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What I look for in an ideal review... Honesty. I prefer someone outright stating they disliked my story (preferably with their reasons for this) over the famous "sandwich formula" when and if it's clear to me anyway that they disliked the story. Liked parts but hated others? Then make that clear. Don't wrap it up in twenty layers of compliments with half a sentence dedicated to what you disliked. Tell me what you disliked, why, if/how it could be improved. Criticism & Non-genericness. You didn't like it? That's fine, but what is the reason? Anything on my side that could be improved, or just not your cup of tea, etc.? Found some factual inconsistencies? Grammatical issues? Spelling mistakes? Plot holes (except in crack-fics and PWP, of course)? Point it out. Can't correct what I'm not aware of. You hated it? Let me know, and why - unless it is because you refused to take heed of the summary and warnings. If I mention my story centers around a specific pairing or kink, you read it anyway, and then complain 'cause you don't like the pairing or kink... well, frankly speaking, you're wasting your time complaining, then. You liked it? Lovely, but why/what part? Anything you feel could be improved? While "Loved it, write more plz." is nice for an ego-stroke, it doesn't tell me anything. Not even that someone read the story - for all I know, they could be copy-and-pasting it all over the archive. Same goes for "U & ur story suck, go crawl in a hole and die". If you are bothered enough to wish me dead, at least let me know why, 'kay? (Not that I have received reviews of that kind on AFF yet - though I have on other sites) Oh, and don't go and complain over a single typo if your review is written in leet-speak, littered with typos, etc. Point it out, sure. Get all up on your high horse? Not when your review that's less than 10% of the size of my chapter has about ten times as many typos in it as my chapter.

Because I often write for game fandoms, I am often handed plot lines that require my PC to be something of a Mary Sue/Gary Stu. The challenge for me becomes one of explaining why this one particular person is the only one who can save the world, while at the same time trying to flesh out the frequently cardboard NPCs that follow my PC around. It's a fascinating challenge to un-Sue that Sue. If you think about it, no hero ever acts alone. There's always something, and that can be the fun part of writing for these fandoms. I like to flesh out the NPCs with back stories that give you an idea of why they're tagging along, and personalities of their own instead of having them serve as mirrors for the PC's actions. I've also been known to credit some of the quest successes to NPCs rather than the PC where it makes more sense for the NPC to have done better. It makes for a richer and more realistic narrative. Having said that, the anti-Sue is as awful. The lead character who is paralyzed by indecision, or self doubt. The guilt-wracked character who can't forgive themselves for past mistakes, and judges every action by those errors. The one who turns humility into a vice rather than a virtue (which calls to mind another pet peeve completely unrelated to this thread). The self-effacing mouse who becomes somehow competent under duress. Gamers have a love/hate relationship with Sues, and when we turn writer, we get a chance to see if we can do better. That's the fun part.

Before I lock this thread, the site is domiciled in and governed by the laws of the United States, where the legal age is established as 18. Until and unless the site's owner decides to take up residence in another country, it will remain governed by the laws of the United States. This author will not be permitted to return. The matter is not up for discussion.

One of the problems with Mary Sues is that we're mainly told about them, rather than see them do something. We're told they're smart, witty, good in strategy, perfect, beautiful, strong, independent, social, friendly, etc. Yet with exception of beauty (a lot of Sue-writers do tend to describe their pet Sue's appearance with huge amount of detail), we never see that proved. Okay, maybe the Sue wins a game of chess in the story's background somewhere (not that that immediately makes someone a strategy wiz), and maybe some people laugh at a witty remark of them (though often, the remark itself isn't shown and if it is, it's usually not all that witty), but that's it. Sometimes, we hear about them doing things that prove those points, but even then, the actual action is rarely shown. "Mary Antoinette Raven Tara Susan "Sue" Blackwood smiled as the strategy she had convinced the others of proved to be working." vs. "I think," Mary said, "that we should reinforce the troops here, because the intelligence we have suggests the enemy will likely come ashore nearby. Perhaps we could set up a trap there for them." The first only tells us she's good in strategy, the second shows it (or disproves it, depending on the result later in the story). Of course, it's not a problem if some things are told rather than shown; however, the problem with many Sues is that we almost completely have to rely on things the author tells us, rather than shows us, which makes Sues boring - perhaps even moreso than their supposed lack of flaws, or the sheer predictability of the character and events it stars in. (It also basically makes most Sues a form of unreliable narrating)

