Best or Worst review you've ever gotten

[BookMaggot]

Reviews make the world go round ^^ It's a fact. So in light of this I would like to hear from different writers what the worst or best review was you ever got, and how did you react/get through it?

Just one rule: This is NOT a bashing fic, don't insult people . Try to keep it anonymous as far as possible! We don't want any trouble Of course if you want to thank a reviewer for anything then by all means! Just use your own discretion and don't be mean about it.

My worst review was in regards to a Watchmen fic I wrote years ago. And this particular reviewer told me, and I quote:

"This is probably the most shallow and pathetic attempt at humour I have witnessed. The story was very predictable, unimaginative and a simple theme was handled very poorly. From someone who has written a few good stories, I really expected better. Better luck next time."

Yeah I went fetal for like three hours before my friend came in, and then I started crying. I felt better after that but I stopped writing for like a month, I didn't type a word, and almost deleted my account. I was fifteen, okay? >_< Everytime I tried to write I started crying again.

Eventually I got over it, but I still carry this with me. It's a constant reminder that just because I am writing well doesn't mean that I can throw-up anything and people will still see it as good.

Humility is a painful lesson >_<

Edited May 1, 2013 by BookMaggot

[Guest]

Body of review from Anon follows:

See, at first I was rather concerned about this story, because the first chapter led me to believe it was just another plotless erotica piece, but I have to say . . . I've become rather impressed! I love the attempt at depth you've given this story and the emotions played within it, as well as the fact that you try for some plot rather than just making it a 'how many ways can I have them do it' piece.<br />

<br />

I love the addition of telepathy, hierarchal society, and the attempts to overthrow said society that hint at an overreaching plot that goes beyond a mere romance. I love the romance itself too, including the mpreg, and the fact that typical beliefs and conventions have been subverted in order to give an original and intriguing story. I also admire you for updating so often and so lengthy pieces!<br />

<br />

My only concerns are thus: the sheer amount of sex detracts from the fantastic characterisation and developing relationships, especially when the sex seems seemed rushed and not overly erotic, so they might benefit from being more arousing and/or just less of them. I also wondered if your MC and Melex inviting the third "Squid" in for a threesome was realistic, considering *both* seem to support monogamy and think outside the box of that society, and as he literally just turned up and the MC practically bent over at the sight of him - no reasoning other than 'wlel, Melex trusts him and wants this' - it seemed . . . OOC. <br />

<br />

Anyways - LOVE this story!

I don't know if it's a good or bad review tbh, but it's definitely my favorite because it provides specifics. And it surprised me because I think it's a pretty crappy story.

Edited April 30, 2013 by magicmau5

[Aysha c.c.]

Honestly, I haven't had any bad reviews , so I can't share in your experience. However, I've had several wonderful reviews that mean a great deal to me, and I am extremely grateful to those who took the time to write them, and so I will share them

Reviews for Transformers Prime The Truth Revealed

1: "Great chapter, took me longer to read that I reckoned it would.

I rather liked the talk between Jack and June about the relationship with Arcee. Something that really had me laughing though was where June makes mention of nothing getting into her lately, of course the June being a MILF jokes never got old either. Wondering what the name of the protoform will be, I am rather worried you are going to end up turning the protoform in Sari from the Animated series. (I really hate Sari, she was sooooo Mary Sue.)"

2: "Congratulations, just one of fifty adult-fanfics have what you've done, and done well.
A good story!
Please keep writing this awesome Fic"

3:Personally i have read my fair share of these stories. But this one was hands down the best. The way you made it work was amazing. As for were you could take this story the show transformers animated had a human cybertronian hybrid. Arcee's child could be the same. With megatron finding out and becoming obsessed with finding out how another cybertronian was born. Also a little three way with Arachnid wouldn't hurt."

Reviews for Ben Ten, He Saw It

1: "Whoa, that was...great...I can't...Give me a minute to breathe.
That totally blew me away! The last Ben 10 fic I read that was this hot involved his aliens(I guess with Heatblast it was really hot). Maybe you can write something along those lines, but I understand if you don't- people have different preferences and I'm cool with that.
I did notice many misspells and grammer problems, but it didn't distract too much (and that's not the main reason why we're here anyway).
Maybe if you still have the Ben 10 bug, you can write something for the Alien Force or Ultimate Alien. Sixteen year old Gwen is scrumptious, with that ponytail and stockings. Gotta love a girl with glowing eyes.
Thanks and keep it up, I'll check out your TT story soon. Bye,"

