Some random thoughts...

[reviews_and_ramblings]

I don't do rates (it's like a statement, I don't do drugs, I don't drink...). I always hate scheme and similar, my Italian teacher in highschool, after fighting for years to force me to plan my writing before starting them, surrendered and let me do as I wanted; I wrote from scratch, I still do, without almost editing it... It's like I'm, you can't change me, and so, how can I summarize what I wrote with a rate?

And above all, I don't believe in rate since they are "cold": I can read a book today, and since I'm in a fool mood, I can hate or love it, and maybe next week I will change my mind. Same as you: a book for me is wonderful since touch something in me, and for you is boring, since that same spot wasn't touched.

I'm not a reviewer, I studied Economics at College, not English or Literature! I'm a reader, and I read what I like, so please, don't take offense if I don't like a book, I believe that I have never said that a book was bad, only maybe that I didn't understand it or that it left me unaffected. And I'm not a writer or an editor, so I'm not nursing the secret idea to publish a book... I have some stories that swirling in my mind, but I'm not good enough to write them, and so they will stay in my mind.

English is not my language, so I can't judge if a book is grammatically good or not, and I don't want to... I write what as a book left me, cold, happy, sad, and I believe that you can understand it from what I write. It's not like I love every book I read, but if I write a post, probably there is something in the book that pushed me to finish it: and since I have in this moment more than 400 books in my reading list, if a book managed to catch my attention for enough time for me to finish it, then it means that I like it. For the "love" verb, the book has to be very good.

Don't try to involve me in fights, I don't like them; and don't believe that I can't fight, I can, but this is my sand box and I do as I want here. But I love confrontation, so don't worry if you want to leave "nasty" comments, if they have a sense, even if bad, probably I will reply to them.

And if you heavily lift from my LiveJournal and take the credit for my work, could at least don't gloat over how good you are? Ask you to at least put a link would be too much... I love when people link me, one of the happiest moment is when I discover that someone notice my little sand box and say something. I don't pretend that you ask me nothing, don't get me wrong, it's part of the pleasure of life, and an happy surprise, when I find something of unexptected, but I hate when something I spent time to prepare get apparently unnoticed to discover that raised a sandstorm somewhere else.

Comments

[laurazel.livejournal.com]

Sei grande, Elisa! <3

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Stamane sentivo che dovevo dire qualcosa...

[byanca-silver.livejournal.com]

Wow, pretty heavy Elisa. I've always found your reviews to be fair. I can't recall ever seeing you be very negative about a book or an author, even when it seems as if you weren't totally blown by a story, you always find something good to point out.
I think its very unfair for an author to get upset or confrontational should a reviewer say that he/she was not impressed about their book. That's the opinion of a reader and as long as the reader isn't being rude or mean, surely it can be seen as what it is..a helpful critique. Ne?
I hope whatever the issue is blows over soon.

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Oh, it's not much of an issue, only something that make me sad. And it's only part of the reason why I wrote this post. There are things around that I don't like, but it's how internet work, so I can't do much. But I thought that it was time to write something, even if it can sound heavy. Elisa

[zoenichols.livejournal.com]

Anything you say about anything I write is greatly appreciated, linked to and then loved to death.

*hugs* The internet sucks, sweet thing but you always make me smile :)

I hope whatever is putting a cloud on you goes away and SOON.

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Thanks Zoe, it's for people like you that I'm still around. And I'm still around since luckily there are more people like out there then the one that cloud my day. Elisa

[alex-beecroft.livejournal.com]

Oh dear! I don't know what's happened, but by the sound of it, I'm sorry that it has happened to you. All the people I know of think you're a real star, so don't let the occasional idiot get you down!

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Actually they are a "collection" of people, but they are still less than the good ones :-) Elisa

[eroticjames.livejournal.com]

>.<

So some special snowflake somewhere ripped you off? And any disussion of a book, good or bad, has the potential to bring sales. You either ignor a less than stellar review or thank the reviewer for at least taking the time.

Sheesh...why does the percieved anonymity of the net turn people into complete social morons?

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

I'm quite tired that my reviews were "dismessed" since you can't compare them to other due to the fact that I didn't give a 5 star or something similar.
And I'm quite tired to be "accused" that I write only good reviews... it's not true. If someone read what I write, I say when I don't like something, only that I'm not ripping of the author while doing so.
And I'm quite tired to post things I spent time to prepare (and involving people to do that), only to apparently have them pass unnoticed, when in someone else blog there were ton of comments on it... it happened in the past, so don't try to link it to something recent...

