Reviews anyone?

[yukihimedono]

Warning: THIS IS A RANT. My rant.

Why is it that no one reviews stories anymore? Everytime I read something, I comment - even if it sounds super corny! I think it encourages the writers to work more knowing that there are people that are enjoying their work. And it's a great way to develop your writing skills. It encourages them to continue and get better! I sucked major (really) when I first started writing in 1998. (I think I'm revealing my age, >,<") It's been over ten years and I've gotten more comments and likes from those horribly written fics than I do now. Why is that!?

Criticism can be bad or good but at least it's something, right? It's within in the perception of the receiver as to whether they take it with a grain of salt or blow it out of proportion. Even though I was starting out, the negative words didn't get to me. The encouraging responses from others were what I focused on. People were reading my work and liking it! It made me feel really happy that my ideas were something worthy of reading. Are people afraid to say anything now? What's wrong with 'I liked it' or 'good job' or 'interesting'? A word at least! I beg you readers, please do something!

I'm sure that, for people like RosieB, Wheezambu or QuirkySlayer, reviews are what kept them writing through the years. I don't know anyone who hasn't heard of 'Beside You in Time', 'Possession' or 'By the River of Shadowed Moments'. These weren't written quickly but, at the same time, are some well-written and thought-out stories that have so many complexities. Sure you have to wait for chapters but I don't mind and several hundreds of others don't either.

To be honest, I've written thousand of pages, several oneshots and tons of ideas, but most of my work isn't published. I don't post it because I don't see a point - to a certain extent. I do have friends that read what I write and urge me to continue but I write for myself, like every other fanfiction author, more than anything else. And like everyone else, real life gets in my way, but I believe that I would post more if I knew that there were people that enjoyed what I have to write and say. I feel like I'm in a stalemate. I only get feedback from a limited audience and would much rather prefer honest thoughts from others. I'm never going to met you. And even if I do, what are the chances with seven billion people on the planet?

So please, take a minute or two and just say something. If you like an author, review their work - encourage them. If you don't like a work, at least find something nice to say to balance the negative comment. You don't have to be harsh, bad comments can be more helpful than good ones if they are worded correctly. And if you don't want to post it for others to read, then PM them. Just do something.

[trudyw000]

Warning: THIS IS A RANT. My rant.

Why is it that no one reviews stories anymore? Everytime I read something, I comment - even if it sounds super corny! I think it encourages the writers to work more knowing that there are people that are enjoying their work. And it's a great way to develop your writing skills. It encourages them to continue and get better! I sucked major (really) when I first started writing in 1998. (I think I'm revealing my age, >,<") It's been over ten years and I've gotten more comments and likes from those horribly written fics than I do now. Why is that!?

Criticism can be bad or good but at least it's something, right? It's within in the perception of the receiver as to whether they take it with a grain of salt or blow it out of proportion. Even though I was starting out, the negative words didn't get to me. The encouraging responses from others were what I focused on. People were reading my work and liking it! It made me feel really happy that my ideas were something worthy of reading. Are people afraid to say anything now? What's wrong with 'I liked it' or 'good job' or 'interesting'? A word at least! I beg you readers, please do something!

I'm sure that, for people like RosieB, Wheezambu or QuirkySlayer, reviews are what kept them writing through the years. I don't know anyone who hasn't heard of 'Beside You in Time', 'Possession' or 'By the River of Shadowed Moments'. These weren't written quickly but, at the same time, are some well-written and thought-out stories that have so many complexities. Sure you have to wait for chapters but I don't mind and several hundreds of others don't either.

To be honest, I've written thousand of pages, several oneshots and tons of ideas, but most of my work isn't published. I don't post it because I don't see a point - to a certain extent. I do have friends that read what I write and urge me to continue but I write for myself, like every other fanfiction author, more than anything else. And like everyone else, real life gets in my way, but I believe that I would post more if I knew that there were people that enjoyed what I have to write and say. I feel like I'm in a stalemate. I only get feedback from a limited audience and would much rather prefer honest thoughts from others. I'm never going to met you. And even if I do, what are the chances with seven billion people on the planet?

So please, take a minute or two and just say something. If you like an author, review their work - encourage them. If you don't like a work, at least find something nice to say to balance the negative comment. You don't have to be harsh, bad comments can be more helpful than good ones if they are worded correctly. And if you don't want to post it for others to read, then PM them. Just do something.

Can I just say thank heaven I'm not the only one thinking this. It's really disheartening to slave over a story and put it out there for everyone to read and to get no feedback on it. I feel like I'm writing in a vacuum much of the time and I agree with you, I'm wondering why bother posting stories. I haven't been involved with fan fic as long as the original poster and I know that I have'nt reviewed as often as I could have in the past, however I'm trying to change that now.

I spend hours putting together a chapter that typically has around 4000 words, is it so much to ask that people who read it leave a small comment. I'm not even saying that I expect everyone who reads my stories to post glowing reviews about how they love every word I write, it's perfectly alright not to like it but tell me about in a constructive way that helps me understand what I'm doing wrong and how to correct it. I may not always make changes especially if it's more of a difference of opinion than me making a mistake but I'll always listen and respond.

