Post by ginger newts on Nov 16, 2005 14:08:50 GMT -5
This is the first of two threads that I’ve been meaning to post for a while, but haven’t had time to write. Just a little, hopefully, helpful advice from one writer to another. 
Reviews
A common question among fan fic writers is: Why didn’t my fic/chapter get as many reviews as I expected?
There are several possible reasons for this, and if you ever find yourself asking that question please go through the list and consider the possibilities.
1. People were busy that day/week and didn’t have a chance to read and review. Be patient, you may get many belated reviews.
2. In the case of chapter fics: Perhaps you updated too slowly and people lost interest between chapters, or forgot to check for updates.
– Or, conversely –
3. Perhaps you updated too quickly and people didn’t have a chance to review the first post before you loaded the second.
These are things that are largely outside the control of the writer, however the following may be things to consider before writing the next chapter/fic.
4. There may have been too many errors in the post and people got tired of trying to decipher the text. Errors include spelling, grammar, formatting, canonical and historical inaccuracies.
5. It’s always possible that you wrote something offensive, or something people disagree with. Examples include gratuitous OOCness, excessive and unexplained violence, disturbing language or adult content, hyperactive attempts at humor that just aren’t funny, and others I probably haven’t thought of yet.
How to write a helpful review
Many of us wonder how to write a better review and most writers appreciate hearing more than “this is great, I love it.” Here are a few tips for writing a useful review that may be more helpful to the writer.
1. If you liked the chapter/fic, tell the author why. Try to pick out something that really stands out for you, or that was especially enjoyable, and point it out in the review. Tell the author if their work made you feel genuine emotion. It’s always nice to say why you enjoyed something, it helps writers know what to do more of in the future.
2. If you do want to comment on something in the fic that you disliked, do it gently and politely. Try to begin with something positive and then kindly give your advice. For example, “I really enjoyed this story, I like the idea of Albus doing XYZ. However, I’m wondering why you chose to have him say/do B, it seemed out of character for him.” Then try to offer a suggestion for how the writer might improve their work in the future. If you’re pointing out inaccuracies, always do so gently and with the intent that fixing the problem will make a good fic that much better.
3. If you absolutely can’t think of anything nice to say about the fic, it may be wise not to review. If the content honestly offended you, think about letting the author know via a PM rather than a public review (something I’ve learned through experience). It’s not a bad thing to let people know they’re making mistakes or writing offensive fiction, just try to be polite about it.
4. Never ever personally attack the author. Always remember to differentiate between the person and her story. You may not like an author’s choices, but do not call her stupid or say she should stop writing because she sucks.
Both writers and reviewers should remember that concrit is NOT a flame. Flames include personal attacks, derogatory language, and offer no helpful advice. Constructive criticism may not always be easy to give or to take, but if you’re being offered friendly advice in a polite way try to accept it as such. Also, remember that not every suggestion needs to be taken into account. People have very different ideas of what works in fiction and how a character should act. If someone makes a suggestion that you feel doesn’t apply to your story then feel free to ignore it, but please do not start a flame war by attacking the reviewer in response.
Please, feel free to ask questions or offer your own advice about how to leave reviews or write better stories that will get more positive responses.
Reviews
A common question among fan fic writers is: Why didn’t my fic/chapter get as many reviews as I expected?
There are several possible reasons for this, and if you ever find yourself asking that question please go through the list and consider the possibilities.
1. People were busy that day/week and didn’t have a chance to read and review. Be patient, you may get many belated reviews.
2. In the case of chapter fics: Perhaps you updated too slowly and people lost interest between chapters, or forgot to check for updates.
– Or, conversely –
3. Perhaps you updated too quickly and people didn’t have a chance to review the first post before you loaded the second.
These are things that are largely outside the control of the writer, however the following may be things to consider before writing the next chapter/fic.
4. There may have been too many errors in the post and people got tired of trying to decipher the text. Errors include spelling, grammar, formatting, canonical and historical inaccuracies.
5. It’s always possible that you wrote something offensive, or something people disagree with. Examples include gratuitous OOCness, excessive and unexplained violence, disturbing language or adult content, hyperactive attempts at humor that just aren’t funny, and others I probably haven’t thought of yet.
How to write a helpful review
Many of us wonder how to write a better review and most writers appreciate hearing more than “this is great, I love it.” Here are a few tips for writing a useful review that may be more helpful to the writer.
1. If you liked the chapter/fic, tell the author why. Try to pick out something that really stands out for you, or that was especially enjoyable, and point it out in the review. Tell the author if their work made you feel genuine emotion. It’s always nice to say why you enjoyed something, it helps writers know what to do more of in the future.
2. If you do want to comment on something in the fic that you disliked, do it gently and politely. Try to begin with something positive and then kindly give your advice. For example, “I really enjoyed this story, I like the idea of Albus doing XYZ. However, I’m wondering why you chose to have him say/do B, it seemed out of character for him.” Then try to offer a suggestion for how the writer might improve their work in the future. If you’re pointing out inaccuracies, always do so gently and with the intent that fixing the problem will make a good fic that much better.
3. If you absolutely can’t think of anything nice to say about the fic, it may be wise not to review. If the content honestly offended you, think about letting the author know via a PM rather than a public review (something I’ve learned through experience). It’s not a bad thing to let people know they’re making mistakes or writing offensive fiction, just try to be polite about it.
4. Never ever personally attack the author. Always remember to differentiate between the person and her story. You may not like an author’s choices, but do not call her stupid or say she should stop writing because she sucks.
Both writers and reviewers should remember that concrit is NOT a flame. Flames include personal attacks, derogatory language, and offer no helpful advice. Constructive criticism may not always be easy to give or to take, but if you’re being offered friendly advice in a polite way try to accept it as such. Also, remember that not every suggestion needs to be taken into account. People have very different ideas of what works in fiction and how a character should act. If someone makes a suggestion that you feel doesn’t apply to your story then feel free to ignore it, but please do not start a flame war by attacking the reviewer in response.
Please, feel free to ask questions or offer your own advice about how to leave reviews or write better stories that will get more positive responses.
