Rating 1 versus 5

[Lifestyle66]

I'm relatively new to writing and decided to post my first story in February in the 750 Word contest. That and my subsequent 4 chapters of a series received what I now know to be the usual range of comments from "Love it" to "More cuck shit, avoid".

I also now realize (due to some named users comments) some of these people seem to read and trash stories they must know they'll hate.

After asking for and accepting feedback from two editors (thanks NGNX and IJS0904), I started posting my new reboot of that series (Lifestyle Ch01: A Geek Beginning) and geek that I am, I tracked the ratings as they were posted.

Two out of 18 rated the first new one a 1, and those were posted within the first few hours. Only one rated it a 3. The other 15 all rated it 4 or 5.

This is quite the learning experience. IMO, it seems the haters jump on stories early with knee-jerk reactions, while the real readers and thoughtful critics take more time to read and possibly reflect over the following days.

I also noticed it was only those stories posted earlier to the Loving Wives category which received comments. The one early story posted to Erotic Couplings and so far, these new ones are not getting any comments. So, for comments, the category seems to matter.

 

[Winter_Fare]

I've been one bombed on three poems, in one case I'm pretty sure it was just to knock it off the top spot. Sometimes people are just assholes! Also been given ones and twos for content, but I have no time for shitty comments I just nix them x

 

[SimonDoom]

The pattern you've noticed is the same one I've observed. The 1-bombers are lurking to hit stories soon after publication, when those stories appear prominently on new story lists. The pattern for my stories is that the score in the first few hours may be decent, and then it falls, often precipitously, but after 8 hours or so it will gradually, fitfully rise.

With comments, keep in mind that there is a delay in their being released, so sometimes you may have comments but not see them for a while until they've been cleared.

 

[beth_]

As a reader, I admit I don't quite understand the whole concept behind giving a story a "1" rating; I've certainly (and regrettably) opened a few such stories but never got anywhere near far enough into them to actually leave a rating, and considering that everyone here is sharing their work for free it just seems like horribly poor manners. I hope you won't be discouraged by the unfairly negative ratings ... I like to think I'm fairly choosy and I think that even the stories I consider my favorites have garnered a few such hits, and it says more about the rater than the writer in my humble opinion.

 

[Lifestyle66]

As a reader, I admit I don't quite understand the whole concept behind giving a story a "1" rating; ...

I agree. Why would anyone bother to read through a whole story just to say they hate it. Then to return to the same category and do that again, and again?
It's like self-flagellation.

But, in watching my two current stories (posted two days apart, so not sequential in the new stories), I just, within the last hour, received a 1 on each of those stories! The majority of the ratings were 4's and 5's. So, someone must have hated my second story, then deliberately tracked down the first one to give it a 1. Or else, someone's following me and hating my stories.

Interesting. But, I'm not deterred. The 4's and 5's show enough people will appreciate the effort for me to continue.

 

[dmallord]

Your Observations Have Been Noted by Many Others

I'm relatively new to writing and decided to post my first story in February in the 750 Word contest. That and my subsequent 4 chapters of a series received what I now know to be the usual range of comments from "Love it" to "More cuck shit, avoid".

I also now realize (due to some named users comments) some of these people seem to read and trash stories they must know they'll hate.

After asking for and accepting feedback from two editors (thanks NGNX and IJS0904), I started posting my new reboot of that series (Lifestyle Ch01: A Geek Beginning) and geek that I am, I tracked the ratings as they were posted.

Two out of 18 rated the first new one a 1, and those were posted within the first few hours. Only one rated it a 3. The other 15 all rated it 4 or 5.

This is quite the learning experience. IMO, it seems the haters jump on stories early with knee-jerk reactions, while the real readers and thoughtful critics take more time to read and possibly reflect over the following days.

I also noticed it was only those stories posted earlier to the Loving Wives category which received comments. The one early story posted to Erotic Couplings and so far, these new ones are not getting any comments. So, for comments, the category seems to matter.

I, too, am chagrined at the type of individuals that go to great links to track and attack a writer. There are numerous posts in threads that describe the same things you have noted. SO, you are not alone in the lit universe dear writer! Wear it as a badge of honor - many gurus here have it pinned on their lapels it seems as well.'Like water of a duck's back' just let it roll off and write on!