I've made a personal resolution that I will review every story that I read, unless it's completely awful. If people are reading my stories and not reviewing then I have to assume that they consider the story awful and I won't waste their time or mine with further updates.

[DemonGoddess]

When I actually have time to read (rare these days), I make a POINT of leaving a review. If it's awful, I don't pillory the author, I simply leave the story.

[krakenknight]

Totally with you. I try and review every story I read at least once. Its just good manners.

[yukihimedono]

It's nice to know that there are others who feel the same way I do.

I'm much like DemonGoddess. When I have time to read something, I review it. My to-read bookmark list is so, so very long.

trudy,

One of the things that's keeps me going is that (most of the time) I don't have a set ending, just a vague idea of what I want - so I end up writing and finishing things just so I know how it ends. A good example of this is my Inu-fic, An Unexpected Love. I know that seems silly and as the author, I should know where the story will go and end but sometimes, it's just more fun that way. I find it exciting (does that make me a dork?) and I use a lot of silly things; word prompts, places, actions, colors, events, anything and everything I can think of. I have a lot of OC and original fiction.

AUL started out as a short five-chapter, lemon-sex-filled story. I was frustrated with another story and just wanted to write something that was completely useless and made no sense what-so-ever. I wanted a break. Unfortunately for me, it became a ridiculous hit. I extended the storyline after talking to a couple of friends, but it's still going through a slow revision process.

The problem is, my muse is fickle and flighty. It comes and goes when it wants. Thus, my several oneshots, which I don't post anymore due to AUL. Ironic?

Enough ranting and complaining. What I want is to try to bring this to the attention of the readers. I'd like it to change, as I'm sure other writers would too. I don't mean to threaten them or put a long AN berating them but I was considering offering the ones that reviewed a reward, like a oneshot or drabble. I've got a couple of ideas on how to pick the reviewer, but I'm wondering if anyone else thinks this is a good idea or if I should completely throw it out? I'm not sure if it will increase reviewers but it might help me through word-of-mouth.

What's sad is that the quote below is on the main page (multiple times) and it's like it doesn't phase people. Do they even read the news?

"Please remember that this site is free to use. As such, the authors receive nothing for their efforts, except reviews. Do let them know that you read their stories, please! I'm sure they'll appreciate hearing from you!" - Apollo

[yukihimedono]

I found the perfect example. I've been obsessed with Bones ff lately, so just ignore my picks. The highlighted ones just went on my to-read list, LOL!

Brown Skirt and Leather Seat: 11,203 hits and ONLY 2 reviews. It got +10 but something is seriously wrong here.

The Sight of Her: 6,598 hits and NO reviews with a +5. That's half of the first one.

Human beings can be hard to understand sometimes.

And, by the way, I don't pick fanfiction to read based on the works stats. I pick based on coupling and summary.

Edited April 24, 2011 by yukihimedono

[DemonGoddess]

Some of my very favorite authors are in buffy and lotr. I bring that up because those are OLD fandoms to write about. So, because of it, the authors aren't reviewed like they should be.

Thing is, it appears to me unless you're a kid with a bunch of friends to pat your back regardless of how trite or horrid the story, you get reviews. Believe me, I see that ALL the time. Yet, a well written story gets almost none. That kills me.

[yukihimedono]

unless you're a kid with a bunch of friends to pat your back regardless of how trite or horrid the story, you get reviews

Why do you think that is?

[DemonGoddess]

I honestly have NO idea. But I see it all the time.

The ones that really point to this, are the wall o'text with bad spelling, no sentence structure to speak of, and absolutely HORRID grammar. No plotline, loaded with cliches. And yet they get GOOD reviews???

[yukihimedono]

LOL! Exactly. I think we've entered the Twilight Zone.

*cue the music*

[trudyw000]

I honestly have NO idea. But I see it all the time.

The ones that really point to this, are the wall o'text with bad spelling, no sentence structure to speak of, and absolutely HORRID grammar. No plotline, loaded with cliches. And yet they get GOOD reviews???

I wonder if it's an aspect of the modern culture, you know the thing that says it's not OK say anything is any less than perfect, but as you suggest a large part of it is probably that they have a large crowd of friends whose spelling, sentence structure, grammar and plot development is just as bad and they all encourage each other and refuse to listen to any one who dares to disagree.

[trudyw000]

I wonder if it's an aspect of the modern culture, you know the thing that says it's not OK say anything is any less than perfect, but as you suggest a large part of it is probably that they have a large crowd of friends whose spelling, sentence structure, grammar and plot development is just as bad and they all encourage each other and refuse to listen to any one who dares to disagree.

That said though, I don't begrudge anyone their reviews, I just want my share.

[yukihimedono]

That said though, I don't begrudge anyone their reviews, I just want my share.

Exactly!

Re-posting my question.... Just curious about what the collective thought is.

I was considering offering the ones that reviewed a reward, like a oneshot or drabble. I've got a couple of ideas on how to pick the reviewer, but I'm wondering if anyone else thinks this is a good idea or if I should completely throw it out?

