Feedback requests in the Hangout

[KillerMuffin]

I'm of the opinion that we should not encourage these threads to propogate. There are (or were before I posted this) three such threads on the first page. Lit has a free story feedback forum already, so it's not like we'd be denying anyone a chance to ask for free feedback. We also have another feedback forum that's not quite so free. That's two forums where people can get feedback. We don't need to turn a perfectly good generalish author board into another feedback spam board.

I think that rather than give these people feedback, a simple yet polite welcome to the Hangout and a few directions as to how to find the Story Feedback forum would be a better reply than to give feedback.

If people think they can get free feedback from experienced authors here, well, I think we'd be over-run with feedback spam before you know it.

 

[TheEarl]

Hear hear.

The Earl

 

[jfinn]

I was wondering about that myself. I agree, it's kind of a waste to have an author's feed back section if everyone is going to post requests here.

Jayne

 

[Guest]

Actually, Muffie, I think many of the unmoderated threads need a good house cleaning.

 

[Pookie]

I agree with KM. There is already a Feedback forum for all, and a another for the more daring after they participate in providing feedback themselves.

ProofreadManx mentions "house cleaning" other unmoderated threads. So what other things should not be in the AH along with story feedback requests?

This is the label under the heading of the main menu:
"Have a question for the author of your favorite story? Need some help writing your own story? Ask in here."

I don't mind limiting my posts to just this if that is what everyone wants. Some of the threads in here can go off on some wild tangents at times. If the majority feel that is out of line or shouldn't occur to the degree it does now, I will be more than happy to go along with what everyone else thinks.


Pookie

 

[Rumple Foreskin]

Not only yes, but HELL yes!

In 25 words or less: I agree, about 100%, with KM and every other person who has replied, so far, on this thread.

RF

 

[Guest]

amen, sister friend, preach on

I agree regarding feedback requests. It is one thing for a story to come up on a thread regarding a specific writing issue. It is another for the sole purpose of the thread to be soliciting feedback.

As I have stated before, I believe letting the market drive what remains on the first page is important. Hence, I am bumping this thread.

The only suggestion I have is to let the "kindly redirector" rotate among the oldies... no one wants to become the "thread nazi" (for those that didn't watch Seinfeld, I am NOT being rude).

b

 

[TheEarl]

This is the label under the heading of the main menu:
"Have a question for the author of your favorite story? Need some help writing your own story? Ask in here."

I don't mind limiting my posts to just this if that is what everyone wants. Some of the threads in here can go off on some wild tangents at times. If the majority feel that is out of line or shouldn't occur to the degree it does now, I will be more than happy to go along with what everyone else thinks.

I heartily disagree! I'd actually be really disappointed if the talk was restricted to exactly what it says on the tin. Agree that feedback sponging should go, but not at the expense of the inane chatter.

The Earl

 

[wildsweetone]

for the most part i agree... feedback would be best kept to either the SDC or the SF boards.

i do not want to see the Authors Hangout restricted only to

"Have a question for the author of your favorite story? Need some help writing your own story? Ask in here."

i am doing my bit (for what it's worth) in helping myself and other authors to learn their abilities with regards to fiction writing. i would sincerely miss being able to share with other authors, who are seriously trying to improve their own writing, the 'exercise' type threads i've been posting.

i think that both the participants and those simply reading the exercise threads, may well be learning more about their writing than just how to squeeze in an advert for their own work.

of course, if people would prefer i stop posting those 'exercise' threads, then i'll bow to your preferences.

 

[Guest]

say it ain't so

of course, if people would prefer i stop posting those 'exercise' threads, then i'll bow to your preferences.

WSO-

I think you are greatly appreciated for your creative spurs to writing. Those threads are a plus to this Forum.

This is where we "Hang Out" and making our little gray cells work is good for us.

b

 

[Pookie]

WSO, I personally think the exercises that you and some others post from time to time are very helpful for new and experienced writers in honing their skills. I wish I had time to participate in those exercises. Those exercises would easily be within the described intent listed as the AH forum's purpose.

I guess I am asking more about those times when a number of us (me included) go off on our little tangents that probably have nothing to do with this forum's intent as described. If it irritates anyone, I don't mind ceasing my participation in those types of things. I personally don't want to scare away any authors from participating if they feel the off topic chatter is not appropriate. Proofreadmanx indicated that many threads need a good house cleaning. Is that the feeling of anyone else? If so, then I will stop with my participation of making a mess of some threads and just stick to the topic being discussed.


Pookie

 

[openthighs_sarah]

Proofreadmanx indicated that many threads need a good house cleaning. Is that the feeling of anyone else? If so, then I will stop with my participation of making a mess of some threads and just stick to the topic being discussed.

