So many readers so few reviews

[Mad Lews]

How is it you can have 5,000 people read a story in a month and get maybe one or two to review it? Is the review process really that hard or is it something else. I mean it really is encouraging when someone takes the time to let you know what they felt about your story.

[ProjectEuropa]

How is it you can have 5,000 people read a story in a month and get maybe one or two to review it? Is the review proscess really that hard or is it something else. I mean it really is incouraging when someone takes the time to let you know what they felt about your story.

You are right to complain but I have to admit I am guilty as hell. I have read several stories where I have thought I must write a review and haven't. I've actually finished a story determined to write a review and haven't. I think I will start making a habit of writing a review even if I am critical of the story. I think constructive criticism is worthwhile even if one struggles to find something positive in a person's work.

You have touched my conscience and I will start writing reviews. A review is so so encouraging. It really does make all the effort worthwhile.

Oh and thanks for the review!

[Alex Bragi]

How is it you can have 5,000 people read a story in a month and get maybe one or two to review it? Is the review proscess really that hard or is it something else. I mean it really is incouraging when someone takes the time to let you know what they felt about your story.

Yes, I agree, however, I didn't have to look further than the past two month's top reviewers to find an answer for you - your name isn't on either list.

It's disappointing for sure, particularly for those authors who have received no rating/feedback at all for their efforts. Your stories, I see, all have a least a couple of reviews - good high ratings too - well done!

Many readers are just that - readers not writers. I feel that quite possibly many just simply don't feel comfortable, or qualified, to comment. I agree it's unwarranted but I'm sure I'm right.

[Mad Lews]

I'm sorry I didn't mean to sound like I'm complaining. I really am wondering if it's something to do with the process. I've actually gotten e-mails from people who tried to leave a review and for one reason or another couldn't. Is it the drop down menu selection? I really don't know. And yes I'm a guilty party too. I hereby swear to do at least three a week FNO

[Alex Bragi]

I'm sorry I didn't mean to sound like I'm complaining. I really am wondering if it's something to do with the process. I've actually gotten e-mails from people who tried to leave a review and for one reason or another couldn't. Is it the drop down menu selection? I really don't know. And yes I'm a guilty party too. I hereby swear to do at least three a week FNO

All men whinge and complain, Mad Lews, so why should you be any different.

[Ruby]

A challenge to all would be / not so frequent reviewers

Review one story a week. That's 4 a month and with that you could make the top ten reviewers list. One a week - you can do it!

(You'll find it becomes a habt whenever you finish a story and you'll do more if your not thinking about it.)

Your reward - bragging rights, the right to complain that others aren't reviewing, satisfaction knowing that you helped others...whatever motivates you.

Review writing made easy:

Rate the story based on the description given in the numbers.
Those descriptions are very helpful.

One to three sentences will help the author and future readers. So without giving away the plot or story twists (spoilers) fill in some of the sample sentences. Strive for quality of comments instead of quantity.

The plot was _____ (believable, unrealistic, wonderful, well conceived ....)
The visual descriptions were _____
The characters were ___
I liked this story because ____
I thought this story could use a bit of work on ____ (dialog, grammar, ...)
My favorite character(s) was/were _____ because ____
Needed a warning - please add code ____

Or go with your gut - and tell everyone what you felt/thought:
Samples below - I'm sure you can create your own.

Great writing style kept me wanting more long after I was done.
The story had me reaching for my vibe.
This story was so hot I had to grab my partner.
A perfect story for reading to your partner while they are tied and waiting
in anticipation.

There's nothing to it

Just be polite, have fun and do your best.

[Mad Lews]

A challenge to all would be / not so frequent reviewers

Just be polite, have fun and do your best.

Thanks Ruby
Great suggestions and advice, I'll get right on it. (also a nifty way to procrastinate when the writing muse is on strike)
.