[luscious-words.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to hear that someone has prompted you to feel the need to write this post. Others have pointed out that even when a story doesn't move/affect you, you do point out something good about it. I have seen that in your reviews.

As for someone lifting part of your review and not crediting it to you, that's just wrong. It's plagiarism, theft. That's YOUR work, your time and energy. I'm sorry you've become a victim of that.

As eroticjames mentioned, the perceived anonymity of the web has turned these people into utter asshats. *sigh*

PS - Thanks for the recommendation to watch Cheeni Kum. I finished watching it last night and really enjoyed it.

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Thanks Layla. I will not use the word "plagiarism" since for me it's not possible to "copy" a post, and above all, if it's something sporadic, could be really a coincidence. It's when something happen 1, 2, 3 time and from the same person that make me really angry. And above all, I wouldn't care less if it was only me, but when I post about someone else, that maybe is waiting for a response, and that response doesn't arrive, and then I discover that somewhere else they were arguing about it... that is the time when I get very upset. Elisa

[4everinblujeans.livejournal.com]

Many times I read your reviews just to get a feeling about that book so I could decide whether to buy it or not :-)so basicly I'm greatful for it. Furthermore, I believe that this is your journal so you could write what ever you feel ^^

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Oh, be sure, I write what I want, but I always try to consider the feelings of other people. So it really upset me when I receive an email complaining for something I think I didn't do, or at least not in the way they imply. Elisa

[lilygcs.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to hear there are people being nasty and getting you down. I personally love your reviews and I don't feel it's necessary to have a rating.

Please don't let the actions of a few take away from your LJ experience. You're loved and appreciated by many.

Lily :)

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Thank you Lily, and no, I don't believe that I will take away my LJ... maybe it will change in time, but I love it too much to take it down. Elisa

[clarelondon.livejournal.com]

Well said!
It's lazy and rude if someone has taken your posting and passed them off as their own - or used them for their own purposes without crediting. Or insulted you and the way you review!!!!

Dammit, the whole point is not that you only give 'good' reviews - it's that your *review* is always good. You always give constructive, enthusiastic feedback, full of the bits you liked and liked not-so-much. That's so much more important than a rating. And for heaven's sake, this is YOUR LJ and YOUR time and love you're giving to these, so YOU call the shots! LOL

Now I'll stop yelling on your LJ and just send *hugs*.

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Thank you Clare... and you can yell as you want here, you are allow to play in my sand box ;-) Elisa

[semioticwarrior.livejournal.com]

I've found so many great books and artists through your journal. And when you've disliked something, you've always stated it gently and objectively, which is more than can be said for a lot of review sites. What's wrong with that? Your LJ is an invaluable resource. Thank you for sharing it.

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Thank you. For example I really love that you linked my LJ when I post about Dan Dos Santos. In that case I haven't contacted the artist, but I loved that people let me know they liked my choice. Elisa

[kennsea.livejournal.com]

Try not to let them get you down. Easier than said, I know. The thing is, according to your library, you have read hundreds of books. Of course you're going to be more prone to review those that had qualities you liked! Otherwise you would be writing reviews 24/7.

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

And instead I have also a day work ;-) Elisa

[maximvanziel.livejournal.com]

Can I guess that they(?) are fans of some writers? Or people envy you?

We(I don't know how many) know your policy that you never write negative reviews. Just ignore those who don't know about it. I wonder if they have read your reviews well. You never review a book in a way like this, "This one is great, the best one I've ever read!", too :D

Recently I was seriously troubled with the online world. We must accept what other people are doing, as far as they don't abuse the low. But to which degree? I know that some people may not like what I'm saying or pictures I post etc. I could explain to remove their misunderstanding, though is it worth doing? There are vicious people who provoke and make you use f or c words. I'm not going to fall on this level, though.

As you've mentioned above, it's a part how the internet works.

Wish you a happy weekend :)

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Thank you Max. I believe they are most people that really don't understand me, and I have to learn to ignore them. But sometime I feel to rant a bit. Good week end also to you. Elisa

[rbm00.livejournal.com]

Hey Elisa. I always thought your reviews were more than fair. When you don't like something (like menage or cheating men), you say that up front and you remind people that it's personal and that someone else might like menage, etc. And your reviews are great! I don't know how many times I've bought books based on what you said. Whoever this jerk author is that's been saying your reviews are bad should feel lucky you're even being reading them!

And for whoever is plagiarizing your reviews... I don't know what to say. WTF?!

