Author Snipes Critic on Twitter Over Negative Review

Doesn't that word of advice apply to the critic as well? I agree that tweeting the home phone was over-the-top, but shouldn't a critic be open to feedback from people who disagree with the review?

Ms. Hoffman shows her immaturity by reacting so childishly over the opinion and review of a critic. She needs to realize and understand that not everybody will sing her praises and enjoy her works. This woman crossed a line by encouraging her fans and followers to harass the critic. After this, I wouldn't be surprised if she has a rocky road ahead of her in the business.

People, yes, NOT authors. Authors open themselves up to criticism as soon as their books go to press. Most books get reviewed - not all are good. Posting the reviewer's phone number was cheap. If she can't stand the heat, perhaps Hoffman should get out of the kitchen. Sounds to me like she's power tripping!

I hope Ms. Hoffman will wind up apologizing to the Globe critic in court after paying her damages.

robin - I meant that critics should be open to feedback from people who read the reviews, not just the author. But I also think that authors should be free to respond to criticism as well, particularly when it is unfounded or poorly reasoned. Sorry I wasn't clear about that.

However - I am not condoning, at all, this author's behavior. And fans who contacted the critic to complain, without reading both the book and the review first, should be ashamed.

It really pisses me of personally, when "critics" begin to talk plot in their so called "reviews". I'd have been angry just from a reader standpoint, let alone as the writer. It seems nowadays people think simply having seen a movie or read a book gives them the skill to review a piece. But nowadays, they all seem to lapse into run-of-the-mill subjective recapping. A synopsis peppered with opinions isn't a review!

Even though she approached it in the wrong way, I think the author has a valid grievance if this is indeed about a non-writer talking about plots in a bumbled "review".

"...shouldn't a critic be open to feedback from people who disagree with the review?"..............Critics are people who offer their take on someone's work. That's it. They have no obligation to deal with snotty, adolescent reactions of prima donnas. If the critic is a hack, they may get their nosed bashed, from time to time, but having to take "feedback" from the offended isn't part of the job description.

Thicken her skin? ... I bet this sells even more books for her! I know it peaked my interest and I just ordered it for myself online so I can form my own opinion. Critic is such a silly job, they say whatever they want and no two agree. Bravo Alice!

While i think her tactics are bit over the top, I agree FULLY that a writer should review a writer, and a reviewer should NEVER give away the plot...that's basic stuff. Let the Globe deal with the result of being irresponsible and unprofessional. MORE people should make "professionals" accountable for their actions, although I see no evidence of basic standards of journalism on the part of the reviewer or the editors responsible for reviewing her work prior to publication.

And further who is LEILA BRILLSON to determine that the author went "too far" . NO one cares what you judge to be too far or not too far, Ms. Brillson. Keep your opinions to yourself...you dont seem to have a clue about journalism yourself. THAT is the irony of the "story"!

Expecting that only another writer will review one's work, or that only another writer is ABLE to review a book is ridiculous. There are plenty of editors, publishers, and extremely intelligent people who, though not gifted with the ability to write, are plenty qualified to make a thoughtful review of a book or story. There is not a writer alive who doesn't feel she was badly used by a critic. Ms. Hoffman's decision to parcel out someone's private information was childish and underhanded.

Even worse was Deborah MacGillivray who rallied friends and fans against her a woman who offered a mild critique of her novel, stalked her critic, and got her banned from Amazon.

http://criminalbrief.com/?p=812

um whatever? if you don't want to hear what people actually think you should not be a critic. you can think whatever you like but honestly if you are going to trash someone elses work you should be receptive to hear what the majority of people think about it. otherwise keep your opinion to yourself

Someone here said that not liking the book did not give the critic the right to "push her opinion". Of course it did, that's what critics do, they publish their opinions and recommendations on whether to spend time partaking in what is being critiqued.

Never heard of this Alice Hoffman before, but now I am sure I will not be reading her books anytime soon, what an unstable character she is.

Did you guys read the review? The critic is the one who went too far in my opinion! Not the criticism itself, she didn't just give away the plot, she told the entire story, things that are suppose to be a secret! I just started reading the damn book and I guess it's my fault for looking when I knew the woman gave the plot away, but what in the world was she thinking? Why purchase this book if you've read this review, it's almost as bad as someone walking out of a movie theater and telling the end to the fans waiting in line.
As far as her "private" information. Her e-mail adress is on the site with her review and so is her full name. Ms Hoffman didn't give out any info that wasn't easily available to people. Though I do think encouraging people to harrass the critic is childish, this woman didn't just write "a mildly negative review" she sat down and ruined the story for anyone who read her review. That's different than critiquing a book.
Also, just because a reviewer doesn't personally identify with the characters and the book doesn't end the way she would like, does not make it a bad book.

A pox on ignorant, uninformed, so-called critics. Frustrated, unsuccessful wanna-be writers all of them. Alice Hoffman is considered by many to be one of America's finest authors. And what is this Roberta Silman's claim to fame? That she revealed the plot of Hoffman's book? A plot that Hoffman undoubtedly took great care and much time creating. Silman should be grateful for Hoffman's rather mild response. I would have wished for something far worse.