[Jadetiger]

A challenge to all would be / not so frequent reviewers

Review one story a week. That's 4 a month and with that you could make the top ten reviewers list. One a week - you can do it!

(You'll find it becomes a habt whenever you finish a story and you'll do more if your not thinking about it.)

Your reward - bragging rights, the right to complain that others aren't reviewing, satisfaction knowing that you helped others...whatever motivates you.

Ruby,
This is a wonderful challenge. Authors should receive feedback on their work. So I have accepted the challenge. I am being pretty pity about what I read. I still avoid the hardcore extreme stuff unless I am requested to read it by the author. Stories I have read and reviewed.

Blood and Betrayal: Taking an Amazon by Ruby Bloodstone
http://www.bdsmlibrary.com/stories/s...p?storyid=3234

A Pirate's Life for Me by Domination King
http://www.bdsmlibrary.com/stories/s...p?storyid=2951

Breakfast with the Doctor by Dr. Wellhung
http://www.bdsmlibrary.com/stories/s...p?storyid=3248

JoAnna Smith - Seaman Apprentice by Sailor 861
http://www.bdsmlibrary.com/stories/s...p?storyid=3250

P.S.
I found this site when an Internet friend sent me a link to a story on the site. I must admit that the story was extremely hard-core for someone unfamiliar with this life style. I found it upsetting. I couldn't even finish it. While the story excited my friend I found it only angered me. I never read another story but did join the forum.

I can’t remember the name of the story but it involved a girl who was sent a plane ticket so she could spend 2 weeks with a couple. She is tricked by the sadistic couple and their plan was to turn her into a mindless slave by the end of the 2 weeks with the help of an ex con that they employed. If anyone remembers this story I would love to finish reading it now that I am more comfortable with myself. The character’s name might be Mary.

[Tiger]

A challenge to all would be / not so frequent reviewers

Ruby, I think you did a great job getting the little challenge together here. I included your text in the faq section of this site and I hope you won't mind that:
http://www.bdsmlibrary.com/faq.html#8

If anyone have any suggestion about this, feel free to let me know.

Jinn

[Mad Lews]

All men whinge and complain, Mad Lews, so why should you be any different.

I may be few things but diffrent is one of them. Still I've never learned to whinge,If you'll describe it in graphic detail I'll try my best, or not.

[banderson]

I agree that it would be nice for authors to have more reviews of their works. That way, they could improve and be encouraged to write more. I'd review more myself except that it takes a certain amount of time to give a good review and I'm a bit lazy in that regard.

Of course, it also doesn't encourage me when my review is attacked...

banderson

[Tiger]

I had put a link on the review page. It will be too long to fit the full text there. I hope people will read it before reviewing. Sometime readers do not realize how their reviews will affect the authors and the authors may also keep other reviewers away by giving some negative remarks. So I believe this is a great idea to let both reviewers and authors understand the need of others. If you think I can improve it in any way, feel free to let me know.

Jinn

[emmacd]

Hi Jinn I know how you feel. I have out up messages on what I should write about. They are ignored and I would be happy if they wrote negative about what I wished towrite. This is quite different from other groups that I have been in. Just hang in and kep on writing. Emmacd :help:

I had put a link on the review page. It will be too long to fit the full text there. I hope people will read it before reviewing. Sometime readers do not realize how their reviews will affect the authors and the authors may also keep other reviewers away by giving some negative remarks. So I believe this is a great idea to let both reviewers and authors understand the need of others. If you think I can improve it in any way, feel free to let me know.

Jinn

[H Dean]

I had put a link on the review page. It will be too long to fit the full text there. I hope people will read it before reviewing. Sometime readers do not realize how their reviews will affect the authors and the authors may also keep other reviewers away by giving some negative remarks. So I believe this is a great idea to let both reviewers and authors understand the need of others. If you think I can improve it in any way, feel free to let me know.

