I've written this before, but it bears repeating: a review by a critic is simply one person's opinion. Don't get too excited about a positive review, and don't get too "bent out of shape" about a negative review. I know from my own experience writing reviews for CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE for over 21 years that there are often many personal, outside factors that influence my impressions of a cabaret show. And each reviewer has their own set of personal, outside factors. For example, if I have had a particularly stressful day, I find myself in a negative mood - and try to shake it off before attending a cabaret show I might review. Same goes for a particularly exciting and joyful day. Euphoria can color one's perception of the mediocre, making a show seem far better than it actually was. For that reason I try to avoid any extended personal contact with a performer immediately after their show, in order to mull things over and attempt to get my feelings and thoughts into perspective. If I do personally praise your performance after your show, rest assured you've truly impressed me.
And if you get that one bad review, don't call attention to it by sending out an e-mail blast complaining about the critic. Just go quietly about your business - and try to pick a positive sentence or two from the review to use in your next press release. Believe me, most folks (except the artist being reviewed) don't pay much attention to reviews and most don't even bother to read them. And to publicly criticize a reviewer has no possible benefit.
Stand-alone reviews have always been the least visited pages on the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website. That's why Sue Matsuki and I decided to make her SUE'S VIEWS, NEWS & REVIEWS column include much more than simple reviews, and it has paid off! Her column is now among the most read pages on the CABARET HOTLINE ONLINE website!
STU
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