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Thank you. I notice around the net that sometime you said that you discovered some new author thanks to me, and I'm always happy when I read it. Elisa

[valkovalin.livejournal.com]

Hi, Elisa. I hope I can express my appreciation and help to offset the negative thing that happened. I think you're a fantastic reviewer! I'm so impressed by how MUCH you manage to read, and it gives me incentive to read a little faster.

Sometimes I get discouraged because I'm an individual rather than a group of reviewers, and I just can't compete with what a group can do. Then I remember that you are individual, and your site is very successful, and I feel better!

I've been meaning to link to you and your reviews for awhile, and I've been too disorganized to get to it. I'm going to do that today because you should know that you are appreciated.

You have a truly comprehensive collection of reviews, plus you're always finding us gorgeous art and photographs that deserve to have a wider audience but probably don't because they're gay-themed. So you're doing a lot of good for the artist / writer, and us fans.

Plus you've got the most beautiful LiveJournal I've ever seen. No one else's can compare.

You said: "I will not use the word "plagiarism" since for me it's not possible to "copy" a post, and above all, if it's something sporadic, could be really a coincidence. It's when something happen 1, 2, 3 time and from the same person that make me really angry."

I don't blame you. If someone is stealing your content, it is a serious matter, and will not be tolerated by most Internet Service Providers.

If someone reposts your content on their website and claims that they wrote it, that is plagiarism. If someone reposts an ENTIRE piece that you wrote, and gives credit to you and your website, that is still content THEFT.

Sorry to go into all caps here, but I think a lot of people misunderstand this and think that reposting your content on their website is okay as long as they add the credit that you wrote it. It is NOT okay. They are still taking the content that you worked so hard to create and using it to add to the overall content of their website.

This hurts your website because search engines may bring up the other person's site if it has a higher ranking. In that situation, your writing is working to send people to that OTHER site. If the other site is receiving ad revenue, then your content is making money for THAT other person, and not you.

The correct thing to do is for someone to quote maybe one or two lines from your review and then LINK BACK to the original source, which is your website.

If someone is plagiarizing or stealing your content, I recommend that you take action. It's entirely up to you if you'd like to do this because it can take time and make you feel a lot of negative emotions.

But if you decide you want to do this, contact the content thief's Internet Service Provider. You can find this at http://whois.net/ Send an email to their Internet Service Provider with full details about the content theft, and ask them to take action.

If you're truly angry, you could send the content thief an email letting them know that you plan to contact their advertising sponsors (if they have any) and notify all of THEM of the content theft. I've found this to get spectacularly fast results (the stolen content gets taken down right away).

Good luck, Elisa, and remember that you have a lot of fans and supporters!

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Thank you for the insightful and very detailed comment. I will memory this one and if thing get nastier, maybe I will do as you said.
And thank you also for your kind word about my LJ, I remember that I already said to you in the past that I spend a lot of time for make it "pretty", and I'm glad that it get notice.
And you are right also in another point, you, me, and I believe very few other, are alone in maintaining our site and trying to do it as better as possible, and so probably it hurt more when someone with better visibility try to shadow what we are doing.
I have no problem when people "lift" from my LJ heavily if they at least link me at the end, or at least say that it's from me that they find the source. What I absolutely don't like is when they lift without even trying to understand what I wrote and why.

Thievery

[jardonnsmith.livejournal.com]

The internet makes it so easy for people to steal the work of others. I guess it makes them feel popular when they distribute what they steal without giving credit or linking to the source.

It is one of the downsides to sharing your creativity, Elisa. Just know that 99.9% of us who visit here enjoy and appreciate what you do.

Re: Thievery

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Thank you Jardonn, you are for example the good side to be on the net, it made me immensaly happy when I read your little post about me the other day. Elisa

[valkovalin.livejournal.com]

Oh, I should add that what I've suggested about handling content theft does work internationally.

That last part I suggested about contacting advertising sponsors got quick results from a South Africa site.

Exception: communist countries where there isn't a concept of private ownership -- I'm still not quite sure what to do in that situation. Best of luck on your situation.

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

I notice a lot of site that are only a container of lifted post from other site. I really don't understand why they exist, since I don't believe that people really read them. Elisa

[dakotaflint.livejournal.com]

Oh, Elisa, I'm sorry if people aren't treating you the way they should. It still puzzles (and frustrates) me, but the internet seems to breed bad behavior sometimes. :(

I love reading your reviews. You have such a joy for books and romance, and that comes through in every review you write. It's what makes you special, and I for one am grateful you're here. :)

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Thank you Dakota, I'm always glad to know that the joy I feel reading a book is transmitted through my posts. Elisa

[tiggerpuss.livejournal.com]

I've always loved and respected your reviews and follow you here and on librarything - you've helped me a lot in deciding which books to buy and what to expect. I've never found you to be negative or unfair. I hope you feel better soon!