Jinn

Maybe you should put a disclaimer - Don't give a bad review because the fetish or kink was not to your taste! - I have a seen a lot of bad reviews because it didn't fit the reviewers genre. Pardon - I said bad reviews. I meant stupid.

[General_Dom]

Two other trends I have found in reading other's reviews that should be, IMO, Big Don'ts:

1) Harshly judging a first chapter because it doesn't have enough of the "good stuff" (whatever you're into) - As a writer, I always try to start a story with a bang. I know that's important. But, let's try to cut the newer writers a break in this department. Effectively achieving balance between plot and character development is difficult to master. I don't know if slamming newbies with 1 and 2 star reviews is the way to get the message across. I am surprised many victims of this haven't just given up (and some have, unfortunately... look at all the one chapter stories out there). Lastly, if you feel your preliminary judgement is warrented, at least do the author the courtesy of re-reviewing the story once more content is added.

2) Laying down arbitrary rules like "a story should be 'x' pages long." Says who? Hey, the size is posted on every story link here. If it's beyond your attention span or interest level, then don't read it. Sorry for flaring, I was just thinking of a certain reviewer (who shall remain nameless).

[Mad Lews]

Two other trends I have found in reading other's reviews that should be, IMO, Big Don'ts:

1) Harshly judging a first chapter because it doesn't have enough of the "good stuff" (whatever you're into) - As a writer, I always try to start a story with a bang. I know that's important. But, let's try to cut the newer writers a break in this department. Effectively achieving balance between plot and character development is difficult to master. I don't know if slamming newbies with 1 and 2 star reviews is the way to get the message across. I am surprised many victims of this haven't just given up (and some have, unfortunately... look at all the one chapter stories out there). Lastly, if you feel your preliminary judgement is warrented, at least do the author the courtesy of re-reviewing the story once more content is added.

2) Laying down arbitrary rules like "a story should be 'x' pages long." Says who? Hey, the size is posted on every story link here. If it's beyond your attention span or interest level, then don't read it. Sorry for flaring, I was just thinking of a certain reviewer (who shall remain nameless).

Write on General_Dom!
Don't mind me I'm still smarting from my first review under 7, a 2 no less. Now don't get me wrong the story might suck but the reason given was she didn't find anything erotic about it. So I check out the other reviews she's done. They vary between 2 and 5 for every story except 1 author who gets straight tens. Comments are all pretty much the same " It didn't turn me on". I mean you can tell people the rating scale isn't an arouse-o-meter but you can't make them listen. The same reviewer mentioned that the story should grip her from page one and be no more than 25-30 pages. I thought of asking for a word count because I don't know the font size she uses and I'd hate to leave her dangeling with a 35 page story, but I figured I'd said enough.
Vent closed! Hatches secured, I'll plunge on now.
Mad Lews

[Alex Bragi]

Do you review?

[buttins]

There is a place i know of that does reviews.... They seem to be sticking with pretty much one source for their stories, but I did see one or two from here... Maybe if they heard from you, they would start doing more stories from here. Anyway, the link is: http://indianpilot.tripod.com

Hope it is of some help.

buttins

[DungeonMaster6]

As someone who has submitted stories, I can say that it is encouraging to know someone thought enough of my story to write a review. If it's a positive review of course I'm delighted, but even if it's negative (and I've received a few), it spurs me on to do better.

[Aussiegirl1]

Sandcastler, I can understand how not getting a reply back from authors when you email them would be disappointing, but do try reviewing a story. It is a much more public way to praise the author of the story you like or offer some hints on how to improve a story. I for one really look forward to seeing what my reviewers say. It is ok to try to email the author too but as you have discovered they may not always respond. I hope you decide to review one of my stories and let me know what you like (or dislike) about it.

I have to agree with DungeonMaster, it does spur you on to write more when someone takes the time to review. I don't write just for reviews, I write first and formost for my own enjoyment, but I do get a buzz each time a new story starts to get reviewed.

