The Trolls Come Out At Night

[Miltone]

I've read a few threads over the past year or so from writers who have been zinged by the trolls (i.e., those who have nothing better to do than write hate mail to authors whose work they don't like or approve of). I've been pretty fortunate in that the response to my stories has been quite favorable. Maybe it was because of that response that I took a chance with a recent posting where the setup for the story was sort of long. So I posted the first 4 parts under the "non-erotic" category since they really didn't have any sex in them--erotic elements perhaps, but no action. Well the trolls didn't appreciate it. Here are a couple of examples of the anonymous feedback I've received:

About the submission: A Rat's Chance Ch. 4
This feedback was sent by: Anonymous
Comments:
You stink. You fucked up a great story. I get enough of reality in my suck ass life I read your stories cause they let me escape and have a little hope. Obviously you've revised your philosophy.

About the submission: A Rat's Chance Ch. 4
This feedback was sent by: Anonymous
Comments:
how about putting new codes on your stories--happy or sad ending. you could make someone change his mind about censorship. if I'm not going to get off from your story, at least don't make me get down!!!!

I'm sorry that reader number one has a suck ass life, but remember that the world don't owe you a thing. If your life sucks, then do something about it! And I'm sorry that reader number two didn't realize that a non-erotic story is not written to get you off.

The good news for them and all my other readers is that Part 5 will have all of the elements that they complained were missing from the first four parts.

If doesn't really bother me. When read all together I think they make up a good story so if some reader's best criticism is that I stink, well that's their problem. I'll still write what I think and feel and if they don't like it, well I have this rope they can piss up!

 

[MaxSebastian]

Roar!

 

[Miltone]

Roar of approval?

Max,

I'm going to assume that was a roar of approval and appreciate your succinct comment. Too bad that some folks have too much time on their hands--I wish they could lend me some! I just hope that everyone will not despair and read the next installment that should be up tomorrow.

For those who want to read what this is about, use the following links:

A Rat's Chance, Part 1
http://www.literotica.com/stories/showstory.php?id=33876

Part 2
http://www.literotica.com/stories/showstory.php?id=33877

Part 3
http://www.literotica.com/stories/showstory.php?id=34025

Part 4
http://www.literotica.com/stories/showstory.php?id=34026



BTW, Max, I enjoy your work!

 

[MaxSebastian]

Definite roar of support.

I too have heard from the dreaded Trolls (well, to be honest, Troll), and my negative feedback wasn't even as eloquent as yours! (It consisted of five words and involved the accusation that I existed as nothing more than an anatomical component of the female form vital for both reproductive and leisure purposes).

Well now I'll have to go and read your stories.

Solidarity and so on, keep a stiff upper lip.

 

[Miltone]

Tomorrow is another day

Since the final installment of A Rat's Chance was posted this morning, the trolls seem to have disappeared. For all of the readers who were nice enough to read it and respond, even anonymously, I'd like to say a big Thank You! Your response makes it so much easier to deal with the trolls who can't see beyond the end of their measly erection. Part 5 can be found at:

http://www.literotica.com/stories/showstory.php?id=34110

And by the way, Max, congrats on making Laurel's list on the Where's the Erotica thread! You are among the others who try to write erotica and not just another dirty little story.

 

[MaxSebastian]

Well, I've now read all five chapters, and I have to say I was pretty impressed on the whole - even the four chapters in the 'non-erotic' seemed pretty erotic to me (but then I don't see the words 'erotc' and 'explicit' as being synonymous).

The trolls obviously couldn't spot a false cadence like the one at the end of part 4 if their grouchy lives depended on it , (although admittedly I had the hindsight of knowing there was definitely a part 5 to come and that this negative ending was a purely a cliffhanger).

I think that since the chapters weren't too long as a whole, I might have submitted all five chapters at once, but perhaps the words 'to be continued' at the end of part 4 would have alerted the potential trolls that the story wasn't over yet.

 

[Miltone]

TGR-TGW

Things Gone Right-Things Gone Wrong (Corporate Newspeak Analysis Method for determining how the hell things got so fucked up).

I appreciate your feedback and you do point out a couple of things about submissions online.

