Quote Originally Posted by Mad Lews View Post
I've noticed a few things about the review process. It might just be me but it seems the first review tends to set the tone. It’s as if reviewers read the other reviews before striking out on their own. I should also mention that the most popular story I’ve written is also the lowest rated. A historic spoof (Lien the Fifth (http://www.bdsmlibrary.com/stories/s...?storyid=3873)) which started out nasty and got worse was critiqued as not being erotic enough, based on the first chapter. Perhaps it was a fair sentiment though It was was meant to be vicious and sadistic and not really envisioned as a terribly erotic story. The first reviewer hit it with a 2 and the next two were 5 and 7 then I got some more reasonable critiques.
Still the story has nearly thirty five thousand hits and only ten reviews so you have to figure the bulk of the people reading it aren’t interested in the reviews
Just some rambling thoughts
Mad Lews
I remember that story fairly well. Rather brutal and violent with snide bits of humor slapped across it. I do believe I read it over several weeks, keeping the trash can nearby for those ocassions when I felt a gravity leave my intestinal fortitude behind...it was a good damned story.

You are right, of course...an initial review will often bring about reviews of similar nature. Unfortunately, people don't want to be the first to break stride and would rather offer a half assed review than offer their honesty. Also, offering a "real" review is often too much work. Laziness is high and productivity is low. What can you say.

Do take heart, oh Mad one, in knowing that most of those poor reviews you received - at least the ones I read - appear to have been written by dolts. Anyone who would provide you with a "2" has an axe to grind and is not reviewing honestly or in the spirit of the review process. They may not like your tales but your technical skills are far and above a "2". Take heart, too, in knowing that most (if not all) of your fellow writers hold your skills in high regard.

Hmm, that gives me a notion...we should try a new thread; "Reviewing the Reviewer". In this thread we would bring particularly off reviews to light and all offer comments as to whether or not it is a justified review. Who knows, it might be fun and we might learn something. Or, just blow off steam.