Thanks, Andrew. And thanks for stopping by and lea...Thanks, Andrew. And thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment. I'll be returning the favor asap. Nice to meetcha!Susan Flett Swiderskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09425315552148200073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034142332858737641.post-90977431134202752602014-02-02T09:29:51.005-05:002014-02-02T09:29:51.005-05:00Good for you. Good reviews are like water and suns...Good for you. Good reviews are like water and sunshine to a flower.Susan Flett Swiderskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09425315552148200073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034142332858737641.post-29599038258775024652014-02-01T22:25:58.778-05:002014-02-01T22:25:58.778-05:00Your post gives one much food for thought and alth...Your post gives one much food for thought and although I am not one to send thank you notes as I receive so few gifts.<br />I second what River said (above). I love to read but my choice now I am older is for simple to read books; nothing too thought provoking. I too would find it difficult to do a review of any book for the same reason. I either like a book and read it right through or I don't like it so don't bother finishing it.Mimsiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00249766510078357225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034142332858737641.post-9635327325204703202014-02-01T20:45:02.892-05:002014-02-01T20:45:02.892-05:00Hi Susan,
Great post! Thanks for sharing!
Ahe...Hi Susan,<br /><br />Great post! Thanks for sharing! <br /><br />Ahem, after thoroughly skimming through your posting, I now reach the point where I leave one of my highly treasured comments. Or something like that.<br /><br />I do my best to maintain the fine art of handwritten thank you's. Besides, that way, folks take my autographed cards and sell them on eBay. Can get up to a nickel on my cards. Quite the bidding war.<br /><br />This posting was food for thought. A lot of folks ask me to review their manuscripts. They are either desperate or consider me a cheap alternative. <br /><br />I'm outta' here.....<br /><br />Gary klahaniehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08613505424843475639noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034142332858737641.post-62504808001810631772014-02-01T19:22:52.714-05:002014-02-01T19:22:52.714-05:00An interesting post that I enjoyed reading.
Thank...An interesting post that I enjoyed reading.<br /><br />Thank you. Love love, Andrew. Bye.WordsPoeticallyWorthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05932809387878012226noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034142332858737641.post-89890058293728288022014-02-01T19:14:24.555-05:002014-02-01T19:14:24.555-05:00I've just recently started reviewing books I&#...I've just recently started reviewing books I've read. I simply never thought about the author checking for reviews even though I know I'd be doing it if it were me!fsmumhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06594381836263987490noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034142332858737641.post-19433077078231964472014-02-01T17:57:03.496-05:002014-02-01T17:57:03.496-05:00I'm glad to hear the post struck a chord with ...I'm glad to hear the post struck a chord with you. I like your philosophy for reviewing, and have certainly enjoyed the different types of music you've highlighted on your blog.<br /><br />Greeting from Georgia!Susan Flett Swiderskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09425315552148200073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034142332858737641.post-90196552019547235912014-02-01T17:47:32.580-05:002014-02-01T17:47:32.580-05:00Thanks, Jack. I'm glad you enjoyed it.Thanks, Jack. I'm glad you enjoyed it.Susan Flett Swiderskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09425315552148200073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034142332858737641.post-20011255146328172012014-02-01T17:16:26.891-05:002014-02-01T17:16:26.891-05:00You're right; an online review can wield a lot...You're right; an online review can wield a lot of power. Not only to express appreciation to the writer, but to serve as a personal recommendation (or warning) to other readers. A well-written review can potentially convince other readers to purchase and read a particular book. <br /><br />Thanks. I'm glad you liked it. Susan Flett Swiderskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09425315552148200073noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034142332858737641.post-59940649952605799012014-02-01T15:46:49.083-05:002014-02-01T15:46:49.083-05:00This post spoke volumes to me. I really, really li...This post spoke volumes to me. I really, really liked it. I agree with Meg Rossof and that's what I do nowadays. I review only books and albums I like. Especially when it's music and books by people who don't have the same opportunities as more mainstream composers or writers.<br /><br />Greetings from London.A Cuban In Londonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16423293358605007539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6034142332858737641.post-34431346263853597872014-02-01T14:09:33.822-05:002014-02-01T14:09:33.822-05:00What a great blog post. I really enjoyed it! You h...What a great blog post. I really enjoyed it! You have a great touch in your essays. Just great.<br />Thanks. <br />Jack.jack wellinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06666545887771905191noreply@blogger.com