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

I'm better now, I'm reading so it's always better ;-) Thank you, Elisa

[(Anonymous)]

Ah, Elisa, you rock! I read your journal every day. :-)

Shawn Lane

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Thank you Shawn, you are one of the "external" readers that I recognize, since you are so kind to leave a comment sometime. Elisa

[marquesate.livejournal.com]

Elisa, I have always lauded you as the one reviewer who manages to always, always say something positive about every single story or book that you read. Now that is an achievment. I bet this is also why so many people read your reviews, because they are never negative or nasty or anything like that, they are always kind. You have never said a bad word about anyone, I find that amazing. I think that our of your reviews shines your personality, as someone very lovely.

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

You are always so kind Marq, and I really appreciated the kind words you used also in the past for my LJ. Thank you, Elisa

[(Anonymous)]

I don't know who these people are you are giving you a bad time ... but ... if you want the shit beat out of them, just ask, and I'll see that it happens! --William Maltese.

Where's an editor when you need one

[(Anonymous)]

Obviously, I was so rearing mad that I couldn't even type straight. That should read "these people who are giving you" not "these people are you are giving". Good thing that typo wasn't in one of my books, are you'd likely be filing it in the circular file about now. Hugs! however you spell it! --William Maltese

[kiernankelly.livejournal.com]

Elisa,

Yours was the first review I ever received -- I believe it was for Riding Heartbreak Road -- and is responsible for encouraging me to continue writing. Ever since that first review, I've always treasured your opinion.

You're always honest in your reviews, which is something I appreciate, and is often missing in other review sites. As you said, you don't care about the technical aspects of the writing, only about the story and how it affects you, and that, in the end, is what the writer strives for -- to tell the story.

You also happen to be one of the sweetest people I've ever had the pleasure of communicating with!

Plagiarism is the worst sort of theft; our words are expressions of our thoughts and feelings, and one of the few things that we, as individuals, can truly claim as our own. To have them stolen is a travesty.

I also wish to commend you on your graciousness. You've stated your feelings on the matter clear and precisely, while refraining from the bitch-slapping session many other people would've engaged in.

I stand with all your other supporters, ready to kick the butt of anyone who would dare claim your work as theirs.

There's only one Elisa, and you're her.

Kiernan

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Thank you Kiernan. Yes, Riding Heartbreak Road was the first book I read by you and I still remember it with pleasure. My only regret is that I grew with my LJ and if I re-read my initial posts, I realize that they are not good enough, so a lot of good book, the ones that got me hooked, unfortunately haven't so nice post on my LJ. Maybe sooner or later I will rewrite some of them. Elisa

[jpbowie.livejournal.com]

Hey Elisa,
You are loved by thousands of people around the globe so don't let a few idiots spoil your day. I was going to offer to beat the f****'s up but I see William already offered. Just let him know I'll be right behind him cheering him on.
Don't lose that smile, Elisa - you're the best.
Love, Jim

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Thank you Jim, now I have TWO knights in shining armour! I'm a very lucky damsel in distress ;-) Elisa

[jbarrack2.livejournal.com]

How anyone in their right mind could complain about your reviews...
Not only are they insightful, but charming and "gentle", too.
I so appreciated your review of Bend in the Road because you truly understood my characters and the setting and their problems.
And, please do not put down your command of the English language.
You manage to inform the reader of the story without giving away the ending or any surprises and do so in a way that the reader can grasp whether or not the story might interest them.
Frankly, I consider it an honor that you've reviewed my books.
I cherish all of the reviews you've done for me thus far.
I go through your journal not only for the reviews but for anything else of your life that you wish to share with us.
One of the best things about your Journal, Elisa, is that just by reading any of the posts, a person can tell how much you love life.
As you can see from this outpouring of support, *you* are also loved

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Thank you so much. Everyone of these comments are precious to me. Elisa

[laurazel.livejournal.com]

Hai visto tesoro? Siamo davvero un mare ad amarti e quei deficenti là ti fanno un baffo... al diavolo sti cretini che non hanno una vita se non rompere le scatole a chi lavora seriamente...

[elisa-rolle.livejournal.com]

Si infatti, sono davvero commossa per tutti questi commenti e per me ognugno di essi è un tesoro. Elisa