Reviewer: LadyKeren Signed [Report This]
Date: Jun 19, 2022 05:58 am Title: Keeping Readers/Getting Reviews

Another point I neglected to add is about how constructive criticism can be subjective, or merely a difference of opinion, so one is not always obligated to change their writing to reflect with the reviewer said..now if more than 5 people point out the same flaw, then it's time to figure out if what's being written about is a problem or not. It depends on whether it's a nitpicky element (like someone not liking the plot/premise or if a person loves the retelling but hates AU/AR/AH/AT or vise versa)or if someone is truly breaking the rules of writing..in short, a writer should finding that fine line between writing something someone isn't in the target audience for or doing something not allowed, taking it into account whiled addressing the reviewer. 

Also find it so striking when an author puts on their stories, if you don't like, don't read and then get upset if a portion of the audience follows that..what comes to mind there is the saying, "Be careful what you wish for."

Reviewer: TutThreeSevens Signed [Report This]
Date: Feb 06, 2015 10:38 am Title: Keeping Readers/Getting Reviews

I think I'm a pretty consistent poster...? I put the question mark because im not sure what length of time is considered consistent between posts. Lol

I make it my business to reply to my reviews. I feel if they take the time to drop a few lines it's only right to acknowledge them in some way. I know not everyone will have the time to do this but it's just something I do personally. 

I'm willing to take on any kind of review. Flames and all. If you're strongly grounded in your story and have a reason for how it's going then you should be able to explain it to your readers. This is how you know a reader is really paying attention when they point things out. I've seen it done quite rudely at times. It's all about tact. 

I always put "rate and review I want to here your thoughts" in the end notes of my story. I dont know if that counts as pandering or not. It's really not meant to be. I've mentioned once when I saw a few people stopped reviewing and it was out of curiosity that I asked. Know that I've been here longer I've come to see that it's the nature of posting here. Sometimes people just stop reviewing and that's ok. As for holding stories hostage I've seen that as well and it baffles me. I personally write for my love of writing so I don't understand why people would do that. The story itself should be enough of an insentive for people to keep coming back. 

The take home message is definitely on point!! Great post!! 

More soon <333

Author's Response:

You are ;) I think regular is when a person does it on a reasonably consistent schedule. Ideally less than a month. I believe one of the most consistent is Enola Lee. She's got a schedule posted and everything.

Responding to reviewers doesn't need to take a lot of time. One could easily post a quick thank you. Are personalized ones the best? YES. That's how I became a huge fan of Annie's. Her stories are the ones that got me reviewing, but her responses are what made me a regular reviewer in general.

LOL. I remember when you said that. I posted to say why, b/c I'm a bit quirky....I feel guilty when I stop commenting on anything and do try to provide warnings ahead of time and/or follow up.  I don't like leaving writers wondering why. 

You don't pander for reviews. A "Rate and Review, Please" or "I love reading your comments" is totally fine.

Thanks, girl :)

Reviewer: KerenOlivero Anonymous [Report This]
Date: Feb 05, 2015 08:03 pm Title: Keeping Readers/Getting Reviews

1. Definitely agree, although I know real life could rear its head or bad writer's block so in those cases I understand. Myself I try to have updates for my 2 WIP fics monthly..the updates are that slow since I write other stuff besides Michael..and some days I would end up slacking off due to laziness/stubborn muse/distraction. 

2.That's what I try to do when I get a review..though admittedly I have a hard time knowing how to respond to reviews like "aww" or something..but it really lights up my day when I do receive reviews.

3. I welcome constructive criticism as I received it mostly when I was a novice..have to say though it can be very annoying when someone is vague with it..like if they say grammar error and don't be specific..also it depends on what they say too because depending on the advice some are not in any position to do it..like for example if they flame  for lack of updates when there could be a good reason for it and if you look at their fics their grammar looks like something that'll make any Language Arts teacher start screaming or something. Also there's no need to get personal with the author as long as they don't get personal first..as there is a difference between a low level and blatant ignorance and some reviewers feel that criticism means insults and childish name-calling when it isn't so. Some aim to tear people down and that's the type I don't like..so far I haven't gotten any flames yet though..there was some helpful suggestions before but the reviewer at least stated the strong points

I agree with your don'ts..must say demanding reviews is even worse than begging and I'm with you on threatening not to post any new chapters..I understand the frustration..on the other hand I keep going and remain optimistic that people would review when they're ready..

Author's Response:

1. I really suck at being understanding about writer's block. I've had to write through so many periods of writer's block....I'm talking, having to use creativity with dry material or material that would be very contentious. I still wrote it and sent it in. I do get having responsibilities come to the forefront. I don't get taking 2+ months for an update unless the person is working 60+ hour weeks, has some newborn twins, etc.

2. LOL. what about posting an "aww" gif? add some humor in there.

3. 'Language Arts' oh my god. I haven't heard that term in about a decade. Old person problems.... I believe in balancing criticisms with compliments, just as I believe that some reviewers need to censor a bit. Myself included, sometimes.

 

TBH as a reader, when I look through the archives on here, I'm not looking for the most reviewed stories. I'm looking for the longest stories. Stay optimistic ;)