 

[ErosDivine]

Same experience

I'm relatively new to writing and decided to post my first story in February in the 750 Word contest. That and my subsequent 4 chapters of a series received what I now know to be the usual range of comments from "Love it" to "More cuck shit, avoid".

I also now realize (due to some named users comments) some of these people seem to read and trash stories they must know they'll hate.

After asking for and accepting feedback from two editors (thanks NGNX and IJS0904), I started posting my new reboot of that series (Lifestyle Ch01: A Geek Beginning) and geek that I am, I tracked the ratings as they were posted.

Two out of 18 rated the first new one a 1, and those were posted within the first few hours. Only one rated it a 3. The other 15 all rated it 4 or 5.

This is quite the learning experience. IMO, it seems the haters jump on stories early with knee-jerk reactions, while the real readers and thoughtful critics take more time to read and possibly reflect over the following days.

I also noticed it was only those stories posted earlier to the Loving Wives category which received comments. The one early story posted to Erotic Couplings and so far, these new ones are not getting any comments. So, for comments, the category seems to matter.

I’ve had the same experience. I post cuck and cheating stories and they get review bombed before somewhat recovering. I tracked reviews as they came in and clearly I got 1 star from multiple users in a row without any comment. I know I can improve but I think I’m better than a 1 lol.

 

[Lifestyle66]

I’ve had the same experience. I post cuck and cheating stories and they get review bombed before somewhat recovering. I tracked reviews as they came in and clearly I got 1 star from multiple users in a row without any comment. I know I can improve but I think I’m better than a 1 lol.

I wonder if some of the 1's are rated by other authors merely trying to bring down or humiliate their peers.

It may also be a personality and preference thing, by people who enjoy reading Lit stories of others being humiliated. Those 1-bombers might be enjoying it vicariously.

 

[desecration]

One to five scales are a nice idea, but really it's a binary choice: do you like this, or not? Here's the actual scale:

1 - "Fuck you"
2 - "It's okay I guess"
3 - "It's okay I guess"
4 - "Fuck yes!"
5 - "I have masturbated to this and will do so again."

 

[Winter_Fare]

One to five scales are a nice idea, but really it's a binary choice: do you like this, or not? Here's the actual scale:

1 - "Fuck you"
2 - "It's okay I guess"
3 - "It's okay I guess"
4 - "Fuck yes!"
5 - "I have masturbated to this and will do so again."

Might I humbly suggest:

1. - I was triggered
2. - Your misery is my happiness.
3. - meh.

 

[RoperTrace]

One to five scales are a nice idea, but really it's a binary choice: do you like this, or not? Here's the actual scale:

1 - "Fuck you"
2 - "It's okay I guess"
3 - "It's okay I guess"
4 - "Fuck yes!"
5 - "I have masturbated to this and will do so again."

Loved your scale, and agree with number 5, and have received that comment a few times.
1 - "Fuck you, I wanted to give you a Zero"-(actual comment)
2 - "It's okay, kind of sucks"
3 - "It's okay, slightly boring"
4 - "Story reminds me of my neighbor, yadda yadda yadda"
5 - "I had to read this story with one hand, and will do so again"

 

[Lifestyle66]

Loved your scale, and agree with number 5, and have received that comment a few times.
1 - "Fuck you, I wanted to give you a Zero"-(actual comment)
2 - "It's okay, kind of sucks"
3 - "It's okay, slightly boring"
4 - "Story reminds me of my neighbor, yadda yadda yadda"
5 - "I had to read this story with one hand, and will do so again"

Change 1 to "I'll make you sit in the corner and watch me fuck your wife!"

 

[KeithD]

One to five scales are a nice idea, but really it's a binary choice: do you like this, or not? Here's the actual scale:

1 - "Fuck you"
2 - "It's okay I guess"
3 - "It's okay I guess"
4 - "Fuck yes!"
5 - "I have masturbated to this and will do so again."

