Feedback Rawks

[lucky-E-leven]

I know there have been a squillion threads about feedback, and I can't remember a time I've posted in a single one of them. I think it's because I can't choose one that's the best or count out even the simplest of comments on any grounds. Feedback is wonderful in any form, to me.

That said, I received one today that finally helped me realize my favorite form of feedback.

I assume there are many different things a writer gets from hearing reader's comments:

1) Motivation
2) Constructive criticism
3) Pat on the back for a job well done
4) A clue that perhaps you missed the mark
5) I'm sure there are many, many more

I'm rambling ... but all I really wanted to say was this; My absolute favorite type of feedback is such that upon reading it, I have the sudden irresistible urge to go read the story myself. Nevermind that I wrote it and have fairly intimate knowledge of it throughout. Nevermind that I can recite entire paragraphs from it and know what's going to happen next at every turn. Nevermind that of all the things I've written there is only one piece I treat like an old classic that can be read and reread over a lifetime, and it is not posted here. Nevermind all of it. Thanks to that persons' comments I must go back and read that story.

It is probably the strangest impulse to read something that I can think of.

~lucky

 

[Guest]

huge smiles. i totally get what you mean. but usually i forget that ive written something...so when i go back and read it im fairly astonished that i did.
its early warning system for dementia.

i love your stuff almost as much as i love you.

 

[cloudy]

I know there have been a squillion threads about feedback, and I can't remember a time I've posted in a single one of them. I think it's because I can't choose one that's the best or count out even the simplest of comments on any grounds. Feedback is wonderful in any form, to me.

That said, I received one today that finally helped me realize my favorite form of feedback.

I assume there are many different things a writer gets from hearing reader's comments:

1) Motivation
2) Constructive criticism
3) Pat on the back for a job well done
4) A clue that perhaps you missed the mark
5) I'm sure there are many, many more

I'm rambling ... but all I really wanted to say was this; My absolute favorite type of feedback is such that upon reading it, I have the sudden irresistible urge to go read the story myself. Nevermind that I wrote it and have fairly intimate knowledge of it throughout. Nevermind that I can recite entire paragraphs from it and know what's going to happen next at every turn. Nevermind that of all the things I've written there is only one piece I treat like an old classic that can be read and reread over a lifetime, and it is not posted here. Nevermind all of it. Thanks to that persons' comments I must go back and read that story.

It is probably the strangest impulse to read something that I can think of.

~lucky

I completely understand. I've been there, especially if I get some feedback on one of my older things, and then I just HAVE to go back and read it to dovetail the reader's comments with what I'd written. Those "I get it!" moments are pretty cool.

 

[sophia jane]

huge smiles. i totally get what you mean. but usually i forget that ive written something...so when i go back and read it im fairly astonished that i did.
its early warning system for dementia.

i love your stuff almost as much as i love you.

Vella- I'm so glad I'm not the only one!! We can be senile together. It;s kinda fun being surprised though, because then I can get all impressed with myself.

 

[rgraham666]

Indeed.

Several of my older pieces received new comments this week.

And I re-read them.

And enjoyed them. t reminds me I can write good stuff.

Collected a one bomb on my latest as well, but who gives a shit what the trolls think?

 

[Aurora Black]

Indeed.

Several of my older pieces received new comments this week.

And I re-read them.

And enjoyed them. t reminds me I can write good stuff.

Collected a one bomb on my latest as well, but who gives a shit what the trolls think?

Hear hear!

 

[impressive]

... because then I can get all impressed with myself.

*nods*

 

[dr_mabeuse]

The best kind of feedback for me is one where you realize that the reader understood and felt exactly what you wanted them to from the story.

That feeling of connection is almost sexual.

The next best is where they point out meanings in the story you weren't aware of. That makes you feel smart and talented.

The worst kind is where they complain that the girl didn't get pregnant.

 

[cloudy]

The best kind of feedback for me is one where you realize that the reader understood and felt exactly what you wanted them to from the story.

That feeling of connection is almost sexual.

The next best is where they point out meanings in the story you weren't aware of. That makes you feel smart and talented.

The worst kind is where they complain that the girl didn't get pregnant.

You're familiar with Don, too, huh?

 

[Aurora Black]

The worst kind is where they complain that the girl didn't get pregnant.

What?

 

[impressive]

The worst kind is where they complain that the girl didn't get pregnant.

.... and on a F/F story, at that.

 

[rgraham666]

You're familiar with Don, too, huh?

Yep. Only with me he suggested a threesome between the main characters and the rather nasty ex of one of them.

Actually, on thinking about it, I'm very fond of feedback from my fellow AH denizens. They know what constitutes a good story.

 

[LadyJeanne]

I'm rambling ... but all I really wanted to say was this; My absolute favorite type of feedback is such that upon reading it, I have the sudden irresistible urge to go read the story myself.

I've had a few comments like this in the past couple weeks. There are some that make my stories sound way better than I remembered them to be, so I have to go and reread...as though the stories had somehow improved themselves while I wasn't looking.

 

[zeb1094]

You're familiar with Don, too, huh?

He hit me several times, good ole Don.

 

[Guest]

I love the feedback where the reader knew what you were doing... even if the writing was kind of out there, they got it and told you that they got it...

then there is the true to life writings.... the ones that hurt you to write the ones that the readers hug you because they knew what you were talking about