Negative Feedback Trauma Center

[PJ526]

Today was a bad day in my neighborhood...

My first story was published today. I was so excited when I immediately had 2 positive comments. I thought I had written something good. Then the negative comments started rolling in. Thankfully, I found this discussion board and asked for help. One of the people that replied to my post thankfully helped me revise my story and make it presentable. But I was curious, how do you let such harsh negative feedback roll off your shoulders? I deleted the comments (I can do that, right?), but they attacked me and not the story because of how it was written. How can you deal with this when you are first starting out?

 

[Jenny_Jackson]

My first story was published today. I was so excited when I immediately had 2 positive comments. I thought I had written something good. Then the negative comments started rolling in. Thankfully, I found this discussion board and asked for help. One of the people that replied to my post thankfully helped me revise my story and make it presentable. But I was curious, how do you let such harsh negative feedback roll off your shoulders? I deleted the comments (I can do that, right?), but they attacked me and not the story because of how it was written. How can you deal with this when you are first starting out?

Learn to love your trolls, PJ. They are your best advertisement.

 

[The_Fractal_King]

My first story was published today. I was so excited when I immediately had 2 positive comments. I thought I had written something good. Then the negative comments started rolling in. Thankfully, I found this discussion board and asked for help. One of the people that replied to my post thankfully helped me revise my story and make it presentable. But I was curious, how do you let such harsh negative feedback roll off your shoulders? I deleted the comments (I can do that, right?), but they attacked me and not the story because of how it was written. How can you deal with this when you are first starting out?

Personally I just let my ego do the work. "If they can't see how brilliant it is they're just poopy-heads."

If someone leaves comments that are purely vitriolic you really just have to laugh at it, people are assholes and they don't need a reason. The basic advice that you'll always get is "you need to develop thick skin." There really isn't much more to be said that that.

 

[hmmnmm]

My first story was published today. I was so excited when I immediately had 2 positive comments. I thought I had written something good. Then the negative comments started rolling in. Thankfully, I found this discussion board and asked for help. One of the people that replied to my post thankfully helped me revise my story and make it presentable. But I was curious, how do you let such harsh negative feedback roll off your shoulders? I deleted the comments (I can do that, right?), but they attacked me and not the story because of how it was written. How can you deal with this when you are first starting out?

Caught this just as I'm about to turn in for the night.

Been there. Know the feeling, though I never ventured into Loving Wives. That, plus if it's your first story and you're not expecting the viciousness. It's like amiably walking into a party that you expect to be a pretty friendly crowd, then somebody comes up for no apparent reason and slaps you across the cheeks. Your ears are ringing, and you're wondering, 'why did they do that? Who are they?' and by the time you're half coherent again, they're gone. poof!

I guess some are more sensitive than others? Just takes a few before you learn to know what to ignore and what to consider as something you might learn from?

Also, if you think about what you're doing: making your words available to just about anyone, anywhere around the world to look at - who knows what mood they're in, if they're sober or not, having personal problems or not, etc... you can give yourself a little pat on the back just for that. Then? knock the dust off, buckle down, and get back to work.

Good night.

 

[starrkers]

My first story was published today. I was so excited when I immediately had 2 positive comments. I thought I had written something good. Then the negative comments started rolling in. Thankfully, I found this discussion board and asked for help. One of the people that replied to my post thankfully helped me revise my story and make it presentable. But I was curious, how do you let such harsh negative feedback roll off your shoulders? I deleted the comments (I can do that, right?), but they attacked me and not the story because of how it was written. How can you deal with this when you are first starting out?

Many moons ago I was at uni. Our first Writing class assignment was to describe the district around the campus and end with the words "It was to this place that Fred Bloggs returned" Or some such similar.

When those papers were handed back, of the 84 handed in, 44 received a mark of 0/10. Some of those who received a 0 took umbrage, deciding the lecturer was a pompous ass who knew nothing. Some wept, some quit on the spot. About 25 of them formed "Noughties Club" and decided they needed to learn a bit They all graduated.

If the criticism is about the writing, listen. Decide if it has worth, and act accordingly.

If the comment in a personal attack and the commenter clearly can't discern the difference betweeen fact and fiction, it's pretty safe to laugh and ignore. In fact, it may be worth seeing that kind of comment as favourable to your writing - it certainly had an effect

 

[hmmnmm]

I was raised in a church just like that! Believe me, I've heard the stories! I think it would make a great, dark tale.

Someone should surely do it. I've still thought of it, with a second idea splitting off from the original. In the right 'hands' it could be a fiercely fun tale (or two tales - Two Tails of _____?). I'd get right on it but either I'm burnt out on erotic tales or I'm beginning to wake up to a few truths.