This is the actual scale here:

1. Vengeance on you
2. Because I can
3. No
4. No
5. Yes

 

[RoperTrace]

Change 1 to "I'll make you sit in the corner and watch me fuck your wife!"

"PM is headed your way"

 

[Lifestyle66]

Rating scheme:

5 - "I orgasmed without even touching myself!"
4 - "Good writing, but not my favorite scenes."
3 - "OK. I made it to the end."
2 - "You need to attend an English/writing class" or "I'm not into that fetish."
1 - "Sit in the corner and watch me fuck your wife, as I humiliate you with my power to make you insignificant!"

 

[ErosDivine]

I wonder if some of the 1's are rated by other authors merely trying to bring down or humiliate their peers.

It may also be a personality and preference thing, by people who enjoy reading Lit stories of others being humiliated. Those 1-bombers might be enjoying it vicariously.

It’s sad that artists would try to diminish others’ work. It’s not a zero-sum game: everyone who deserves it can get 5 stars!

 

[Lifestyle66]

It’s sad that artists would try to diminish others’ work. It’s not a zero-sum game: everyone who deserves it can get 5 stars!

I agree.

But I realize there are authors on here who write humiliation stories. They must appreciate and embrace such characteristics to effectively write those scenes.
When bombing others with 1's, they're living out their own power games in their own minds. They feel powerful in believing they are humiliating the other author.

I now look forward to comments on on my stories to get a better read on their reactions. Those who truly hate it for cause are revealing with their comments. '26thNC' for example posts "More Cuck shit" on a Loving Wives story, showing he's a bomber merely for such power games. He continues to read Loving Wives stories, repeatedly giving 1's and negative comments in a category known for such story lines!

Reading the same category over and over, and expecting different results??? LOL

So, some of those 1's are not an objective criticism of the story, but a power play by someone feeling the need to humiliate.

 

[ErosDivine]

I agree.

But I realize there are authors on here who write humiliation stories. They must appreciate and embrace such characteristics to effectively write those scenes.
When bombing others with 1's, they're living out their own power games in their own minds. They feel powerful in believing they are humiliating the other author.

I now look forward to comments on on my stories to get a better read on their reactions. Those who truly hate it for cause are revealing with their comments. '26thNC' for example posts "More Cuck shit" on a Loving Wives story, showing he's a bomber merely for such power games. He continues to read Loving Wives stories, repeatedly giving 1's and negative comments in a category known for such story lines!

Reading the same category over and over, and expecting different results??? LOL

So, some of those 1's are not an objective criticism of the story, but a power play by someone feeling the need to humiliate.

Lol you certainly have a unique way of looking at it. I like it and will steal it! I just wish there were a way to get genuine feedback from readers. I know there are request forms and places to post but wish it could come more organically. I actually do want to improve if readers have good feedback.

 

[ElectricBlue]

Lol you certainly have a unique way of looking at it. I like it and will steal it! I just wish there were a way to get genuine feedback from readers. I know there are request forms and places to post but wish it could come more organically. I actually do want to improve if readers have good feedback.

If you explicitly want feedback, bring the story to this Forum and ask for it directly.

My rule of thumb, from 100 plus chapters/stories, is 1 Vote per 100 Views, one comment per thousand. Lit is a low feedback zone - if a story is exceptionally good or spectacularly bad you'll know, but if you're right in the middle of the bell curve, it's mostly silence.

 

[Lifestyle66]

... I just wish there were a way to get genuine feedback from readers. I know there are request forms and places to post but wish it could come more organically.

I read your first story Kaylee's Awakening Ch. 01, and it's good descriptive writing. I think her enduring the racist BF for so long builds an image of her as a sub with low self-esteem. So, the sudden turn around to Dom isn't as credible.

 

[ErosDivine]

I read your first story Kaylee's Awakening Ch. 01, and it's good descriptive writing. I think her enduring the racist BF for so long builds an image of her as a sub with low self-esteem. So, the sudden turn around to Dom isn't as credible.

Yeah … I hear that. It’s my first and weakest story. The newer stuff is more refined. I e considered taking that stoypry down tbh. Thanks for reading and giving your honest assessment.