First, if you're trying to make some point about JennMarie, it's misplaced. She's been banned from the site, and it's not up for discussion. Reasons are here: http://www2.adult-fanfiction.org/forum/index.php/topic/46302-jennmarietwisted-and-other-names-repeat-offender/ Second, the site's policies on underagers has been clearly defined since inception. It has been addressed in news posts. Reference this: http://www2.adult-fanfiction.org/forum/index.php/topic/28524-happy-new-year/ Third, read this: http://www2.adult-fanfiction.org/forum/index.php/topic/29354-an-owners-rant Apollo, as owner of the site, has made sure the policy is quite clear.

When I review, I try to leave an honest, in-depth collection of compliments, critique and suggestions on how to improve. Generally, I start out with how I felt about the story as a whole, and if I don't have anything positive to say, I don't review. (That whole, "Not all authors have thick skin" thing.) I tell the author if I liked it, if I felt it had potential, if it intrigued me, if it made me laugh. Next, I note what spelling or grammatical errors I remember seeing, what they should have been and why, AND that it's not a big deal, just something they might want to get a beta for because spell/grammar checks often make mistakes that a human eye can catch. Then I move on to a scene by scene cover of the chapter/story. I comment on how in character people were if the story is fan fiction, and if they're not in character, I share my thoughts on how acceptable the reasoning for that is. I cover the realism of the emotions felt by the characters, because I'm big on psychological cause and effect. Also because I think it helps the reader connect with the story when the emotions are realistic, whether or not people are in character. If there's action, I'll cover how the fight scene seemed to me and how it might be improved (if I think of that; sometimes I miss that one). In telling the author what I liked or disliked in each scene and how it might be improved if needed, I also like to throw in what I thought of the interactions between the characters, the way the thoughts came across, and how much attention to detail there was. Some writers are great at dialogue but suck at background details, such as scenery/surroundings. These are also important details, if mostly noted briefly and in passing, and they help a reader grasp the world the author is writing in. For fan fiction, not so much background detail is necessary, but it's still nice to read. As I'm bringing my review to a close, I usually cover the details that really got to me (good or bad) again, restating why I had the reactions I did and why I felt it was or was not appropriate--and, if not, what suggestions I had to make it more appealing to readers. Then I enthuse a bit more over the story, bringing it to a close on a high note, and end it with my signature phrase and my username, which are as follows: May the words just flow, Cuzosu (I find that "May the words just flow" and similar phrases of writing encouragement often seem to help others get past writer's block, so I try very hard not to leave it out. Encouraging another person to write more is a wonderful way of helping them learn to accept concrit and hopefully getting them to the point of figuring out how to correct some of their own mistakes. It may not always work, but I think it's worth the effort.)

I agree, though I often have a hard time reading the extremely popular pairings, simply because I like to read material that is well written and (hopefully!) well edited, and it seems to me that the more popular a pairing is, the lower the percentage of well-created stories. While I may be (am) mostly a yaoi fan, I do read the occasional het...and once or twice I've found yuri I enjoyed, though I don't go looking for it. *shrug* I'm just not as into other girls as I'm into guys. Not that I go for body alone, but in anime and manga, there IS a trend of overly feminine girls. Even Rukia is more girly than I am, and that...doesn't interest me. I am completely uninterested in fluttery, pretty facades and/or giggly morons, no matter if their hearts are in the right places. Nel appeals to me more than Rukia or Orihime. So does Tia, for that matter. Yoruichi's so much like a cat even in her human form that I can't find it in me to dislike her, though I like Urahara more. (And yes, I believe there are yaoi references in Bleach, whether or not they were meant. Why else is Urahara forever stabbing Ichigo with his sword cane/Zanpakuto? )

