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Laughing so hard as I catch up on this thread right now. I took all of several years worth of reviews from the two sites I posted on, the good, bad, and ugly. Now I am completely revamping a whole series at the moment and moving them to this site in the Initial D archive section. Looks like I must warn everyone that I helped a dear friend who is a reading fanatic to get onto this site. She doesn't write, but she will review anything that catches her eyes. Every single chapter . . . Not even kidding here. She and I met when I was an active Urbis contributing writer who royally sucked at the time. For 10 years, any site I start posting on, she starts combing through looking for gems to entertain herself. She's partially paralyzed and something of a shut in so she does have plenty of time. The reason she has stuck with me for so many years is she likes my way of turning phrases. She has helped me get even better at finding new ways with words. Please be nice to OldOwl if she does review your work. She's one incredible asset if you look at her review with an eye for "maybe I can fix that little problem" mindset. She tells me every single typo and every grammar problem, and I absolutely love her for it. She's helped me improve my writing greatly over 10 years. Sometimes she goes on character kicks, and sometimes she's a grammar Nazi, but OldOwl is one of the greatest assets any writer could ever befriend. She broke me of the horrific bad habit of not being well versed in which character was talking to the other. Now I have that trait down pat. She is the reason I learned to use idioms, catch phrases, and other tricks like stuttering and other personality keying factors to make the character personalities clear through the way they spoke to each other. I can assure everyone she is worth listening to when she does tackle a project. After all, I'm pig headed and she tackled me and won me over. ROFL. Frankly, this is the first time she has reviewed any of my work without growling that she should have known which character was talking without the proverbial Character 1 said and Character 2 replied tags.

Personally, I love to get reviews like that. When I do, I'm delighted. I won't improve without knowing what works and what doesn't. I also don't have a beta reader, so I sometimes miss an error like a wrong tense (has/had) where spell check doesn't pick it up. Knowing about those little errors is also very helpful, so I can go in and fix them. Then again, I treat my writing seriously, so I welcome serious concrit. A publisher's editorial staff isn't there to pet authors and make them feel good, either. Me, I'd be delighted to have her input.

I'm actually not denigrating anyone who chooses to follow the path of being a slave. However, at 56, I'm pretty sure that I know my limits, and it's not something I could offer. I do understand the strength of personality it requires, however, and I do know people who are exactly that, full of personality and spark. Having said that, I still believe that for many of our younger writers, there is a blurring of the roles, and an unwillingness to do the research. Hence this thread.

On a side note: I hate the phrase "grammar Nazi" - it marginalizes a series of events that cost over 10 million people their lives, and nearly destroyed several nations as well as introducing a terrifying amount of power into play that shaped the formation of politics and world events for the next sixty years (and continues to do so). I'm not a fascist because I think someone should respect the language in which they write and attempt to communicate effectively in it in order to tell their story. I know that's off topic for the thread, but semantics generate reviews, accuracy generates reviews, and the ability to effectively communicate generates reviews. And now, back to your regularly scheduled discussion.

All of the responsibility rests with the Dom. It is hard to write a responsible story with a good Dom, keeping in mind the controls the D would want in place and the boundaries that the /s wants to push or experience. It isn't the relationship most outsiders think it is. The D is the responsible party and the /s has all the power. That makes a D/s completely different from a M/s IMHO.

This is a great article, and, while I don't have a quibble with it, I'd also like to point out that the terminology depends on the couple - and if they want to call it M/s, it's not my job to say that their label has it all wrong. My own definition is that a submissive has "no" and a slave doesn't, however, that definition is different for everyone - and it's also very difficult, as a writer, to express the deep connection of an M/s relationship and to prove the lack of "no" without a serious conflict that may simply not exist in the story being told. (Gracious, those pronouns were silly.)

