General Comments on stories

[Rad'l]

As a new reader - I must admit that I have enjoyed the stories but - and this is a big but - I notice all the typos, misspellings, and the occaisional use of the wrong word, i.e. taunt for taut (form of tight) etc. In spite of my fascination with the subject I am distracted. Is there anything I can do to help?

I notice that this pane does not have a spell checker; in the future I'll compose messages in a program that does have a checker and then clip and paste.

 

[justathought555]

As a new reader - I must admit that I have enjoyed the stories but - and this is a big but - I notice all the typos, misspellings, and the occaisional use of the wrong word, i.e. taunt for taut (form of tight) etc. In spite of my fascination with the subject I am distracted. Is there anything I can do to help?

I notice that this pane does not have a spell checker; in the future I'll compose messages in a program that does have a checker and then clip and paste.

There is a lot more tolerance for typos and misspelled words in posts than in stories, so don't worry too much. As long as your posts are understandable, it shouldn't be a problem.

As far as stories go, that is another issue entirely. As you pointed out, mistakes that are forgivable in posts help make stories unreadable. Word processor spellcheck functions can help, but they are no substitute for having a friend <begin subtle hint> or Volunteer Editor <end subtle hint> go over the story first.

If you want to help and are qualified, look into becoming a volunteer editor. Many of the people on this board will be able to advise you of the work involved.

As an author, the only thing that I would ask is that if you do become one, please respond to requests for help (even if your response is 'no'.) The editor program is a great idea, but the biggest complaint with it is the number of people on the list that do not answer when an author asks for assistance.

Hope this helps!

 

[snooper]

... and are qualified, ...

Qualified? You have to have qualifications to be a VE?

 

[justathought555]

Qualified? You have to have qualifications to be a VE?

Ummm, well, 'qualified' for my purposes means that potential VE can differentiate between bad writing and good, can suggest the changes needed to turn the former into the latter, and are willing to help others.

That last point may be the most important, because the first two can be learned on the fly.

So, to answer your question, Yes.

IMO, anyway.

 

[brightlyiburn]

As far as stories go, that is another issue entirely. As you pointed out, mistakes that are forgivable in posts help make stories unreadable.

So it's okay to have mistakes in posts but not stories?
You know, I can understand when there are so many mistakes that you can't get through a sentence without finding at least one or two. But why people complain about the occasional typo is beyond me. They happen in books that you go out and buy in the bookstore. You're not even paying for the stories here!

 

[davidwatts]

So it's okay to have mistakes in posts but not stories?
You know, I can understand when there are so many mistakes that you can't get through a sentence without finding at least one or two. But why people complain about the occasional typo is beyond me. They happen in books that you go out and buy in the bookstore. You're not even paying for the stories here!

Bravo! Every story I have ever wriiten has one or two things (formatting/typo/spelling) that I absolutely cringe at when I see them. Whether it was an edit that didn't take, carelessness on my part or whatever. I'm more pissed than the average reader, that I can assure you. One or two minor flaws do not ruin a story.

There are a few stories I've seen where there was no attention to detail whatsoever. That, I can understand being annoyed about. Otherwise, for the nitpickers out there, refunds are cheerfully given.

 

[Guest]

So it's okay to have mistakes in posts but not stories?
You know, I can understand when there are so many mistakes that you can't get through a sentence without finding at least one or two. But why people complain about the occasional typo is beyond me. They happen in books that you go out and buy in the bookstore. You're not even paying for the stories here!

Bravo! Every story I have ever wriiten has one or two things (formatting/typo/spelling) that I absolutely cringe at when I see them. Whether it was an edit that didn't take, carelessness on my part or whatever. I'm more pissed than the average reader, that I can assure you. One or two minor flaws do not ruin a story.

There are a few stories I've seen where there was no attention to detail whatsoever. That, I can understand being annoyed about. Otherwise, for the nitpickers out there, refunds are cheerfully given.

_______

Well-stated.

BTW, brightlyiburn and davidwatts, I enjoy your stories, two wonderful contributors to Lit.



A certain level of tolerance is required of the casual visitor (or avid) reader here, to get beyond the inherent weaknesses at this free speech experiment Laurel and Manu call Literotica.

We sometimes forget how much intense and personal energy went into Lit's library of erotica, made available for both critique and enjoyment to all adult visitors here, but written by many brave non-professionals, venturing into subjects we can only fantasize about (or live!) in our day-to-day lives. What a great opportunity for self-expression by the community at large to contribute and share in an amateur writer’s dream, to share in the enjoyment of intimacy with others.