2"this was surprisingly awesome. You made the sex hot, but it also wasn't like what you normally find on here. You described the sex pretty solidly, used actual anatomy and really impressed me by not turning them into freaking porn stars. Losing her virginity was not a quick "Ouch" and followed by a rodeo routine and Ben wasn't so fantastically endowed that he would make Clydesdales turn away in shame at the sight of his genitalia. Writing virgins isn't easy, you go to far into realism and the sex isn't fun for either reader or participant, go the other way and it is feels so fake. You opted for a little more of the latter, but it wasn't so far that it made me roll my eyes. My only real criticism was that Gwen was a little out of character here. I realize that Gwen from the show would not be having incestuous relations with Ben on a log but if you write anymore of these you might try a bit harder to keep her in character, part way through she stopped feeling like Gwen; maybe it was in the dialogue as she used twat every other sentence. Aside from that, this rocked and I hope you do more. Maybe deal a little more into the forbidden attraction aspect as they have crazy sexual chemistry and tension, but would at least acknowledge that they are cousins and that what they are feeling isn't supposed to be right.

Thanks for the good read!"

3: "This is much better I have read this story literally dozens of times enjoying each and every part of it the way you wrote it seems like a natural day in the life of Ben 10 and I truly wish that you would make more I don't get what is up with all the benxkevin going on here."

Reviews for Teen Titans and A Sex-fiend

1: "Hi, so sorry it's taken me so long to do this. I haven't logged into my forum account forever and I just saw your message the other day. I remember I read this a few days after the ben 10 one, but I got busy, or lazy, something, and didn't get to reviewing it. Don't think I forgot about you, I've just had too many personal life problems getting in my way recently.
I like it. It shows how Raven lost something that could make her want to stop feeling. I like origin stories, and I don't know if this is actually her origins, but I'd like to think it was something like that. I'm not too into the canon thing, but I think this younger Raven matched the little Raven in one of the episodes where Robin and Raven went to her father's domain.
I like Tigers and his playful, accepting self. They seemed like the perfect grown-up-together couple. You know, they grew up in the same sandbox and just kind of stuck together all the time till they were married. I also really liked the possession thing at the end. I think it was possession. It foreshadowed/promised some danger and excitement, as well as futa/herm smut. I love that stuff. Maybe you have some Ra/Star going later on. I especially love futa on fem.
I did notice too many spelling and grammar errors to count, but some were like sentences that didn't add to the story, or go anywhere at all, and some were just basic spelling mistakes. I understand the dyslexia. I don't have it, but I constantly rearrange words in my head, on purpose to see what I can make (Aren't I the most fun at a party), and then I can't remember what I started out with. It's not the same, but we all have problems. If you want, and I don't know how it would work on the forums or what, I could read over some rough drafts and kind of be your beta. I've don't really have much going on, but maybe I could try it out. I like editing my own work way too much, anyway."

End of reviews.

Anyway, I think anyone who takes the time to type the words: Thank you, good job, or even just, write more please; is an awesome person. But when someone takes the time to write awesome reviews like the ones above... I think that they themselves must be awesome people and deserve a special thank you!

Your friend and fellow writer: Aysha

[BookMaggot]

I don't know if it's a good or bad review tbh, but it's definitely my favorite because it provides specifics. And it surprised me because I think it's a pretty crappy story.

I think it's an awesome review ttruth be told. It's rare for reviewers to go in such depth with a story and still give you that wonderful feeling of, "I'm so awesome" lol! I still have to go check out your stories at some point... >_< gah! So much to do! One of my favourtie reviews was this one:

Don't tell me this is over. Don't tell me, please. *puts fingers in ears, hums very loudly*

First impression. Gods. I love inner turmoil, misunderstandings, and the potential for growth. That's why this can't be over. You've covered the first two nicely, but all we're left with is potential. No actual growth. Oh, BTW, thanks for making Ukitake's eyes green. I'm in your camp. So, I want to know more about this stupid hollow and the drug Shunsui was on. But mostly, I want Shun to find out Ju's secret. Now, there's some turmoil. Would he think his friend is a sick puppy? (no pun intended) Or is he feeling that this was not the way he wanted to finally express his lust for his friend. Eh, eh? I know you have the answers lurking in that creative little head of yours.

It's one of my favourties because this review actually got me working on a story again! Which I think is what all reviews should do

Honestly, I haven't had any bad reviews , so I can't share in your experience.

Holy snap you are one luck lady! O_o I've had my fair share of bad and good reviews. But to write and not get a bad one? That is either celestial being luck ot you're just a terrifc writer...

...

>_>

>_>

*falls on knees* Teach me what you know great one!

Edited May 1, 2013 by BookMaggot

[Aysha c.c.]

