[_getify]

First, I think it's disingenuous for an author to revel only in the positive reviews and "just ignore" the negative. An author should take all feedback and do the best with it he/she can. I read all reviews, and try to find anything I can in there to get better. That's why I'm sending this reply.

You probably think I should just "ignore the trolls" and you probably also think that anyone's negative expression is "freedom of speech" and that it shouldn't be countered.

I don't see it that way. The public ratings on my books are how a lot of people figure out if the books are worth looking at. No matter how legitimate or crazy a negative review may be, the one star hurts my overall rating exactly the same.

Furthermore, if I let a negative review go unanswered, I've lost an opportunity to show other readers a different perspective, and I've also lost the opportunity to (perhaps) engage in productive discussion that helps either that reviewer, or myself, or both, get better. Yes, this has actually happened before on a couple of occasions.

I don't think I'm reacting poorly by trying to find useful stuff even in the negative reviews. And I also don't think it's wrong to point out that unhelpful reviews are unhelpful.

I'm sorry this comes across as off-putting. But it's because I care so deeply about improving JS education through these books.

[fapjacks]

The irony of your comment is glorious. Thank you.