There aren't many sites quite like this that invite the common (or uncommon) writer to participate in this outlet of free-expression of deep, personal, creative thought transformed to text. So consider the source, dear understanding reader, if the occasional unexpected fart or burp appear in a story—it sometimes happens in real life at the most inconvenient times, too. Our advice—mine certainly—is get beyond it (if not most of it), and enjoy the rest of your visit here. And if a story disturbs you so much because of errors in grammar, spellings, or punctuation, don't despair: you're only one mouse click away to move forward to another. Thousands are available, free of charge, and certainly you'll find at least one if not many others to your liking.

Manxy.

 

[davidwatts]

_______

Well-stated.

BTW, brightlyiburn and davidwatts, I enjoy your stories, two wonderful contributors to Lit.



A certain level of tolerance is required of the casual visitor (or avid) reader here, to get beyond the inherent weaknesses at this free speech experiment Laurel and Manu call Literotica.

We sometimes forget how much intense and personal energy went into Lit's library of erotica, made available for both critique and enjoyment to all adult visitors here, but written by many brave non-professionals, venturing into subjects we can only fantasize about (or live!) in our day-to-day lives. What a great opportunity for self-expression by the community at large to contribute and share in an amateur writer’s dream, to share in the enjoyment of intimacy with others.

There aren't many sites quite like this that invite the common (or uncommon) writer to participate in this outlet of free-expression of deep, personal, creative thought transformed to text. So consider the source, dear understanding reader, if the occasional unexpected fart or burp appear in a story—it sometimes happens in real life at the most inconvenient times, too. Our advice—mine certainly—is get beyond it (if not most of it), and enjoy the rest of your visit here. And if a story disturbs you so much because of errors in grammar, spellings, or punctuation, don't despair: you're only one mouse click away to move forward to another. Thousands are available, free of charge, and certainly you'll find at least one if not many others to your liking.

Manxy.

Yet another piece I wish I had written

 

[LadyCibelle]

Qualified? You have to have qualifications to be a VE?

Unless I'm wrong, and I admit I could be, "qualified" doesn't necessarily mean that you need to have a diploma Snoop

Qualified can also mean that you know what you're doing. Certificate, diplomas are one thing....BUT...noting compares to real life experience.

 

[brightlyiburn]

Unless I'm wrong, and I admit I could be, "qualified" doesn't necessarily mean that you need to have a diploma Snoop

Qualified can also mean that you know what you're doing. Certificate, diplomas are one thing....BUT...noting compares to real life experience.

I have to argue that in some cases, second-hand experience is completely unbeatable. For example, watching my sister bounce from one fast food job to the next cause she dropped out of high school taught me the lesson of not dropping out very well. And I didn't even have to live it!

BTW, LadyC, I sent you the next chapter of Taming. I finally got it done! Yay!

 

[Rad'l]

Revised general comment

Thinking further to my comment on typos and such - Is there a protocol for pointing out such mistakes that they might be corrected in later editions?

And I might point out to myself that I used “i.e.” when I should have used “e.g.” in my original post that started this thread.

 

[Moonm8]

I suppose you could find a way to tactfully let an author know that excessive grammatical errors ruined an otherwise great story for you, but I would not use public comments to do so.

I have read some stories that I couldn't finish because of the preponderance of errors, but I just moved on because that is just a hang up of mine. Some people, probably most people, are able to look beyond such things and enjoy the story for what it is.

As far as qualifications to be a VE go, I've seen too many college graduates who cannot spell college to put a lot of faith in diplomas as a qualification. Either you are capable and willing, or you are not.

Overall I enjoy and appreciate the contributions of those who make this an enjoyable website, and I will continue to visit for many years to come.

 

[davidwatts]

Thinking further to my comment on typos and such - Is there a protocol for pointing out such mistakes that they might be corrected in later editions?

And I might point out to myself that I used “i.e.” when I should have used “e.g.” in my original post that started this thread.

Yes, there is actually a way for us authors to do this. I have resisted the urge so far, preferring to send my poor little bastards out there as they are. If there was a more permanent sanctuary for these feeble writings of mine I would consider it. But stories simply do not get read after they leave the New section (not read meaning that after that, it's dribs and drabs for the most part).

 

[Rad'l]

Not Read???

Yes, there is actually a way for us authors to do this. I have resisted the urge so far, preferring to send my poor little bastards out there as they are. If there was a more permanent sanctuary for these feeble writings of mine I would consider it. But stories simply do not get read after they leave the New section (not read meaning that after that, it's dribs and drabs for the most part).

