Sharing feedback from a Anonymous Nit Picker

[Duleigh]

I'm sure we all have had this guy pick nits on our stories, this past year I wrote a story where a veteran thinks back on his past as an AC-130 gunner, then after he is injured he gets an assignment to a fighter squadron in Korea. My military expert told me:

I don't think AC-130 guys would say they are in a "fighter squadron" (mentioned about his Korea unit), rather just Special Ops...which has quite the reputation in the Air Force.

Yes AC-130 guys do have quite a reputation, and when they were on AC-130's they were in Special Ops. But when a gunner gets a set of orders and head off to another unit he generally ends up loading bombs on an F-16. I know, it was part of my job (AFSC). Gunner on an AC-130 is a tough job so they don't have you doing it very long. Gunners I know who were in combat actions still wake up screaming. Once your tour of duty is over, you go back to something less nerve wracking, like loading nuclear missiles on B-52s which Mr. Anonymous had no clue about.

Just a heads up to new writers, write what you know, it makes your stories more authentic but you're going to get comments like this from folks who know better than you, even if everything they know is wrong. Just take it in stride and respond as politely as possible. I try to respond to all of my readers if I can - it builds readership, a cadre of followers.

 

[eomerson]

Yes, you always have folks that love to nit pick. I agree with what you say. I have never posted any of my fiction but I do a lot of technical and analytical writing for work and you would be amazed at the comments I receive from people with only two years in the field. (I have 30 plus years in and I don't know everything but they do!) Keep up the good work my friend and don't let it get to you! Seeing some of the brutal comments to some very good writers on here makes me hesitant to post. I like your positivity. Keep those stories rolling!!!

 

[KeithD]

Yes, the most "couldn't happen" comments on my stories are about the parts I actually know from experience rather than by research or supposition. I just laugh the comments off.

 

[Jackie.Hikaru]

Yep. Anonymous is particularly afflicted with the ol' Dunning-Kruger effect.
To be fair, I do from time to time get some technical corrections within my lane that are valid. They're still nitpickers though

 

[gunhilltrain]

Duleigh, you have Air Force experience, so I'll take your word on such matters. At least I know what an AC-130 is.

As an aside, I'm always amazed at how many different kinds of aircraft the military has used in the last 110 years or so. I'm not sure they really needed that many types but, there they are.