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Have we taken this too far?
Topic Started: Apr 19 2008, 06:34 PM (1,244 Views)
Deleted User
Deleted User

That is my question for all of you. If you hadn't noticed, there is a thread over in Amazon created by a poster that states we have gone too far with the whole MacGillivray issue. I am troubled by the fact that those who disagree with us think this is all about going after Amazon and MacGillivray over spite. Personally, I think we haven't gone "too" far. We haven't been spiteful in trying to get MacGillivray and her supporters banned. We haven't been taking it too far by getting the word out about her and to let everyone know now to NOT support her by purchasing her books or by purchasing from Amazon until Amazon fixes this problem.

I agree that it's wrong to use the same type of tactics this author used (creating bogus negative reviews), but that is really only part of what I believe is the larger issue! The fact this poster glossed over is that Reba was harassed and stalking-type behavior was threatened against her and her family. This is a bully, a cyber bully, and we would never tolerate this in the "real" world. People that do get the cops called on them. So how is this looked over in this case? There was no "alleged" evidence. Yes, it takes a lot of reading through all the comments and not just what has been recently posted to see that is has happened. We aren't being oversensitive or seeing the sky fall.

I think that while we all were very passionate on the subject over at Amazon, none of us have been overzealous or an angry mob. I can't remember any of us regular posters over there being like that. See, I respect people that disagree with us, but show that respect back. I was highly offended that she grouped us with those who did write those bogus negative reviews on MacGillivray's books. She was already accusing of us supporting and engaging in such behavior when it's clear none of us wrote any negative review of MacGillivray's books. Those that did, had done so before this got this big and they weren't bogus (I'm thinking of DW's initial post in the Help, my negative reviews being deleted thread).

If you prod the tiger, don't be surprised when it bites back in anger.

Okay, that's the end of my rant.LOL. :P

What does everyone else feel about it? What that poster said?
 
EssieLou
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Administrator

I'm coming from a totally different perspective in that I'm spoiled rotten by forums with all the fun stuff. Amazon's board is very basic and often frustrating. So that's my attitude=== same discussions, just better organized and with pictures.

Also, I prefer group ran boards discussion board over topic driven boards. If that makes sense. Amazon is a group ran in that no one is picking the topics and setting the tone.

Same here....with emoticons! :lol:
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Deleted User
Deleted User

Yes, I also like this set-up better. I am also used to emoticons and I like this lay-out a lot. So thank you for getting it all started Ms. Administrator! :P
 
schnuppi
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Katie

Same for me. I was getting annoyed with the Amazon board too because its so simple and I just like boards like this soooooooo much better.

Anyway, back on topic: I dont think we have taken it too far (I didnt participate in those posts but I have my opinion about it).
I dont like the fact that writers manipulate their ratings (DMG is not the only one and we all know that) - period. But she has taken it one step too far with going after Reba like that. And I think Amazon reacted wrong with banning Reba but let DMG get away with her behavior.
I dont think I would have gone so far to say "Lets send her books back and dont buy any more books off of Amazon" because of that though...
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Sara Laughs
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On topic, I don't actually care that much. Not about the author, not about Reba. Sorry. I just like to read and the rest of it doesn't matter to me one way or the other. Maybe because I don't know either person or maybe because I'm totally self-centered. :lol:

Anyway, off topic I like invisionfree boards. I post on a couple of other ones and some on EZ (I think it's Nuku or something like that now) and the invisions are my favorite. I liked the book chat on Amazon and it's the only reason I ever put up with the crappy format. I'm glad to be here. I hope it takes off.
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chea
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Epic Saga
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We are all just standing up for what we think is right!!!
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Susiq2
Susiq2

I admit to being shocked at the condemnation we are receiving from fellow forum members. I cannot imagine what happened to Orion to push her into accusing us of posting negative reviews, of "bashing" Amazon etc. I "jumped" on the bandwagon because what happened to Reba was Wrong, FGS. How can a civilized society allow something like that to occur, and not take a stance against it? Do any of you think that we should of just ignored what was happening? :(
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EssieLou
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Well, everyone is welcome. And this site is so much better for stuff like posting pictures of guys we'd like to see on romance covers

Posted Image

And such ;)
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C.Vowels
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I don't think we over-reacted. I think posting the one stars and voting negs on things (which I didn't personally do) was probably not very high minded, but I can't really blame someone for being ticked off and doing it.

The people who are detracting have not really read the case. Understanding what MacGillivray posted PUBLICLY on Amazon to Reba was plenty for me to know who was in the right and who was in the wrong. I think the trolls basically fall into two camps: 1) MacG supporters in disguise 2) People who are always anti-whatever is popular.

It seemed clear to me that the majority of the (regularly posting) board was in Reba's camp--maybe to varying degrees, which is fine, but still in her camp.