I would disagree that stories don't get read after they leave the New section - - I have been browsing a section of special interest to my perverse tastes for several weeks. It was my reading in this special section that promted me to join Lit so that I could start this thread and post to the forum!

 

[davidwatts]

I would disagree that stories don't get read after they leave the New section - - I have been browsing a section of special interest to my perverse tastes for several weeks. It was my reading in this special section that promted me to join Lit so that I could start this thread and post to the forum!

Not read was perhaps an overreach on my part so let me clarify. The most important day for any story is the first day it gets put up and it can be found on the first page of New. I get over half of my votes and reads on that first day.

Once the stories totally leave the New section (and of course I use only my own experiences for this statement), the number of reads does go down to a relative trickle, You get the people that are looking for something in particular, like yourself. You also get readers that have discovered something else of yours (probably in the New section) and explore your catalog.

Outside of that, the sheer number of stories on Literotica makes the likelihood of a story being read grow less probable. This is where a clever title can help catch the casual browser. Why check out "Two People Have Sex" when you can read something with a little more flair in the title.

Rad'l, I commend you for exploring the entire catalogue and I hope you make use of the different search methods available to help readers find stories in their range of interest. Please note that I have refrained from asking what perversions you seek, even though my curiousity is aroused.

 

[brightlyiburn]

Outside of that, the sheer number of stories on Literotica makes the likelihood of a story being read grow less probable. This is where a clever title can help catch the casual browser. Why check out "Two People Have Sex" when you can read something with a little more flair in the title.

At least with a story called "Two People Have Sex" you know what to expect.

Actually, if it was a humor/satire story, that would be a good title.

 

[elsol]

My suggestion on typos, grammar.

Send the writer feedback saying:

"Hello... I really enjoyed the story and here is why... reason 1 why I liked the story, reason 2 why I liked the story."

One of these should be about how the story turned you on.

Then at the end sneak in a little 'I noticed a couple of tiny grammatical problems and typos, would you like me to send them to you?'

From the reply, you'll know if you're wasting your time. But writers have egos, and they'll want to hear more from you so your efforst will more than likely not be wasted even if it enters the writer blackhole. They'll throw you the grammar bone to keep you reading their stuff.

My reply is usually "Why didn't you send them in the first email and save yourself time? I'm a writer, I can't check every little thing and still expect to give a shout of 'He's alive! She's alive! They're fucking! when I'm done. That's what editors and proofreaders are for and obviously they failed... yet AGAIN! So... do you need a thankless, non-paying job?"

But then again that's just me, and I consider every little typo and misspelling a place that could eject a reader from my control... big NO-NO!

Although, I reserve the right to break every grammar rule in the book, but since I conciously choose to use an Oxford comma I think I'm allowed.

Sincerely,
ElSol

 

[Weird Harold]

My reply is usually "Why didn't you send them in the first email and save yourself time? ..."

I can't speak for everyone else, but I've learned that manyauthors don't want to hear anything but how great they are and respond, "it's just a fuckin porn story, fer crissakes. who cares bout spelling and grammar?" to any technical advice -- such as how to spell THEN and THAN and how to tell the difference.

My usual comment in unsolicited feedback is along the lines of, "a very interesting story, unfortunately my enjoyment of it was marred by technical and spelling errors."

 

[LadyCibelle]

I can't speak for everyone else, but I've learned that manyauthors don't want to hear anything but how great they are and respond, "it's just a fuckin porn story, fer crissakes. who cares bout spelling and grammar?" to any technical advice -- such as how to spell THEN and THAN and how to tell the difference.

My usual comment in unsolicited feedback is along the lines of, "a very interesting story, unfortunately my enjoyment of it was marred by technical and spelling errors."

I agree with you WH...I sent unsolicited feedback and corrections on a story to an author and that's what I got "it's only porn, who cares about grammar and spelling" on top of a load of shit coming from this author and his/her friends. It degenerated badly and now I've learned to only give feedback when asked.

IMHO it's a shame though, cause this particular author's story would have been so much better if he/she had taken the time to care for the quality of his/her story. Sorry if you see plenty of he/she but I don't want to name names

 

[Weird Harold]

IMHO it's a shame though, cause this particular author's story would have been so much better if he/she had taken the time to care for the quality of his/her story.

I have trouble with some author's inability to see how the technical quality of their work makes them appear to the reader -- spelling and grmmar erros suficient to send me into "translator mode" leave me with the impression that the author doesn't care if they appear to be semi-literate (at best.)

