Fellow Writers - Come Chat! - Page 9

August 18, 2008, 8:55 PM

If there any Twilight fans out there, could you possibly read my fic called Salvation and comment on it? It's about Edward becoming human and is from his point of view. Thanks to those who can!

August 19, 2008, 4:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bella Cullen

Thank you, Angelus.

I mainly write fanfiction, but want to stick to more original stories. The only problem is that people tend to read more fanfiction and don't give originality a chance.

That's true for art too though. I draw Sephiroth, and people are attracted to it like flies to honey. Then I draw something original, and nobody cares.

August 20, 2008, 5:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sayuri

No, this isn't where we write little stories. This is just where writers come to discuss their stuff. DM, hon, you need to calm down...Not everybody on this forum are writers or do they like to sit and read fanfiction.

If you want people to read your stuff, I suggest advertising it in your sigs.

Calm down? Do I need to calm down? I wasn't aware that I needed to calm down. Trust me, I've far to go before I get to the point where I may need to calm down. ^^

And this is my point: I don't write fanfiction. I don't. I don't. (I'll say it again) I don't write fanfiction.

And reading other's work should be a common courtesy in any writing forum. You shouldn't HAVE to advertise your work in order to get it read--it should be a duty of those that frequent the writing forum to post their work, read other's work just because it's there, and to give their opinon of it. This goes for everyone.

If people post their work, it's obviously because they want it to be read, not ignored. If it is ignored, then what's the point? And If people post their work to be read, it's obviously because they want some outside opinions, not silence.

It's simple logic, really. And I think it should be integrated into the rules of the writing forum asap, for the sake of being fair to everyone, and that everyone gets what they want from here. Otherwise, just what the heck is this place for? For people to get praise and nothing else? What happens to those people that want actual feedback in order to improve? Will they simply go forgotten? We must make changes now if several people actually want to get something out of this forum.

August 21, 2008, 7:05 PM

Agreed, Dragon Mage. I only put my stories in my signature, so that it's easier for others to find them.

August 22, 2008, 1:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dragon Mage

And this is my point: I don't write fanfiction. I don't. I don't. (I'll say it again) I don't write fanfiction.

And reading other's work should be a common courtesy in any writing forum. You shouldn't HAVE to advertise your work in order to get it read--it should be a duty of those that frequent the writing forum to post their work, read other's work just because it's there, and to give their opinon of it. This goes for everyone.

If people post their work, it's obviously because they want it to be read, not ignored. If it is ignored, then what's the point? And If people post their work to be read, it's obviously because they want some outside opinions, not silence.

It's simple logic, really. And I think it should be integrated into the rules of the writing forum asap, for the sake of being fair to everyone, and that everyone gets what they want from here. Otherwise, just what the heck is this place for? For people to get praise and nothing else? What happens to those people that want actual feedback in order to improve? Will they simply go forgotten? We must make changes now if several people actually want to get something out of this forum.

I completely agree, actually. I know I got some response when I posted my short stories and poetry, but I also know that other people don't get as much response, nor do I myself even go out of my way to give any response.

I think part of it has to do with not knowing when someone wants critique or when they want 'praise'. There are people that don't want to hear, "You need improvement on this, and then it'll be good." Maybe we could have a form people should fill out whenever they post something in here. It could tell if they're posting poetry, fanfiction, original work, etc, as well as if they want critique, feedback, if negative is acceptable, preferred, etc.

Personally, as flattering as positive feedback is, it doesn't tell me much about how to improve, so personally, I'd love negative feedback, wish advice on how to improve. We could even make a second form that has a rating system for the piece being reviewed, where it needs improvement, what was done well, etc.

Does this sound like it'd be acceptable, or did I take an idea and run too far with it?

August 22, 2008, 3:18 AM

Well, Newgrounds does that kind of thing with the flash movies people submit. In fact, it's all about criticism and ratings and such; I have no idea how they generate so much feedback that way. It could just be that they're flash movies though; maybe that's why.

The problem with getting people to read your stories is the same problem with getting people to see your artwork--either they'll only look at it if it interests them, or they won't leave comments, either because they know they can't give you anything constructive, they don't care to, or they don't really have an opinion of it. With the latter, the problem is that you don't know how many people have read your stories and simply decided not to say anything. There's a big difference between people seeing artwork and reading stories thought--the latter takes time.

There's a lot of people I know haven't read my stories or don't care to comment on them, which is fine with me because I know it won't be interesting to everyone who reads it. I didn't exactly post it solely for the sake of feedback; I was also a little curious to see how many people actually cared to read it, and it's there for the people who enjoy it. If they don't, that's fine too; I know I'm not a good writer.

August 22, 2008, 9:31 AM

I haven't read your work, but I feel you shouldn't go saying that you aren't a good writer.

Anyway, I understand what you're saying, and I suppose my implication was that if someone posts writing, then they should leave at least one feedback on someone else's. Or, if a writer leaves feedback, then they could also leave a link to one of their own pieces, where whomever they left it to could leave them one. It wouldn't be mandatory, as there's no way we could enforce something like that, but sure as hell common courtesy, right?

August 22, 2008, 5:41 PM

What kind of feedback though? Some people just leave simple comments because they read for fun, and can't really offer constructive criticism, either because they don't notice the stuff that needs to be improved, or they have nothing to say about it. Maybe they know they can't offer any constructive criticism, and don't comment at all because they don't want to leave simple comments that aren't useful to the writer. The only thing it does is say that you read it, unless that's exactly what you want.

I know I'm not a good writer. I have a terrible time understanding how people feel, so I'm bad at characterization and I don't have good rhythm.

August 23, 2008, 3:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Doaj

I think part of it has to do with not knowing when someone wants critique or when they want 'praise'. There are people that don't want to hear, "You need improvement on this, and then it'll be good."

Sorry to sound callous, but if they don't like it then too bad. Personally, I find it downright embarassing when all people do is nod and smile at my work when they KNOW it's utter crap. I would gratefully accept all critiques that would make me less of a fool of myself on the internet.

Quote:

Personally, as flattering as positive feedback is, it doesn't tell me much about how to improve, so personally, I'd love negative feedback, wish advice on how to improve. We could even make a second form that has a rating system for the piece being reviewed, where it needs improvement, what was done well, etc.

Does this sound like it'd be acceptable, or did I take an idea and run too far with it?

It's sounds like a wonderful idea to me. I'm actually a member of a Creative Writing forum on another website, and they already have a critiquing system as well as critiquette. (etiquette for critiquing). I'm going to contact the admins of the forum and ask if I can basically copy their rules and apply them to here. That way everyone can get what they want and there are's no uncertainty as to whether your piece will be read and that you'll get help on your writing.

Quote:

Anyway, I understand what you're saying, and I suppose my implication was that if someone posts writing, then they should leave at least one feedback on someone else's.

Ah ha! How funny you should mention this, for that is exactly what the rule is on that forum I mentioned. Only they say it's 'giving back to the commun