 

[Bramblethorn]

As a reader, I admit I don't quite understand the whole concept behind giving a story a "1" rating;

There has to be a bottom score on the scale, and it makes sense for that bottom to be 1. If we got rid of 1s, people would be complaining about 2s.

No author likes to be downvoted, we'd all prefer for readers to close the page rather than give us a bad rating. But if nobody downvotes bad stories, ratings are useless for readers (even more so than they currently are) and ultimately authors would be masturbating about inflated scores that don't represent the full range of reader reaction. (Again, even more so than currently.)

If I'm not the target audience, I generally don't vote on a story. For instance, GM doesn't do a lot for me, so if for some reason I am reading GM, I'm not going to punish those stories for being GM. If an author made the story hot enough to ring my bells despite GM not being my thing, I'd give them a 5* for that achievement, otherwise I probably wouldn't vote.

But when a story's just bad I don't feel any qualms about saying so with my vote. I've given 1s to stories that were practically unreadable. I've given 1s to stories that were racist as fuck, and other such hateful content, and I expect some of those authors would give 1s to the stuff I write. Some of those I read from start to finish, some I read just long enough to be sure they weren't going to get better. It's a favour to other readers for us to give those stories a honest 1* rather than just ducking out and not voting.

Otherwise we end up with this absurd situation where any rating short of a perfect score feels like a hostile act.

 

[Lifestyle66]

.... But when a story's just bad I don't feel any qualms about saying so with my vote. I've given 1s to stories that were practically unreadable. I've given 1s to stories that were racist as fuck, and other such hateful content, and I expect some of those authors would give 1s to the stuff I write. ...

Rating a story a 5 speaks for itself that the author should continue doing the same writing.

If you really hate a story and rate it a 1, then comment and tell the author WHY. But, rating 1 with no feedback serves no purpose. You failed to teach the author anything.

There are some who rate it a 1 and comment such as "More cuck shit" in a category rife with extra-marital affairs, suggesting they are just trolling for no good purpose.

While this is not an educational website, we SHOULD all appreciate better quality in the published stories.

 

[SimonDoom]

If you really hate a story and rate it a 1, then comment and tell the author WHY. But, rating 1 with no feedback serves no purpose. You failed to teach the author anything.

.

That's not the purpose of the rating system.

The purpose of the rating system is not to reward or educate authors. Its purpose is to provide information to readers so they can make more informed decisions about choosing stories they want to read. As authors we tend to forget that we are not the chief focus of this Site's features. Readers are.

In theory, I agree fully with Bramblethorn. The 1-5 rating system exists for a purpose, and no reader should feel any qualms about giving a 1 to a story if the reader genuinely feels that's what the story deserves. If you don't, then you are undermining the purpose of the rating system, and readers will have less accurate scores with which to make selection decisions.

In practice, I rarely give scores lower than 4, because I rarely finish a story if I don't think it deserves a 4 or better. I'm not sure I've ever given a 1 to any story. But I wouldn't fault someone for doing so. My only caveat to that is that I don't think a reader should give a 1 to a story simply because the reader hates the subject matter of the story. I respect others' kinks even when they are different from my own.

 

[ErosDivine]

That's not the purpose of the rating system.

The purpose of the rating system is not to reward or educate authors. Its purpose is to provide information to readers so they can make more informed decisions about choosing stories they want to read. As authors we tend to forget that we are not the chief focus of this Site's features. Readers are.

In theory, I agree fully with Bramblethorn. The 1-5 rating system exists for a purpose, and no reader should feel any qualms about giving a 1 to a story if the reader genuinely feels that's what the story deserves. If you don't, then you are undermining the purpose of the rating system, and readers will have less accurate scores with which to make selection decisions.

In practice, I rarely give scores lower than 4, because I rarely finish a story if I don't think it deserves a 4 or better. I'm not sure I've ever given a 1 to any story. But I wouldn't fault someone for doing so. My only caveat to that is that I don't think a reader should give a 1 to a story simply because the reader hates the subject matter of the story. I respect others' kinks even when they are different from my own.

Tbh it sounds like everyone here is in agreement especially on that last part.