Writers blocking comments and feedback

I've been reading stories here at literotica for a couple of months, and has of course found both stories I like and dislike. When I give feedback or comment on a story, I try to give my honest opinion of the story and point out changes and things I think will suit the story. We are all different, and sometimes the authors thoughts about a story doesn't match mine, or my thoughts doesn't match other readers and so on. I try to point out what I think is negative wihout being mean or rude, just point it out as criticism as my thoughts of improvement. We all have things to learn from each other even though we often has different opinions.

But today I read a story, and I wanted to give the author some feedback. But comments and feedback on the story was blocked, as well as the opportunity to send pm's and messages to the profile. I find that to be disrespectful towards the readers. How can you improve as a writer if you refuse to get feedback from your readers? Of course it's the authors story, and some people can't comment without getting rude. But you can remove anonymous comments, and of course you can choose not to read feedback you get if it doesn't suit you. But to refuse your readers the possibility to give feedback and comments goes against everything I think storywriting is about.


Edit: I wrote this comment late and wrote disrespectful. What I really meant was unfair.

This is a reading site; not a creative writing course (even assuming you are qualified to be giving writing advice). If authors have turned off comments and/or votes, they have clearly indicated they aren't asking for writing advice--in truth very few people reading stories at Literotica have the credentials to be giving writing advice. I don't believe there is anything wrong with them writing just to be read.

I, for one, suggest you shouldn't assume that negative advice is wanted even if they leave the comments on. If they want development help, they can ask for it on this forum--and I don't think you should assume that they want it unless they do ask for it here. So, yes, I reject your view either that they are only posting stories here to receiving development advice from unknown readers or that they are being rude in signaling that they are only here to be read for what they offer for a free read.

Sorry that I didn't state that out in he first post, but of course that means positive feedback as well. Well, as I said we are all different. I for my part will want feedback on my stories when I publish the stories I'm currently working on, even after I had the help from an editor. So I disagree with you.

It could be some of what Mr. Pilot said. In my experience, however, I'm of the opinion that it could be that a lot of people can't take criticism of any sort and throw a hissy. I.E. blocking comments, email addys, etc...

A lot of people might think that they want feedback, but in reality they just want praise. When they actually get a comment that's less than admirable, it wounds them and they become a tad bratty about it.

BUT...that's just my view.



tl;dr -- sore egos.

GinaTina said:

It could be some of what Mr. Pilot said. In my experience, however, I'm of the opinion that it could be that a lot of people can't take criticism of any sort and throw a hissy. I.E. blocking comments, email addys, etc...

A lot of people might think that they want feedback, but in reality they just want praise. When they actually get a comment that's less than admirable, it wounds them and they become a tad bratty about it.

BUT...that's just my view.



tl;dr -- sore egos.

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Yeah, I guess you're right.

Fraxo said:

I've been reading stories here at literotica for a couple of months, and has of course found both stories I like and dislike. When I give feedback or comment on a story, I try to give my honest opinion of the story and point out changes and things I think will suit the story. We are all different, and sometimes the authors thoughts about a story doesn't match mine, or my thoughts doesn't match other readers and so on. I try to point out what I think is negative wihout being mean or rude, just point it out as criticism as my thoughts of improvement. We all have things to learn from each other even though we often has different opinions.

But today I read a story, and I wanted to give the author some feedback. But comments and feedback on the story was blocked, as well as the opportunity to send pm's and messages to the profile. I find that to be disrespectful towards the readers. How can you improve as a writer if you refuse to get feedback from your readers? Of course it's the authors story, and some people can't comment without getting rude. But you can remove anonymous comments, and of course you can choose not to read feedback you get if it doesn't suit you. But to refuse your readers the possibility to give feedback and comments goes against everything I think storywriting is about.

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another thing is trolling. Most writers do not mind some criticism as long as it is said in a constructive manner, and better yet mixed with some positive.

But the problem is the trolls who just give 1 bombs just to be assholes and a barrage of stupid comments like "you suck, give it up, you're fucking sick etc..."

Many people can't handle that therefore shut off the votes/comments. Personally I don't like when authors do that, I think part of writing is to get what others think about it. I take what I can from both the good and the bad.

As for what our resident pretentious windbag Pilot says, as always he s throwing the word credentials and qualified out there, because he thinks he is both.

Granted people who don't know how to place a comma should not be telling you where to put yours, but what his highness fails to realize is that you need no credentials other than being a reader to render an opinion.

However who better to render an opinion on erotica than those who read it? Just take it into consideration that everyone's opinion is different. I don't need a degree in economics to say the economy sucks nor do they need credentials to say whether they do or do not like a story and why.

As an author I( and most of us) appreciate hearing what readers think, and you do not need any credentials other than enjoying erotica.

