Responding to Authors

[Guest]

I was just reading the posts in response to bob's request for feedback...(wait, was it bob? whoever it was...) And I noticed that most of the responses weren't about the story but about LACK of response (which is actually quite funny since you were all fussing about not getting any comments back on stories! ;o) But it's an interesting topic and it deserves it's own post.. so here it is.
I only respond to a writer when I really love a story. When it just knocks my socks off and makes me all wet ;o) Or when I hate it... I almost always try to vote though. I know how it feels when you aren't getting enough input! Sometimes I feel like I just can't get an honest opnion. But the lack of response is just a product of sheer laziness. But what can you do, right? Maybe a few readers will see this and begin to respond to more writers...

 

[SpecialK]

Hi all!

I am in the process of trying the "what goes around comes around" theory. I'm trying to give feedback to other authors in the hopes that I will get feedback on my own stories. Thus far, it hasn't worked.

Also, how do you (the other authors reading this) feel about negative feedback? I have found myself hesitating about offering some of my more negative opinions because I really don't want to discourage someone from posting. However, while the positive remarks are definately motivating, it's the constructive criticism I'd like.

Thoughts?

K

P.S. My main criticism to some authors who post here is.... PROOFREAD before posting! I've been on the net long enough that I can translate most typos but it IS a distraction.

[This message has been edited by SpecialK (edited 12-01-1999).]

 

[XXplorher]

Constructive criticism is absolutely encouraged! It’s tough to recognize a flaw if you don’t see it, or know it’s a flaw. Further, it’s only one persons opinion. It may very well be something the author was thinking about – and by commenting on it you help them to make a more effective decision the next time around. I don’t take criticism to mean you’re right and I’m wrong – but I value all opinions. The more opinions I hear, the further the readers point is proven. At times, one view can snap me into orbit (in a good way).

However,
personally, I’m no grammar expert. If the writing is so bad that you can’t make it out – then that certainly needs to be pointed out. But nickel and dime grammar complaints just tell me the reader is too anal retentive to enjoy what I’m getting at with my story anyway. I’m more interested in comments on the mood, and whether I achieved one or not. How did it affect you, or why not etc.
If something is killing my efforts, I surely want to know it.

All reactions are encouraged.

 

[Dixon Carter Lee]

I tend not offer feedback specifically because I am a writer, and I don't want ever come off as though I'm assuming an authoratative "let me show you how do it" position. Just a courtesy to a fellow creator. But I do comment here and there when people really feel that they want something said, and then I try to offer consturctive criticism.

Regarding negative feedback -- there's no such thing. Every reaction is valid, worthless or not. Just learn what to disregard. A writer must 1) know how to ask for feedback (by asking for specific comments instead of general comments) 2) have a thick skin and 3) know what critique to take and what critique to toss.

I have found very good critical comments from people like Xxplorher and Greeneyes, and I was happy to agree with them about several problems and ideas.

Luckily, I haven't had any "You Suck, Dickwad!" comments, so I haven't had to go through the process of shrugging my shoulders and saying "whatever". Those comments I don't regard as negative -- I simply don't regard them all. (Which is also how I deal with negative BB threads -- don't respond. What on earth is the point?)

I don't think most writers really want actual critique anyway (I don't, but will take it gladly if offered politely), though they all like feedback.

Amen to the proofreading comment! I'm pretty good at it, but things still slip by me.

And, I've said this before but this seems like a good time to say it again, thank you so much to all hwo have responded to my stories. The comments and suggestions and requests and personal stories you've told in return have been fascinating and highly appreciated. I enjoy reading each one. Thank you, thank you, thank you...

 

[Guest]

Well you haven't gotten any "you suck, Dickwad!" because you don't

And isn't Teaching Patti the number one story on the site? Gotta tell you SOMETHING... And I know that I appreciate getting feedback from writers when I give feedback!

 

[Bob Peale]

Miranda,

Not a bad turnout, huh?

I just wanted to follow up on a few things...I think your criteria for providing feedback is perfect; personally, it's not overly helpful to hear, "Uh...I read it."

I think most of us would like to hear if it affected you..either negatively or positively. I'd like to echo XX and DCL in that, feedback that points out the flaws in a story (within reason) is equally as valuable as feedback that gushes. It's one of the few opportunities we have to refine our styles.

I also tend to refrain from providing feedback on most things I read here...publicly. I will send an email (primarily of encouragement), but because there is so much of my work around here, I do not want to come off self righteous or authoratative (that's XX's job

..just kidding!)

Peace,
Bob

[This message has been edited by Bob Peale (edited 12-01-1999).]

 

[Greeneyes]

For what it's worth, I have never once hit the "vote" buttons, although I'll rethink that now.... There are many monotonous same-old stories, or poorly written stories, or just-not-my-thing stories, and those I quit reading about one paragraph in, long before there are any voting buttons to be seen. And the good ones transcend the button categories. I will start voting, though, if it kills me.