I will agree that the specific forms of self-centered behaviors shown unknowingly by Sue writers can be almost endlessly fascinating. Just seeing how many Sue-tropes could appear across a fandom can become almost addicting (and a huge time-suck) For example, the raising of a Sue's skill and form of the denegration of canon characters becomes sad. All without the writer even being aware of what they reveal. Showing instead of telling is one of the better ways to prevent a bunch of Sue issues. Once Sue has filleted a reef shark, defused an abomb and made those colorful eggs using the wax to mask colors... in enough detail to show how she did them, means these accomplishments aren't just handwaving. Better to let another character shine so she doesn't get the black ink on her fingernails or lovely outfit. I agree writing in game fandoms is especially challenging as so many things in canon are actually tick marks on a Sue purity test. tragic past? check. last survivor? check. multiple characters chasing them? check. scar that doesn't affect beauty? check. Special/unique abilities no one else has? check. But these things are required for the plot. The same problem can exist in any fandom though. When the canon characters are accomplished or interesting, new characters have to be, too. I'm not as sure it's necessary to make the lead the only one necessary to do it, one of the problems is that the old greek sin of hubris still applies. I prefer to make sure the lead has problems and weaknesses that get in their way. And I very much like to write more about and featuring the secondary characters in my fanfic. The lead may be the lynchpin, but they still need the other stones to make an arch. The anti-Sue is still perfect, just as perfectly awful. And Sue tests or experience in spotting Sue-dom is good as cautionary tales to writers.

Whenever I receive a review (good or bad) I look at it as if I'm opening a present. Honestly, I see them as gifts! Whether it's a one-line "Hey this is awesome" or a more in-depth analysis of the reader's likes or dislikes. For my main story Dragon Drive, I have received so many awesome reviews and, of course, my favorites are the ones who explain what they like. This topic has a LOT of really awesome points, and I don't think I'd argue with anything put here. Even though I know this thread is called "What do you look for in an ideal review" I think that there has been a lot of great things posted here. I actually want to point out what I don't like in a review (now that's not to say I don't like the review). I have seen a few people try to be really nice, post something awesome, but sometimes what they write can be taken as a little offputting or cynical, something that an author might not appreciate: First and foremost: DON'T ASSUME! You know what they say, "Assuming makes an ass out of u and me." One of the most irritating things that I can see in any review is to make a cynical or resolute decision about where a story is headed. For instance someone saying "Well, it's obvious that xxxx is going to happen" or "It's a shame that your story is going to turn out xxxx way." Remember that the only person who actually knows 100% what is going to happen in a story is the author. Feel free to make a prediction, but let the author tell the story because sometimes they can and will surprise you (we're sneaky like that!). If you don't like a topic, don't read about it. I enjoy writing in topics that some people don't like or don't consider and I make sure to warn everyone in the summary about things that others might find distasteful. One of the rudest things that someone can do is read a story they know they aren't going to like, just so that they can write a critical or cruel review. Remember the compliment sandwich. If you are going to write a criticizing or analytically oriented review, realize that not all authors have thick skin. The compliment sandwich is a way to let an author know that, even though you have your complaints, you still like their work and that their effort is appreciated. It basically goes like this: Start with a compliment, tell them something you like about the story or something you think they did well. Transition into a critique of what you didn't like and remember that most of the time this is personal preference! Just because you don't like it doesn't mean someone else doesn't. The only real non-personal critiques are in terms of technical errors such as grammar, spelling or punctuation. Offer up your own thoughts on how you might fix this, but don't go too deep. Remember that it isn't your story to write. End with another compliment, generally a good one I like to go with is, "Regardless of a few problems here and there, I love this story and honestly thank you for taking the time to write it. Keep up the awesome work!" Don't write what you wouldn't like to receive. Think of your own work for a moment, be it writing, drawing, working on a car, anything! Take the review you want to write and think to yourself in the context of your own hobbies, "Is this something that I would appreciate getting?" If not, you may want to consider rewriting or revising your review.