At the end of the day the idiot saying your unqualified opinion does not matter, is only stating and supporting his opinion. Good thing as he is the only one who backs his own BS.

It's impossible to read the mind of someone who has disabled comments. All you really know is they decided they'd rather not hear from readers. It could be anything and when I encounter a no-comment story I go "Hmmm...." and leave it at that.

It can take time to develop a tough skin. A writer posting their first effort and seeing their story get trashed in public can be forgiven for flinching, I think. Yeah, the world's a hard place but that doesn't mean there aren't people out there trying to make it harder. Eventually every writer gets sniped at enough they either give up or learn how to take a bullet.

I've had disappointing moments when I've wanted to praise a story and found comments and feedback blocked. There was an excellent story about a recipe for Manhattan cocktails that featured vaginally-marinated cherries and peach brandy. I wanted to get the recipe from the author, but s/he'd disabled any means of communication.

I also had an exchange with sr71plt, when he did not disable comments, and in which he objected to substantive criticism of mine in an area where I am credentialed, and have 44 years of experience, and in which, so far as I can tell, he has none. I will not further discuss the exchange, except to say that he can say whatever he likes, wherever he likes, and I will do likewise.

estragon said:

I also had an exchange with sr71plt, when he did not disable comments, and in which he objected to substantive criticism of mine...

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Well, of course he objected. You criticized him.

And credentials matter only when he has them.

I have never blocked comments, or deleted any.

I've had my share of negatives, but they're nothing to the positive comments I've received.

estragon said:

I also had an exchange with sr71plt, when he did not disable comments, and in which he objected to substantive criticism of mine in an area where I am credentialed, and have 44 years of experience, and in which, so far as I can tell, he has none. I will not further discuss the exchange, except to say that he can say whatever he likes, wherever he likes, and I will do likewise.

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My editorial/writing credentials are vetted with the moderator of the Editors forum here. Are yours? If not, you are the one, not me, who has no proven credentials.

As far as experience in writing erotica, anyone here can check that out by looking at our relative files of erotica here at Literotica and in the marketplace.

My wrangle with you was that I don't believe in vigilante "instruction" on this free-write/read site--which is the position I've stated here. And you do it just to puff yourself up. I don't post stories here for anyone to help me with my writing development--and I give room for others for being the same. If I wanted a critique, I'd ask for it. But I'd ask for it from someone who has demonstrated through what they post here that they can write what I wished I could.

Enough said--other than that I addressed the topic here, not you--and you chose to go a different route--in consort with another bottom feeder or two.

If a writer knows they are over-sensitive to criticism it's wise of them to disable comments. Me, I love comments but I think lit's software for gathering them from readers is pretty crappy.

First of all, Fraxo, I noticed you don't have any

contact information on your own profile. I, personally, never block comments, however' I sure can't judge those who do. I realize the comments can be deleted, but you still read them before hand.
I have been called pencil dick, ass hole, faggot and much more; I have been threatened by one who said he was going to find out who I was, where I lived, and come to beat the crap out me;
I have developed a policy that I always state at the end of my stories, comments will be deleted at the first sign of a personal attack.
Even at that, it continues. I just had one guy who wrote a page and a half telling me what miserable person I was. He was stupid enough to start calling me names in the second sentence so I deleted it with out reading any further. I then wrote him back telling him I hope he used his comments as therapy because, after all his time and effort, no one, including me will ever read them.
Judge not lest ye be judged. Until you have written several stories and experienced the feedback you get, I wouldn't be so anxious to condemn those who just don't want to hear it.

I like comments. Some people can just toss stuff out there, without wanting or needing a response, but I need a little reaction. I think that's why I never kept a diary or anything. However, if people don't want feedback, no problem. Not everyone is looking to be a writer, or improve their writing, or whatever.

People write for different reasons. Some people may just be satisfied to share a story with others and don't feel any need for feedback. For them, simply creating a story and knowing that someone is reading it is satisfaction enough, which is actually very admirable.

I think that ego is one of the reasons people post a story on this site, though not the main reason. I do think the enjoyment of writing and sharing a story is the primary reason. I admit that I enjoy the positive affirmation I have received on some of my stories. But to remain true, I will not delete a negative comment. Though, it disappoints me that people will anonymously leave a positive comment because I like to see if they comment on my other stories and what they write and like.

sr71plt said:

My editorial/writing credentials are vetted with the moderator of the Editors forum here. Are yours? If not, you are the one, not me, who has no proven credentials.

As far as experience in writing erotica, anyone here can check that out by looking at our relative files of erotica here at Literotica and in the marketplace.