[jamb]

Mmm - I used to not respond that much, because I'm always a bit embarrassed when people compliment me. However, I've decided to start responding to every email I get now on my stories - I even went back over some emails I got last year and gave belated and apologetic thanks. I regret not doing it sooner - people want feedback on their feedback too, frankly.

[RickBulow74]

I know I like to read the stories, but it takes time for me to come up with a suitable review. I will put in a couple of reviews soon.

[ElectricBadger]

I know I like to read the stories, but it takes time for me to come up with a suitable review. I will put in a couple of reviews soon.

Totally understandable, but don't let it stop you either. You can add to, or edit your reviews later, and that's completely fine, but just a quick rating and a brief "good, will write more later" is really appreciated. Right now my main story has 14,000 reads and an underwhelming 6 reviews -- which led to my ceasing writing for a couple months due to lack of motivation. So while you intend to write something, it's hard for the author to get motivated by that.

[Aussiegirl1]

I know I was guilty of not reviewing stories before I began to write my own. As an author, I do take note of any reviews I get and try now to at least review the stories I get time to read.

One of the ironic things I find though is that the more stories I write and the more I get involved in the forum, the less time I have to read and review! I guess it is a case of just trying to find a balance and I will always try to do that, as writers deserve the feedback.

[RhondaLee]

Is there a missing chapter 21?

[Rabbit1]

Is there a missing chapter 21?

yep the author for some reason submitted chapter 22 before he did 21 so I can only publish what the author sends me ---it has been corrected now

[Widget]

Its good to post a review for the authors. There is nothing more depressing than sending a story off to be read and recieve little to no feedback. Authors need praise, constructive critisism anything, just to let them know someone read what they had to say.

[Jeanne F]

One reason why I send very few reviews despite parsing through almost all BDSMlibrary's production is the limited format. Also you're not sure the review will be read at all.

Specific hints: I think the scale for assessing is wrong in putting 'could be printed in a mainstream magazine (or something to that effect) as the top notch mark. To me that's no distinction! Magazine stories are soo boring and vanilla anyway! I like stories to be wicked to the extreme. The HAVE to be readable, but my reading committee is not a boffins' club - it's my clit and finger.

AND the review form should include a question whether the reviewer would welcome further exchange w/ the writer. The writer than chooses whether to pursue or not. Less intrusive than email, and (s)he still gets the public praise (s)he wants!

(I abstain from negative reviews. Sorry. I know some would be needed.)

[ElectricBadger]

Reviews are very much read -- if not by the author, then by others looking over stories. And honestly, I don't think there are many people who would put the effort into writing a story to publish for free and not care about response. If they didn't, they wouldn't put it up. Also, an email is sent to authors every time there's a review...so it is DEFINITELY noticed.

I hear the issue with the top ranking...but I think the idea is, is it ready for publication ie, is it polished, perfect, nothing at all could be improved. At least, that's how I treat it, but then I give out very, very few 10s.

As for further exchange, the author can always respond to comments and it's up to the reviewer if they ever want to come back and say anything more.

[Alex Bragi]

Reviews are very much read -- if not by the author, then by others looking over stories. And honestly, I don't think there are many people who would put the effort into writing a story to publish for free and not care about response. If they didn't, they wouldn't put it up. Also, an email is sent to authors every time there's a review...so it is DEFINITELY noticed.

I hear the issue with the top ranking...but I think the idea is, is it ready for publication ie, is it polished, perfect, nothing at all could be improved. At least, that's how I treat it, but then I give out very, very few 10s.

As for further exchange, the author can always respond to comments and it's up to the reviewer if they ever want to come back and say anything more.

Absolutey, but how many authors actually acknowledge feedback? I got a 'thank you' email this morning from an author who I've noticed always responds to feedback. Maybe that's why that author gets more feedback to begin with?

Also, I'm often amazed at authors who will actually request feedback, at the end of their story, but then criticise the critique. Maybe this puts some people off?