The Documentary Podcast Goodreads’ ‘unfair’ rating problem
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Sep 24, 2025 In this insightful discussion, Craig Silverman, a media researcher and co-founder of Indicator, delves into the perplexing issue of unfair Goodreads ratings. He explores the phenomenon of negative pre-publication reviews, suggesting that both personal vendettas and automated bots may be to blame. Silverman highlights the design flaws of Goodreads that enable abuse and proposes potential fixes, including verification methods to curb malicious ratings. The conversation shines a light on the broader implications for authors and the integrity of online platforms.
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Easy Accounts Enable Review Abuse
- Goodreads' low friction sign-up and login make identity verification minimal and cheap to create.
- Craig Silverman warns this design makes tracking legitimate reviews more challenging and invites abuse.
Star Averages Shape Reader And Industry Decisions
- Low early ratings influence reader decisions and publisher judgments about authors.
- Users report hesitating when averages slip under 4, showing star averages shape discovery and careers.
Author Finds Pre-Pub Low Ratings
- Joe Furness found a pre-publication two-star rating on her not-yet-released book and discovered the same account had rated nine of her listings.
- Goodreads removed the ratings only after industry press contacted them, not immediately after her report.