Wiping tears from my eyes as I read all of these great typo terror moments. My contribution came from several reviews I have collected over the years. #1 { in my opinion, detrimental to the writing style and injures the flow of the story. } When I read this, I wondered how typed words could get physically injured. #2{ But, I have just joined so I can not really say anything at all good job! } For the first week I pondered whether they were saying my writing style sucked, or that they were so new to reviewing stories they were not doing a good job. Considering how many coherent good jobs I received, I decided they were probably saying the same. #3{I still get the same thought wot happened when tak finished work and wot is kts idea of a first date.} It took me 5 minutes to stop seeing light bulbs in my head over the "wot" shorthand. Not certain as to why that happens. However wot looks to me as if it should be spell checked into the genuine word "watt" for some reason. #4 {when do u plan to update this chapi check it just about everyday but no luck. and thank u for putting in the missing parts so one can only gather what the next story will be like compelete } The story this child (?) or ditzy bad joke variety Blond (?) was reviewing was already marked completed in big bold letters. I ended the number one novel's final page with the obligatory Author's Note stating that the "Next story is Alternate Tracks, Sequel to A Rivalry Revealed." Is it only me, or do people not comprehend straight forward English in this day and age? Something has gone seriously wrong within the education system in place for American children I fear. And the grand Finale that had me twitching when I saw it two years ago: #5 {and i see it's a YAOI and YESH! i love YAOI! i wonder who'll be the pair would be be my fave ahhaha i wonder why people don't review in this} I have yet to decide if the reviewer was high on crack, another illegal substance, or suffering from acute insomnia exacerbated by caffeine overdose and too much sugar when they sent their review.

Actually, I don't see where we are in disagreement. We agree that the two types of relationships, M/s and D/s, are very different dynamics, highly personalized in each and every relationship, defined by the people who enter into the agreement and what exactly they want from the experience. Well, I could be picky I guess and use "he" as the pronoun, but then we might fall into the realm of TMI. I do believe that the stronger of the two is the sub. To yield -- wow -- just imagining it is -- evocative; to submit completely -- a hundred times over. Either to give or receive that level of trust is fascinating. BW - I have to side with you about some writers. However, I am sure there are other more experienced persons who would offer the exact same criticism of my own writing. Yes, i'm thinking of a certain mentor-type whose standards I have always tried to meet.

Oh, I said that, once upon a time - and grew into understanding my needs as they changed and expended into, for me, more than submission. Again, it's a YMMV. Each person has her own needs - for some, it's a totality, for others, it's not so much. There's no right answer, no great status to one or the other. Writing your own story, on your personality or a piece of paper is all there is - and it's a darned nifty thing to see where it can go. A lot of people seem to think that slaves lack personality or are the proverbial submissive doormats - those people don't understand that it takes a great deal of strength to yield and being giving, obedient, and flexible doesn't mean a slave can't have a spark and kick to her personality.

Given the right person, I might very well have chosen to explore submission. I would, however, make a miserable slave. I can't offer the obedience required of a slave, It's just not part of my make-up.

Mau, I would suggest that you go back a couple pages here and reread what was said about authors killing chances at getting reviews. In your case, it's probably a contributing factor.

