okay... huh? by LJC

BLUE SUN ROOM

okay... huh?

POSTED BY: LJC
UPDATED: Wednesday, June 4, 2003 22:51
SHORT URL:
VIEWED: 4322
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Tuesday, June 3, 2003 2:33 PM

So, the last half dozen stories I've posted, I've had people go through and--without leaving any comments--rate them 0 out of 10.

Here's the thing... If you think the stories are indeed dreadful, I would rather know exactly *what* it is about them that you hate. I'm a big girl who studied writing at school and makes (a very very small amount of money) writing professionally; I'm all about constructive criticism, and I need constructive crits in order to improve my craft.

But the anonymous drive by 0s? Tell me nothing *useful* about how I could improve the story. All it shows me is that either the stories--or I--am hated, but there's nothing I can do about that without some kind of feedback as to *why.*

So, I wanna know--what's the board etiquette about rating fanfic? Do folks rate a story, but not leave comments, when they're simply too busy to log in and leave a note, or post one anonymously? or is it because they can't put into words their thoughts, but want to at least rank the story on a scale of 1 to 10 as per the enjoyment they got out of it anyway?

I'm not saying "Hey, person who hates my stories--why the heck are you doing this?" because obviously, if this person is inclined to explain his or her actions, she or he wouldn't be ranking the fic anonymously in the first place. They'd step up and actually use their name, or leave a comment.

But I am curious how other writers who post on this board see it--and what folks who read the fic here think about it.

Do you always comment on a story you enjoy? or do you only comment when you have time? Do you always rank the stories? Or do you only rank those you really like or dislike?

--
Some take the high road. Some take the low road.
And some just go screaming down the highway, dropping flaming bits of wreckage.

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Tuesday, June 3, 2003 2:47 PM

ARCHER

I wondered that about the lower ratings I got for parts one and two of Onslaught.

I rate other folks fiction, and if something good or bad sticks out, I mention it. If nothing really strikes me in a unique fashion, I settle for rating it.

I don't really take the ratings personally, though. If people like you personally, they're much more inclined to rate you higher, and vice versa. I would like more feedback from people who give me the lower ratings, if they wouldn't mind. What did work and what didn't?

And if you rate it a '0', you definitely should have something to say.

There ain't nothin' I can't overcome or come to know. So lay your heavy load down on me, strip everything I have away. I am not your prisoner, I am not afraid.

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Tuesday, June 3, 2003 2:58 PM

HOTFORKAYLEE

I've always loved your stories Tara. When I rate a story I always leave a comment and always left good ones for you because I felt you deserved it. Your latest story Scars so far has a rating of 8 so it's not all bad reviews.

I totally agree with you tho', if you take the time to rate a story give a reason why you gave that rating. And if people are just going around posting 0's that is wrong. At least stand up for yourself and say why.

Please keep writing them Tara and please keep posting them here. I'll let you know if I don't like one and why, but that seems unlikely.

Quote:
"Our thoughts form the universe, they always matter."

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Tuesday, June 3, 2003 3:11 PM

CHRISTHECYNIC

What do you write professionally? Just wondering.

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Tuesday, June 3, 2003 3:55 PM

SARAHETC

Quote:
Originally posted by LJC:
So, the last half dozen stories I've posted, I've had people go through and--without leaving any comments--rate them 0 out of 10.

But I am curious how other writers who post on this board see it--and what folks who read the fic here think about it.

I don't get how you know you're getting zeroes. Maybe there's some feature out there I'm not using, but I always just kinda thought whatever number was at the top was the average of what anybody who gave a rating said.

And I almost always at least rate, even if I don't leave a comment. And I know that I really should leave some kind of comment, even if only to acrue a little good fanfic writer karma. Though, sometimes I feel like I don't want to be just another "Wow I really loved this it's so great please write more" in the crowd, cos that's not really helpful.