First, let me clear something up, Aysha is a man. Aisha Clanclan just happens to be my favorite anime NecoGirl and is probably my favorite cartoon character of all time. I just like the name spelled with a Y though.

As for being lucky. Yes, I consider myself to be very lucky, every time I need inspiration for my writing I go back and reread the reviews I've received and they push me to keep going. Even when the story is fighting back.

I don't know if I'm qualified to try to teach you anything , I just enjoyed reading and writing, but I suppose I may be able to give you a few tips. The first one being don't take any shortcuts developing your story, make sure you explain your character's motives emotions and feelings and what precipitated them. Number two is continuity to the best to maintain the continuity of your stories so you don't throw the reader out of the world you're trying to create for them. If you think of something in later chapters that relates to the earlier chapters , make sure that you get the reference right.

For instance in the legend of Drizzt , the author wrote in one of the early books about the main character playing a joke on his nome friend, where he had his pet Panther lie on top of the nome. Then in a later book got it wrong when the main character was retelling the story and said he had the panther lie on his dwarf friend. Both characters were present at the retelling of the story

and both acted like he got it right.

It may seem like a small breach in the continuity of the story, but it's those small things that stick with the reader.

The third and final tip I can give is that if your character has special abilities or attributes, explain them! How they got them and how they work and don't put them in unless they're important to the story.

If you read my stories, you'll see that I have tried to stick to these principles myself, and hopefully they can help you.

Good luck from Ayhsa

P.S. Oh wait , I just thought of one more thing and it's probably the most important. Read your story not as you wrote it because , you can overlook things that way. you have to try to read it as if you don't know what's written on the page. . It's a very difficult thing to do as the writer of the story, you tend to anticipate what the next word will be and you miss seeing what's actually there and it can be something that you did not intend to put on the page that totally destroys the continuity of your story. So every time you complete a couple of chapters go back over it , make sure you read every single word that is actually on the page and then once you've completed a scene or chapter reread that to make sure it comes off the way you intend.

Well that's all I have I sincerely hope it helps.

Edited May 2, 2013 by Aysha c.c.

[Guest]

I think it's an awesome review ttruth be told. It's rare for reviewers to go in such depth with a story and still give you that wonderful feeling of, "I'm so awesome" lol! I still have to go check out your stories at some point... >_< gah!

Don't worry about it! Get the important stuff done first. Besides, one has 16 chapters and the other has 26 so it would take too much time probably. I rarely have time to read what I want these days myself.

It's one of my favourties because this review actually got me working on a story again! Which I think is what all reviews should do

Yeah that is what I liked about my review. I realised there was too much sex and I needed to tone it down a bit.

[Guest]

P.S. Oh wait , I just thought of one more thing and it's probably the most important. Read your story not as you wrote it because , you can overlook things that way. you have to try to read it as if you don't know what's written on the page. . It's a very difficult thing to do as the writer of the story, you tend to anticipate what the next word will be and you miss seeing what's actually there and it can be something that you did not intend to put on the page that totally destroys the continuity of your story. So every time you complete a couple of chapters go back over it , make sure you read every single word that is actually on the page and then once you've completed a scene or chapter reread that to make sure it comes off the way you intend.

Well that's all I have I sincerely hope it helps.

Ooh great advice! Thanks

[Kakashifan727]

Haven't gotten any bad reviews or anything exceptionally noticable, though one time someone left a review that was only a question mark. I was like WTF. It was just odd, and made me giggle.

[JayDee]

I had an email from somebody far too young to be reading my stories that had been sent a link to one and that knocked me down for weeks. Don't have a copy now though. Had some great reviews though, over the years, wouldn't want to pick just one!

[BronxWench]

I've had far too many amazing and wonderful reviews to try and pick just one.

I really can't think of a worst review, per se, because I tend to think any review has value. Any time you provoke a reaction in a reader strong enough to make them review, you've done your job as a writer.

Having said that, the only head scratcher I ever got was a review that informed me that I was using too many big words. I looked at the M tag (this was when I still posted on FFN) and just had to laugh.

[JayDee]

...just how many synonyms for big had you used?

[KerantliDreamer]

My favourite review should be in my signature.

Makes me laugh every time I see it

[Guest]

Haven't gotten any bad reviews or anything exceptionally noticable, though one time someone left a review that was only a question mark. I was like WTF. It was just odd, and made me giggle.

LOL I know some reviews are pretty funny, especially when the spelling is way off.

[SillySilenia]

My worst review hands-down would have to be one time at FFN when someone put rape/incest/scat-porn in a terribly-written dialect of Flemish as a "review" on one of my stories.

[Aysha c.c.]