I don't think he meant off-topic posts within a thread, or even friendly off-topic threads in general -- only that some of the forums quickly become filled with general posts by its "regulars", and this might scare off newcomers (or others) who are genuinely interested in that forum.

Regardless of how it's described on the main forum page, I think of this forum as being, specifically, a place where authors can communicate with each other -- and that (to me) should include asking for help, offering advice, joking, discussing stories and writing in a general sense, and everything else that comes (in particular, and no pun intended) with being a Lit author: feedback, voting, submission ideas, story categories, etc. But -- and this is only my personal take on the matter, and I could be completely off-base -- I think there's a natural tendency, when someone wants to share something of personal interest (and perhaps off-forum-topic) to want to share it with familiar people. If it doesn't take over the forum, and if the forum doesn't become so clique-ish that newcomers feel unwelcome, I don't think this is a bad thing. (And I don't think this is what happened with the gentleman last night -- anyone who reacts that way to sarcasm, gentle or otherwise, has no place on a public forum with a bunch of extremely self-confident, eclectic and literate folks.)

I like your posts, Pookie_grrl, and I don't want you to stop. I don't mind moving my own non-Lit posts to the General Board to keep this forum cleaner, though.

 

[john_mcleod]

argh, i was one of those who asked for feedback

i didn't realise i'd stepped on anyones toes to be honest, then again ignorance is hardly a clever defense.

so i'll apologise and be done with it

sorry!

John

 

[openthighs_sarah]

argh, i was one of those who asked for feedback

i didn't realise i'd stepped on anyones toes to be honest, then again ignorance is hardly a clever defense.

so i'll apologise and be done with it

sorry!

John

No apology necessary, John -- we just need to point you in the right direction and say 'Welcome', that's all. You're always welcome to stay and hang out, though.

 

[Pookie]

argh, i was one of those who asked for feedback

i didn't realise i'd stepped on anyones toes to be honest, then again ignorance is hardly a clever defense.

so i'll apologise and be done with it

sorry!

John

Don't apologise. Virgins aren't expected to always know where things go.

And Welcome.


Pookie

 

[john_mcleod]

i know this is off topic, so sorry for warping the thread a lil KM, but i was going to ask about that

virgin - i assume it's becuase i'm new, but is it really nessesary?

i spent enough time trying to lose it the first time

naturally i was suprised to see it had grown back so when can i expect to, erm how to put i, pop my cherry?

John

 

[Pookie]

Unlike sex, it takes doing it thirty times before you lose your virginity here. Then you will be officially "Experienced".


Pookie

 

[hiddenself]

First one I've bumped in all my (short) Lit life.

 

[Gabriel_Lee]

originally posted by Pookie_grrl
Unlike sex, it takes doing it thirty times before you lose your virginity here. Then you will be officially "Experienced".

Roll on 30! (27 and counting)

And BTW, I agree with the comments on feedback requests.

 

[TheEarl]

I wouldn't want to move all extraneous chatter to the general board. I like this place as it is. The General Board is too big and too many people. Sure, I poke my head in occasionally, but I don't really know anyone there. This is where all the people I know are and blethering here is fun.

The Earl

 

[Couture]

I say we give them really bad feedback. Like, "do us all a favor and amputate your fingers."

After the first couple of times, no one will dare ask for feedback again.

 

[TheEarl]

Ah that is absolutely superb! Lmao. I think you're onto somethign there.

The Earl

 

[MathGirl]

Hur hur

Originally posted by Pookie_grrl Virgins aren't expected to always know where things go.

Dear Pookie,
Why didn't I think of that bon mot.
MG

 

[KillerMuffin]

I don't have a problem with general chatter or writing exercises or various discussions or whatever. I don't even have a problem with hijacked threads (I've hijacked more than you can shake a stick at).

I do have a problem with three types of threads, requests for feedback, latest chapter has been posted spam, and personal ads. I'm just relieved to know that I'm not in a minority of one here.



I also think that gentle and polite reminders are the way to go. So, could someone please show me how to do these things? Thank you!

 

[wildsweetone]

Hi KM, excuse me for quoting you but as an example,

The Story Feedback forum is the appropriate place to advertise your writing.

We certainly appreciate your future consideration for this forum.

Thank you!

in my opinion:
-the inclusion of the smiley face helps tone down the succinctness of your comments.

-i'd probably reword the second sentence to something more 'informal' sounding but saying the same. i.e. Feel free to come back and join other threads. - or some such thing.

-you've said what needed saying without hurting anyone.

- saying 'Hi .....' could also be used as a friendly start.

not that you needed it, but i hope my thoughts help.
wso