Sarah

I'm a dying breed who still believes, haunted by American dreams. ---Neko Case

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Tuesday, June 3, 2003 5:28 PM

GINOBIFFARONI

I just read your story and responded, then I realized I did so without leaving my name. Here was what I wrote

I hate trying to pick a rating number, what am I comparing it to ?

I love the way you introduced and compared the backstories of both characters, by having them use their pasts to relate to each other it gives them so much depth.

I ended up here after reading your post about no comments, I wouldn't fret it. If this is any example, I really like your writing. And as it is, I haven't had the courage to post any of my stories as yet. Keep trying to improve them and never seem to finish.

Keep Flying ( and writing about it )

Sorry I accidently left my name out.

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Tuesday, June 3, 2003 5:31 PM

MANIACNUMBERONE

I think somebody is probably messing with you. I don't know why though. I wouldn't take lame people not responding as a big deal. Keep writing.

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Tuesday, June 3, 2003 5:31 PM

LJC

SARAHETC When you get a notification via email that doesn't come with a link to a comment, then that means someone's rated it without leaving a comment. If you know what the rating was, you can do the maths to see how the number changed. I was just really surprised the first time it happened, and I've kept an eye on it since, out of curiosity mainly. At first I thought it was an ASP bug--that the comments weren't getting written to the page. Then I figured it out. I guess I was just so surprised someone would do that--it didn't make sense to me. Then when I noticed it was happening regularly, I started to wonder at the mindset.

--
Some take the high road. Some take the low road.
And some just go screaming down the highway, dropping flaming bits of wreckage.

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Tuesday, June 3, 2003 5:34 PM

LJC

CHRISTHECYNIC At the moment, I write DVD reviews for a magazine, and I used to write website reviews for Yahoo! Internet Life magazine, before they cut the web guide section by two pages, and my editor cut back on stringers. I also wrote features and reviews for a magazine called The 11th Hour, but it's defunct now, and that was for love, no money. Haven't sold any fiction yet--but that's mainly due to not having loads of time, due to my regular job. Fanfic I can do as I please, when I have time, and I've actually written more in the last year and a half than probably the last 4 years combined.

--
Some take the high road. Some take the low road.
And some just go screaming down the highway, dropping flaming bits of wreckage.

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Tuesday, June 3, 2003 5:39 PM

ARCHER

It's probably some dip with some BS grudge who thinks they're actually doing something by downing your work.

Hell with 'em.

There ain't nothin' I can't overcome or come to know. So lay your heavy load down on me, strip everything I have away. I am not your prisoner, I am not afraid.

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Wednesday, June 4, 2003 6:37 AM

LJC

GINOBIFFARONI Keep at it! Can't wait to see what you've got, when you finally do post :)

--
Some take the high road. Some take the low road.
And some just go screaming down the highway, dropping flaming bits of wreckage.

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Wednesday, June 4, 2003 8:24 AM

CHRISTHECYNIC

Quote:
Originally posted by LJC:
Keep at it! Can't wait to see what you've got, when you finally do post :)

--
Some take the high road. Some take the low road.
And some just go screaming down the highway, dropping flaming bits of wreckage.

Who was this said to?

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Wednesday, June 4, 2003 8:48 AM

LJC

That was for GINOBIFFARONI. Sorry about that--I forget it doesn't include links back to the original post. I get all my boards confused...

--
Some take the high road. Some take the low road.
And some just go screaming down the highway, dropping flaming bits of wreckage.

NOTIFY: Y | REPLY | REPLY WITH QUOTE | TOP | HOME

Wednesday, June 4, 2003 9:53 AM

SARAHETC

Quote:
Originally posted by LJC:
SARAHETC When you get a notification via email that doesn't come with a link to a comment, then that means someone's rated it without leaving a comment. If you know what the rating was, you can do the maths to see how the number changed..

I've never gotten one of those, I don't think. I guess the only people rating are the ones leaving comments. Most people probably just think, "Well, that was some halfway entertaining Wash. Next?"

Also, I'm awful at math, so I suspect I wouldn't know what to do anyway.

