Just got a "1" vote

[Virtual_Burlesque]

. . . if your story was at a 4.75 then the substance is there. . ..

Do you really believe that your story rated a 4.75 out of a possible 5?

Or, did it only rate a 4.75 out of a possible 5, under the method that scores are awarded/accepted on Literotica?

Does any story actually deserve a 5? That would mean that there was nothing that could be done to improve it. I reject that possibility.

Every story does not even deserve a 4. Unless this is a Master’s Writing Course approximately 80 percent should fail to earn a 4. Half don’t deserve a 3, while 40 percent deserve less than a 2. Then there is that bottom 20 percent which truly does deserve a 1.

I have taken several night school courses where writers had to rewrite their story to complete their assignment — anything below 20 percent. What I remember of those stories is, that they were often superior to a couple that I have read here.


Note: I am not saying that YOUR story is only worth a 1, or that any particular story deserves a 1, but the laws of statistics suggest that 20 percent of the stories should receive a 1, unless the scores are top vote weighted, to make the stories rate abnormally high.


Also, aside from writing ability, I have run into several stories whose author sent them out without proofing for spelling, typos, or checking to see that all the sentences are even readable. To those, I would very much like to award a 1, simply because of the author’s lack of concern for his/her reader.

 

[Goldie Munro]

I think posting stories on here means we have to take whatever is thrown at us. Yes the 1 bomb is annoying and frustrating but there is not a lot we can do about it! Most of my stories sit around 4.3/4 - I am very happy about that - if someone 1 bombed them then I would be upset but I would take heart from the rest of the votes that meant people like it.

Its all a matter of personal taste - some have it some dont!

xx

 

[Lisa Denton]

Do you really believe that your story rated a 4.75 out of a possible 5?

Or, did it only rate a 4.75 out of a possible 5, under the method that scores are awarded/accepted on Literotica?

Does any story actually deserve a 5? That would mean that there was nothing that could be done to improve it. I reject that possibility.

Every story does not even deserve a 4. Unless this is a Master’s Writing Course approximately 80 percent should fail to earn a 4. Half don’t deserve a 3, while 40 percent deserve less than a 2. Then there is that bottom 20 percent which truly does deserve a 1.

I have taken several night school courses where writers had to rewrite their story to complete their assignment — anything below 20 percent. What I remember of those stories is, that they were often superior to a couple that I have read here.


Note: I am not saying that YOUR story is only worth a 1, or that any particular story deserves a 1, but the laws of statistics suggest that 20 percent of the stories should receive a 1, unless the scores are top vote weighted, to make the stories rate abnormally high.


Also, aside from writing ability, I have run into several stories whose author sent them out without proofing for spelling, typos, or checking to see that all the sentences are even readable. To those, I would very much like to award a 1, simply because of the author’s lack of concern for his/her reader.

I agree VB, when the author doesn't even spell check or read it to themselves before submitting it does seem to indicate a lack of concern for the reader.

You are also correct that this is not a Master's Writing Course on a Master's Writing Site.

I write for fun. I read for fun.

I was on a review team on one writing site, not erotica, I saw a story that was a great story idea and well written, I gave it a glowing review. One of the other reviewers blasted the story due to the small reference about stopping for gas 2 miles outside Tucson on a particular highway, the reviewer told the author there was no gas station there and that she should have done more research before posting.

The reviewer was correct, her sig on that site said "writing is not fun, it is not a gift, it is hard work." So true.

This site is where beginners and experts mingle and have fun with erotica. Writing is fun here, or it is for me, and erotica makes it even more fun. I like seeing someone new to writing make a nice attempt to put into words something they thought of as sexy and exciting. If its not well written I don't give it a five, but not a one either. I leave a comment about something I thought was good in the story. Then PM or e-mail feedback making constructive and helpful suggestions. Most people appreciate it, I appreciate it when someone helps me in that way.

And I have fun!! Writing here is fun and I have no wish not to have fun reading. Blasting a story with a 1-vote and a bad public comment may be honest, but where is the helpful advice (in a private e-mail or PM) and just a "good try" public comment for that author who wrote for fun. Their next story, with your encouragement and helpful advice could lead you to a mindblowing orgasm YIPPEE!!!! And that "is fun, a gift, and not hard work," well sometimes, he, he.