I wrote this for my own site, but since it may help answer your question, here you go: Review? Why bother? What you read and see at [this site] is art. It may not be created by a professional (though certainly some of it is) but it is art, and should be treated that way. Authors, artists and photographers work hard to create something for you to enjoy. It takes time, energy and emotion to create what you’re seeing in the flash of an eye. It takes a great deal of bravery to post something that has taken so much time and energy for the public to see and dissect. Authors lay bare their fantasies and artists expose their sweat and sore hands to their audience, models are showing their bodies to strangers. Each one is putting him or herself on display. The authors, artists, photographers and models of [the site] deserve recognition on their work. They deserve recognition for their efforts, courage and their generosity in showing you pieces of themselves. The best way to give that recognition is to leave feedback or a review by clicking the “Leave Feedback/Leave a Review” button on the page that you’ve just viewed. How to write a review A gentle reminder before anything else is said is that reviews should be left concerning the quality of the piece and the emotions invoked rather than judging the content of the piece. If you find that your emotions are so heavily negative concerning the work because of the content, please wait to review the work until your emotions have calmed and you can write a reasonably objective review the focuses on the writer’s style and skill rather than your emotional distaste. It’s really important to be unbiased in writing your reviews – both positively and negatively – so the author grows in skill. While a simple “great story” or “Mmmm” note and a star number is acceptable – it shows the author that someone has read and possibly enjoyed the story (and knows where the “M” key is), why not leave a more constructive review? At [the site], we encourage con-crit (constructive criticism) to help authors. This doesn’t mean that every story has a list of things to work on; it could also be that the author should keep doing a certain thing. At the bottom of each chapter and each photograph/drawing, there is a place to add a review/feedback. Type in your comments and click the submission button. Anonymous reviews are not allowed. Flames– that is unreasonable critiques – and personal attacks are also not allowed. Some things to bring up in a constructive review: - Was the summary well written and did it accurately describe the story? “How could it have been improved? How was it good? - Were the content notes accurate? Should others be included? - The plot was _____ (imaginative, original, believable, unrealistic, ....) because _____. - The visual descriptions were _____ (perfect, not enough, lush, gorgeous, inaccurate) because ___ - The characters were ___ (just like real people, humans, exactly what I imagined, one sided, needed depth). My favorite character was ____ because ____. - I thought this story could use a bit of work on ____ (realism, dialog, grammar, ...) - The emotions this picture/story brought out in me were _____. - My overall opinion of this story is that it ________. - What I like most about this picture is ____. - The element that I find most jarring/most pleasing in this photograph is ____ - The next time you take an erotic photo/draw, you should pay attention to ____. - The background elements are ____ (great, too busy, distracting, amazing, how did you do that). - The model in your photo is ______ (beautiful, inappropriate for the manip you chose, looks uncomfortable, looks like she’s having fun.) - I couldn’t really get in to your story because _____ but I did like how you _____. - Leave a [plus]. Please take just a moment when you are finished reading or seeing a photo or drawing, to leave a note for the author or artist. A meaningful review only takes a few seconds but the author or artist appreciates forever.

I know this topic has been talked to death and the admin has been getting some heat over their decision but I just wanted to say I understand and support their decision to delete JennMarie's account and stories. They are legally liable if underage users make their way onto the site and JennMarie was a repeat offender of site rules. It sucks and I miss her stories too but rules are rules.

What Makes a Good Review: 1. Earnest emotional reaction to the story. Criticism is appreciated, but I'd also like to know what my readers felt when they read. Did it make you sad? Did it make you horny? Did you get excited or scared? This is basic feedback stuff, but it's surprising how often it's omitted from a review. 2. Earnest intellectual reaction to the story. What did you think about it? Sure, maybe the sex was hot and you chuckled a few times, but what did you actually think about the story? Did you buy the premise? Was the plot compelling? Were the characters fleshed out and unique? How about the presentation / narration? More basic stuff that often gets left out, especially when people focus on their emotional reactions! 3. Tell them what was good (Strengths) 4. Tell them what could be improved. (Weaknesses) 5. Tell them what you think / feel / want to happen in the story's future (Speculation) 6. Thank them for writing! Seriously, it's not easy. I know that this is a shit ton to ask of any one reviewer. Just getting a review, even if it's a simple "please write more", is always a great feeling for most writers. But, when you really want someone's input, you'd want it on all of these things, I imagine. You want to know if your story is smart, if it evokes strong emotions, where it can be improved, where it's already strong, where people think it is headed. And, of course, you want some support. Criticism is always a good thing, but it's not the only thing. Years back I wrote a story that was a rather silly, smut oriented Gundam Wing fanfic. I came up with a title and made several edits very quickly before posting. It was called "Naughty Vodka", but I'd forgotten to change the name of the liquor from Bacardi, even though I'd replaced every instance of the word 'rum' with 'vodka'. Well, I got a bunch of reviews on that story that were hardly anything more than "Bacardi is a rum, not a vodka". Seriously. That's criticism, sure. I deserved it, sure. But that's always stood out in my mind as an example of how criticism can often be quite useless, and that an ideal review has much more to it. Yeah, I'm done ranting. Hope this helps.