Edited April 24, 2011 by yukihimedono

[DemonGoddess]

You have to be very careful on how you would phrase something like that so that we don't email you about review demands/reqs in chapters, or some other thing.

[trudyw000]

You have to be very careful on how you would phrase something like that so that we don't email you about review demands/reqs in chapters, or some other thing.

Oops, I might fall afoul of that one, I've said in my latest authors note for one of my stories that if it doesn't get any reviews I'm going to assume that no-one likes the story and stop wasting their time and mine. No reviews for three days since then so tomorrow I'll be updating the summary to say abandoned due to lack of reader interest.

Of course it may be that my story is just that bad.

[DemonGoddess]

trudyw,

The way you worded that constitutes review demands. So, if you don't want a moderator mail about it, you should remove that from your story.

I took a quick scan of your story in buffy, I'm guessing it's Spander, yes? You might want to add that in the description ya know.

[trudyw000]

trudyw,

The way you worded that constitutes review demands. So, if you don't want a moderator mail about it, you should remove that from your story.

I took a quick scan of your story in buffy, I'm guessing it's Spander, yes? You might want to add that in the description ya know.

I'll get right on it. Sorry and thanks for the tip.

[DemonGoddess]

Spike with ANYONE always seems to be read more. As far as slash goes, Spike with Xander is, by far, the most prevalent slash pair.

[yukihimedono]

You have to be very careful on how you would phrase something like that so that we don't email you about review demands/reqs in chapters, or some other thing.

First, I don't plan on advertising this in anything I write or post here, especially in any chapters I put up (save this thread). In fact, I don't want the readers to even know that I'm doing something like this. Kind of like a blind test, the testers don't know they are participating. I only plan to do this twice a year, since I already have a heavy workload. Hence, only two people would get a short oneshot or drabble. And if I don't get any reviewers then this won't go farther than here. Part of this is to connect with my readers again but I also want to try other fandoms and whatnot.

Does this sound plausible?

[Kurahieiritr]

I can relate and share my own sympathies about the lack of reviews received. However, if you have tons of hits, Take heart in knowing that with or without a review, you are getting read has become my specific mantra. Seeing the number counts rising is a great way to boost my own flagging spirits when nobody bothers to comment on my work. I figure it may be laziness or feeling inadequate to put feeling into words on the reader's part. Genuine writers do not act immature as a rule. Good writers should know they have done something valuable when they look at the hit counters for each fiction they post. Perhaps the work is good people do not think it can be improved upon. IF a story is very well written, some readers feel inadequate in their ability to put things in words, so won't leave a review has been my experience. I've gotten Private messages from my core following which falls into this category. They hound me mercilessly for new stories in private messages as soon as Complete gets added to the latest novel fan fiction. They almost always ask if I'm sick in P.M. whenever I don't do a weekly update of an in progress story. Not one of this specific core group has ever given me a review.

Making promises that can't be kept to yourself or to reviewers is a huge ego burner so I don't think the idea of one shots for a review winner will work. If you are considering writing in other fandoms, yukihimedono, by all means, get on board and do so. The newer the series, the more reviews you will get. However, readers are fickle by nature, and often far less polite. Seeing how many hits you have is the best determiner of whether your work is worthy.

Final Note: I think horrid writers with their ring of pals only get so many reviews because they make their friends feel bad, guilty, and overwhelmed because of frequent whining of poor me. They feel pressured into placating their friend to shut them up outside of the AFFnet or other fan fiction writing sites.

[DemonGoddess]

ah yes.... the fanpoodle!

[Kurahieiritr]

ah yes.... the fanpoodle!

That is an excellent way to describe them. ROFL. I have to remember your description of the poor plagued souls coerced into reviewing because it is funny.

[Iggy_lovechild]

I've also noticed a lack of reviews in the past few years. I took a long break from posting fanfic anywhere but my DW blog (even then it was few and far between). When I started getting interested in cross posting again, I noticed a cold reception from journal comms if it wasn't for the pairing du jour. Media Miner died at some point in 2007 (it's still up, but traffic is low and reviews non-existant). FF.net gets decent traffic and reviews, but I don't have the same content freedom there as I do here.

Though I resisted it for a long time, it appears Tumblr is the place to go for fandom. You still don't get a lot of feedback, mostly just because of the way it's set up, but I have noticed people reading and liking fanfic posts.

What's truly puzzling is that it's not like writing fanfic is passé. Maybe more people started reading fanfic on blogs and blog comms. They got used to interacting with authors. By comparison the simple review might seem...quaint?

[DemonGoddess]

I still think it's laziness for the most part. Especially with seeing the lack in so many different places. Unless, as you said, the story is based on the "pairing du jour".

[Kurahieiritr]

I still think it's laziness for the most part. Especially with seeing the lack in so many different places. Unless, as you said, the story is based on the "pairing du jour".

I've noticed that there are some pretty fanatical ideals of pairings that are and are not acceptable in several fandoms. I'm personally sick of standard cannon Yaoi pairings so turn them all on their heads in my fandom writing. Some people like it, and others don't. A truly fresh approach can get review results. I think it comes down to how genuine to the character the cannons remain if you want to get reviews, pro or con.