A reader (a customer)
took the time and effort
to email a writer (a business builder),
telling her how much
she loved her books (products).
This writer asked the reader,
“If you love it so much,
why didn’t you leave
a f*ckin’ review?
You know it helps writers.”
and she went on and on,
berating the reader.
The writer then wrote
a public rant
on Facebook,
saying exactly that.
Yes, I know
that many writers
and many other sellers
believe
having more reviews
sells books.
But this reader was clearly
a super fan
(usually only super fans
take the time
to email writers).
She was likely doing other things
to promote
the writer’s books.
And the writer told her
she wasn’t doing enough.
The writer was rude
in her reply.
And then she publicly humiliated
the reader.
No, she didn’t use the reader’s name
but the reader,
being a super fan,
would have read the rant
and known whom
the writer was referring to.
I doubt that reader
will ever buy
another book
written by that writer.
That writer lost a super fan
with her rants.
Super fans are precious.
It takes time and effort
to turn a customer
into a super fan
but when that happens,
this customer is dedicated.
She buys all the products.
She spreads the word
about these products,
about the brand.
Treat them like
the treasure they are.
If they don’t leave reviews,
know that they are likely doing
something else,
something potentially more powerful.
Don’t sh*t on them.