Quite a lively debate going on here. Some of it on topic and some off topic. I believe that Adultfanfiction net is about the freedom of expression first and foremost. I think I will use an illustration or two to tackle this specific topic. Three things stand out about this forum. Everyone loves to voice their own likes and dislikes. Some here seem to wish to see their dislikes removed. I took psychology courses back in the age of dinosaurs. (for those in the 20's age range to understand this is coming for your mom's peer age) Back in the era of T-Rex, learning a lot about history's significance on modern cultures etc was mandatory. Here's the rub, . . . Let's look at the end of World War One; Germany. The rise of Political Correct politeness was being government enforced through legislation. PC Nazi ethics have been directly linked to the creation of Concentration Camps and Jewish genocide during World War Two. That is a well documented historical fact, not a fictitious wishful thinking statement. When we embrace Political Correctness, we are censoring freedom of speech. To be PC, you have to censor yourself. The more afraid you are to speak your truth, the easier it is for the government to control you and your friends in the end. IT is the beginning of a shift toward victimization prone thin skinned individuals who refuse to try and improve their lives because P.C. has historically made others into villains instead of teaching personal self responsibility. Go to China and check out their lifestyle. P.C. is a law nobody dares argue. In fact for those too young to recall China's Tienanmen Square, crack your history books and learn how abusive Government becomes once it silences free speech. Learn the truth about Political Correctness and how it removes responsibility from the individual who often is already too lazy to stand up and raise their own children and worse. Free speech, even that which is rude, or infantile, gives human beings their number one emotional venting system. Remove the venting system, and the human being begins an unstoppable slow simmering emotional boiling of resentments. It has turned into genocidal tendencies at it's worst breaching points that humanity can never deny. Shut down the venting system, and the steam backs up. Ever heard of a steam engine? That is how emotions eventually work in a sense. Forcing steam to build to set levels of pressure to make a train that weighs several tons to move forward at very fast speeds is the same as forcing people to keep their resentments and fancies to themselves. Just like the steam engine will self destruct if the steam is not vented correctly, so will the individual's emotions blow up after P.C. fears can no longer restrain the pressure of resentments. This site has many diverse written formats for a reason. It is a venting system that can prevent the pressure build up from turning into destructive reality. Whether Cathartic or to simply needle those with holier than thou agendas, it has a place that should be respected by all. Removing topics that are uncomfortable for a set group is about breaking down the ability to vent emotions positive or negative that need a place to go. Shut off any taboo form writing and those who read and write them have less pressure release options to slow the explosion rate is my very well educated theory. Don't like the content? How about trying the do not read it rule? Allow those who need to vent such ideals room to contain their emotions through a non violent format. Those who act on such pressurized emotions are a different beast entirely. They require damage control measures because those are perpetrating harmful or even exceedingly violent crimes. If this site can help prevent even one such violent explosion by giving a person a place to write it out, or read it, kudos and congrats. It worked to relieve the building emotional pressure in an individual somewhere. Otherwise that individual backed into a pressurized emotional corner would have committed an atrocity.

I'm going to say this honestly... if you are here to get reviews, get out now. This isn't the place to do that. Some fandoms, especially those that cater to younger beings, get those no matter what craptastic, unreadable BS you put up but most of the fandoms don't get the kind of thing you are looking for, especially the older ones. Some stories, ones that have gone on forever, do get such things but newer ones from authors people don't know tend to not get the mega-hits or review counts. However, though reviews might be scarce as hen's teeth, that doesn't mean what you do get doesn't mean anything. Hell, I have a multitude of stories on this site that have been up for years that have no reviews. A few even came down to be published, and I don't mean self-published either, though they had no reviews on this site. Lack of reviews means nothing. It means that people aren't reviewing for their own reasons. You also need to take into account the concept of review karma, meaning the more YOU review, the more apt you are to get them in return. It does tend to work that way. Reviews are an odd thing. As so many have pointed out, many stories that get mega hits, reviews and rates aren't worth it and you wonder if those that did that read the same one you did while really good ones don't get such things. It just goes that way on all sites I've seen. In closing, I'll say this... if you like what you're doing and do it for your own reason, what difference do reviews make to you anyway?