 

[XXplorher]

Doh! Ya got me Bob ; )

 

[Guest]

Your e-mail address must not have been made available to the general public. Perhaps it would help if you did. Maybe even a Literotica.org address if you wish to remain anonymous.

I read your stories this morning as a result of this posting and enjoyed them. I'd love to give you my comments if you wish to e-mail me.

LUVNTHOTS@aol.com

 

[Guest]

I think Miranda raises a good point, many folks are not often compelled to respond or vote. Why cuz we gat lazy and forget..unless of course..as she aptly put it they really get her wet. I too have never voted before..and I submit stories..I will rethink this habit as of now and vote on any story I read in the future...and will also write to the authors..although I have done that before and never recieved any reply..so that too is frustrating..at least a thank you is nice. I have always answered my mail its polite if nothing else. Well thats my 2 cents worth and i hope i was one of the authors that got Miranda wet:-}~
Sal

 

[Guest]

Oooops....The above response intended for SpecialK.

 

[Guest]

Good thinking, Sal. Since you yell at me to vote for YOUR stories all the fricking time... what was it you said? "Vote often - vote smart." lol. And yes, most of the time it's sheer laziness... But I always vote "damn good" for you, Sal.. NO matter how tired and lazy I get. But yeah, it's really important to give feedback as a reader! Not doing so could result in more crappy stories or less good ones... so as Sal says, vote often - vote smart.

 

[Laurel]

I've spoken to (well, exchanged emails with) a few other webmaster types, and I've looked around the Net a bit in the last week, specifically at sites that offer voting or request some sort of user response. I've found that Literotica isn't unique. The Voyeurweb, which gets trillions and zillions of hits a day, has an insanely low voter turnout on their pics. From what I've seen getting response is akin to pulling teeth.

However, I'm not sure that laziness is the proper term. My conclusion is this: People come to websites to be entertained, not polled. Some people enjoy giving feedback, and love to share their opinion (some you can't shut up!). However, I think that most surfers come to places like this site to relax and unwind. Voting, though it only takes a click of the button, is to many people a bit intrusive - like someone following you around asking,"What'dya think?" It forces them to sit and examine how they felt about the story (was it a "3" or a "4"?) at a moment when the last thing they want to do is think - they just wanna relax!!

My point is that you authors shouldn't take it as a slight if you don't receive feedback. It doesn't necessarily mean it was ineffective. In fact, it might have been extremely effective - your story could've been so arousing as to get them off, but the last thing they may want to do post-orgasm is be polled.

Maybe you should do what they do with the Gallup polls and assume that every response/vote you get represents a certain number of people. You can pick the number depending on the response - positive ones weighing in higher, of course.

Just don't take it too personally. Like someone said, be thick-skinned. Realize that there are risks to sharing your work with an audience.

 

[SpecialK]

My email is just as accessible as all the other authors I thought. All you had to do was click on my nickname or the little envelope icon by this message to send me an email.

For those of you who have missed it, my email address is: SpecialKay@canada.com

Thanks in advance for the feedback.

I have 2 more stories I have submitted for posting which should be showing up soon. (Provided Laurel doesn't think they're too lousy to put up.

)

 

[Laurel]

No, no... I've read them and they're far from lousy. I'm just really behind on the story posting (as usual... I guess it's not "behind" if I'm never ahead, eh?) I've got editing work up to my eyeballs (to the tune of 100+ stories). Working on it right now, though, so have no fear! I WILL get caught up if it's the very last thing I do...

 

[SpecialK]

Poor Laurel!

No rush dear. I just submitted them last night. I don't expect them for awhile yet. 100+ stories? Wow!!

I'm heading to those links to help pay for the bandwidth!

<clink, clink> <-- sound of the pennies falling into the jar.

 

[Sal]

Gee Miranda I only remember inquiring if you voted on one of my stories ONce::grins:: but I did make the Chicago voter comment of "vote wisely, vote often" But thats neither here nor there...And I asure you I do not know this woman or have we ewver spoken before lol...I'll take my lumps though...mea culpa! and I will vote from now on..Just before I roll over and fall asleep ;-]

 

[#1derfulGuy]

As I see it, a critique is just as valuable as a compliment. I was, recently, given some very good critique from a fellow writer of Literotica and I was very thankful that she held back no punches and I just rolled with them all. After all, the inventor of the pencil must have had a reason to include an eraser on one end. So, with valueable critique, I will know how to correct my nest stories.
However, in reference to most of us writers pathethic request for feedback. We are not nor can not be aware as to how our stories are voted. Hell, we can't even tell if anyone has read them or how many. So, a request for comments may suffice. We are told that a certain story is in the Top 20 section of the website, but how are we to know the actual voting results. Please don't get me wrong or misunderstood, I am not making any type of accusations on Laurel, Manu, or Literotica for I have nothing but utmost respect for them. I have been to another website that also have a voting system. And after you vote on a story, the website downloads the overall results of that story so that you have a percentage of all of the votes. JUST A THOUGHT!!

