Annoying reviews

[mirage]

considering even the best stories in the sites doesn't get average more than 10 reviews.
why not change to a "rate this story" without the comments thread.

I read many stories, could rate them but often have no comments to make.

it's a pity that most stories that are read by thousands should get a average ratings of hundreds at least, not 5-10.

[ElectricBadger]

Can always simply say, "Thank you for sharing" and post a score -- certainly better than nothing! Honestly, though, as an author just getting a number doesn't help much.

[rach]

I'm always so wary of giving reviews other than that's good as it seems to presume a knowledge I'm not sure I have. I do write, but not BDSM and I don't know if people would appreciate reviews.

[Euryleia]

I'm always so wary of giving reviews other than that's good as it seems to presume a knowledge I'm not sure I have. I do write, but not BDSM and I don't know if people would appreciate reviews.

Rach, as a feedback whore, I really, really appreciate reviews. But what helps me more is constructive criticism--I get better as a writer when I learn about my strengths and weaknesses. I'm very grateful to several of the authors on this site who have sent me emails with feedback and suggestions.

[DarkPoet]

I'm always so wary of giving reviews other than that's good as it seems to presume a knowledge I'm not sure I have. I do write, but not BDSM and I don't know if people would appreciate reviews.

I can only second Euryleia there. I'd never object to a "nicely done", but it's people pointing out mistakes and ways to put something better who help improve my writing, no matter if it's a bdsm fic or a classic short story. This needn't always be a complete analysis of what went wrong. If I'd get three reviews in a row telling me "there's something off in the middle of the story, but I can't really name it", I might be able to spot it myself.

[Rubberwolf]

I have posted one review. I believe that if you like someones work you should tell them about it. That said, some of the negative ones that I have recieved have pointed out typos etc. So they are constructive, in that they help you improve your story writing.

The reviews that I hate are the pointless ones that slate your work, but have no substance. E.G. Invitation to a Fetish Party recieved general favourable reviews, appart from one guy who gave me a poor rating because it reminded him of a childrens cartoon or something similar. (P.S. If you are reading this, perhaps a link would be nice so that I could form my own oppinion.).

I digress. The interesting thing about these caustic individuals is that when you click on their names, you find that they have not actually written anything themselves. I don't mind a poor review. Laura Feline has been giving honest reviews of my work for years. But then, she has written stacks and I feel that her oppinion has some weight. I saw a review recently where Parker gave a nice review. It turns out that Parker is one of the reviewees favourate authors and the positive review gave her a great deal of encouragement. But it is these sad little snipers who do not let us see their work, but proclaim venomous little rants, that serve no purpose than demoralizing tallented writers that should be actively ignored by any author. I like what I write, I enjoyed writing it and sharing it with others.

P.S. Loved Petrol Station. Well written, nice pace, good charactorisation.

Rubberwolf

[nakdsub]

As a first time author, I was looking for constructive criticism for my first story. Instead my first critic was a person who gave me a 1 because he didn't like reading stories with an under age character. Now, in my synopsis, I mentioned the main character was 15 years old. If he didn't like reading these stories OK but to read it then give it a 1 for content is just ridiculous. My second critic really cut the story down saying it read like a children's book. Everyone has a right to their opinion but what gets me is that this person misspelled several words and used "to" instead of "too" in the revue. When I checked for stories written by this person there were zero. Isn't that always the way.
So far the rest of the revues have been very positive.
Please don't get me wrong, if you have legitimate and constructive criticism, I am always willing to learn.
Thanks.

[H Dean]

Hey kids - ignore this post

[H Dean]

As a first time author, I was looking for constructive criticism for my first story. Instead my first critic was a person who gave me a 1 because he didn't like reading stories with an under age character. Now, in my synopsis, I mentioned the main character was 15 years old. If he didn't like reading these stories OK but to read it then give it a 1 for content is just ridiculous.

Apparently, he is an idiot.

My second critic really cut the story down saying it read like a children's book. Everyone has a right to their opinion but what gets me is that this person misspelled several words and used "to" instead of "too" in the revue. When I checked for stories written by this person there were zero. Isn't that always the way.
So far the rest of the revues have been very positive.
Please don't get me wrong, if you have legitimate and constructive criticism, I am always willing to learn.
Thanks.

I see that you are suggesting that poor grammar or bad spelling in a review negates the truth or accuracy of the review. This is one of the more asinine complaints I have ever read about a review.

I will note that your complaint contained the word "revues". I will also note that you seem to have difficulty knowing where to use a comma. You are, essentially, reviewing the review you are complaining about and displaying poor spelling and technical skills. Isn't that ironic?

[Dragon's muse]

Anytime you put a piece up for review you run the risk of negative feedback. Professional writers, who hit the bestseller lists with appalling regularity, get blasted by critics and others based on content.

Do you really think that people who don't post stories should not voice an opinion? i only have one story posted on the main story side, but that doesn't make my thoughts and feelings about a story any less worthy of consideration. A reader's opinion is just as valid as a writer's opinion.

Bottom line, all reviews are just opinions. There has never been a writer in the history of the world whose work was universally well-received; it is pretty unlikely that you or i will be the first. Take what works for you, and don't worry about the rest.

[ThisYouWillDo]

I wonder how many published authors have never been read by people who do not write. Answers in round figures, please.

[Dragon's muse]

My very dear TYWD, it is the roundest figure of them all -- 0.000000000

[Dragon's muse]

Nakdsub,

Just FYI, the search by author function on the story side is not foolproof. If you search by my name, i don't have any stories there. But, if you search by the title, it shows up.
*shrugs* Go figure.

[nakdsub]

Muse,
I agree with everything you said.

[nakdsub]

Guilty as charged, how embarrassing!

[James P]

What about this one - Some guy gave me 1 star because I advertised my personal story site at the beginning of the story (The Johnsons). Not sure what you folks think of that one, but I only wish he'd have judged the story on his merits rather than on his personal beliefs.

[Alex Bragi]

What about this one - Some guy gave me 1 star because I advertised my personal story site at the beginning of the story (The Johnsons). Not sure what you folks think of that one, but I only wish he'd have judged the story on his merits rather than on his personal beliefs.

Well, James, in this instance, you could try to make contact with the reviewer and try to reason with them to alter their rating of your story. I have seen authors do that with some success.

[James P]

hmm, that's an interesting thought. Thanks for the tip.

[H Dean]

Or you could mention it to the site management - the old management used to eliminate stupidity like that from the review rating.

[fbn]

I just started writing, just for my own fun because I stopped drawing. But I don't seem to get any reviews...... I would just like to know if I am any good at all.