I showed the missus something I've been working on that is not erotic - more rambly with some rough-edged humor - and she says it is far better than the erotica I've tried to write, and I think she's right. So I'm going to test her advice and try to get back my old rambly voice where a destination is the last concern.

But I did put it on the To Do list. I can see a really nice something in these two ideas. It'd be really good with a few graphics, like a parody of those little comics that the faithful spread around the world.

Morning.

 

[Michiro]

I myself posted my first work quite recently, and the only comment it's gotten so far was one that was left by someone who'd proofread the nearly-final version for me. Complete absence of feedback is, to me at least, more disturbing than negative feedback - personal attacks don't bother me, and I was actually hoping for criticism of my writing style, but neither have manifested.

http://www.literotica.com/stories/memberpage.php?uid=448975&page=submissions

While I, like most people, believe my writing style to be fairly good, I know that I'm a bad writer because I'm effectively a slave to my inspiration. Without the right state of mind, I can't write anything coherent, and that state isn't something I can consciously summon. Sad, really, since I really want to get to the second chapter of my first piece. I'm open to suggestions.

EDIT: Added link to my story list.

 

[The_Fractal_King]

I myself posted my first work quite recently, and the only comment it's gotten so far was one that was left by someone who'd proofread the nearly-final version for me. Complete absence of feedback is, to me at least, more disturbing than negative feedback - personal attacks don't bother me, and I was actually hoping for criticism of my writing style, but neither have manifested.

Leave a link here and somebody will almost certainly give you some feedback.

While I, like most people, believe my writing style to be fairly good, I know that I'm a bad writer because I'm effectively a slave to my inspiration. Without the right state of mind, I can't write anything coherent, and that state isn't something I can consciously summon. Sad, really, since I really want to get to the second chapter of my first piece. I'm open to suggestions.

Erato (or perhaps Calliope) comes and goes for everyone. Some writers have cycles of weeks or months between inspirations.

Personally I've found that I can only write in a way I really like when I'm half asleep on my couch wrapped in a blanket worrying that it's been over a week since I posted a chapter and I probably should be figuring out what to do. Not joking.

 

[Elianna]

Personally I've found that I can only write in a way I really like when I'm half asleep on my couch wrapped in a blanket worrying that it's been over a week since I posted a chapter and I probably should be figuring out what to do. Not joking.

You too?

 

[Quesla]

Perhaps also there are more adaptive tecnology users that cannot navigate the security code boxes. I cannot leave vots and a couple of my favourite authors CERTAINLY! deserve 5 *'s! Oh how desparately I wish to add to their score ratings, but being completely blind has left depending on text comments left in the feedback forum for them truly's! I feel so bad for eilianna, Danielekitten and sacrifidangel, (sp?) who's titles: Back to the farm, The gentle highwayman, and corine/elaine? -the one about the viking woman born to an escaped mute in Scotland.- Love & Light: Quesla who has real problems with baptists/ Jahova's witnesses and xtian fundamentalists!

 

[hmmnmm]

baptists/ Jahova's witnesses and xtian fundamentalists!

we got all those and mormons. nice enough people... the topics open to discussion are a little limited, is all.

 

[EnglishRoseFox]

I recently submitted my first story and have had lots of positive feedback and of course a couple of the negative flaming types.
I know my writing isnt perfect, I was a little keen to get it submitted and I am not an experienced writer so know my punctuation isnt perfect. I chose not to use an editor and still stand by that decision, good or bad, as I would like this to be 100% my work, and will continue to sumbit my work unedited I think.
I am really proud of my first submission to be honest, but see it for what it is, not some literary masterpiece but a little naughty fantasy put into writing for people to enjoy or not as the case may be.

My question is why do people that leave comments like the one I am about to post below when they clearly don't know what they are talking about?! Why are they so angry about things??? I am all for constructive criticism from readers about 'what works' and from writers about the technical aspects and learning to be a better author, but from these kind of people I just think WHY???

I'm not upset about it, I have quite broad shoulders and am accountable to myself only, but would love your thoughts x

Point - Counterpoint
04/25/08 by Anonymous in USA
But there is a valid point to your effort on weak sicko's into male self humiliation and watching big cocks in his wife whore.

The issue is whether you would spend a lot of time writing about something that you didn't like such as this male humiliation & disrespect of men.

Obviously your lead story was one you found exciting as most english cucks are addicted to reading it or writing about it. Why is that? I understand it from your viewpoint - you don't like real men - just wimps into watching who you can humiliate because they require it.

Makes you feel superior eh.

