How Much Should Grammar And Spelling Weight With A Review?

[H Dean]

I tend to agree with Aussiegirl, over all. A few mistakes are bound to be part of a story. So long as they aren't overly common and don't hinder the flow of a story it will barely register with my rating score. It will, however, be mentioned in my review so as to make the author aware of their mistakes.

On the other hand, if the mistakes cause the story to flow poorly it can severely hamper my rating and review of a story. Presentation is as important as the ideas being expressed. A great story can be ruined by poor flow due to grammatical and spelling miscues.

What really gets me is when a story has been gone over with a spell check routine, while not being edited. This is usually pretty obvious since it means incorrect words will be used with a fair frequency. This is something I have no tolerance for. It stinks of laziness and a complete lack of respect for the art of writing, their own story and the reader. If the author does not respect these things enough to edit their story properly then they get no respect from me and I will review their story appropriately.

But then, I am sort of a prick.

[Rabbit1]

I tend to agree with Aussiegirl, over all. A few mistakes are bound to be part of a story. So long as they aren't overly common and don't hinder the flow of a story it will barely register with my rating score. It will, however, be mentioned in my review so as to make the author aware of their mistakes.

On the other hand, if the mistakes cause the story to flow poorly it can severely hamper my rating and review of a story. Presentation is as important as the ideas being expressed. A great story can be ruined by poor flow due to grammatical and spelling miscues.

What really gets me is when a story has been gone over with a spell check routine, while not being edited. This is usually pretty obvious since it means incorrect words will be used with a fair frequency. This is something I have no tolerance for. It stinks of laziness and a complete lack of respect for the art of writing, their own story and the reader. If the author does not respect these things enough to edit their story properly then they get no respect from me and I will review their story appropriately.

But then, I am sort of a prick.

lol that is one of my nick names too ---but I tend to point out the errors and try to encourage the author to fix them instead of discourage him ----Of course that is why I took the time to start a little training course for new writers ----and any of our older authors who can spare some time are welcome to help out ----there ---there is plenty of intrest in learning --but so far not much intrest in instructing

[Eryn]

Greetings. Though I'm relatively new to the forum I hope y'all won't mind if I put in a cent or two. I do a bit of editing and ghost writing on the side and can say from sharp lessons learned that mispellings and poor grammer are *never* acceptable in a finished product. If a story is put up for review then the author is essentially saying, "Okay, I'm done. This is the best it can be."

I've found that all too often there's a rush to post/publish/present and that adequate editing and revision have not taken place. The best advice I can offer is to cool your jets and read over your work another hundred times. Read it aloud, read it backwards, have someone else read it to you ... do whatever it takes to at least make sure your copy is functionally correct. Content may be subjective but proper spelling and grammer are not.

That being said, it should also be noted that we all make mistakes, typos and use the wrong word in the wrong place at times. All you can do is take the hit and try harder next time.

[aree]

Another set of eyes can be very valuable. I do a fair bit of writing when the mood strikes me and I know there have been times that I have passed over a mistake because my eyes just don't see it. Eryn will catch it quickly and point it out, which sometimes makes me grumpy, but he knows his stuff.

[StillBehindBlueEyes]

Rabbit1 quote
now lets take it like it really is ---this is a free site ---the stories are free ---the authors work for free----if you really want literary masterpieces go to your local library or to one of the pay sites where authors get paid for their work ---if you pay for a story and it is full of grammar and format errors ---Then Bitch you head off ---other wise you should give the poor author a break ---not all of us are english teachers --and most people read the stories to get off anyway ----so grammar and format is not that important ---lol

Eryn Quote
I've found that all too often there's a rush to post/publish/present and that adequate editing and revision have not taken place.

Let’s be realistic here, these are free stories. I keep wondering just how much some people expect for free… My vanilla work is edited, and edited but like I’ve said before, isn’t it expecting a bit much to have a perfect work submitted for free?
Wouldn’t that be sent to a publisher of erotica or porn for money?

I have to say I agree with Rabbit1 if I worried so much about grammar here I wouldn’t have published. I’m very glad I published before I realized grammar was going to be an issue. I use my spellchecker, but not my editor. No way am I handing this stuff to someone and saying, “Ummhumm could you ignore the content and go over this one so I can post it for free on a porn site?” LOL

I think if it’s bad, don’t read it, if you like it, tell the author, if the grammar drives you nuts just move on.

(Thanks Maddie for volunteering to edit my big one.) If it just drives you nuts edit it and send it to the author. They will probably kiss your feet in gratitude.

Ok stepping off my soap box and getting back on my knees where I prefer to be.

[aree]

In Eryn's defense, he does editing for a living and it's his nature to find mistakes. We've also done collaborative writing together for years, as well as with other people, so grammar and spelling errors kinda jump out at us after working with anal, type A perfectionists!
I don't think anyone here said there was an "issue" about grammar and spelling, but more what their preferences were. This doesn't seem like a judgemental group but we *are* having a discussion and opinions are bound to vary. I can look past the mistakes and get to the meat of a story, but as some mentioned, it can be difficult to read and sometimes interests wane.
From a different perspective, maybe some of the Dom/mes here would like their subbie's writing to be the best it can be and will point out the errors as a learning experience for their little one.
Also, I am not one of those that read the stories to "get off." LOL. I really am looking for a bit of literary substance since my home library is full and has been read several times already!

[Tojo]

Well OK- let's look at it from my point of view, as an occasional writer.

I write a story & post it for the world to see- I don't wish to hear a lot of flowery crap about how wonderful the story is, if it just isn't.

If it sucks, I want to know. If I have poor grammar or spelling I also want to know- otherwise why have reviews?

Yes I can see the logic in encouraging new authors & do my damndest to say encouraging things- but ultimately what am I to do if a story is total rubbish IMO? I don't want a story to be perfect, but there are limits.

I guess I'm a bit of a prick too...

Tojo