Putting someone else's story up

[PaulX35]

I've seen various cases lately of people posting a story for feedback here that is not from their own hand. In a thread started by ChilledVodka it triggered the question if the author was aware of this and would agree.

I could maybe imagine someone feeling too shy to ask for feedback him/herself and ask others to do it for them. I'd have no problem with that, provided the author's consent was mentioned in the request.
Cases of simply picking out a story and posting it here is maybe not the way.

Any opinions?

Paul

 

[Wicked-N-Erotic]

Very good question. Me, personally, I wouldn't mind someone starting a thread about one of my stories. However, someone else might take offense to it.
Wicked

 

[Route66Girl]

It's all fair game

Hiya Paul


The tagline under "Story Feedback" on the main Lit Discusson Board page reads: "Post your feedback about Literotica stories you love or hate!"

To me, that implies that one can praise or gripe about any story here, whether it's theirs or someone else's. I've also been under the impression that the comments don't have to be solicited and/or condoned by the author.

Besides, writers who submit their stuff here should realize that they're putting it out for public consumption, thereby exposing that work to public opinion.

With all due respect to the authors who have taken up on behalf of the writer ChilledVodka picked on, they're wrong in this case. The level of tact he displayed is debatable, but he had every right to put his thoughts here. He read a story, had some comments, and put them on a board specifically designated to air those comments.

Should it be allowed for any reader to initiate comments on any story? I think so. But perhaps there should be a few rules of thumb, so that what happened in CV's thread isn't repeated.

Laurel's sticky up top goes over the rules for authors who want to start discussions about their own work, but there's nothing for readers who want to talk about someone else's story. Perhaps interested parties should petition her to establish a few guidelines.

What do you think?

R66G

 

[KillerMuffin]

As far as I'm concerned, if you post it for public consumption, you have absolutely no say in what the public chooses to say about your story. If you were writing in paying markets, critics all over the world would rip your work to shreds and you can't do anything about it. Why should it be different here?

So, if CV wants to ask for feedback on someone else's story and the author doesn't like it, the author should not post his or her work where the public can read it, form opinions on it, and share those opinions.

It's very simple. You are not in control of your feedback or how it's done.

While some authors consider it polite or good manners to ask them first, I'm not one of them. Permission to read and form an opinion on the story is implicitly granted with the publication of that story. It's no different than you asking a friend what they thought of so and so's book or which flick they liked best at the movie theatre.

On a side note: I didn't read that thread. I don't read CV's threads. He's a troll.

 

[BigTexan]

In my opinion, KM is right. The stories are for public consumption which gives the public the right to discuss/critique/rip them to shreds.

On the other hand, I think that in a community such as Lit, each person has a responsibilty to be civil. Not everyone will accept this responsibility and certainly there will be times when civility is stretched pretty thin, but lit, like the world as a whole, would be a better place if everyone were at least civil to one another.

==========================

On a side note: I didn't read that thread. I don't read CV's threads. He's a troll.

What exactly is a troll? Am I a troll? I looked in the mirror after reading this and it spurred some doubt. So what exactly makes someone a troll? If it's hairy knuckles, I'm in serious trouble.

BigTexan

 

[guest1977]

What exactly is a troll? Am I a troll? I looked in the mirror after reading this and it spurred some doubt. So what exactly makes someone a troll? If it's hairy knuckles, I'm in serious trouble.

BigTexan

Troll: Individual who posts offensive messages on a bulletin board, in the hopes that this will lead to a big argument in which name calling or cussing is quite prevalent.

This tends to lead to flame wars, seeing how supposedly only fire (a flame: offensive message back) can truly slay a troll from coming back. Seldomly works though.

 

[damppanties]

Troll: Individual who posts offensive messages on a bulletin board, in the hopes that this will lead to a big argument in which name calling or cussing is quite prevalent.

This tends to lead to flame wars, seeing how supposedly only fire (a flame: offensive message back) can truly slay a troll from coming back. Seldomly works though.

You didn't answer the question.

What about the knuckles? Are they hairy or not?

 

[PaulX35]

The game and game

KillerMuffin makes a reference to the evil big world, where everyone can rip your story to pieces without having to ask for permission. "Thrown before the lions" is the Dutch saying here, and my point is maybe that --except for a couple of experienced and published authors-- it is Christians rather than Roman gladiators that we are talking about with respect to this Forum.

Question is then if and to what extent we should establish a code for posting work that is not ones own. Seeing the responses so far, I'm inclined to change my initial opinion a little. The ChilledVodka-example has been mentioned before, and I agree with R66G that it is maybe the tone of presenting rather than the fact as such that is arguable.