OK, I found the thread I was looking for. Just earlier tonight I was very depressed, seeing the large number of hits my 5 day-old story got compared to its lack of reviews, & to be honest I just wanted to delete my whole AFF account & leave. I'm still doubting my desire to post anything else, which I would have to type directly here for nothing. I get more support, guidance & encouragement on my personal fanfic blog where not nearly that many people read my stuff, who are not at all obliged to encourage me but still do. I also see fics that have been here for ages (excellent ones) boasting thousands of hits and (maybe) 1 or 2 reviews. WTH? Yes, I can definitely see the bitterness & frustration of those who leave the (asked-for) reviews & then get chewed out &/or reported for their honest concrit & no longer wish to deal with that. Authors who behave like that instead of honestly considering what the reviewer said & using that advice to improve their writing are immature, unprofessional, & ruin it for those of us who would be thrilled with some honest reviews, pointing out both the positive & negative points of our writing. If the author doesn't want honest opinions, why do they publish their work to begin with instead of just keeping it to themselves? A writer who writes to have their ego stroked is doing so for a very poor reason & misses the point entirely. I don't agree with what the person who directed me here said about the cause being my older, less popular fandom, because those who read it in the first place are part of that fandom. So, cutting to the chase, I can clearly see both POVs. Isn't there some system that could be put into place where the author must indicate & take responsability for whether or not they want honest feedback so that both authors and readers can share the stories, advice & opinions that are an important part of the art of any type of writing? Just being 18 y.o. or + does not mean 'adult' in my eyes. The 'Adult' part of 'Adult FanFiction' should not only signify graphic sex & violence, but the maturity that must accompany it. To quote one of the heros of my own fandom, humility means sacrificing one's pride to keep one's dignity. If something is worth doing, is it not worth doing well? Unfortunately, on our archived stories we have no way of letting readers see the difference. No one is telepathic, & as the poll shows, I have a hard time believing that writers don't care that they don't get reviews. A writer who can't take criticism has no place in a public writing site, what else can be said? I must say that I'm finding my experience here very disappointing, and am beginning to doubt that I'll stick around.

I have to say, I had one reviewer elsewhere who did the good, the bad and the ugly when he reviewed. He was harsh, exacting, and almost universally hated, and the first time he left me a review I read it twice, re-read my chapter and PM'd him to discuss some of what he'd said because it was utterly valid. I wound up actually enjoying verbally fencing with him, and while there were times I disagreed with his critiques as being purely opinion and therefore inherently a matter of personal bias, he made me think and grow as a writer. He could have been nicer, and he wasn't nearly as good a writer as he was a reviewer, but there was gold in his criticism. So, if I got a review like the one above, I'd re-read my chapter or story, and try to see it from the perspective of the reviewer. Even if I didn't agree fully, I can almost bet there'd be something in that review that would help me improve. Then again, I'm serious about writing, and I'm serious about improving my writing. But the idea of sandwiching concrit between layers of positive comments is a good one as a general rule of thumb. People are always more receptive if they don't feel defensive, and criticism tends to make us defensive, doesn't it?

I'll be perfectly honest. I have had the oh-so-delightful experience of being attacked personally for my role as a moderator. It's stupid, and childish, and not what I expected from people on this site, but I tend to give people more credit than they deserve, it seems. Apparently, not only did these bullies never bother to actually read the Terms of Service and Content Guidelines that they agreed to when making their account, they find it unreasonable for us to expect them to actually comply with it. Although we now use a separate moderator account for our work here, I don't think I'm alone in remaining reluctant to expose myself to the bullshit of retaliation reviews. While I'm intelligent enough not to take the content to heart, I'm also hampered in how I can respond because I am a mod for the site, and even in my "personal" role, what I do and say reflects on the site as a whole. I know that standing up to bullies works, but I can't do that, and silence only encourages that particular form of vermin, whereas I'd rather hold up a mirror and force them to confront their own blindingly evident inadequacies. Even worse, they help to alienate readers and authors who would otherwise leave reviews that were meaningful and contained useful concrit. I enjoy being told what worked, but even more so, I want to know what doesn't work. I will never improve if I don't know where I'm lacking, and I'm not delusional enough to think I don't have vast room for improvement. I particularly resent losing the gorgeous and invaluable concrit from ShadowKnight, and the blunter but no less cherished concrit from wanderingaddict. They kept me going when I started writing here, and I've taken their advice to heart, to my great benefit. The utter nadir, though, is seeing writers with talent and potential crushed by bullies who unleash the full fury of their minions on someone who dares to leave a less than fanpoodling review. It's not in my scope of authority, but I'd cheerfully ban those bullies without a moment's hesitation. I never permitted my children to throw tantrums in public and if certain users want to behave like children, I'm more than happy to administer swift parental response. Being an adult comprises more than just having reached a certain chronological benchmark.