Ooh great advice! Thanks

I'm happy to know my advice can help someone improve their writing. It's often the simple things that get overlooked. I'm glad you liked my post

Edited May 11, 2013 by Aysha c.c.

[Guest]

Yeah Aysha I've been a lot more careful with continuity in the chapter I'm currently working on since I read your advice post.

[Kurahieiritr]

I have gotten a few flames over the year, and yet those are almost always off topic, hate mongering against white people for some bizarre reason I can not fathom, and only ever happened on FFnet. Not one of the flames I have gotten ever had anything to do with my actual stories aside from using the half Native American OC as the main scape goat for why all European descent individuals in the USA needed to be slaughtered to save the world. I also got a fair number of FFnet Private messages for a while that were nasty because of the same OC, but they are not actually worth sharing because they are all very shallow and dull complaints with no concrete logic. ROFL. I have yet to run into the same problem here on AFFnet, so nothing to share of that caliber at the moment. I do not consider fanpoodle to be reviews because they give no concrit for me to improve as a writer, although they can be adorable to read because of reader enthusiasm. I do appreciate knowing I made someone's day brighter when I get such enthusiastic feedback.

My all time favorite reviews always include concrete feedback. I am very fortunate in the solid readership I have because my current fanfic following does point out specific problems for me to fix. Each review I get allows me to go back, revise and replace chapters to improve the story for future readers.

I'll share a couple of my current favorite reviews, although I am a tad frustrated that I did not get every drop of concise information for all the problem words I still have to figure out. Still, I am extremely grateful to Anonym-kun for having the courage to point the flaws out to me. Each piece of concrete explanation has improved my dialog a great deal as I continue to write this series, and take breaks to revise and repost the troublesome spots. Raymy was another who made me aware I had a few awkward spots for chapter 2 that I am trying to decide how better to phrase for clarity. Once I get all of these problems fixed on the computer chapter drafts, I have every intention of abusing the edit chapter button and replacing all the chapters in A Rivalry Revealed.

Discovering from this post that Japanese use multiple words for "What" and "why" was a shocker. I bought a "Learn Japanese for Beginners" book that does not cover the different context specific words I need to find. From this post I also learned that the book misspelled a lot of the actual Japanese words I was using to denote Japanese from English conversation. I am desperately seeking a Japanese savvy second language user to get my mini dictionary corrected so I can fine tooth comb, and repair every misused word in my series of stories. I am still working to get everything revised in the Japanese words category for all of my multiple completed novel tales within the Initial D series because I was lucky to get this review. However, with so many already complete novels and misc. other problems I have gotten pointed out by readers, it is a slow process. I placed the actual reviews in parenthesis.

(Both Reviews for: "A Rivalry Revealed"

#1) I like the story a lot. The first time I read it was long time ago, when it was still fully presented on fanfiction net, and the second part was only somewhere in the middle of progress, I think. It fascinated me from the beginning and didn't let go, so now I decided to renew my memory and reread it (thanks to the fifth anime series finally appearing, but anyway). I was still extremely pleased. But.
Why did you use so many "japanese" words? Most of them are picking on my hearing (or reading in this case) and are usually unnecessary. You don't hear a Japanese saying "Kimi ha(wa) WHAT wo shite imasuka?" (君はWHATをしていますか) And I was really rolling on the floor every time someone cursed - it does sound funny when you see "naze/nani the hell".
If you still insist on using words in your work (your choice, really), then you should at least use them correctly. For example:

If you use "onnas" instead of "women" - then why do you still use "men", not "otoko"?
You use "ryoushin" and "aniki" - but instead of "otouto" you use "Little brother".
When you want to say "everyone", it's "minnasan" (みんなさん) - not "minasan"
With "isha" is used not "san", but "sensei", as any politic, teacher, doctor or simply very respected person. Though in your story better use the name with the suffix.
When you use "naze" - there's another word "doushite", and half of the times you use "naze" there should be "doushite" instead. Or even "douyatte". It's hard to find the examples as the story is big and I don't remember where I saw those, but here's one:
"I really don't understand naze Fujiwara san's behavior is unusual when we'r doing the same thing he is right now."
Naze means "what for", and here you have a different meaning of "why", better use "doushite". They have a few different "why", you know?
"Arigatou" (ありがとう), not "arigato".
"doumo" (どうも) - not "domo".
"doumo sumimasen" is Ok, but no "gozaimasu" - it is not used in apologies. If you want to stress an extreme apology, you'd better use "moushiwake arimasen" (もうしわけありません) - something along the line of "there is no forgiveness for me".
"Yoroshiku" is used only during the introductions or when a great help is given.
"Gomen nasai gozaimasu" - actually wrong, too. "Gomennasai onegaishimasu" (ごめんなさいおねがいします) is what you emotionally ment. Probably. Though if apology is to the person of higher ranking, then "gomennasai" is a rude mistake at all. (P.S.: besides, "gomen" and "nasai" aren't two words. "nasai" is simply the grammatical ending, so the simplified version sounds "gomen", when the word is stripped of all ending that add politeness.)
"Nani time do you get off" - well, there is a special case about it. Japanese say "Nan ji" for "what time".
"iie kidding" - extremely wrong grammatically. "Kidding ja nai", if you insist.

