Feed back from authors why be mean about it?

[Middleson]

I just wanted to post this frustration. So i read a couple stories from an author today which will remain unnamed as it serves no purpose to name. I commented and rated them high cause i enjoyed. On couple of the stories i sent private feed back saying how i enjoyed the stories and how i thought they were a excellent writer with enjoyable stories.
I got a reply back via my email with a ? as title berating me for not using correct punctuation or grammar with run on sentences in my comments and messages. Never addressing any of the positive comments i sent or questions regarding future chapters or what to look forward to in future.

Honestly after a few back and forth emails where i apologized for my lack of writing skills i feel like a fan and reader who doesn't feel like responding with rating or comments cause my input is devalued based on my english comprehension.

Like i told them just cause I'm not a writer doesn't mean i can't appreciate their effort and work they place in writing good stories.

So i guess what I'm saying as authors or writers if you want us fans and readers to reach out or rate your stories be a little understanding and and take the message for what its intended as feed back and not disrespect!

 

[TarnishedPenny]

As both a writer and a reader, I cannot argue with that. I personally expect writers to have good grammar and spelling, but it enough that readers enjoy themselves.

 

[MillieDynamite]

I would say that the response was uncalled for. I think manners are as important as grammar when addressing other writers here.

 

[ElectricBlue]

I got a reply back via my email with a ? as title berating me for not using correct punctuation or grammar with run on sentences in my comments and messages. Never addressing any of the positive comments i sent or questions regarding future chapters or what to look forward to in future.

That's an asshat kind of response from a writer, to berate a fan because of their spelling and typos. Where does that even come from? That's high order jerkdom, in my book.

 

[SimonDoom]

That's not right. It's one thing to criticize the author of a story for poor grammar. But to criticize a reader who praises you -- talk about biting the hand that feeds you. That's poor behavior.

Sorry you got that response.

I hope you don't get discouraged. Most authors are not like that.

 

[MillieDynamite]

That's an asshat kind of response from a writer, to berate a fan because of their spelling and typos. Where does that even come from? That's high order jerkdom, in my book.

LOL you said asshat!

 

[MelissaBaby]

I just wanted to post this frustration. So i read a couple stories from an author today which will remain unnamed as it serves no purpose to name. I commented and rated them high cause i enjoyed. On couple of the stories i sent private feed back saying how i enjoyed the stories and how i thought they were a excellent writer with enjoyable stories.
I got a reply back via my email with a ? as title berating me for not using correct punctuation or grammar with run on sentences in my comments and messages. Never addressing any of the positive comments i sent or questions regarding future chapters or what to look forward to in future.

Honestly after a few back and forth emails where i apologized for my lack of writing skills i feel like a fan and reader who doesn't feel like responding with rating or comments cause my input is devalued based on my english comprehension.

Like i told them just cause I'm not a writer doesn't mean i can't appreciate their effort and work they place in writing good stories.

So i guess what I'm saying as authors or writers if you want us fans and readers to reach out or rate your stories be a little understanding and and take the message for what its intended as feed back and not disrespect!

Some people are just assholes.

You can read my stuff and tell me how good it is all you want.

 

[litfan10]

I just wanted to post this frustration. So i read a couple stories from an author today which will remain unnamed as it serves no purpose to name. I commented and rated them high cause i enjoyed. On couple of the stories i sent private feed back saying how i enjoyed the stories and how i thought they were a excellent writer with enjoyable stories.
I got a reply back via my email with a ? as title berating me for not using correct punctuation or grammar with run on sentences in my comments and messages. Never addressing any of the positive comments i sent or questions regarding future chapters or what to look forward to in future.

Honestly after a few back and forth emails where i apologized for my lack of writing skills i feel like a fan and reader who doesn't feel like responding with rating or comments cause my input is devalued based on my english comprehension.

Like i told them just cause I'm not a writer doesn't mean i can't appreciate their effort and work they place in writing good stories.

So i guess what I'm saying as authors or writers if you want us fans and readers to reach out or rate your stories be a little understanding and and take the message for what its intended as feed back and not disrespect!

Wow, just wow.
A reader takes the time to comment and then email accolades and gets berated in turn by the author.
Wow.
What a total dick.
Pure and simple
I am so sorry you experienced this.

 

[lovecraft68]

As others said that's a dick move. First off, you're not a writer, second you're praising their work, and third taking time to do something 90% of the readers here never do which is send feedback.

Its frustrating to other authors because we want to hear from the readers and dipshits like that discourage people from doing so.

Seeing we're here, any of you ever reply to feedback and have the reader say "wow, most author's never respond?"

That doesn't help either.

 

[MillieDynamite]

As others said that's a dick move. First off, you're not a writer, second you're praising their work, and third taking time to do something 90% of the readers here never do which is send feedback.

Its frustrating to other authors because we want to hear from the readers and dipshits like that discourage people from doing so.

Seeing we're here, any of you ever reply to feedback and have the reader say "wow, most author's never respond?"

That doesn't help either.

