My Opinion

[kelley_and_tracy]

I have read the majority of ‘reviews’ from those so inclined to respond to ‘authors’ asking feedback. I relish constructive criticism, how else can I strive to impress/please those that are so inclined to read my anecdotes. Although not new to Literotica, I am new to the forum titled “Story Feedback”. I agree, it is a thankless job for critics to read, review and respond to those desiring feedback I further submit that egos may be the driving force of those that ask for this review. Others may genuinely desire an improvement in their writing capabilities. I suggest you are not truly supportive to those that may be less educated. I was watching a popular movie one day, Gladiator. Two senators were discussing the succession of Commodus, Marcus Aurelius’s son. One of the senators thought that his reinstitution of the coliseum games was in direct conflict to what Rome truly was, an advanced city whose culture was for the good of all. The other senator debated that Commodus truly knew what Rome was, the satisfaction of the mobs desires. Now my opinion. Literotica is for the mob, the masses that flood the web site daily. Maybe it’s escape, voyeurism, or a desire to read stories about adventures that either capture their dreams, wants or desires, or simply a place to read about people like themselves. I don’t know nor do I care. I will offer this. I have submitted three stories to this great website. Prior to my posting in this forum, all enjoyed the “H” symbol (hot) with averages of 15.000 plus viewings above 4.5 on a scale of 5. Soon after my desire to further my writing abilities, posted in this forum, every single story has dropped in it’s average. Unfortunately we are all not on the same trolley. Trust me, the masses have spoken. It is not my wish to have you rate my stories higher. On the contrary, my stories and THOUSANDS like them are written for the masses. I do so appreciate the critic’s education and their knowledge of the English language. Your ‘encouragement’ of these first time authors should be just that. All stories submitted are ‘screened’ for review and rewrite prior to posting. Let us know what is needed to improve. Most of you offer this. My thread is for those who don’t. Thanks, TRACY

 

[dr_mabeuse]

So I guess you're implying that people who post on this board are effete snobs who rate your stories down because of their snobishness and jealousy of your popularity?

Well, I don't know. I myself just don't rate stories at all because I think the whole thing is intrinsically silly. You like a story, you tell the author in a PM. Giving them a number doesn't mean a damn thing.

But then, if you're implying that the critics on this board have a higher standard than the masses reading the stories, I would tend to agree.

---dr.M.

 

[kelley_and_tracy]

I regret the mention of "ratings" in my post. Your entire response was directed towards my or others popularity. Maybe that is it. Is it so bad to sate the desires of others or am I being obtuse? grins, TRACY P.S. I think of no one as an effete snob, I do enjoy the adjective though.

 

[Madame Manga]

I don't think I've read any of your stories, so I wasn't one of the dastardly critics who rated your stories lower than 5. ;-) I'm sorry that seems to have bent you out of shape. When I give crit to people who have asked for it, I don't think I have ever made gratuitously cruel or superior comments; I'm criticizing grammar and storytelling, not people. I am aware that human beings with feelings are writing the stories. Most critics are.

But some of us tire of mob rule now and again. If that's your bag, rejoice in your numbers, because you will always be in the majority. A few of us will still try to hold back the flood; our relative scarcity or lack of "popularity" was never the point. Democracy has its limits.

MM

 

[dr_mabeuse]

tracy&kelly,

We had a discussion on here a few months ago: As an author, would you rather be good or would you rather be popular? Is it possible to be both?

Everyone has their own ideas on which is the better indicator of talent and the more worthwhile goal. In America today most everyone has accepted the idea that being popular is the measure of being good, which is simply not true (otherwise TV would be great art). The decision on what you want to try for is up to you.

---dr.M.

 

[kelley_and_tracy]

After reading the good Doctor and Madame's comments, I thought it necessary to revisit my initial post. My intent my have been a bit cloudy. I have been a facilitator most of my adult life, either by trade or action. I love the idea of extracting individual's thought processes and breaking paradigms. I guess my post was to champion the writers that thought their ideas were being trampled? Ciao, TRACY