Seriously, though, I have gotten bored in stories, and I do tell the author that. Because if it's not entertaining, then I'm not going to keep reading. I don't say "This is boring!" That would be ASKING to get hammered. What I do say, generally, is where and why I lost interest. I think that's helpful to an author - especially if they are actually trying to hone their craft. Now, before I leave the story, I ask myself if it's because I'm thinking about something else and it's plaguing me that my mind isn't focused on the story at hand? And when that's the case, I leave it for a while, then come back. If it holds my attention the second time, then obviously, that's not something on the author - that's on me and life in general. And, no, SK, you're not alone. I stopped reviewing for the longest time having to do with a girl in the Netherlands over on FFN. I say girl, because she couldn't have been more than nineteen. At any rate, I didn't appreciate being hammered in my PM box every time I logged on to FFN by her - and eventually some of her friends - over leaving her a concrit review. I had to block them all (which thankfully there is such a feature to keep them from harassing me in PMs). But I didn't resort to that right away. I started out by trying to explain to her that I was trying to help her hone her skills, especially given that English wasn't her first language and she was choosing to write in it. Regardless, there was either some break down in communication, or there was a refusal to understand said communication. Eventually the new friends (or sock puppet accounts, what have you) stopped PM'ing me. And while I kept reading other authors, I didn't dare review anything else - my god, if that's what happens on one concrit review that was NICE, heaven help me if I left something slightly more abrasive. I'm a blunt person and tend to be a bit sharp unintentionally. When the RA started up, I figured this site is for adults (first of all) and the archive doesn't have a PM feature, so I'm not going to get slammed like that. Everyone that keeps harping about a PM feature doesn't realize, that's one of the things I actually like about this site - I don't have to worry constantly about blocking someone - and all of their friends - because I left them a review they didn't like. If it's added, it's added, and there might be a serious decline in the number of meaty reviews I leave. Like Slayitalldown, I'm not fond of leaving "Good job!" and that's it on a review. I feel like I cheated that author. I do my damnedest to actually tell the author what was good about it. What did I like? What was done well? What was about this story that kept my interest all the way through? After all, I got all the way to the review button, so something must have intrigued me. But to be completely honest, when you see even those reviews -the ones where you told them what was good about their story - disappear from a review board.... well, that's when you're ready to throw in the towel. Still, I try to leave a review if I read it. (Not if I clicked on it to check for site-related stuff - sorry, but your hit count will go up without a review for that.) Even if I know (or strongly suspect) that the review won't be there in five hours. But like Dany and rowdy both said: if you only want praise, say that in an AN at the top, so I can click the back button and find something else to read.

*shakes head* These writers apparently have NO idea just how much time and work goes into a concrit review. I have spent over an hour on some of my concrit reviews, it depends on the number of errors and how long the chapter is. I try to make them as professional as I can because the purpose of these reviews is to help the author improve their writing skills. Nobody is going to spend that kind of time on someone who can't appreciate it. You get one solid review and cry FLAME? The writer should be sending the reviewer flowers for taking the time to read their story and for writing a review meant to help them grow in the craft! If all a writer wants is fluffy reviews, they should put an author's note at the start of the story saying: Praiseful reviews only.

I'll also add to Dany's statements (and Apollo's welcome to smack me if I step over the line, but she knows that ) There are those who come into the Shoutbox here on the forum and practically beg for reviews. They constantly complain about how they get none. Now, sometimes, they really don't. Sometimes they have one review for every 200 or so hits on their story. One of the ones that really didn't have any reviews, I reviewed two of hers. Her response was to delete one of the stories completely, and delete my review on the other. Tell me, as a reader, how I'm supposed to react to the fact that when you beg for reviews, and I leave you one that isn't, as Dany said, an "I luff it" review - and your response is to delete it?

