A few friends who are authors here despises anonymous flames. In their minds anonymous flames is just a cowardly way of bashing someone's story and running.
I chatted with them and read their rants of how much they don't like them and how horrible they make them feel.
I agree if you want to tell a person why you think their story is not good have the moxie to place a username or contact info so the author can rebut the review.
I believe in constructive criticism. However, I dislike flamers.
For example, I read in someone's review recently.
I think your story needs improvement. The story is lacking and you have to check your grammar. I think you should get yourself a beta. A beta can help with your grammar and story. Your story needs something. It is a bit lacking. I am sorry this is not a flame this is to help you. Your story has lots of potential.
For me this is a constructive criticism and I do not erase these. These types of reviews help an author improve their stories. I also enjoy when a reviewer leaves contact info so I can maybe chat with them to get their ideas on how to improve my stories.
However when someone writes:
This is a review I read recently on an author's page that made me miffed. I reviewed for author to erase the flame and the author did. The author was hurt which I understand completely.
Your fic is stupid. I hate it. This fic is a bunch of rubbish. You should just erase it and stop writing. Your fic makes no sense at all you have no idea what you are writing about. Don't give up your day job. I think you should just read fics and never write again.
I think this is un-called for. In addition, after reading the author's stories it had no merit. This was just some mean jerk getting a thrill of making someone feel bad.
At the end of my chat with my friends. I just told them to let it go. If you get a flame erase it or activate no anonymous reviews.
I told them when it comes to flames I erase these type of reviews. I do not want to activate no anonymous reviews because some readers do not have accounts. However, I do troll my reviews and erase the ones I deem mean spirited.
Truthfully there will always be people who don't care for your stories. However, it's for yourself and the readers who enjoy your stories you continue to write for.
What do you all think about flamers?