Sorry, too, that someone's being an ass about things. There have been some genuinely poorly written stories posted and yours ain't them. Or maybe somebody feels entitled to constantly new content and is on top of the Friday fic and trying to "punish" you. Now I'm just making stuff up, really.

Sarah

I'm a dying breed who still believes, haunted by American dreams. ---Neko Case

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Wednesday, June 4, 2003 11:00 AM

LJC

Archer I think I was just so surprised because, on the whole, almost none of the Browncoats I've met thus far strike me as the petty cowardly type. Just the opposite--I've made some fantastic friends in "Firefly" fandom on TWoP, the FOX board, and here.

--
Some take the high road. Some take the low road.
And some just go screaming down the highway, dropping flaming bits of wreckage.

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Wednesday, June 4, 2003 11:44 AM

LORA

LJC, I have read alot of your stuff, mostly archived elsewhere, and there's only one reason I know I have read your stories: I liked them and tried to remember the author's tag. I don't often rate or comment on fiction posted here (I tend to be in either the "ooh, write more

" or "well written but... Don't. Kill. My. Captain!

" mode).

IMHO, someone who thinks it's fun to post weird and hurtful posts (remember the one who posted the "firefly back on next week" thread as a joke?) is harassing you for no good reason because he (or she) knows you care.

Extreme ratings definitely should come with a serious comment to be taken to heart.

Keep writing. We'll keep reading.

"Is there any way I'm gonna get out of this with honor and dignity?" Zoe, War Stories

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Wednesday, June 4, 2003 2:32 PM

DEFENDER82

Weighing in late here. While I don't always negatively rate a poor piece, if I leave a poor rating I will comment. Conversely if the piece is good I think it is important to give positive feedback, if only to selfishly keep a good writer producing for my own enjoyment.

I have attended NITA seminars of several days in length to learn haw to positivley criticize to effect change and reinforce positive performance and here are a few suggestions.

1. Be positive first, say at least one good concrete thing about the piece before you criticze. It will prevent knee jerk defensiveness.

2.Be concrete. Specify the problem. A vague comment like "grammar needs work" is not as helpful as something like "the use of dialect in exposition is frowned on and slows the reader down.

3.Suggest a solution. Again be specific.

4. Nobone can process more that 2 or 3 critical points on any piece [unles you are beta reading then line by line corrections are not only appropriate, they are mandatory.] After that the defensiveness quotient is so high no info is being processed.

5. End with another, different positive aspect of the piece. Again be concrete.

These tecniques have worked very well for me for many years in critiquing live trial performances even delivered in person. I hardly ever have anyone run weeping from the room :) Most people want to get better at their craft, even if it is an avocation, rather than a vocation, they will respond poitively.

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Wednesday, June 4, 2003 10:51 PM

ARCHER

I just wanted to enthusiastically second Defender's comments on editing. I really love that formula for critique... think I'll copy and save it.

A lot of folks doing fanfic are making their very first forays into writing. Most of my first stuff will never see the light of day (and believe me, that's a display of mercy on my part.)* and when I finally got the courage to put stuff out to my friends a few years ago, I was walking on pins and needles.

But you get comfortable with it after a while. These days, I figure that if I'm happy with it, I'll throw it out there and see what happens. I'll happily take praise and seriously look at critisism. If somebody has a technical point that I've screwed up, I definitely want to hear about it so I can correct it.

And those who want to just snipe or say "You suck." I don't pay any mind to at all. Ain't never figured everybody in the whole wide world was gonna like me or what I do anyway, and if that's all they gotta say, screw 'em.

* Was cleaning out my bedroom at my parents house a few years back, came across an atrocity that I actually typed up on a manual typewriter. Chunk! Into the trash with that. Any manuscript that has the sentence "He had a deep voice, like Keanu Reeves." deserves a summary execution.

There ain't nothin' I can't overcome or come to know. So lay your heavy load down on me, strip everything I have away. I am not your prisoner, I am not afraid.

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