Oh, please!

[Guest]

Sometimes it's just not worth it to try and help someone out.

I was asked via PM to do a review on a story by a writer new to the site. They acknowleged that it might not be exactly my thing and while it is true, I really don't think it detracts from my editorial opinion. God knows why they picked me in the first place, as the majority of my work runs a fair amount opposite to theirs, as well as I really am not one of the more skilled writers here. Nonetheless, I agreed with them as to my preferences, but was still very willing to go ahead.

Read the story. Took a break. Went back to it a second time. Had some minor opinions on sentence structure, as weak as I am there, I can recognise a run-on sentence (thanks, Jenny *grin*). Made some other points on excessive formatting, a grammatical point on separating speakers w/paragraphs.

I think I insulted them tho.

My general comments:
Overall comments.

This is a stroke story. For guys, that is. Not a bad thing at all, just how it is. You've got your "reason" **********your basic characters, you've put some thought into their thoughts and feelings and personalities, however unrealistic. (It is a fantasy, after all.) Unrealistic = tiny little girl wants her asshole ravaged by the monster cock. Yes, there are some women out there like that, but for the most part it is a male fantasy. Which is absolutely fine.

The writing is technically average, but this improves/refines with time and practice. Once again, this is not a diss - I myself have only just learned how to use a semicolon. *grin* You can spell (or use spellcheck efficiently) - big bonus. You know your basic rules of grammar - excellent.

What do you want out of your writing?
For stroke, this is pretty first rate, and a cut above most. If you merely want to entertain yourself and others on a strictly "jacking off" level - you've done it.

Plot and character development - pretty basic and formulaic. Why is ******* Aside from the visuals it produces, who really cares? The ********************* You've actually put a lot more attention to these senses than others have, which is fabulous - but take it farther.

I hope I have been of some help and not too hard on you. And these are just my humble opinion - I am not a fabulous writer and have far to go myself.

Yeah, I know - made some generalizations I shouldn't have. What I got back was how women have been socialized not to like the content bla bla bla, going with the crowd for fear of being different bla bla bla and how they understood that I wouldn't want to make my comments public as to not "associate myself" with an unpopular/looked down upon subject (gonzo anal). Condescending as hell.

While they were relatively good humored about it, I got the impression of "so you think I suck, but that's because you're a 'nilla scaredey cat who is worried about other people's opinions".

*snerk*

If they had researched my at all they would know that I have a strong streak of gonzo weird perviness in me and I really don't give a flying fuck who sees it.

I should have put in the assholes and opinions line.

I wasn't impressed - I've been up since four.

Sorry - just had to get that out.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

It's the Age we live in. Everyone is brainwashed to think theyre terrific. They dont want honest opinion they want to be stroked. Judgment is bad.

 

[Guest]

As someone who holds her heart in her hands every time I ask for an opinion, I think the review of the guy's story is a bit harsh. I mean, if it is a gonzo anal story, and you are reviewing it as such, weren't the little hole, tiny cock comments superfluous?

Don't be bothered by his answer. To throw this "women has been socialized ... bla bla" crap on Literotica girls is pushing it.

I think this board must count as some sort of litmus test.

Just my 2c.

Maharat

 

[Vermilion]

name and shame baby - then we can lambast <nods at Stella> him properly...

x
V

 

[Guest]

As someone who holds her heart in her hands every time I ask for an opinion, I think the review of the guy's story is a bit harsh. I mean, if it is a gonzo anal story, and you are reviewing it as such, weren't the little hole, tiny cock comments superfluous?

Don't be bothered by his answer. To throw this "women has been socialized ... bla bla" crap on Literotica girls is pushing it.

I think this board must count as some sort of litmus test.

Just my 2c.

Maharat

It is in part why I asked (maybe a bit harsh) - while I try to be as positive as possible and compliment the good things I see, I alos was asked for an "opinion".

2c is worth lots in my books - thanks for the input, Maharat.

Yes, James, I do agree with you. Far too much ego stroking these days - is it any wonder why our kids don't learn things.

It makes me cringe when I turn on the CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation - national radio) and hear the announcers say things like "the people was angered by..."

Conditioning? I think the trend towards teaching self-esteem rather than self improvement has really not been beneficial to the population as a whole.

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

You should see some of the scathing PMs I get from newbies I've reviewed. I am bitchy - I know that. I mean to be bitchy when it comes to telling these kids why their stories don't work. Someone did it for me and I learned.

That's the whole point. Lit is a learning place, not a place you come too and post your worst effort looking for praise. The sooner these kids learn that story writing is 180 degrees out of phase with the Expostulatory writing they were taught in English Writing 101, the better off and the more sucessful they will be.

The bright side is that occasionally, you run across a newbie who actually takes my words to heart and I see steady improvement. Sorta makes it worthwhile.

 

[Guest]

name and shame baby - then we can lambast <nods at Stella> him properly...

x
V

Nahh - I thought about it, but it's really not my style. Funny you picked the sex right, tho.

