Quote Originally Posted by JakBird
Is it proper to review a story if it isn't to one's taste? I've contributed a few stories so far, stories targeted to a very narrow audience. The reviews have been positive, and I certainly appreciate the comments, but it makes me wonder at how many started to read and gave up, out of boredom, disgust, or whatever.
I think if someone has took the time to read a story they have every right to review it and they are probably doing the author a favour even if it's a bad review as long as their review is constructive criticism. I have read quite a few reviews and I can't say I have come across a review where the reviewer seems to have had the intention of destroying the author's ego. As for the authors they have put put themselves up to be shot down and if someone blows a raspberry that is tough.

People read the stories for different reasons too. My wayward shadow sat behind me right now reads the stories strictly for tittilation and arousal value, which of course I am not going to complain about. If some pervert who has took the time to write down their fantasies means I'm going to be working up a sweat on my dearest because they've hit her where she tickles. I say thank you very much perv. keep the words coming! As for me, I only get tittilated if the plot is plausable and the writing is good.

I wouldn't let it worry you how many people have started to read your story and stopped out of boredom or it's not to the readers taste. You can't please them all. When I submited my stories I knew I would be criticized for lack of sexual content and tittilation value but its been worthwhile as I have had some warming comments. One reviewer said I write well but 'king of sleaze' I ain't, which gave me a good giggle. I'm trying to correct that.

But I agree with you its difficult to know what to put in a review when you have just read some unintelligible garbage. Writing oneself I know how much work goes into it and feel reluctant to tell someone they are wasting their time and as you say this is an amateur site and people are writing stories for more reasons than just the reason of writing. Having started to read many stories to find I haven't the stamina to get to the end of many of them either because of bad writing skills or implausable plots. I do a lot of sifting but that goes with the territory. I'm wondering whether it might be worth if there was a seperate code for deadly serious writers and those who write for fun. Hmm Maybe that's not so bright idea now I think about it.