Honest non-troll criticism hurts so much more...

[angela146]

I've had various stories up on the web for almost four years now. Occasionally I get a little criticism in an email, usually not. In fact, I've never been told to fuck off or that my writing sucks or anything like that.

Every once in a while, though, I get a critical email that is clearly written and directly to the point. The reader says that he didn't like the story and why he didn't like it. It's clear, it's intelligent and completely untainted by venom or vitriol.

And, oh by the way, he has a point.

Those are the ones that hurt.

 

[drksideofthemoon]

I've had various stories up on the web for almost four years now. Occasionally I get a little criticism in an email, usually not. In fact, I've never been told to fuck off or that my writing sucks or anything like that.

Every once in a while, though, I get a critical email that is clearly written and directly to the point. The reader says that he didn't like the story and why he didn't like it. It's clear, it's intelligent and completely untainted by venom or vitriol.

And, oh by the way, he has a point.

Those are the ones that hurt.

Yes, they hurt. Those are the ones you need to take to heart though. Those are the ones that after the sting is gone that will make you a better writer. Good luck.

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

I'm not sure I can relate, Angela. The criticism I get does tell me to "fuck the hell off and die." I just laugh at it, knowing I pissed them off.

 

[angela146]

Yes, they hurt. Those are the ones you need to take to heart though. Those are the ones that after the sting is gone that will make you a better writer. Good luck.

Thank you, and thanks for the PM too.

 

[Boxlicker101]

I've had various stories up on the web for almost four years now. Occasionally I get a little criticism in an email, usually not. In fact, I've never been told to fuck off or that my writing sucks or anything like that.

Every once in a while, though, I get a critical email that is clearly written and directly to the point. The reader says that he didn't like the story and why he didn't like it. It's clear, it's intelligent and completely untainted by venom or vitriol.

And, oh by the way, he has a point.

Those are the ones that hurt.

That would depend on how much of a point the writer has. My first person stories usually include a narrator named George Boxlicker. One PC complained that it was a dumb name for a character. He had a point there; it is a dumb name, but I'm not going to change it. Frequently in anal stories, the man will perform analingus on the woman. I have had complaints about this "disgusting" practice. I ignore them. I have also had complaints because somebody did not lick the woman's ass. I ignore them too.

I have also had complaints that I don't include enough plot or character development, or other such things. I ignore those too; I write smut.

Sometimes I do pay attentioin to feedback. I have been told by readers of anal stories that I need more build up. I now try to include more, but I don't want to overdo that either.

 

[angela146]

I'm not sure I can relate, Angela. The criticism I get does tell me to "fuck the hell off and die." I just laugh at it, knowing I pissed them off.

I've been tempted to write something for the "Loving Wives" category just so I can get some criticism that I can actually laugh at.

But, I'm afraid the trolls would ignore me and then I would be *really* sad.

 

[Boxlicker101]

I've been tempted to write something for the "Loving Wives" category just so I can get some criticism that I can actually laugh at.

But, I'm afraid the trolls would ignore me and then I would be *really* sad.

I get some pretty funny criticism on LW too, but I get even funnier ones on anal sex.

 

[3113]

I made a big mistake on one of my gay male stories once--I'd written up the sex scene with the guys using baby oil, and then, at the last minute (and I do mean *last minute*--the "submit" button was there and waiting), I decided that a pair of college boys and no condom was irresponsible of me, so I added in a condom.

But I forgot to edit out the baby oil.

I got a valid, non-troll criticism that not-so-gently reminded me that one does not use baby oil with condoms. I wasn't exactly overjoyed with the critique, but the faux pas was on my end, and I was more upset with myself for missing that than with the critic. That's why it hurts more, because you're disappointed in yourself. Especially if you hold yourself to high standards.

On the other hand, I was relieved that in this electronic medium, I was easily able to fix my mistake. Out went the baby oil and in went the KY. Imagine if the story had been in print

I think that if we're going to post our stories and allow comments, then we should welcome criticism that is valid, not dismiss it, and if we can use it to improve a story, then we should be willing to take the story down, edit and make it better. To me, making a story the best that it can be always comes first.

On the other hand...there are times when I get criticism that I can't do anything about. For example, if someone says, "The romance was predictable." Well...that might be the nature of the beast, like telling me that my horror story was scary. Or, as Boxlicker says, saying that anal sex in an anal sex story is disgusting. This is important to consider, valid as this criticism is, is it about the story? If about the story, can it be fixed? Is is about your writing? If about your writing, can you use it to make your writing better? That's as important as the validity of the criticism.

 

[angelicminx]

Yes, they hurt. Those are the ones you need to take to heart though. Those are the ones that after the sting is gone that will make you a better writer. Good luck.

I agree. That's the best kind of criticism to get, in my opinion, the kind you can use to improve your skill as a writer. It's one of the reasons I like the Story Discussion Circle so much.