When one sits down to read a story in a book or magazine it's usually pretty obvious when there is more to come. I realize now that not putting in a "to be continued" tag line was a mistake. Even the best serial writers are sure to do that and in my haste to get it online, I passed over that detail.

The other thing is how to post: Serial form or all together? I've submitted one other long story in a single posting and received some feedback that it was a good story but too much for one posting (look for The Boss's Daughter http://www.literotica.com/stories/showstory.php?id=27435). Ah well, one can't have it every way they want!



In this case I didn't want to blow off those who can't wait for the good stuff! For a similar story in the future I might consider posting 1-4 as one part and 5 as a second.

Anyway, Max, as one of the other writers here whose work embodies a fine sense of the erotic, I appreciate your taking the time to read and respond. Thanks!

If there are any others who wish to add their comments or opinions, please don't be shy!

 

[Miltone]

Open Letter to Smutman@aol.com

I'm posting this response to some feedback to the individual who is identified above. They know who they are and were so "brave" that they chose to use an unregistered email address.

Dear Mr. or Ms. Troll,

I appreciate your taking the time to send me your feedback. I'm sorry that you didn't like what I wrote, but if you were a member of the Pulitzer prize committee you would know that you need something more than a cheap insult to disqualify a nomination.

If you want to tell me that a character's motivation was insufficient or that there were inconsistencies in the plot or that there were problems with the narrative voice, then fine. In this case Worth Waiting For was written specifically for a female reader who requested it. Her response was so effusive and complimentary that I can only laugh at yours in its meaninglessness. Sorry, but if you thought I'd get all upset and stop writing the way I do, you're striking out here, charlie. I couldn't care less what you think.

If you don't like what I write, don't read it. Better yet, why don't you try writing something and be sure to let me know. I'd be more than happy to provide a constructive review.

Miltone

 

[bearlee]

I know this thread is basically over, but my favoroite anonymous feedback came in response to an erotic story, actually two separate ones. One non-erotic story was Congress Shall Make No Law...concerning the USA PATRIOT Act. Later I got involved in a discussion on the general board about the same topic. Actually, it was a pretty good discussion. Anyway, I had a story posted featuring my fiancee, maybe under Loving Wives, Group Sex, NonConsent, etc., not sure where, and the feedback from Anonymous was simple and straight to some other point:

"Hey, aren't you the guy that believes we should give more rights to terrorists so they can slaughter innocent Americans."(that's close to the quote)

Another anonymous person told me I'm obviously gay-not even sure where that came from. In a recent Interracial story, a racist type person had some words for me and my fiancee I don't even want to put on here.

I haven't read your non-erotic stuff referred to, but I'll take a look at it.

At least you get feedback with some substance. Most of the ones I've received are something to the effect of, "I shot my wad!"

Gotta run-don't like being at the office so late.

Take care!

 

[Miltone]

Not over yet

Bearlee,

BTW, that is unbelieveable! Amazing what conclusions people can jump to isn't it?

It ain't over till the fat lady sings and I haven't heard her yet. In fact I wouldn't mind if people want to post some of their feedback that fits this category. As most of the others who have posted poetry or prose have found out, what may please many will turn a few off.

So here's the deal, if any of you story writers out there have received some feedback that you want to share, feel free to post it here! Ought to be good for a few laughs!

 

[MysteryWriter]

Funny how I keep finding things in here to answer. I expect to keep me from writing today.. none the less my personal favorite was the one who told me I was a would be erotic writer and wrote like a high school drop out.

The thing that peeved me most was the ten straight five i had till i hit the big board and ten minutes later i had a one... not nice people... but now that i know everybody gets it I feel worse lol.

 

[Miltone]

Oh, my!

To the troll who objects to my alledged "troll bashing": from here on consider yourself ignored!

 

[VeraGem]

Trolls are attention seeking creatures that turn to stone in the light of day - and nothing gives them more fuel than responding to them.

I tell you, they die without responses. Short attention span and all that...

 

[Debbie]

Don't take any notice of them nasty assed trolls. I have had some snotty trolls and will probably always do so.

 

[Miltone]

Thanks

debbiex and VeraG,

Thanks for your support! I decided after a good night's sleep to edit my previous post and go with what you have suggested. Doing anything to acknowledge them only makes it worse.