How do you handle negative feedback and Kink pushback from readers?

[Oralexplorer]

I've offered refunds too...Kind of feels freeing. And no one has actually ever said yes to the offer.

IMHO why should you offer a refund ? you've put in the time and the effort, value your time and your effort. They are free to cancel their subscription, i mean we've all been disappointed with movies or performances because it didn't meet expectations do we get a refund or demand one at the box office.
Unless the criticism is constructive and offer a solution that's workable then it might be worth considering it even if it hurts a bit, for everything else you know everyone is a critic and everyone also has an asshole.

 

[Britva415]

why should you offer a refund ?

To rub their noses in it, since they didn't pay anything in the first place yet they seem to feel entitled to demanding something different.

 

[Oralexplorer]

To rub their noses in it, since they didn't pay anything in the first place yet they seem to feel entitled to demanding something different.

Think OP is referring to subscribers on her Pateron ... but if they are getting it for free, they can take a very long walk on an extremely short pier.

 

[Britva415]

Think OP is referring to subscribers on her Pateron

Ah, I see, so that's why you asked her and not @ElectricBlue (who was the OP who first brought up refunds)

 

[ElectricBlue]

Ah, I see, so that's why you asked her and not @ElectricBlue (who was the OP who first brought up refunds)

My refunds are always piss takes, for those Lit readers who want their money back because they didn't like the story I wrote. Wasn't talking about real refunds!

 

[Britva415]

My refunds are always piss takes, for those Lit readers who want their money back because they didn't like the story I wrote. Wasn't talking about real refunds!

which is pretty much exactly what you said at the time

Believe me, I get it

 

[Underrick]

First of all, I'm old school and believe if you have nothing positive to say, don't say it. The only negative comment I have made is if a story is too short or not detailed. I ask if they can expand further on their topic. If I start reading a story and for some reason I don't care for it, I just move on to the next.
I have received a few negative comments on my works here and they are never true or helpful critiques. Usually 3 or 4 words calling it rubbish or some such.
And they are always posted anonymously - so no chance for a discussion about what they did not like.
I am totally open to sincere, helpful criticism, as I'm sure most of the writers are, but I've yet to receive any. If you have something to say about my writing, please say it. But just calling it garbage without justification says more about you than my work. And posting anonymously is just cowardice. So I just ignore it and keep writing what I like and appreciate all the positive feedback I receive.

 

[Melody_Lightdraft2]

Hi All, I’m just putting this out there because I’m genuinely curious how others navigate strong negative feedback, and people insisting that you should write their kinks and not other kinks.

I write mostly in the Interracial/cheating/cuckolding space, obviously a genre with lots of strong feelings. With all genres, there are lots of sub genres and kinks within it, and lately, I’ve been exploring some newer angles (for me) like introducing male bi-curious themes and female-led humiliation into evolving couples relationship dynamic. And honestly? I’ve really enjoyed writing it, it surprised me how naturally it came. But it’s also brought on a big wave of feedback, and not all of it’s been easy to sit with.

Some readers have said it’s the hottest stuff I’ve written and they want more of it. Others have made it clear they’re done with my work because of those kinks and have cancelled their subscriptions as a result.

I’ve always said to them all, that the core of my writing is about female sexual awakening within the interracial genre... that’s what excites me and where I live. And it will always be my main focus over time. But I do want to bring variety into the genre, not write the same story on repeat. Still…I’d be lying if I said the pushback doesn’t mess with my confidence. I’m not new to feedback, but I’m finding it harder to stay centred lately, knowing that no matter what I write there is going to be a vocal wave pushing back against it. Having to constantly defend why I wrote something or justify mixing it up kinda kills the fun. And now I know when I don't write the new stuff, those who enjoy that aspect are going to be annoyed also.

So I guess my question is:
How do you handle criticism when it’s not just “I didn’t like this,” but “You shouldn’t have written this kink, you should stick to this kink”?
Do you factor in reader preferences when deciding what to write next? Or just follow your gut and accept that some people will drop off?

I am someone who is probably far too oversensitive at times, so that doesn't help. I also like interacting with subscribers. So being active and interacting, and also overly sensitive and a people pleaser is proving to be a terrible combination

Would love to hear how others cope. I'm not looking for polished advice, just honest perspective from people who’ve been there.

Thanks

It's your story, and it's easy to get into a rut. You cannot please everyone, and not all will follow.