Comments that leave you shaking your head

[UnexpectedLuggage]

I had someone recently leave a comment on a story criticizing me for having so many proofreading errors that they bailed on the story. For someone who has meticulous proofreading standards, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect stories to be well proofed. But I checked out his stories, and his proofing errors are far more egregious and obvious than mine are. I thought that was strange.

My favorite is someone criticizing the fact I had some spelling errors (which, fair enough) while ignoring all rules of basic grammar in their own post.

 

[AlexFourways]

My favorite is someone criticizing the fact I had some spelling errors (which, fair enough) while ignoring all rules of basic grammar in their own post.

On spelling errors, it can depend on which version of English you are writing in, and which version they are reading in. English, American E, Australian E, New Zealand E, Indian E, South African E, Etc. E!
On Grammar, I have recently succumbed* to Grammarly, and it constantly nags me, and sometimes has arguments (mostly commas) with Word's grammar checking.

For instance, above the bit "writing in, ... reading in" it suggested I add a second "which version" in the text. One of my many failings is that, due to mild dyslexia and dyspraxia (resulting in slow and poor handwriting), I tend to write 'breathlessly', which was fine for technical reports and responses to queries.
*OK, I couldn't spell succumbed (circummed amongst other attempts), but Grammarly suggested 'converted' and 'switched', as if it didn't like the implication of succumbed!

 

[iwatchus]

I had someone recently leave a comment on a story criticizing me for having so many proofreading errors that they bailed on the story. For someone who has meticulous proofreading standards, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect stories to be well proofed. But I checked out his stories, and his proofing errors are far more egregious and obvious than mine are. I thought that was strange.

But he or she probably never reads their own story.

 

[TheRedLantern]

I had someone recently leave a comment on a story criticizing me for having so many proofreading errors that they bailed on the story. For someone who has meticulous proofreading standards, I don't think it's unreasonable to expect stories to be well proofed. But I checked out his stories, and his proofing errors are far more egregious and obvious than mine are. I thought that was strange.

I used to see a lot of "projection" in the feedback I got during workshops. I found those comments/feedback to be infuriating, but I had a sense of humor about them with some time

 

[SimonDoom]

I used to see a lot of "projection" in the feedback I got during workshops. I found those comments/feedback to be infuriating, but I had a sense of humor about them with some time

That's probably one of the reasons I've never joined a writer's group, because that would get extremely tiresome.

 

[ElectricBlue]

That's probably one of the reasons I've never joined a writer's group, because that would get extremely tiresome.

Also, there might be an expectation of finishing a story, which could be a tad problematic...

 

[lovecraft68]

That's probably one of the reasons I've never joined a writer's group, because that would get extremely tiresome.

You're not missing anything. I joined ARIA (association of RI authors) to try to network and see what it could do for me. Prior to 2020 they had in person meetings and maybe 30 of the 300ish members would show.

Some nice people, but way too many pretentious twits. I did two cons with them, then began getting my own booth because all weekend with these people was way too much tongue biting for me.

New England Horror Writers were less with the drama but talk about a group who all thought they were the second coming of Stephen King.

And let's not get started on the politics and cliques of those groups.

 

[TheLobster]

I was vacillating between posting it here or in the 'make your day' thread, because the comment is by no means negative:



What makes me shake my head in amusement is that while this person left comments on a couple of my stories, each spaced by few days (meaning they actually read them), it has always been just this one.

As in, the same comment, every single time. (To be fair, I didn't check whether the number of exclamation points is identical). I'm reasonably sure that if I could see a page with all their comments, on any story by any author, they would all be just the exact same text.

Well, I'm glad they like my work at least

 

[Five_Inch_Heels]

What makes me shake my head in amusement is that while this person left comments on a couple of my stories, each spaced by few days (meaning they actually read them), it has always been just this one.

As in, the same comment, every single time. (To be fair, I didn't check whether the number of exclamation points is identical). I'm reasonably sure that if I could see a page with all their comments, on any story by any author, they would all be just the exact same text.

Well, I'm glad they like my work at least

You've never seen Buster's '10 big blazing stars?

Which can often be followed by negative comments.

 

[RetroFan]

Some things that have caused a great deal of angst to readers in my more recent stories:

Voyeurism in the Cornfields - A poor knowledge of geography in Indiana

Incest in Another Dimension Chapter 3 - Writing too much about sports

 

[Five_Inch_Heels]

...

 

[lovecraft68]

Couple years ago I wrote a story for Halloween, sibcest featuring a 'legend' and a family getting revenge for their wronged ancestor. Bit of a homage to Pet Sematary in the beginning. Some horror aspects, but mostly a fun quirky tale.