 

[killallhippies]

I was on a review team on one writing site, not erotica, I saw a story that was a great story idea and well written, I gave it a glowing review. One of the other reviewers blasted the story due to the small reference about stopping for gas 2 miles outside Tucson on a particular highway, the reviewer told the author there was no gas station there and that she should have done more research before posting.

The reviewer was correct, her sig on that site said "writing is not fun, it is not a gift, it is hard work." So true.

wait a minute. was the story supposed to be fiction or non- fiction? i'm having a hard time understanding how the reviewer could be right for blasting a story over something so minute.

 

[Lisa Denton]

wait a minute. was the story supposed to be fiction or non- fiction? i'm having a hard time understanding how the reviewer could be right for blasting a story over something so minute.

Me too, I quit the review team along with 3 out of 7 others. It was fiction but this reviewer, who was correct, though perhaps anally so, blasted every story for something.

We re-formed the review team without her "help" and continued to give advice to others. I was on several review teams, I like the "teams" because I could tell the author things like "good idea, go with it, do a spell check and edit and send it to us again" while other, more expert reviewers could handle the stuff I don't know, which I admit is a lot.

We had fun and helped beginning authors get better while having fun.

 

[pop_54]

I've never voted one.

If a story is that bad, I'll just click the back button. The author was obviously proud enough of their work to post it, I just can't vote one, to me it feels wrong.

I either vote five or nothing. And, leave a comment thanking or at least acknowledging the author for their efforts.

You and me both love... I'll happily leave a scathing PC and identify myself in doing so... but I don't bother to '1' vote as well... I've said all I need in the comment.

I rarely find a story that automatically warrants a '5' vote either... my high vote is a '4' It has to be bloody good to warrant a '5'... and we are NOT talking spelling and grammar... we're talking content and story line... unless every bloody word is spelt wrong I never vote on proper use of the language alone... if I can read it and it gives me a bone-on, it'll get a nice high vote... if it's word and grammar perfect but fails to entertain completly because the effort to make it perfect fucked up a good story line... it gets a '2'.

 

[Virtual_Burlesque]

... if I can read it and it gives me a bone-on, it'll get a nice high vote...

Using THAT criterion, you are ALL in deep shit!

 

[sexyspiders]

I've never voted one.

If a story is that bad, I'll just click the back button. The author was obviously proud enough of their work to post it, I just can't vote one, to me it feels wrong.

I either vote five or nothing. And, leave a comment thanking or at least acknowledging the author for their efforts.

i dont get it....
the theory of voting 5 or not voting at all is illogical.

if theres a story submitted and the only people who read it wer those who voted 5 or not at all, then the story would have a perfect rating, wether deserved or not. i kno this would show by number of hits against number of votes, but if its in the top vote lists its still getting the recognition of being a great story.

but then i guess theres the theory that if so many people thot it was perfect, then it must be...this in turn brings up the problem of what deserves a 5 vote?

i have a seriously dreadful story submitted, it was an experiment in my writing, which was succesful in my opinion...
its the type of story which u either love or hate. because of this, the rating is currently 3.07 from 107 votes.
surely this suggests its an average story, but in reality its not. from the PCs it is obvious that you really do either love it or hate it. so by being voted average, it probably isnt being read by all those people who will potentially love it. but i know it does not deserve a rating of 4 or above.

in conclusion, there may b other stories out there which are truely dreadfully written with no plot or even believable erotica, which are receiving high votes, misleading other readers into subjecting their intellect to such dross.

i no longer kno wether to believe the ratings on my story. befor i read this thread i was proud of another story which is currently rated 4.41 but its only got 37 votes from 20602 hits ... does this mean its actually only deserving of one votes, and its only becoz of the kind people who have taken sympathy on me that has encouraged me to keep writting when i should really give up and lie down????

thank goodness for the story feedback forum, where in my opinion, honest criticism can be obtained.

personally, i try to give as honest a vote as i can and if the story is truely amazing, i will send the author feedback. i never send bad feedback, in my opinion if the story is that bad...the votes should technically say enough.

hope some of this made sense, if not... i appologise for taking up ur time and efforts, thanku.

spiders >( ' . ' )<

 

[pop_54]

Using THAT criterion, you are ALL in deep shit!