Well you have the right to waste your time and efforts on the very few into your below human convention absurdities. Nothing else gets you excited?

Sorta sad don't you think - preying on the sick wannabe cucks.


Bizarre to say the least, and anonymous obviously! x

 

[hmmnmm]

I recently submitted my first story and have had lots of positive feedback and of course a couple of the negative flaming types.
I know my writing isnt perfect, I was a little keen to get it submitted and I am not an experienced writer so know my punctuation isnt perfect. I chose not to use an editor and still stand by that decision, good or bad, as I would like this to be 100% my work, and will continue to sumbit my work unedited I think.
I am really proud of my first submission to be honest, but see it for what it is, not some literary masterpiece but a little naughty fantasy put into writing for people to enjoy or not as the case may be.

My question is why do people that leave comments like the one I am about to post below when they clearly don't know what they are talking about?! Why are they so angry about things??? I am all for constructive criticism from readers about 'what works' and from writers about the technical aspects and learning to be a better author, but from these kind of people I just think WHY???

I'm not upset about it, I have quite broad shoulders and am accountable to myself only, but would love your thoughts x

Point - Counterpoint
04/25/08 by Anonymous in USA
But there is a valid point to your effort on weak sicko's into male self humiliation and watching big cocks in his wife whore.

The issue is whether you would spend a lot of time writing about something that you didn't like such as this male humiliation & disrespect of men.

Obviously your lead story was one you found exciting as most english cucks are addicted to reading it or writing about it. Why is that? I understand it from your viewpoint - you don't like real men - just wimps into watching who you can humiliate because they require it.

Makes you feel superior eh.

Well you have the right to waste your time and efforts on the very few into your below human convention absurdities. Nothing else gets you excited?

Sorta sad don't you think - preying on the sick wannabe cucks.


Bizarre to say the least, and anonymous obviously! x

that's a frameable gem you got. I think it's a clue somebody out there likes you lots. Congrats.

 

[EnglishRoseFox]

that's a frameable gem you got. I think it's a clue somebody out there likes you lots. Congrats.

LOL oh is that what it is? I should have known, silly me!
Thanks sweetie x

 

[freshface]

I recently submitted my first story and have had lots of positive feedback and of course a couple of the negative flaming types.
I know my writing isnt perfect, I was a little keen to get it submitted and I am not an experienced writer so know my punctuation isnt perfect. I chose not to use an editor and still stand by that decision, good or bad, as I would like this to be 100% my work, and will continue to sumbit my work unedited I think.
I am really proud of my first submission to be honest, but see it for what it is, not some literary masterpiece but a little naughty fantasy put into writing for people to enjoy or not as the case may be.

My question is why do people that leave comments like the one I am about to post below when they clearly don't know what they are talking about?! Why are they so angry about things??? I am all for constructive criticism from readers about 'what works' and from writers about the technical aspects and learning to be a better author, but from these kind of people I just think WHY???

I'm not upset about it, I have quite broad shoulders and am accountable to myself only, but would love your thoughts x

Bizarre to say the least, and anonymous obviously! x

Without even looking at the story itself, I would guess that you posted in Loving Wives. I've gathered that there are two warring factions among the readers there. Many an author has been caught in their crossfire. I wouldn't take it personally. This is worthy of the Worst Feedback Ever thread though.

 

[sethp]

So somebody out there, some User Name or an Anonymous Someone said your story sucked. That sucks. Always sucks. You can try and say it doesn't sting just a little, but it's never fun when somebody comes along and says your stuff sucks. Maybe behind those vicious teeth is a clue that might just help you on your literary adventures. But you're not thinking of that at the moment you first see it. Maybe they are just vicious teeth and no more. Maybe they just didn't care for what you made your characters do or say. You hit a sensitive nerve with them and they could only respond in such a way to lessen their own pain that your well-written but sharply contoured tale gave them. No one who exposes their hard-worked words to a worldwide public readership can be certain to escape these responses.

So...

Grab a painkiller, a bandage, get it off your chest. Rest up, get it together. Settle down, get ahold of yourself, have some whiskey, sober up tomorrow, and get over it, and get out there again.



This thread's creation directly inspired by eswriter's thread.

lol I approve of this thread. Even the best writers get smashed!

 

[EnglishRoseFox]

Without even looking at the story itself, I would guess that you posted in Loving Wives. I've gathered that there are two warring factions among the readers there. Many an author has been caught in their crossfire. I wouldn't take it personally. This is worthy of the Worst Feedback Ever thread though.