Starting a few months ago an anon commenter keeps posting on other stories of mine about where's the sequel to that story. I've gotten a bunch of e-mails saying "Where's the sequel" all sent anon.

I got another and this time there's an e-mail I can reply to. I responded that I'm glad they liked the story, but I have no plans for a follow up.

Received a reply. "If you know what's good for you, you'll write the fucking sequel."


The e-mail address has the word Fear in it. Pulling out the stops here


Most nasty comments tell me not to keep writing, so I guess I should find this flattering.

 

[ShelbyDawn57]

Couple years ago I wrote a story for Halloween, sibcest featuring a 'legend' and a family getting revenge for their wronged ancestor. Bit of a homage to Pet Sematary in the beginning. Some horror aspects, but mostly a fun quirky tale.

Starting a few months ago an anon commenter keeps posting on other stories of mine about where's the sequel to that story. I've gotten a bunch of e-mails saying "Where's the sequel" all sent anon.

I got another and this time there's an e-mail I can reply to. I responded that I'm glad they liked the story, but I have no plans for a follow up.

Received a reply. "If you know what's good for you, you'll write the fucking sequel."

Most nasty comments tell me not to keep writing, so I guess I should find this flattering.

Write a 750 worder loosely base on Misery, flipping the scenario to one where the author traps the fan...

 

[lovecraft68]

Write a 750 worder loosely base on Misery, flipping the scenario to one where the author traps the fan...

I like how you think.

Meantime, I am going to closely monitor any new "Can I write a sequel to another author's story thread"

"Can I finish this story? I know the author's no longer around to give permission because I'm the reason why. Muahahhahahahahah"

 

[AlexFourways]

This particular commenter has read most (if not all) of my stories. He is unfailingly polite and positive. He also has an unpopular kink.

All he's trying to do is get his itch scratched, same as the rest of us. Instead of kinkshaming the guy, maybe just delete the comment.

I'm not sure if the 'incest baby' is an 'unpopular kink', possibly an 'uncommon kink', but I have seen it in the comments on several stories.
I am not particularly motivated to read or write* incest stories, but I accept that the only real problem with it, biologically, is that of having a baby and the risks it involves. Hence, having a baby is a turn-off for me.

*My only incest story 1x: The Stepsister and the Gang (only provided if anyone wondered what it was) is carefully crafted to have no genetic relationship, no baby, and no long-term relationship. The other Taboo story is even less incestuous.

 

[Five_Inch_Heels]

Babies are not a kink.

They are a permanently life altering experience. No person involved is ever the same afterwards regardless of the outcome.

 

[MillieDynamite]

I belong, well, belonged, to several writers' groups. But, after the pandemic, I stopped going. One group turned into a toxic experience.

I used to see a lot of "projection" in the feedback I got during workshops. I found those comments/feedback to be infuriating, but I had a sense of humor about them with some time

 

[Five_Inch_Heels]

...

 

[PennyThompson]

By the way, who asked you to go digging through my stuff? I specifically do NOT post links to my stories here. The comment was supposed to be here without that. This shit is EXACTLY why.

you do know that you have a direct link to your author profile and stories in your forum signature, right?

 

[Five_Inch_Heels]

...

 

[Five_Inch_Heels]

...

 

[Actingup]

I'm not sure if the 'incest baby' is an 'unpopular kink', possibly an 'uncommon kink', but I have seen it in the comments on several stories.
I am not particularly motivated to read or write* incest stories, but I accept that the only real problem with it, biologically, is that of having a baby and the risks it involves. Hence, having a baby is a turn-off for me.

*My only incest story 1x: The Stepsister and the Gang (only provided if anyone wondered what it was) is carefully crafted to have no genetic relationship, no baby, and no long-term relationship. The other Taboo story is even less incestuous.

I’m glad that you put the ‘biological’ qualifier in. Obviously the social risks are enormous, but (in my limited understanding) in real life there’s often also tremendous damage from associated abuse/trauma. It seems like a massive minefield to navigate, but obviously there are authors here who do it frequently and well. I guess there are also other categories here with associated danger zones and related comments from readers.

 

[ShelbyDawn57]

Won't be getting any more.

A dig ate my comments.

 

[PennyThompson]

Won't be getting any more.

A dig ate my comments.

umm what is happening right now

 

[ShelbyDawn57]

umm what is happening right now

It's an unattributed quote from another author in a different thread. I'm kinda poking the bear and seeing how long it's going to take them to notice. In other words, I'm bored...