It's primarily a porn site... cover it in whatever gloss you like... my readers are strokers and I know it... my best and most perfect works have never and will never get within a mile of this site... cos nobody would read them... and if they did 75% wouldn't understand them and automatically '1' vote them for being too English... and having no insert rod A into Slot B and shake it about until it's sick.

Do you know... and this is no bullshit I have the feedback email... one punter told me a story of mine was very good, but needed too much effort to read because it was too British, and so he / she could only vote it '2' on those grounds....... Signed annon.

Well annon I am British... so fuck off and learn real English if you want to read my stuff.

 

[killallhippies]

what's a punter anyway?

 

[Virtual_Burlesque]

what's a punter anyway?

killallhippies,

I believe you will find a definition of a "punter" in The English-to-American Dictionary

punter n. The nearest equivalent to an omnisex version of bloke. A punter is usually a customer of some sort, but this need not be the case. I believe that originally a punter was someone placing bets at a racecourse. However, as the language developed natural progression decreed that, as the greater proportion of the British public were susceptible to a flutter, it described almost all of us. However, because of the word's gambling roots, punters are regarded slightly warily and shouldn't be taken at face value.

In the US, the punter is the member of an American Football team charged with punting the ball a decent distance.

If the term has evolved since this glossary was produced, you will have to wait for Pop to give you his definition.

P.S. A punter is also a guy moving a boat with a long stick.

http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/~drl/images/punter.gif

But that’s another story.

 

[pop_54]

killallhippies,

I believe you will find a definition of a "punter" in The English-to-American Dictionary



If the term has evolved since this glossary was produced, you will have to wait for Pop to give you his definition.

P.S. A punter is also a guy moving a boat with a long stick.

http://www.jb.man.ac.uk/~drl/images/punter.gif

But that’s another story.

That's technically a 'wet punter' Burl, most of the idiots get the pole stuck and fall off the boat (I did)

Yes a punter is a customer, client, or gambler in English English.

 

[sincerely_helene]

I agree VB, when the author doesn't even spell check or read it to themselves before submitting it does seem to indicate a lack of concern for the reader.

You are also correct that this is not a Master's Writing Course on a Master's Writing Site.

I write for fun. I read for fun.

I was on a review team on one writing site, not erotica, I saw a story that was a great story idea and well written, I gave it a glowing review. One of the other reviewers blasted the story due to the small reference about stopping for gas 2 miles outside Tucson on a particular highway, the reviewer told the author there was no gas station there and that she should have done more research before posting.

The reviewer was correct, her sig on that site said "writing is not fun, it is not a gift, it is hard work." So true.

This site is where beginners and experts mingle and have fun with erotica. Writing is fun here, or it is for me, and erotica makes it even more fun. I like seeing someone new to writing make a nice attempt to put into words something they thought of as sexy and exciting. If its not well written I don't give it a five, but not a one either. I leave a comment about something I thought was good in the story. Then PM or e-mail feedback making constructive and helpful suggestions. Most people appreciate it, I appreciate it when someone helps me in that way.

And I have fun!! Writing here is fun and I have no wish not to have fun reading. Blasting a story with a 1-vote and a bad public comment may be honest, but where is the helpful advice (in a private e-mail or PM) and just a "good try" public comment for that author who wrote for fun. Their next story, with your encouragement and helpful advice could lead you to a mindblowing orgasm YIPPEE!!!! And that "is fun, a gift, and not hard work," well sometimes, he, he.

This brand of logic is why I would be in love with Lisa if I lusted after females.

 

[Lisa Denton]

This brand of logic is why I would be in love with Lisa if I lusted after females.