I hope it doesn't look like bullying, cause I didn't intend it to. The first time I read this I don't remember such words in the text, and now the whole effect of some angered speech is completely ruined because of "nani" every five words.
And if you wonder "what the hell is she blabbering about" or "what gives her the right to say so" - I'm finishing my 3rd year in University right now, Japanese major. Good luck with your muse - I definitely like the stuff she's smoking.)

Another Review that made me smile and also made me aware of a glitch in my writing that needs correcting. Takumi's acute exhaustion did not quite come out correctly for the reader. Oh well, Bck to the drawing board for massive improvements to my story line.

#2) Chapter 2: When I read, "I have to help get that baka to bed", I got the impression of a double meaning which Keisuke wasn't aware of. It's fun to know what's going on with him before he does! I so enjoy the different descriptions of Takumi in Keisuke's mind:

damned little punk
spaced out little genius
that baka or that young baka

In Takumi's POV, I'm uncertain as to the cause of the blurry vision. I know that when I'm tired my eyes can go unfocused but to go blurry and stay that way even when you know it's happening, I haven't experienced. Are you implying that the lack of caffeine caused him to see blurry and blackout; his deep need for sleep finally catching up to him? )

Anyway, those are my offerings to share. I think they represent the majority of my reviews accurately. Each offers some kind of concrete criticism that allows me to refine each story which is the most important aspect of getting reviews to me at least. Every problem revealed is another nugget of gold to myself.

[Aysha c.c.]

I am studying Japanese on the Rosetta Stone, not savvy but some day; something you might also like to know, if you don't already, is that they have about a dozen for "I" as in myself, and some are gender specific.

You might think about getting Rosetta Stone Japanese for yourself. It is actually a lot of fun.,

[BronxWench]

I am studying Japanese on the Rosetta Stone, not savvy but some day; something you might also like to know, if you don't already, is that they have about a dozen for "I" as in myself, and some are gender specific.

You might think about getting Rosetta Stone Japanese for yourself. It is actually a lot of fun.,

I've been debating trying to learn that way. I'm delighted to hear that it's fun.

[Kurahieiritr]

I am studying Japanese on the Rosetta Stone, not savvy but some day; something you might also like to know, if you don't already, is that they have about a dozen for "I" as in myself, and some are gender specific.

You might think about getting Rosetta Stone Japanese for yourself. It is actually a lot of fun.,

Does it include the written out romanji spellings for the various words that they use? I need a book type guide, and I heard Rosettta Stone is only a listen and repeat interactive verbal immersion CD-rom. Someone told me that you can hear and mimic the inflections into your microphone to get double checked by the program. In my area they carry Spanish Rosetta Stone, but it is really expensive, so if the program does not include the writing forms and spellings, it seems like a waste of money for my specific needs. 150.00 is a lot of cash to spend when I am so broke all the time.

[Aysha c.c.]

No it is not only listening but writing as well. It is a very comprehensive program, it gives you the choice to learn Kanji/Furigana, Kanji by itself, Hiragna/katakana, or Romaji which is phonetic Japanese. So all in all it covers pronunciation,vocabulary,grammar,reading, and writing.

There are 3 course levels you do have to pay for each level individually, though I don't know if there are any package deals, but I promise you; it is well worth it.

Also each course level that you buy is broken down into smaller levels on the disks; disk 1 has 4 levels each, broken down into 4 units, each unit is broken down into a varying number of lessons.

Edited July 27, 2013 by Aysha c.c.

[BronxWench]

I may do that in conjunction with taking classes at university. We'll see if an old dragon can learn new tricks.

[Dean_Wax]

I have one regular reviewer for my stories named Nine, and I always enjoy theirs because they are full of genuine excitement.

Happy place.

[Kurahieiritr]

Thanks for the information. I had no idea that Rosetta was set up that way. I have seen the Rosetta for Spanish in my area and each is over 100 bucks. That is a pretty big chunk of change to me at the moment, but I do have a B-day coming up so maybe everyone will get together and give me one gift. At least, I can dream . . .

[Aysha c.c.]

I got mine as a Christmas gift.