PS--I, like others, am so much more comfortable in this sort of message board environment, it doesn't feel like I'm losing anything at all. :P
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Deleted User
Deleted User

You said it Chea! :P

Susiq,

The only thing I can think of (why Orion got so upset) was that she felt this issue was over-taking the romance forum. I think because those threads talking about this were very active and was always at the top of the threads.

I also agree with you that (this is just my opinion) to stand by and do nothing is tantamount to telling the perpetrator "walk all over me and do it again to someone else". Maybe Amazon won't do anything and MacGillivray will only get a slap on the wrist (which is frustrating!), but now she'll be more wary and hopefully REFRAIN from doing this again (highly doubt that :angry:).

C. Vowels,

I agree with you, I think some people haven't really looked more in-depth on this issue and are jumping the gun coming to inaccurate conclusions (in this case, that we are writing negative reviews in retaliation) based on the unfortunate actions of the few. I know that on the Dear Author blog comments section people brought this up, that some were doing this, and everyone was in agreement that is wrong and makes us no better than MacGillivray and her supporters. If we were to do the same, we really have nothing to stand on.

I have nothing against a person disagreeing with me, but I don't like being referred to as a "hysterical mob". When the level of discourse results in someone throwing small insults that's when I respond back in a more heated manner. Granted, maybe I should have toned down my voice, but it really pushed my buttons. -_- <_<

Anyways, I suspect we (the regular posters) were just the easy target and scapegoat. We participate in the forums and are against MacGillivray and so naturally, we are the target of her frustration with it all.
 
greenwise
Flyer
I think my answer would be both yes and no. I read through only a portion of the various threads at dear author and they do somtimes get snarky, but I would also say that in general any below the belt suggestions resulted in a general response of distaste and discouragment. This may have been what Orion objected to.

I don't think it is an overreaction to expect Amazon to exercise some common sense and take action. For the most part that its all anyone expected. I've said it before...we are in general a very respectful group, it's ok to like or not like a paticular book. And its ok to make the personal choice to boycott Amazon. I havent' done anything I am ashamed of over there, I have tried to be respectful and supportive and I don't condone playing unfair or writing false reviews, etc.

I hope Orion sees that this thing has grown bigger than just the Amazon Forum and that it may be a bit rash to hold us accountable for others that have taken measures that are not acceptable not only to me, but to others as well.
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Deleted User
Deleted User

greenwise
Apr 19 2008, 09:31 PM
I think my answer would be both yes and no. I read through only a portion of the various threads at dear author and they do somtimes get snarky, but I would also say that in general any below the belt suggestions resulted in a general response of distaste and discouragment. This may have been what Orion objected to.

I don't think it is an overreaction to expect Amazon to exercise some common sense and take action. For the most part that its all anyone expected. I've said it before...we are in general a very respectful group, it's ok to like or not like a paticular book. And its ok to make the personal choice to boycott Amazon. I havent' done anything I am ashamed of over there, I have tried to be respectful and supportive and I don't condone playing unfair or writing false reviews, etc.

I hope Orion sees that this thing has grown bigger than just the Amazon Forum and that it may be a bit rash to hold us accountable for others that have taken measures that are not acceptable not only to me, but to others as well.

Yah, that's what I objected to in her post. That she was lumping us all in together with a few that took to actions that aren't right.

You're absolutely right when you say it's grown bigger. It's not just the regular posters on the romance forum in Amazon that knows about this. There are many different places and discussion boards talking about this. I know Dear Author, paperbackswap.com, Terri Gerritsen wrote blog entries about this, and I can't even remember the other places.
 
BrandyVenable
Flyer
I watched for several days on amazon and other websites about the whole DAM and Reba ordeal. I didn't say anything online...I discussed it at length with my husband and friends and even my UBS lady. I saw web sites where very well known authors - nora roberts for one - was putting in their inputs. I kept my mouth shut until Orion opened hers. You can go to amazon and read what I wrote, but essentially I said she was missing the big picture. It wasn't about amazon or the author ... or even Reba for that matter. It was about safety. Amazon ignored a potential danger to a customer. For me that was the bottom line. I worked in criminal prosecution and defense for years and years. I know what cracked up people will and can do without the slightest provocation. I wasn't necessarily worried over DAMs actions. I was terrified of the actions of one of her fans. I mean, if someone will shoot the president of the united states to get the attention of an actress, what would a hard core fan do to get their favorite author to notice them. Just gives me thrills. So no, I don't think anybody went overboard. Reba should be praised.
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Deleted User
Deleted User

I read your response in the Amazon thread and it was a good post.
I didn't even think about that, a fan taking it to that extreme. You're right, all it takes is one crazed and obsessed fan...
 
DW from Amazon
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Hi Ladies,

I'm starting to get a little scared over at Amazon. That whole crazed fan thing, yikes! It has been a rough day.
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