Each time you buy a book, you take a risk. Evidently, you think the book is worth the risk.
Maybe you got it because the blurb sounded really good. Or maybe you got it because there have been really good reviews of the book. Including one from a certain reviewer whose words you take as gospel.
But maybe, just maybe, the reviewer didn’t mention that she/he is connected very closely to the author. Blood relation or just plain good friend.
That makes the review suspect. Especially if the fact wasn’t disclosed–this is called asymmetry of knowledge. It tilts the market in favor of the producer, because you’re not making your decision based on all available information.
Now, if you had known, would you have given that review as much weight? I don’t think so. You might not have considered it consciously, but your brain would have.
Reviews exist for a reason, and that is to disseminate information.
Imagine a world where all reviews go, “WOW It’s soooo sooo sooo good!”
‘Nuff said.
To read more, clicky here.
Hi May,
Thanks for the link.
I think it’s interesting that most people aren’t willing to talk about it as if it’s a secret…a secret that everyone knows.