I'm going to be honest, I’ve been avoiding this thread like it's nuclear waste because it's the kind of thing that can lead to serious rants and some very hurt feeling but, after today, I decided to add my two pennies to it (and Apollo is checking those pennies to make sure I don't step over the line with this rant). For those on here that don't know, I've been an archive moderator since '08 and seen a lot of things over those years so I can quite honestly say that, despite what someone asserted, it's not a few bad apples that have ruined reviews for most everyone but a whole lot of them rotten apples that have killed it! That's no joke, folks! And the biggest problem with getting reviews is the authors themselves. They are the ones that have, bluntly, made it to where so many are out and out scared to leave a review of any kind for anyone. It's sad, but it's true! I know people are going to argue with that assertion but hear me out. One very shining example of this happened today. A few days ago, I was working on doing my ten reviews for AFF's Review Association (for those of you that don't know what that is we go in and review stories each month that have none. Our reward for that? We get a banner. Nothing else. If interested, they are always accepting members-plug over, back to rant...). It's been a few days since I did it so I didn't think anything of it until I woke up today and was getting ready for work. Checking the standard pages I do when I get up, I found that one of the beings I left a review for reported me for it! Now, being a mod, I know what the difference between what a flame and concrit is. I also know where the line is drawn and don't even step close to it. If I feel something I’m saying is too harsh, I get BW or Apollo to check it over for me to see if there isn't a way to soften up what I said or to ensure that I didn't step over any kind of line with it. The review in question wasn't even one I had to do that with. It was nicely worded, slightly blunt but not overly so, giving the issue, a link about how to fix the issue and how what was done affects the reader when trying to read it. I started and ended the review with positive things about the story. Nor did I rip the thing apart. But, still, I got reported for it and there was a long rant from the author about the whole thing basically saying I need to quit pretending this is a professional writing site or Hollywood and stop leaving those kinds of reviews. I was... STUNNED. Then I laughed my ass off! Am I mad about it? No, I thought it was funny as hell! Am I in trouble for it? No, because I did nothing wrong and I didn't flame or attack anyone. Is this odd? Yes and no. It's odd that I got reported but these kinds of tantrums over concrit reviews are quite common. There are plenty out there, more than just a small handful of them, that want nothing but fandpoodling OMGWTFILUFFIT reviews and for you to say nothing else though they ask for reviews. Other examples are just as bad. Plenty pimp the hell out of their stuff all over and ask for reviews but when you give them an honest one, they just delete it and don't bother to fix any of the issues you pointed out even if you give them a very easy way or solution to fixing what is wrong. Talking to Rogue, another member of the RA, we figured out that we are running about 50/50 with reviews we leave. About 50% stay up and the other 50 either get rid of the review or out and out delete the story (this month's 5 I did serious concrit for has resulted in 2 reviews already being deleted and one reporting me for what I had to say so you can see this is not an exaggeration). That is sad but true. And, generally, they all but beg for reviews in the story, the thread in the forum to promo the story or elsewhere. But if you don't just gush, they get rid of it. How many times are you going to go through with this until you give up? It generally doesn't take long before you throw your hands up and say 'I give' then quit. It get's worse though. Though many of you might think I’m joking (I can assure you, I’m not), it goes downhill from there. Like I said at the beginning, I’ve seen a lot over my time as a mod and a common thing to happen is the flame baiting by authors. BW and I have both had this happen to us because we're mods and the author didn't like something we told them to change. We've had them say something in the story then had their readers go after our stories with reviews that are intended to be retaliatory and bombing our ratings. And if they'll do it to a mod, who knows what's going on and how to handle it, you can damned sure bet they do it to reviewers that say something they don't like! They have too, many, many, MANY times. They leave a butt-hurt, whiney ass AN about how someone was so mean to them in a review or that they think they should just stop writing because of something that is said then BAM the reviewer gets nailed. It happens more than you think, folks! And if you think it's just younger authors that do this, think again! There are plenty of older ones that do the same thing. This, more than anything, has made it to where people are afraid to leave a review. Would you want attacked because you were honest or were giving feedback to someone that's not mean but intended to help them improve what they do? The majority of you would say no to this but it's what happens. And plenty have seen this so they back off and say nothing rather than be on the receiving end of that kind of flaming. That results in people not reviewing. Since this has gone on for years, the end result is what you see now; reviews are minimal. If someone gives one, it's just standard fanpoodling OMG update soon or something like that. So, know what? You want to bitch and complain to someone about this? Go find the authors that do this bonehead stupid stuff, and more I didn't mention, and let them know because they are the ones that have killed the reviews for the rest of you more than just the readers that never bother.

