Reviews of reviews

Since when did it become okay to criticise other people's book reviews?

I know every author wants reviews, and being a writer myself I know how important reviews are, but I don't often review books I've read these days. I used to, and then someone starting criticizing my reviews on Amazon. They were really nasty - calling me names - the experience really upset me.

As a result I withdrew all my reviews, and I didn't review a book for a long time afterwards. Just lately I have given the odd review - if the book particularly moves me - but I make sure never to look at the comments people have made about my reviews, just in case.

It's one thing if someone has a different opinion about a book, and puts that across in a nice way, but it's not okay when they get nasty about it. How sad - to have nothing better to do than read and criticise other people's book reviews.

I really don't know why comments of reviews are allowed. Helpful / unhelpful votes yes, but not comments.

Has anyone else experienced this?

And now a quick update on my writing:

Getting Snapshots into print is on hold for the time being as I need to work out how to format it for CreateSpace.

I'm trying to get my non-fiction book into shape - it's about getting a puppy for the first time.

I'm also editing the first draft of my latest novelette, which focuses on a character - Daisy - who has OCD.

I don't feel like I'm writing much at the moment - it's editing more than anything else, but bubbling away in my head is the idea for a brand new story, which I'm sure I will be starting work on very soon. :)

Whatever you're working on - happy writing. :)