Personally, I have too much ego and pride in my language skills to want anything I post to present anything less than an image of extreme competence.

One of the best compliments I've ever received on my writing was couched as a criticism -- "Your descriptions make your main character sound like a Japanese Elementary School Girl." Since that is exactly the image I wanted... Well, I can take that kind of criticism all dy.

PS: I think the best thing an editor can do is ask, "Is this really the image you wanted to portray?"

 

[brightlyiburn]

I agree with you WH...I sent unsolicited feedback and corrections on a story to an author and that's what I got "it's only porn, who cares about grammar and spelling" on top of a load of shit coming from this author and his/her friends. It degenerated badly and now I've learned to only give feedback when asked.[/I]

Every now and then someone says something to me about my typos. In fact, I just got one from some guy complaining that it brings the quality of my stories down. However, there aren't very many, and a lot less in my newer work. I've gotten better at picking up on them when they happen, now that I've been doing this for awhile. Certainly not enough to "ruin" a story. As I've said, I can understand if the whole story is one big typo. But to get that bent out of shape is silly. There's a guy who better never go out to the bookstore and buy a book. Seems a shame to waste almost $10 if a little typo will ruin the whole book for him.
'Course, if you're working on Microsoft Word, it sometimes likes to change spellings or sentences so that they no longer make sense. Which is why I stopped using it. If I don't catch it when I changes it, I don't realize it did it. How utterly typica of a Microsoft program.
Seriously, LadyC has been editing some of my stuff and I'm sure if she thought there was enough typos to ruin the story, she'd tell me.
(I get the impression that for some reason when the text files go through, it removes all my apostrophes. What the heck is that? )

 

[Weird Harold]

'Course, if you're working on Microsoft Word, it sometimes likes to change spellings or sentences so that they no longer make sense. Which is why I stopped using it.

(I get the impression that for some reason when the text files go through, it removes all my apostrophes. What the heck is that? )

It takes all of about ten seconds to turn the "autocorrect while typing" function off.

Likewise, it take about ten second to tell MS Word to use Straight Quotes insted of Smart Quotes.

It take another ten seconds or so to get Word to remember to leave them turned off by updating NORMAL.DOT.

 

[Rad'l]

My suggestion on typos, grammar.

Send the writer feedback saying:

"Hello... I really enjoyed the story and here is why... reason 1 why I liked the story, reason 2 why I liked the story."

One of these should be about how the story turned you on.

Then at the end sneak in a little 'I noticed a couple of tiny grammatical problems and typos, would you like me to send them to you?'


Sincerely,
ElSol

ElSol:

Thanks for the reply. 'Twas just the information I wanted.

In my further browsing I shall follow your suggestions.

Rad'l

 

[LadyCibelle]

Every now and then someone says something to me about my typos. In fact, I just got one from some guy complaining that it brings the quality of my stories down. However, there aren't very many, and a lot less in my newer work. I've gotten better at picking up on them when they happen, now that I've been doing this for awhile. Certainly not enough to "ruin" a story. As I've said, I can understand if the whole story is one big typo. But to get that bent out of shape is silly. There's a guy who better never go out to the bookstore and buy a book. Seems a shame to waste almost $10 if a little typo will ruin the whole book for him.
'Course, if you're working on Microsoft Word, it sometimes likes to change spellings or sentences so that they no longer make sense. Which is why I stopped using it. If I don't catch it when I changes it, I don't realize it did it. How utterly typica of a Microsoft program.
Seriously, LadyC has been editing some of my stuff and I'm sure if she thought there was enough typos to ruin the story, she'd tell me.
(I get the impression that for some reason when the text files go through, it removes all my apostrophes. What the heck is that? )

Yes BiB if it was THAT bad I would be the first to tell you. I'm not known to be particularly tolerant of writers who always make the same mistakes and/or don't care enough about their readers to make sure it's not one continuous "typo".

And yes when I receive your text files all the apostrophes and quotes have been taken out and replaced by some kind of a square Really weird but in a way easy for me as I see plainly where you had placed apostropes and quotes

 

[brightlyiburn]

Yes BiB if it was THAT bad I would be the first to tell you. I'm not known to be particularly tolerant of writers who always make the same mistakes and/or don't care enough about their readers to make sure it's not one continuous "typo".

And yes when I receive your text files all the apostrophes and quotes have been taken out and replaced by some kind of a square Really weird but in a way easy for me as I see plainly where you had placed apostropes and quotes

It would figure my computer would be just like me. It doesn't work well with others.