He, he, I have seen lots of your posts and know you are intelligent enough to have carefully concealed an insult in there, but I don't think so. I take it as a great compliment coming from a straight lady. How do you know for sure you don't lust after females until you've tried it with every female, (that line worked on me) if you want to practice let me know.

Eeeeek!!!! Back on subject, WTF was the subject? Oh yea, magic fingers got a 1-vote, it is terrible.

I get some low votes, and when they are accompanied by a helpful e-mail feedback with suggestions, I usually use those suggestions in my next story. I figure when not anonymous and with constructive advice someone is trying to help me, and I like that.

 

[sincerely_helene]

You overestimate my abilities, Lisa. I am not capable of concealing an insult, no matter how hard I try. You are the mushy banana floating desperately to the surface of my corn flakes, and I loves ya for it.

I may never evolve into a practicing lesbian, but I know who to come to if I ever do!

 

[Lisa Denton]

You overestimate my abilities, Lisa. I am not capable of concealing an insult, no matter how hard I try. You are the mushy banana floating desperately to the surface of my corn flakes, and I loves ya for it.

I may never evolve into a practicing lesbian, but I know who to come to if I ever do!

Mushy banana floating in you corn flakes. That makes me feel all warm and fuzzy ................ and wet.

 

[sincerely_helene]

Mushy banana floating in you corn flakes. That makes me feel all warm and fuzzy ................ and wet.

I ought to write shit.

 

[sincerely_helene]

Wait! I think I already do.

 

[Lisa Denton]

Uh, I dunno what that means so I ain't going there.

I just got a wierd thingie on a story on a different (nameless) site where I have a story. The votes there are 1 through 10. The feedback says she voted me a 7, and in the feedback she says she loved it and it is the best story she has ever read on that site. Is she insulting the site, the other writers? I don't know what to say in response to this. I mean I will of course say thanks but should I ask her anything else?

 

[MagicFingers]

Ask her

Uh, I dunno what that means so I ain't going there.

I just got a wierd thingie on a story on a different (nameless) site where I have a story. The votes there are 1 through 10. The feedback says she voted me a 7, and in the feedback she says she loved it and it is the best story she has ever read on that site. Is she insulting the site, the other writers? I don't know what to say in response to this. I mean I will of course say thanks but should I ask her anything else?

Ask her why she only gave you a 7. Ask what was lacking in her mind that made her decide on a "7" instead of a 9 or 10.

Lisa, all that talk between you and Helene makes me wish I was a French Cowgirl!
Know what that is don't you?

 

[sincerely_helene]

Uh, I dunno what that means so I ain't going there.

I just got a wierd thingie on a story on a different (nameless) site where I have a story. The votes there are 1 through 10. The feedback says she voted me a 7, and in the feedback she says she loved it and it is the best story she has ever read on that site. Is she insulting the site, the other writers? I don't know what to say in response to this. I mean I will of course say thanks but should I ask her anything else?

Take it as a compliment.

Infact, take everything you hear from this moment forward as a compliment even if it is an insult cause it makes you feel good.

Seriously, I think you are reading too much into it. A 7 is nothing to be ashamed of, especially if it comes from someone who is as picky she appears to be. Look at it this way... if it was the best story she has ever read on that site, the last person likely didn't score any higher then a 5.

 

[killallhippies]

Uh, I dunno what that means so I ain't going there.

I just got a wierd thingie on a story on a different (nameless) site where I have a story. The votes there are 1 through 10. The feedback says she voted me a 7, and in the feedback she says she loved it and it is the best story she has ever read on that site. Is she insulting the site, the other writers? I don't know what to say in response to this. I mean I will of course say thanks but should I ask her anything else?

at least you recieved feedback. my stories on storiesonline are getting good scores ( 9 and 9.4ish), but not one piece of feedback. all of my feedback is coming from asstr.

 

[Lying Eyes]

I've seen it time and time again, if you get a high scored story especially if it manages to reach the top 20 in one of the genre top lists its garenteed to get bombed repeatedly with 1 and 2 votes. I remember seeing one of mismused sweet stories managed to reach the top 5 of the lesbian genre, I thought it was safe since a week had gone by and few people would view and vote after it is pulled off the "new" list but I checked a week later and it plumeted down the top list. It was clear someone was checking the top list and voting down some stories with 1 or 2 even though the stories clearly don't deserve it.