My wrangle with you was that I don't believe in vigilante "instruction" on this free-write/read site--which is the position I've stated here. And you do it just to puff yourself up. I don't post stories here for anyone to help me with my writing development--and I give room for others for being the same. If I wanted a critique, I'd ask for it. But I'd ask for it from someone who has demonstrated through what they post here that they can write what I wished I could.

Enough said--other than that I addressed the topic here, not you--and you chose to go a different route--in consort with another bottom feeder or two.

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Oh the mods talk to the mods! I'm vetted! Oh for Christ's sakes, you whiny assed little teachers pet, get a fucking life will you?

Anyone is qualified to be an editor on this site. And everyone who reads here is qualified to simply state whether or not they like a story. You instantly started strutting your perceived expertise and being derogatory to the guy as usual.

Must be tough being such a small little man.

Series 6 said:

But to remain true, I will not delete a negative comment.

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I agree with the comments that it depends on the writer. For me, it depends on the comment. I will delete racial slurs, name calling, and things of that nature that have absolutely nothing to do with the story.

I'm a big fan of the PM. Whenever I have something that is either negative or contructive, I don't want the world to read my opinion -- that is between the writer and myself. Almost all have responded, most with thanks. Even a few friendships have developed. But, I am an equal fan of the ignore capability. Don't forget, this is a 'free' site, and everyone (both contributors and users) can do whatever they want with it (as long as you follow the few simple basic rules).

LC68, Thank You

but I need no defending from sr or anyone else. I assure you I'm a big boy, and schoolyard bullies do not affright me.

To return to the point of this thread, I can appreciate that some authors do not want criticism, praise, comment or anything else; in any such case, they can simply disable comments and feedback, and even voting. But if they elect not so to disable, then it's a free-fire zone.

estragon said:

but I need no defending from sr or anyone else. I assure you I'm a big boy, and schoolyard bullies do not affright me.

To return to the point of this thread, I can appreciate that some authors do not want criticism, praise, comment or anything else; in any such case, they can simply disable comments and feedback, and even voting. But if they elect not so to disable, then it's a free-fire zone.

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Please do not be offended, but I am not defending you. I am pointing out the way it really is to the OP. That most authors do want to hear from the readers and that he is more than qualified to render his opinion-stressing of course he does it reasonably.

As usual the resident pariah of the AH cam ein with his tiny little pea shooter blazing, speaking of qualifications, and "resume" so to speak. As always he missed the point. The OP was not talking about speaking to the author about grammar, or writing styles but simple providing a "hey I liked it, No I didn't opinion which in fact every reader has the right to express.

Trust me when I tell you that I'm sure all the positive remarks Pilot gets on his own work here, is taken seriously by him. All of his readers must be qualified.

My editorial/writing credentials are vetted with the moderator of the Editors forum here. Are yours? If not, you are the one, not me, who has no proven credentials.

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Oh sr, the thought of seeing your credentials, probed or not, makes me slightly sick and, anyway, is irrelevant to this 'people's site' of erotica and self-help.

sr, you help nobody and have stated here frequently that you don't let editors correct /advise on your somewhat repetitive gay fiction. I don't think you have any credentials to talk about feedback.

This thread is about responding to writers, who generally want to see a sign of life, positive or negative, from the readers.

The joy of Lit is the gently anarchic style that lets anyone offer their stories, welcome reaction and blather on the boards.

sr, your anally retentive style fails to appreciate the OP's point and just proves how out of touch you are with real life. Is it time for your hibernation yet?

We live in hope.

Fraxo said:

How can you improve as a writer if you refuse to get feedback from your readers?

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Simple answer: You can't. You don't improve. And authors who have blocked feedback know this, and don't care. They don't want to improve. They've written themselves off. So we can too.

And it frustrates the hell out of you that they are just writing for fun and want to be left alone to do that on a free-write/read site? Weird.

sr71plt said:

And it frustrates the hell out of you that they are just writing for fun and want to be left alone to do that on a free-write/read site? Weird.

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I have no issue with them not wanting comments. That is their choice. I have issue with you telling people they are not qualified to give their opinion on a story be it bad or good. Most authors enjoy feedback.

The only payment you can garner here is praise and the only way to get better is to receive some critique(obviously we are not talking about trolls, but constructive) and anyone here has the right to say "I liked because, or I hated it because."

Trust me fool, nothing here frustrates me. Least of all your pretentious posturing and delusions of grandeur. At the end of the day you're more pathetic than Scouries. At least Jim has a sense of humor.

It's ironic that I get dinged for being a snob on Literotica when so often, as here, I'm arguing for people to be left alone to enjoy using this free-write/read website as they please--and as the website gives them latitude to do.

That works for critiquing writers' works as well. I'm quite often on the side of the author against the demands of the vigilante (and, so often, self-proclaimed) critiquer.