 

[Laurel]

>> So, a request for comments may suffice. We are
told that a certain story is in the Top 20 section of the website, but how are we to
know the actual voting results.<<

I will once again post a link to the topic where I discussed this so that I don't have to repeat myself:
http://www.literotica.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/000092.html

As we've mentioned before in the newsletter and on the general board, we are currently working to totally revamp our site, a process that won't be complete until sometime this spring. In addition to the revamp, we also edit & post stories (15-30 submissions a day), answer email (50+ a day, many of which as submissions), perform site maintenance, monitor the bulletin boards and chat, deal with any special problems, work on a couple of very special projects (to be unveiled later - fun stuff, people!) AND have jobs and lives. We're working to address all of your issues, but unfortunately there isn't enough time in the day to do it all. Your patience is appreciated, and I believe if you stick with us you will be happy with the final results.

 

[Dixon Carter Lee]

I think a big reason why people don't offer feedback (or vote) is because they print the stories our and read them at their convenience. By then they are well off the site and not only does the opportunity to offer feedback disappear, but the inclination to respond later wanes.

 

[Friday]

I am not a writer who posts here, some thing I hope to fix soon, however I do follow all the boards, and give feedback in the form of voting. Perhaps I will try to send critiques when I can. All though XX tends to be right in saying all feddback is good. We can not get any better with out knowing we are missing the mark, or missing spelling the words.., even what makes our readers hot. After all this is not like a workshop in that one has to look at the people as they tell you your work sucks...
With this I will live those who care, most stories here are good, at least they were written and made to the post, some here are most amazingly better writers than others, and thanks for that. I am vary tired of the flat lines some scrawl across the page... Holedays all

 

[Jenna]

I've never asked for feedback on the board before but I do list my e-mail and love to here responses. Good or bad, I've gotten both. I do however think if your going to flame someone you should do it privately. I do agree with what someone said earlier though, I want to hear what you liked or didn't not just that it was good or it sucked, tell me why so I can improve.

 

[sweetnpetite]

.

 

[XXplorher]

Bump n' grind

*pump* (Laurel gets a pump, the rest just get a bump)

I've spoken to (well, exchanged emails with) a few other webmaster types, and I've looked around the Net a bit in the last week, specifically at sites that offer voting or request some sort of user response. I've found that Literotica isn't unique. The Voyeurweb, which gets trillions and zillions of hits a day, has an insanely low voter turnout on their pics. From what I've seen getting response is akin to pulling teeth.

However, I'm not sure that laziness is the proper term. My conclusion is this: People come to websites to be entertained, not polled. Some people enjoy giving feedback, and love to share their opinion (some you can't shut up!). However, I think that most surfers come to places like this site to relax and unwind. Voting, though it only takes a click of the button, is to many people a bit intrusive - like someone following you around asking,"What'dya think?" It forces them to sit and examine how they felt about the story (was it a "3" or a "4"?) at a moment when the last thing they want to do is think - they just wanna relax!!

My point is that you authors shouldn't take it as a slight if you don't receive feedback. It doesn't necessarily mean it was ineffective. In fact, it might have been extremely effective - your story could've been so arousing as to get them off, but the last thing they may want to do post-orgasm is be polled.

Maybe you should do what they do with the Gallup polls and assume that every response/vote you get represents a certain number of people. You can pick the number depending on the response - positive ones weighing in higher, of course.

Just don't take it too personally. Like someone said, be thick-skinned. Realize that there are risks to sharing your work with an audience.

Note on the voting scheme as is…

I, like, never vote.

I never vote because I recognize they need a 4.6 average or better – or they’re off the ‘yummy’ page. So unless it’s an absolute 5? I don’t vote (and there’s no reason for me to tell someone they suck, so 3 or below never ever occurs).

There’s been LOTS of stories I want to support, that aren’t quite a 5. I can’t offer them a credible 4, because it might actually fuck them over. So I give them nothing instead. And there are prolly a lot of people wondering why that awesome story they wrote is stuck with not quite good enough (or enough enough) votes. I bet that’s confusing for them. (I dunno, I never write anymore… or if I do it’s about 5yr olds having sex in a sandbox - so I can’t say for sure.)

How difficult would it be to expand the voting system to 1-10? I think it might be worth it. Seems like all the same stuff is stagnant at 4.8+ (btw, if they go in there and vote for themselves 100x a day? Does that stick? Some of the stuff I’ve read? That HAS to be occurring for them to maintain the number they are.

Uh oh… more homework ; )

(Btw, when that thing got implimented? This place just erupted. I'm not saying it's bad. It was fuckin' platinum! I'm just sayin' it might need an adjustment at this point... And stop rejecting my stories about playground sex. Jail ain't so bad.)

 

[Vermilion]

What on earth???

Where did this thread come from?!

I recognise maybe - one name in the whole thread. <confused face>

A 1-10 voting scheme might be nice, though.

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