Hi FF
No I didn't write a Loving Wives story, it is under Exhibitionist/voyeur, so maybe they have moved over to that category now

I didn't take it personally actually as I have been reading stories for a long while here and also the ridiculous feedback from individuals like this. I pretty much knew what I was in for when I posted my story and I am sure this isn't the worst I will ever get. It would upset me if it was from an author I admired, and that actually knew what they were talking about and had a valid point, particularly if I had been writing for some time and thought I had become skilled at it. As a new writer I don't expect and literary prizes or glowing reviews, I am just happy when I get positive comments that say I'm not doing too bad

Oh please direct me to that thread, I would love to share my feedback!!! LOL

Fox x

 

[hmmnmm]

Hi FF
No I didn't write a Loving Wives story, it is under Exhibitionist/voyeur, so maybe they have moved over to that category now

been reproducing? and training? spreading?

it appears the loving wives cat would be the perfect venue for sadist writers. except you can't see their faces.

sorry for being so remiss here. shame shame.

 

[PrincessErin]

.....

 

[The_Fractal_King]

I remember reading some of your fetish stuff and loving it (but don't tell anyone kay?). You should write longer stories, it might get better responses.

 

[hmmnmm]

I need some therapy. I choose to delete all anonymous feedback, whether good or bad. If someone has something important to say about my story they can either email me (anonymously) or post something publicly with a name attached.

This has caused a pile of trolls to be very angry with me. Do I get bonus points if I get compaed to BFW even though he likes that particular story?

Of course then they tell me that I can't write and that's why I don't have any red H's.

Yes I know I'm whining. I'm sick and tired and I'm princess, I'm allowed to whine.

Erin

Damsel in distress!
Did they harm you?
hmmnmm-errant at your service.

Sedative?

 

[caprine]

Bravo...

this is a great thread.

I hated TROLLS when I got my first slams on a story. But I’ve changed my mind. Jenny Jackson’s correct--TROLLS are your best advertisement. They get you attention, if you can stand the slams.

I found authors can increase that attention if they answer a TROLL or two--but they should do so only at the risk of their life (stories) as they (TROLLS) will then really come down hard on that story and/or author. They may even gather together and gangbang an author.

I now find it quite hilarious to read their comments and speculate about the person behind the comment. They take themselves sooo seriously!

I write for my own personal enjoyment--the thrill I get when I’ve completed a story. I write secondly for my audience--male fantasies, and yes, that includes my own. After all, I’m just a dirty old man now and fantasy is what I’m left with. LOL.

Develop thick skin and just grin.

"...I feel more alive when I’m writing than I do at any other time—except when I’m making love. Two things when you forget time, when nothing exists except the moment—the moment of writing, the moment of love. That perfect concentration is bliss.”
- May Sarton

 

[hmmnmm]

this is a great thread.

Aw, quit it.
if I could go back and do it again I'd give it a better title, like not begin it with the word 'negative' because that's already a downer word. Something like Recovery Center...

I hated TROLLS when I got my first slams on a story. But I’ve changed my mind. Jenny Jackson’s correct--TROLLS are your best advertisement. They get you attention, if you can stand the slams.

I found authors can increase that attention if they answer a TROLL or two--but they should do so only at the risk of their life (stories) as they (TROLLS) will then really come down hard on that story and/or author. They may even gather together and gangbang an author.

I now find it quite hilarious to read their comments and speculate about the person behind the comment. They take themselves sooo seriously!

I write for my own personal enjoyment--the thrill I get when I’ve completed a story. I write secondly for my audience--male fantasies, and yes, that includes my own. After all, I’m just a dirty old man now and fantasy is what I’m left with. LOL.

Develop thick skin and just grin.

"...I feel more alive when I’m writing than I do at any other time—except when I’m making love. Two things when you forget time, when nothing exists except the moment—the moment of writing, the moment of love. That perfect concentration is bliss.”
- May Sarton

Again, hindsight is sublime. I wish I would've studied and scoped the lay of the land before posting stories or story attempts. I think it would be fun to write stuff that you can count on upsetting trolls - unfortunately, I'm not the sort who wishes to upset people, but someday I hope to grow the balls to post some stuff in Loving Wives. But that would be the wrong reason, huh? Yeah. Cheers and health to you. Thanks for the grin.

 

[PrincessErin]

.....

 

[starrkers]

I don't think I need a sedative but I definintely am getting cranky. The same person is posting the same message on all my stories and emailing me about 2-3 times a day the same message.

Sometimes I do want to write a story that will annoy the trolls. Actually I have a very badly written celebrity story coming out - I'm just waiting for the hate mail on that one.

Erin

Leave the message up for a week or so, then, when you drop off this person's radar, remove it. If you keep removing it, he'll keep posting, knowing it's getting to you.