I always write them back. They took the time, I can take the time. And yes, everyone has been shocked when I respond. I use to respond to every comment, positive or negative on my stories, not so much anymore on that. Shame on me.

 

[KeithD]

I just wanted to post this frustration. So i read a couple stories from an author today which will remain unnamed as it serves no purpose to name. I commented and rated them high cause i enjoyed. On couple of the stories i sent private feed back saying how i enjoyed the stories and how i thought they were a excellent writer with enjoyable stories.
I got a reply back via my email with a ? as title berating me for not using correct punctuation or grammar with run on sentences in my comments and messages. Never addressing any of the positive comments i sent or questions regarding future chapters or what to look forward to in future.

Continue reading their stories if you enjoy them, but feel no compulsion to either vote the stories or comment on them again.

 

[litfan10]

I once had a job that allowed me to meet many NBA players and coaches. When I got my courage up, I would ask some of them for autographs. One (famous) player /coach took my autograph book and scribbled all over it. That made me so mad and I thought from then on he was a real jerk! From that point forward I always rooted for any other team that his team played to win. Out of the 75 or so autographs I acquired, he was the only bad apple.

I guess my point is that you shouldn't think that the response you received will be the way all authors will respond. I think a lot of them will appreciate the positive feedback and thank you for being a fan.

I remember many years ago going to a huge book convention in NYC. A huge upcoming author (now deceased)was one of the authors in attendance. Now most authors sign at their publisher's table in the main room which is great as while you are in line you can still browse other tables and grab books as the line moves.

This particular author demanded a private room in a hall off the main floor. I found this out afterwards during the cocktail hour with one of the reps I knew. Okay, he was fairly new and becoming huge and I was there for the whole convention, so I got in the line which went down the hall and into the main room blocking some publisher tables who weren't happy with the situation.
Finally from the other end the author walks in with an entourage. He stops, looks at the line and turned to someone in his group, "Nope, not enough people." He then left.
None of us in line could believe it. But I was there and it did happen. Reps from the publisher (Putnam I think) rushed forward to give us tons of freebies, but nope, I never bought another book by that author.

 

[Middleson]

Now i will say i read mostly in the romance, taboo category. I enjoy stories that have build up and storyline with plots and emotions and i have sent feed back to just about all the authors i have read. Some has been praising their writing and telling them how much i enjoyed their creativity and imagination. Others times begging them to continue on with their ideas or offering suggestions as to how i would love to see the story go.
Up until today i have received replies back from maybe 50% of the authors and the others no reply.
As a reader i enjoy hearing back knowing that my comments were acknowledged and have some repor with them. It makes them feel more human or friendly to me that they acknowledge fans of their work.

Hell there is one author on here i struck up an online friendship discussing story ideas and personal tidbits about each others lives.
I have had other authors write email back saying they open to suggestions or ideas. Which is fantastic as a reader to know your heard.

I love giving feedback specially to new authors to encourage them to pursue it as they show talent and promise.

Regardless of this one author who she claims to be an undergrad and educated ill continue to read her stories cause i enjoy her writing but not sure ill rate or comment on them anymore.

 

[MillieDynamite]

The only time I haven't responded was when someone sent some very inappropriate, and frankly disgusting, comments speculating on the "real" ages of the people in the story and wanted to know more than I was willing to tell while insinuating I must've been a tease "at that age". Not cool, no response. It usually takes a few emails before things attempt to go there, lol.

I have had more than my share of in appropriate and highly creepy emails once communication had been established. So, I hear you on that!

 

[Panty Wrangler]

I think I may be in one of those now. Someone pm’d me based on a post and it’s just gone from kinda weird and blunt to fairly creepy. Yech.

I think if someone were to send me a PM for a story with anything even resembling positive feedback I’d be far to flattered that they took the time to really care about something minor like punctuation.

 

[Kumquatqueen]

That author was just a tosser. That's British for 'asshat'.

Messages, especially compliments, are rare and appreciated by practically all authors - except the ones that are just trying to start sexting. I've had about a dozen messages in all my time on this site, and the half that weren't creepy were very much appreciated.

The others were either immediately creepy or became so as soon as I replied. I can see how a popular author could end up assuming creepy intent as a default.

 

[PennameWombat]

<snip>
Like i told them just cause I'm not a writer doesn't mean i can't appreciate their effort and work they place in writing good stories.

So i guess what I'm saying as authors or writers if you want us fans and readers to reach out or rate your stories be a little understanding and and take the message for what its intended as feed back and not disrespect!

This is all 'wow' . I'd only expect grammar and usage in feedback or a direct message to be precise if that feedback is specifically critiquing my grammar and/or usage.

Otherwise, if you're just letting me know you enjoyed my story or as one did letting me know that they'd identified some of my obfuscated settings[1], I send a thank you!

We all have bad days, but my goal is to be respectful to anyone who takes the time to comment or send me feedback. Except for the one comment I deleted because it was rude beyond measure. No other response needed there.

