So many readers so few reviews

[H Dean]

hi aussiegirl--
I've read and enjoyed several of your stories. but I've never written a review of them because, when I first started coming to the library, I wrote e-mails to quite a few authors whose stories I liked, and none (zero) of them ever responded. so I stopped writing. I think you would do the same if you had the same experience. write on, aussiegirl!
--Sandcastler

Don't let it bring you down, it's only castles burning...there I go, launching into song.

Seriously, don't let the few non-responses halt your comments to authors. Some of us - me included - enjoy those things and will always respond.

Also, don't forget that some people have spam filters that knock stuff out. Or maybe they don't recognize your e-mail address and delete it.

I can tell you that, there is an author who I wrote to. He did not respond to me. But, when I commented in the review section, he did respond. You noever know what happens between you and them on this vast internet.

So, don't give up. Keep sending those E-Mails. Post comments in the review section. And, I promise, if you ever send me an E-Mail, if I don't respond it was because I didn't get it. Promise.

[Tojo]

Some good points there H D- I deleted an email yesterday for the simple reason it looked a bit suss.

Yeah don't give up Sandcastler- I haven't always gotten a response from emailing someone, but the important part is to do it.

I mean if you say hello to a couple of people in R/L, & they don't respond you wouldn't give up?

I've met some of the nicest people ever online, you're not stuck with any tin pot town full of rednecks here, we go all over.

Hell I had a lovely email back from one of the foremost bondage models once. That was lovely.


Tojo

[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.

[caligirl{Rob}]

I am as guilty as anyone and promise to do better when I read...as I have enjoyed so many of the stories here to the point of being lured back to my desire to write again myself...

hugs and licks!
cali

[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?

[H Dean]

Quite right - it is important to acknowledge the reviews. I am also much more apt to offer repeated reviews if I know an author actually pays attention. I review for the author, to help him/her to improve. After all, as an author, I want to know where I need to improve.

Besides, it is rude not to offer someone acknowledgement if they took their time to offer a review.

[JonMaddux]

I am a newly contributing author (i use the term loosely) and have had the same things happening. It really hurts the readers in the end and heres why. In my case being new to this i wasnt sure if the stories were that great and wasnt sure i wanted to submit more of the two dozen stories i am sitting on. I was waiting for people to let me know. If more people took the time to say something one way or another just once in a while more stories would get submitted by people like me. I think if they allowed anonymous feedbacks more people would do it. i think folks may be afraid to say something because they dont have stories submitted to qualify their remarks. Maybe they think people will pick on their stories in return... I think anonymous feedbacks would solve alot of this.

[H Dean]

I am a newly contributing author (i use the term loosely) and have had the same things happening. It really hurts the readers in the end and heres why. In my case being new to this i wasnt sure if the stories were that great and wasnt sure i wanted to submit more of the two dozen stories i am sitting on. I was waiting for people to let me know. If more people took the time to say something one way or another just once in a while more stories would get submitted by people like me. I think if they allowed anonymous feedbacks more people would do it. i think folks may be afraid to say something because they dont have stories submitted to qualify their remarks. Maybe they think people will pick on their stories in return... I think anonymous feedbacks would solve alot of this.

There are pros and cons to each method, Jon. The con to what you are suggesting is anonymous flaming of stories. I think that would be far more common.

Furthermore, and I am sure this sounds somewhat arrogant, not knowing who offered a positive or negative comment would not allow you to take the proper consideration. For instance, there are certain reviewers who offer incredibly good reviews for stories that are complete crap. The converse is also true. I find it far more helpful to get a scathing review from someone of intelligence than to get a wonderful review by an idiot.

In other words, I completely disagree with your suggestion to allow anonymous reviews.

Finally, if you want reviews - ask for them. Create a thread asking for a review. You will get reviewed. Also, check the reviews of other stories. Find a few critics who seem to make fair, clear and explanatory reviews and who seem to really care about writing. E-Mail that reviewer and ask them for a critique. I think you will get what you are looking for - well, sort of, anyway.

Well, that's my dollar and a half - long winded bastard that I am!