This bothers me especially when its some of the new writers who haven't grown thick skin. They also haven't built up a fan base or become well known through the forums so they are especially vulnerable to trolls. I know how discouraging it can be for new writers when you think you might have created something someone apreciated and the next thing you know you get 1 votes and cruel anonymous feedback. The regulars can blow it off but the newbies could be turned off all together to writing from being slammened by trolls.

While Laurel cleans up some of the troll votes she doesn't catch them all. Some of the trolls manage someway or other to get through bombing without being noticed.

I'm one of those that wont vote unless I'm willing to give a 5. I don't want to discourage a writer and who am I to judge their work anyway? I'm certanly not Charles Dickens and while the story might not suit my personal tastes I know that almost every story has its fans. Even if a story really doesn't deserve a 5 I might give it if the writer shows some unique creative touches or potential. I rather pat the writer in the back then punch them in the face as some trolls enjoy doing. While some writers can pull out a story quickly the trolls don't understand that many have to spend alot of time and effort to create something of their own that they are willing to submit.

I do send feedback since that is better then voting and I try to be helpfull. Though I don't have enough writing experience or talent to usually be able give any useful constructive criticism. But sometimes I somehow manage to pull a nugget of gold out of my ass that a writer can use to help improve.

Thinking about it, I don't think voting matters because it rarely truly reveals how good or bad a story is. But it does sort of prove someone actually read your full story (though not the 1 voters) especialy if those readers don't want to give feedback, but of course feedback is infinitely better. And high votes in a way matter because you could attain that magic red H. The H for "hot" is important not because it proves your work is worthy (I've red some mediocre "hot" stories) but because it make more readers likely to give your story a chance and read it.

But really is their any stories that really deserve a 1 vote? I can only think in the case that the story is extremely confusing and very hard to read. But in that case it most likely someone trying to write an English language story but isn't fluent in English yet. The story might actually be worthy of a 5 if written in the writers own language.

You might be asking is their any stories that truely deserve a 5 or 100%? While what is "perfect" in my eyes might differ from yours I do think their are a few very well written emotional pieces that have such depth way beyond a simple "stroke" story that are clearly superior to what I have read in published works. Unfortunatly at times it is the simple stroke story (though nothing wrong with a simple hot story) that gets allot of 5's rather then the deep work. Many readers can only apreciate the erotica rather then the literature in literotica...

 

[psychocatblah]

I take it in stride as much as I can. I'm not quite so dismissive as to believe that every 1 vote is a troll. I know that particularly with my long story in Erotic Horror that much of the scoring is based on personal taste as much as it has to do with my particular ability to convey the story. I've gotten some really great reviews, and then I've gotten the bombs. When you're at the top of the toplists with a high score like that, you're likely to attract more people to reading your story. Maybe in their mind your story is too highly ranked. Or perhaps they had a concept of what your story should be and they decided that it was a 1. It's totally subjective.

That said, Laurel has removed 1 votes from my stories. I didn't ask her to, however I was involved in a thread with a malicious poster who did 1 bomb other people. I love having the little red H next to my stories and being at the top of the toplists. But... I don't know, it seems like a lot of authors complain about the fluctuation of their ratings. I'm not sure it's really fair to call foul when its one story who got a poor ranking. It sucks, no doubt, but we all get them. And because we all get them, it balances the system out on its own. I don't know that I've voted a 1 on any stories. If I'm that disgusted by a story, I generally don't finish it. But that's just me *shrugs* That's what makes it subjective.

 

[Lisa Denton]

Thanks everybody who was answering my question. I didn't mean to hi-jack magic fingers thread but thiought it was a similar question. I am just going to thank that lady for the feedback and not ask anything. I like that on that site it the feedback says what vote they gave you, but then also see that doesn't really help sometimes, like this time. Oh well. I am just glad I don't get too many anymore wanting to buy my underwear or pictures of me in strange positions, its flattering, especially from the ladies, but has nothing to do with my writing.