[1] Bit of a game in some of my stories, I don't tell where they are but it's based on a real setting. Only one so far has let me know they figured it out. Others may have as well and just kept it to themselves.

 

[Bramblethorn]

Well, that sounds like a shitty author indeed.

 

[LAHomedog]

I read your post and my first thought was, "What a putz."

May I move into neurology for a moment?

I am not a shrink, but my adult son is what is now know as "twice-exceptional." That means "gifted/highly gifted with learning disabilities."

That means he is what is known as "on the spectrum." He is not autistic or Aspergers, he is dysgraphic, but on the spectrum.

I know a lot about this. I suggest that when folks react like this what you are seeing is neurology Yes, there is little or no social filter on the web, but that kind of reaction strikes me as Aspergers.

I think that was neurology commenting and should be ignored.

 

[Panty Wrangler]

I think that was neurology commenting and should be ignored.

Good point! We really don't know the author's state of mind or what they may have going on at their end. A "let it slide" attitude is probably better for everyone's mental health.

There could be many reasons a a person might reply rudely like this author did. They may be an asshat. They may be having the worst possible day dealing with pressures we have no clue about. They may be on the spectrum and perhaps an excellent writer, but nevertheless someone who struggles to interact normally. Regardless, a don't-take-it-personally, let-it-slide and move on approach is probably the healthiest choice.

 

[ElectricBlue]

Good point! We really don't know the author's state of mind or what they may have going on at their end. A "let it slide" attitude is probably better for everyone's mental health.

There could be many reasons a a person might reply rudely like this author did. They may be an asshat. They may be having the worst possible day dealing with pressures we have no clue about. They may be on the spectrum and perhaps an excellent writer, but nevertheless someone who struggles to interact normally. Regardless, a don't-take-it-personally, let-it-slide and move on approach is probably the healthiest choice.

There are plenty of folk here on the spectrum who are courteous. In my experience, it's the assholes who aren't. If it quacks...

 

[gordo12]

I just wanted to post this frustration. So i read a couple stories from an author today which will remain unnamed as it serves no purpose to name. I commented and rated them high cause i enjoyed. On couple of the stories i sent private feed back saying how i enjoyed the stories and how i thought they were a excellent writer with enjoyable stories.
I got a reply back via my email with a ? as title berating me for not using correct punctuation or grammar with run on sentences in my comments and messages. Never addressing any of the positive comments i sent or questions regarding future chapters or what to look forward to in future.

Honestly after a few back and forth emails where i apologized for my lack of writing skills i feel like a fan and reader who doesn't feel like responding with rating or comments cause my input is devalued based on my english comprehension.

Like i told them just cause I'm not a writer doesn't mean i can't appreciate their effort and work they place in writing good stories.

So i guess what I'm saying as authors or writers if you want us fans and readers to reach out or rate your stories be a little understanding and and take the message for what its intended as feed back and not disrespect!

What a pity. I enjoy the emails I get and always respond unless it's an absolute pile of shit.

Also the no response authors may be using an unmonitored throw away email address.

As others said that's a dick move. First off, you're not a writer, second you're praising their work, and third taking time to do something 90% of the readers here never do which is send feedback.

Its frustrating to other authors because we want to hear from the readers and dipshits like that discourage people from doing so.

Seeing we're here, any of you ever reply to feedback and have the reader say "wow, most author's never respond?"

That doesn't help either.

Nor does the "one-word" response type.

 

[Middleson]

I honestly believe this author she is highly intelligent and educated and just gets insulted that someone like myself cant take the time use proper english or insulting what she perceives to be her honed craft.
I can understand that some but at same time dont make jard for me to pay you a compliment or ask for more of your imagination or creativity!
I think something some authors need to keep in mind also is english is not always first language to some readers and fans. I am portuguese and was raised in dual language environment. Portuguese at home and English at school so language often get mingled and mixed up and i didnt pick up proper understanding of the writing. Ex verbs,nouns, punctuation as they differ. At one point i attended 2 schools. English during day and portuguese at night.
But excuses aside. I will be checking out some of your stories from this thread. I did yesterday and was surprised by 2 stories one easily a becoming a favorite.

 

[TarnishedPenny]

But excuses aside. I will be checking out some of your stories from this thread. I did yesterday and was surprised by 2 stories one easily a becoming a favorite.

Thanks! I do hope you find yourself. Not all writers are ill-mannered.

 

[Bramblethorn]

They may be on the spectrum and perhaps an excellent writer, but nevertheless someone who struggles to interact normally.

There are plenty of folk here on the spectrum who are courteous.

Appreciated

Yeah, autistic people will sometimes tread on toes unintentionally - I was in my twenties before I figured out that it was usually considered rude to publicly correct people's spelling/grammar. But berating people for spelling/grammar isn't particularly an autistic trait.

I'm sure PantyWrangler's comment was meant well, but applying "maybe they're on the spectrum" any time somebody acts out is not helpful to autistic people. It just encourages people to associate us with asshole behaviour.