Last night, I wrote a post with the question/suggestion of forming an alliance, a “certification”, or a “code of ethics.”   This was in response to some reading I did after reading  Amy’s post this week. 

Based upon the responses I received, I think the message that our group identifies with the most is our ability to MAINTAIN CREATIVE FREEDOMS and manage our blogs the way we see fit.  From what I am hearing, it is more important that we keep the spirit of “fun” in our blogs rather than being consumed with guidelines/ethics/etc.  Another response is that we don’t need any more “club” like separations.  What bonds us is the fact that we don’t have those types of issues. 

All of these thoughts, I agree with wholeheartedly.   However, as I mentioned back on one of my comments, how do we address the criticism?  The critical “Lit Blogger” raised the point that there is a certain amount of “professional duty” (or, maybe responsibility is the better word) that arises from the fact that we are working with publishers and authors.  We are reviewing their books.  Although we are not paid, our relationships with the professional book publishing industry are strengthening, as evidenced by the panel at BEA.  So, although we are “hobbyists,” there is also a certain level of  real professional business going on in there, too.   Now, that comment DOES NOT apply to everybody.  But, it certainly applies to me because I do read a considerable amount of ARC’s.

So, how do we defend ourselves against the blasts of criticism?  Well, my idea was a big ole’ bomb… so what other ideas are out there?  One commentor suggested that it is, in fact, the quality of our blog that speaks for itself.  Hmmm…. So, if I set certain guidelines for myself that maintains a certain level of “professionalism” within my blog then my blog will reflect such?  If I do a good job with taking my review responsibilities of ARCs seriously, then any attacks I may face in the future will be defended there within the walls of my blog?  O.K.  I’m good with that. 

Perhaps my bomber of an idea was in the hopes (or just me, grasping at straws) to give us a stronger, united voice and a level of protection against future attacks.  But, there must be a better one.  Either that, or we simply ignore the egotistical, nasty mouths that we encounter.  To the “mean” authors and the jealous bloggers of the world, we just simply ignore the criticism and move on in our progression.

And to those bloggers on the panel and the ones that I mentioned in my blog, you are so admired by me for your presence in the book blogging community.  I think your blogs are just amazing and you take such an active and participatory role in our book blogging community. I respect you all, plus many others, greatly!

Have a great weekend!

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