Angela. *hugs*

 

[flavortang]

The funniest criticism I got was from this guy here on Lit. In reference to my 85-page story, he said something along the lines of "Make the story 1-2 pages max, cut out all the talking and bullshit. Just fucking." I kindly told the guy to go fuck himself. lol

 

[BlackShanglan]

I'm reminded of a mantra a friend was taught at his military college: "Pain is weakness leaving your body." It has limits, of course, but now and then I mutter it myself to ease the sting of a very well-directed criticism. I agree that those are always the most painful comments. I think we erotic writers do well to encourage our masochistic sides a bit so that we can welcome that pain when it comes.

 

[Guest]

The truth does sting a bit, but ultimately, its where we learn best.

I've got all kinds of "H"'s on my work, and that's gratifying. However, when I asked for some real critical opinion - boy - did I ever get taken down a peg or two. Yes it hurt, but I am grateful for it.

 

[MarshAlien]

I agree. That's the best kind of criticism to get, in my opinion, the kind you can use to improve your skill as a writer. It's one of the reasons I like the Story Discussion Circle so much.

Angela. *hugs*

Well, personally I think the best kind of criticism you can get would be "I think you are the best writer on the whole frickin' earth, and would like to pay you a hundred thousand samoleons for the movie rights to your incredible story, but you did leave out a period at the end of the first paragraph on page two of chapter eighteen."

But yours would be second, minx.

Particularly since I'm still waiting for the first kind...

...do I hear fifty thousand? [size=-1]five thousand?[/size] [size=-2]twenty-six?[/size] [size=-3]two bits?[/size]

 

[carsonshepherd]

If someone does not like a story, that is their perogative. I just write it. I don't expect people to take it a certain way; if they find (for example, all things people have not like about my storues) adultery, taking advantage of someone' innocence, or characters manipulating a situation for their own benefit, then that's their right, and they can write me and tell me they find me morally reprehensible and irreponsible for writing about real-life immoral behavior. I don't pay attention to those people. And usually, the people who have a genuine point about my actual storytelling or my character's motivations or what have you, are usually right. Sometimes I have to recover from a blow to my pride to admit it, but if I didn't want people to help me be a better writer, I wouldn't publicly post my stories for criticism.

 

[angelicminx]

Well, personally I think the best kind of criticism you can get would be "I think you are the best writer on the whole frickin' earth, and would like to pay you a hundred thousand samoleons for the movie rights to your incredible story, but you did leave out a period at the end of the first paragraph on page two of chapter eighteen."

But yours would be second, minx.

Particularly since I'm still waiting for the first kind...

...do I hear fifty thousand? [size=-1]five thousand?[/size] [size=-2]twenty-six?[/size] [size=-3]two bits?[/size]

Lol. That's criticism? Hell, I thought that was called Asskissery.

 

[MarshAlien]

Lol. That's criticism? Hell, I thought that was called Asskissery.

The part about the period makes it criticism, see? Otherwise, you're probably right. Now if you'll excuse me, I sense someone over at the Story Feedback Forum, crying out for trenchant, perceptive criticism of their work.

And I'm just the guy to find somebody to give it to them.

<flies off>

 

[angelicminx]

The part about the period makes it criticism, see? Otherwise, you're probably right. Now if you'll excuse me, I sense someone over at the Story Feedback Forum, crying out for trenchant, perceptive criticism of their work.

And I'm just the guy to find somebody to give it to them.

<flies off>

*Here he comes to save the daaaayy...* LMAO.

 

[MarshAlien]

*Here he comes to save the daaaayy...* LMAO.

That would be MouseAlien. Mighty MouseAlien to you.

And it's only mildly funny. Keep your ass on.

 

[jomar]

I've been tempted to write something for the "Loving Wives" category just so I can get some criticism that I can actually laugh at.

But, I'm afraid the trolls would ignore me and then I would be *really* sad.

I tried a troll baiting story on LW, but failed miserably. I didn't know the rules well enough to break them correctly and readers liked my story.

 

[BlackShanglan]

I tried a troll baiting story on LW, but failed miserably. I didn't know the rules well enough to break them correctly and readers liked my story.

Why is it that it's somehow more galling to fail to offend than to fail to please?

 

[jomar]

Why is it that it's somehow more galling to fail to offend than to fail to please?

Ha! You'd think it would be easier, wouldn't you?

 

[MarshAlien]

Why is it that it's somehow more galling to fail to offend than to fail to please?

Maybe it has to do with writing for an audience. In general, when I write it's for me. It's nice if the audience likes it, but I'm writing to please myself. When I set out deliberately to offend or rile up somebody else (I have done that, albeit not in a full story) it's that person's opinion, rather than my own, that ultimately matters to me.

 

[BlackShanglan]

Maybe it has to do with writing for an audience. In general, when I write it's for me. It's nice if the audience likes it, but I'm writing to please myself. When I set out deliberately to offend or rile up somebody else (I have done that, albeit not in a full story) it's that person's opinion, rather than my own, that ultimately matters to me.

Delightfully insightful!

 

[rgraham666]

I tried a troll baiting story on LW, but failed miserably. I didn't know the rules well enough to break them correctly and readers liked my story.

I wrote a story hoping to get flamed and/or praised by racists on both end of the spectrum.

Not a thing, God damn it!

 

[Guest]

*giggle* "keep your ass on"..
Good one!