FAKE 5-STAR REVIEWS ON AMAZON?

Recently people have been complaining about Fake 5-star reviews on Amazon. They buy a product; they don't like it and they complain that the 5-star reviews are Fake! Really?

 Yes, when I buy an item from Amazon, I do read the reviews first, however if I really want to buy that item, I do it anyways. I like to judge for myself.  I can understand how people can be fooled by 5-star ratings regarding items like speakers or clothing, etc. However, how does this affect indie/self-published authors? 

Well, I don’t know if other authors are having this problem, but I have been informed by a few of my readers who have downloaded or bought my books, that they can’t leave a review on my books! Personally, it doesn't matter to me if they give my book/books a 5 star or not, the point is that my books receive a review that can be helpful to potential buyers! 

example: I recently received a message from a reader who downloaded one of my books that was up as a free promotional deal a while back. That person finished reading it and he/she said that they tried to post a review but they couldn’t. On occasion I do a free download promotional deal on some of my books, on certain holidays, I believe that the individual must have downloaded the book during a free KDP download deal. I personally feel that even though they downloaded the book for free, they should be able to post a review. I see it as a verified buyer, but maybe Amazon doesn't see it that way. That's just my opinion. Also, I've heard from new author's that new reviews being posted on Indie author's books, are scrutinized possibly even ignored and never posted because it is a 5-star. They only accept 4 and below for new Indie Authors. I find that unfair and down right mean-spirited! 

I visited the community forum for the writers on KDP. I asked about the supposed, 'FAKE REVIEWS'. I have to say that the people there are no different than the people you'd encounter on Craigslist forums! Has anyone ever been on Craigslist forums? I'm sure you have, so you know the kind of reaction you'd get when you ask a half decent question, right? My sons say not to get on Craigslist, because you'll only encounter half baked people that don't know a damn thing! They're right. However, on occasion, I do get on Craigslist and yes, I'm disappointed. 
Anyways, I am the kind of writer who is REAL. I like to write from my heart and write exactly what I think, as some of you know by reading The Other Side of Things part 1.    It came as a surprise to me when I read some of the responses posted on KDP after I asked a question about the fake five star reviews. The first response:

*Wait, I do want to say something else. Why can’t people get it? Why do they persist in believing that a few reviews from there friends/neighbours/coworkers will sell a book that couldn’t sell on its own merits? Why do they ignore recommendations for better cover, better product description, better editing/any editing, and learning to write in favour of pestering acquaintances for a review that says, “oh, yeah, Bob’s a great person and this here book that he wrote is just a work of genius, absolutely brilliant, and you have to read it, and I can’t wait for the sequel, which you should preorder right now just like I’m gonna do.”

Okay, that got something off my chest. Back to work now. And you too, C. Gold, whose sequel I am looking forward to reading. I won’t review it though, not because I sort of know you in the slightest possible way, but because I haven’t spent $50 on the US site in forever due to a lack of materialism.

So this person had something to say but not productive, not to me. First of all, the weekend job I have requires very little contact with co-workers. I do NOT know them and I wouldn't ask them to post a review because I don't want them to know who I am online!  As far as I'm concerned, they have to find it out for themselves. 

Second, I do have family members, but not a whole lot on my Facebook list. Since my 'Personal' Facebook list is private, I don't believe the public can view it and I have never asked any of them to post a review, not without reading one of my books first. 

Third, this person talks about neighbors, well I have to be honest, I don't know my neighbors, I rarely talk to them and again, I do not want them to know who I am online. 

 So, he/she says, "better editing/any editing," Well, how did E.L James get away with it? I am sure you know what i mean by that and I am certain that some of her acquaintances, family and even neighbors posted reviews on her books. 

As for that last part, Miss Laundry Maid was referring to another author. Someone I don't know and don't care. 

NOTE: Haters are the only ones who would post a comment such as Miss Laundry Maid's comment. They try to be subtle on their hateful responses as to not come off as a 'Bleep'.  Just saying.

 Second comment:

*If people can't leave reviews on Amazon, tell them to leave them on GoodReads. As people on this forum have found out, if we leave reviews for another's books they tend to get taken down because we have enough of a connection to be considered bad. I don't see how you can really be considered 'friends and family' if you don't even know the person's real name, but it is what it is.

Well, this person is right. If you have followers on Facebook who are not necessarily on your friend's list but are just following you, they might be considered a red flag to Amazon's standards. Ridiculous, I know but as she said, it is what it is. Someone also said if you sign into Amazon through Facebook, that their bots can track people who know you? I don't believe that hogwash, but I don't sign in with Facebook, never. I keep all that separate. Perhaps others do.

In all fairness, GoodReads is okay but it's still important to have a fair amount of reviews on your books or products on the website you're selling your items on. 

My questions are: Does Amazon only accept 1 to 4-star rating reviews, even if the person leaving the review really liked the book or product? 

Are Indie/self-published authors targeted for 'supposed' fake reviews?

Final thought: I would like to see more authors, especially Indie authors stop tearing each other down on forums! You do know that we're all in the same boat when it comes to publishing our books, getting them recognized and liked. Why say such disparaging remarks? We have enough people out there that don't even want to recognize us as real authors, do we need to be so condescending to one another?

With that said, what are your thoughts? Express your opinion in the comment box. I will approve them.

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