I did get a giggle from this person - they got one-bombed, the usual "u back door types are gay", and figured it was a woman who did it. *snicker*

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

name and shame baby - then we can lambast <nods at Stella> him properly...

x
V

Yeah. Let's do him

 

[Guest]

You should see some of the scathing PMs I get from newbies I've reviewed. I am bitchy - I know that. I mean to be bitchy when it comes to telling these kids why their stories don't work. Someone did it for me and I learned.

That's the whole point. Lit is a learning place, not a place you come too and post your worst effort looking for praise. The sooner these kids learn that story writing is 180 degrees out of phase with the Expostulatory writing they were taught in English Writing 101, the better off and the more sucessful they will be.

The bright side is that occasionally, you run across a newbie who actually takes my words to heart and I see steady improvement. Sorta makes it worthwhile.

Yeah - I remember your review of my stuff..
I wouldn't say "bitchy", necessarily, but it certainly took me down a peg or two. *grin* I hope I have improved, your comments resonate most of all I've asked for comment.

 

[Vermilion]

Yeah. Let's do him

I'll get the lube, you get the strap-on <nods>
x
V

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

Yeah - I remember your review of my stuff..
I wouldn't say "bitchy", necessarily, but it certainly took me down a peg or two. *grin* I hope I have improved, your comments resonate most of all I've asked for comment.

Yep. You are one of the budding sucesses, Babygrrl. Keep it up.

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

I'll get the lube, you get the strap-on <nods>
x
V

Lube? Fuck that. Let's do him dry.

 

[Guest]

I'll get the lube, you get the strap-on <nods>
x
V

Ooohhh - you know, even though I'm a straight, missionary-style gal (and probably homophobic too!!!) somehow this turns me on.



I must flee immediately.

BTW - stunning eyes, Vermilion..

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

JENNY

Let me add something. The more work you do, the more you learn, the more writing you do the better you become at appraising the criticism you get. And I'm speaking in terms of friends and acquaintances and supervisors. You take it for what it's worth. But someone with a track record oughta be able to recognize the real deal, and newbies oughta keep it in mind before they vent. A pro aint momma or your girlfriend.

 

[Guest]

Yep. You are one of the budding sucesses, Babygrrl. Keep it up.

*blush*
High praise, Jenny. My thanks.

And I'm with you on the lube, incidentally.

 

[Guest]

Lube? Fuck that. Let's do him dry.

Or with K-Y-Warming. I heard it is a *beowtch*.

Maharat

 

[Guest]

JENNY

Let me add something. The more work you do, the more you learn, the more writing you do the better you become at appraising the criticism you get. And I'm speaking in terms of friends and acquaintances and supervisors. You take it for what it's worth. But someone with a track record oughta be able to recognize the real deal, and newbies oughta keep it in mind before they vent. A pro aint momma or your girlfriend.

Good point. Taking crit is also a learned skill.

 

[Vermilion]

Ooohhh - you know, even though I'm a straight, missionary-style gal (and probably homophobic too!!!) somehow this turns me on.



I must flee immediately.

well in that case...
you're next!

BTW - stunning eyes, Vermilion..

<blush> thanks
x
V

 

[Guest]

well in that case...
you're next!





<blush> thanks
x
V

Oh shit..*grin*
Sorry, V - I have promised my butt to another, should I decide to take up a generous offer of that particular nature.

Of course, I did make her promise that her hubby would do me at the same time.

 

[Vermilion]

Oh shit..*grin*
Sorry, V - I have promised my butt to another, should I decide to take up a generous offer of that particular nature.

Of course, I did make her promise that her hubby would do me at the same time.

Now that sounds like my kind of party

Can I play too...?

x
V

 

[Stella_Omega]

Ooohhh - you know, even though I'm a straight, missionary-style gal (and probably homophobic too!!!) somehow this turns me on.



I must flee immediately.

BTW - stunning eyes, Vermilion..

You are WHAT?
She does have stunning eyes-- and a really good hat.

back to the topic, though-- I've finally figured out to ask the writer first-- do they want comment about the content, or do they really only want a proofreader?

I've also reacted badly to comment, only to realise --two years later-- that the critique was right on the money! I still wish I could return to that conversation and let him know that I now understand what he was saying...

 

[MagicaPractica]

I think you did a great job of balancing praise with realistic critique and suggestions. He must have been looking for an ego stroke.

 

[JAMESBJOHNSON]

Yeah, STELLA, old habits die hard with you, funky-bunky.

 

[Guest]

You are WHAT?
She does have stunning eyes-- and a really good hat.

back to the topic, though-- I've finally figured out to ask the writer first-- do they want comment about the content, or do they really only want a proofreader?

I've also reacted badly to comment, only to realise --two years later-- that the critique was right on the money! I still wish I could return to that conversation and let him know that I now understand what he was saying...

Yeah - I know - it's very embarassing.

I guess I've had to take a lot of crit in other areas of my life so when I ask for it now, I am a) usually very selective in whom I ask it from and b) usually take it pretty well. But it certainly takes a lot of practice. Even more so not to take it to heart, in ref. to Marahat's "heart in hands" comment.

 

[Guest]

I think you did a great job of balancing praise with realistic critique and suggestions. He must have been looking for an ego stroke.

I also find a little self-depreciation goes a long way in reducing the sting. I am quite happy to let people know that I myself have a long ways to go, and that my opinions may not be the most learned.