If you remember, for the LONGEST time, there was the issue of spambombers in the review boards. So, at that point it was always told to people to prevent that, you have to disallow anon reviews. When recaptcha was added to the archive, this became a non-issue, for the most part, because the spambombers HAVE to enter the text for each and every review left. As it changes with each review to be left, these spam scripts can't quite manage it, LOL. If I remember right, disallowing anon reviews is the default setting, so when you add the story, you have to check the box saying it will be allowed.

Muchrooms: n. slang A term referring to the excessively loose morals of an individual. i.e., She's such a muchrooms! Did you see her with the whole football team last night?

I don't get myself worked up about it, but feedback is part of the growing process for me and it helps me figure out what needs improving and what I'm doing right. Fanfiction is primarily a tool for me to exercise my imagination and writing skills so that I can create better original fiction. The pre-existing world and characters cut some time and effort and allow me to focus on my plot creation and overall writing abilities, and when someone reviews and tells me what they like about it or what they don't like it's always helpful to me. Reviews I find most helpful are the ones that center on character portrayal (am I doing a good job at making these characters realistic and true to themselves?), plot development (Is the story itself interesting?) and writing style (is it easy enough to follow and have I avoided making too many grammar/spelling errors?). All of these things help me do a better job making my original worlds and characters come to life. Criticism about word usage I generally take with a grain of salt, because when you write erotica of any sort there is ALWAYS going to be some adjective for a body part you use that somebody doesn't like. I've learned there's just no getting around that and I've stopped making myself go cross-eyed trying to find ways to describe sex scenes without using a word that will make someone flip out. I share my fanfiction on four different sites, mainly because of different audiences but also because some sites just don't seem to have readers that like to leave reviews and AFF.net seems to be one of them. When I want to check in and see what people think about something I'm working on, I swing by one of the other sites I post on because the reader base tends to be more willing to speak up and give feedback. I'm honestly not that fond of FF.net but I do get some helpful responses to my work there, so I still post there. I'd say if you're getting high scores and high views but no comments, it just means the people enjoying your work either don't have the time to post a comment, aren't adept at reviewing (I personally suck at reviewing but I try anyhow) or simply don't feel like taking a moment to leave a comment. If you have a full page of negative reviews, that's when its time to question the quality of your work. Sorry for the mini novel. I got caught up in the subject and babbled before I even realized I was doing it.

i have no excuse to use for myself because i'm guilty of a certain little bad habit i have, and i can't get too mad about people who don't review my own stories since i'm a reader and not all the time reviewer. it would be nice to say i have reviewed everything i have ever opened in my browser. but i haven't. and a lot of the times, it's because i see a story at the top of the list of the stories and open it to have a look, especially because it's got a decent rating and a fair number of reviews. i look at the story and am absolutely appalled by the content within the story. so i click the back button. there's a hit, but no review. i'm a firm believer that you should review a story you read. but sometimes, it's best to exercise the shining rule: 'if you've nothing nice to say, say nothing at all.' when i review, and it's not a great story but has potential, then i prefer the sandwich review technique. basically you say something nice to start things off, give your criticism, then finish off with something nice. it softens the blow, especially if you've a lot to say negatively about the story. generally, you should be able to find something positive about a story, regardless of anything else. but, i have to say that perhaps some people click on stories and don't like what's going on within in so they hit the backspace. and that's okay, i suppose. it sucks, because it drives the hits up and kills the review/hits ratio, but it's best to have somebody look at the story, decide they don't like it, and leave it alone than to have somebody who is disgusted by your story and flame you. however, when i do review, which is pretty frequently, i leave detailed reviews. as a beta reader, i feel it's important to tell people what they have done well, to tell people what i enjoyed within their story. it's also important to point out to somebody what i think could have been improved and what i would have liked to have seen. people post stories to make them better writers, that is my firm belief. and i want to do everything that i can to try to help them along.