R66G took a look at the rules, and there aren't any with respect to posting other peoples' work, it appears.
Might it be an idea to introduce a request for feedback with something like "I came across the following story. It's not mine, but it struck me for the following reasons, and I'd be curious for comments on that."?
That would allow us the chance to bring up anything that seems interesting enough --for whatever reason-- to ask opinions on, and at the same time it would offer some sort of protection to the "Christians". It might also be an idea if the one posting a story would notify its author, inviting him/her to participate in the discussion, or at least have a look at what this Forum has to say.

I guess I'm looking for a bit of balance; a code maybe, more than rules. I tend to agree to some extent with KillerMuffin --you've taken the plunge, so should expect to get wet--, but also am inclined to try and not let this be a place for ripping apart only, but also for encouragement to those who set their first steps in writing erotica.

Thanks for your thoughts, all.

Paul

 

[Pookie]

Re: The game and game

I guess I'm looking for a bit of balance; a code maybe, more than rules. I tend to agree to some extent with KillerMuffin --you've taken the plunge, so should expect to get wet--, but also am inclined to try and not let this be a place for ripping apart only, but also for encouragement to those who set their first steps in writing erotica.

I don't believe there is that much "ripping apart" on this forum. Most of the feedback I have read has been very civil and constructive for the most part. Sometimes the truth hurts. A writer friend of mine told me to grow a thick skin if I was going to put my personal thoughts on paper and place them out for the world to see.

CV had every right to post what he did. I personally wouldn't change the rules to stop him from posting what he did. It doesn't mean I like what he said. I think he is an asshole. But when we begin setting rules, we lose freedoms. Rules are necessary, but rules do limit the freedom of speech. Granted, slander and libel should never be permitted. But opinions should never be squelched no matter how repulsive they may be. The same freedom a troll has for stating something repulsive is the same freedom I have to make this very post. Be VERY careful when people begin talking about applying rules to what someone can say ... you may lose some of your freedom in the process.

 

[BigTexan]

I don't read CV's threads. He's a troll.

Troll: Individual who posts offensive messages on a bulletin board, in the hopes that this will lead to a big argument in which name calling or cussing is quite prevalent.

Okay, now I have an example and a good working definition. Yeah, I think I understand now exactly what a troll is.

BigTexan

 

[PaulX35]

Which also goes to show...

Okay, now I have an example and a good working definition. Yeah, I think I understand now exactly what a troll is.

This would also answer your Q, BigTexan: you're not a troll, definitely not. Too much the Southern Gent for that

Paul

 

[MaxSebastian]

I always thought one of the major points of the Story Feedback slot was for people to come and point out stories they had read and felt particularly strongly about one way or the other. It's not a case of posting a story for feedback without the author's permission, it's recommending a story for the people here on the boards (or warning them to avoid a story).

Only later in this board's lifetime did the overwhelming majority of threads come to be people begging for readers and/or feedback.

Or maybe I have rose-tinted spectacles.

I sometimes draw attention to stories I've liked here, I don't generally draw anyone's attention to stories I haven't liked, because unless the writer asks for help, I see no reason to waste the time.

After all, if no criticism could be made in response to any story/movie/show/exhibition with the author's permission, what would happen to arts coverage in the media?

 

[the_bragis]

Please consider -

Hello Killer Muffin,

If you were writing in paying markets, critics all over the world would rip your work to shreds and you can't do anything about it. Why should it be different here?


'Paying markets', now there's the difference.

I think too often people forget this is a free site, made up predominately of amateur authors. Most strive to improving their skills, others are just content to see their work posted. Personally, I'm easy going, and I don't have a problem with either.

It irks me just a little to see threads complaining about the quality of some stories. If you want top quality, go and pay your ten or twenty bucks a month and join a pay site, and if you're still not satisfied, demand a refund.

I enjoy reading most of the feedback here. I learn from it, and it's fantastic being able to improve my writing in such friendly and helpful forum. The feedback I have asked for and received has always been contructive and useful, but never a mockery.

Yes, I am one of those who took upon myself to 'pick on' CV.

Thinking it over, I still believe it is futile to criticize a story if, (a) you can't offer some sort of constructive criticism, and (b) if you can, what is the point if the author simply isn't aware of your comments or isn't interested?

CV, if you read this, I apologize for my silly sarcasm, but not for the point I was trying to make.

Have a good day,

Alex (fem)

 

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