Anybody else's heart sink when they see their rating go down with no feedback?

[Bramblethorn]

I've definitely been reactive here, for something that's probably quite petty in many eyes. I am instantly triggered when someone doesn't demonstrate they can separate opinion out from fact, and as I found their comments sweeping and not specifically stating it as opinion, that's what took me.

I think when reading any feedback it's generally best to take an "in my opinion" as read if at all possible*. It saves on typing for the feedback-giver and annoyance for the recipient.

While I didn't and don't necessarily find their comment constructive (critical yes, a little confusing in parts and basically a list of what they don't like (but hey, maybe i'm wrong!)). I didn't ask for constructive, did I. I just said i hate when people give a low review and don't say why. This person said why. They literally did what I asked

We may be talking at cross purposes here; what are you looking for when you say "constructive"?

To me, constructive criticism means that it offers specific, actionable advice for how something could be improved (as the critic sees it). "I hated this" is unconstructive, because it doesn't give any indication of what the author could've done different; "I hated this because your heroine had small tits and I only like stories about big tits" is constructive, even if it might not be advice worth taking. In that light, "a list of what they don't like" can be constructive criticism, if it's specific enough to show what to avoid.

*except when people tell me my stories are good, those are universal truth

 

[BobbyandtheCabin]

I think when reading any feedback it's generally best to take an "in my opinion" as read if at all possible*. It saves on typing for the feedback-giver and annoyance for the recipient.



We may be talking at cross purposes here; what are you looking for when you say "constructive"?

To me, constructive criticism means that it offers specific, actionable advice for how something could be improved (as the critic sees it). "I hated this" is unconstructive, because it doesn't give any indication of what the author could've done different; "I hated this because your heroine had small tits and I only like stories about big tits" is constructive, even if it might not be advice worth taking. In that light, "a list of what they don't like" can be constructive criticism, if it's specific enough to show what to avoid.

*except when people tell me my stories are good, those are universal truth

Thank you.

I've sent them an apology, but annoyingly from the main site to goes to email rather than a private chat, doesnt it.

Perhaps this is it. Maybe I have it wrong, or maybe there's a few ways to look at it. I'm no expert.

I wouldn't have found your example there to be 'constructive criticism', but maybe it is. I'd appreciate it's constructive solely in the sense of 'if you want this person to be happy, you do that'. Maybe I'm still clouded by the opinion/preference thing I get irritated by . I guess I've always thought of constructive feedback as objective, as well as actionable.

Perhaps it's the difference between 'the feedback is constructive' and 'the feedback is constructive for me'.

That's it. I've not identified the role of my opinion. WHAT HAVE I BECOME??????

 

[Tomh1966]

I was so happy when one of my stories, Games Night, was the first to get a rating higher than 4.5, and that little 'Hot!' symbol.

Then the rating dropped, and it was no longer Hot... oh well; keep writing, I guess!

4.4 on LW is amazing. 4.4 on other categories is only decent.

 

[RedLegoDragon]

4.4 on LW is amazing. 4.4 on other categories is only decent.

I have heard LW have higher standards than other category communities...

 

[CurvySassyAJ]

I hate that the ratings on older stories always take a dip when a new story posts. But at the same time I am over my old stories, lol.

The only feedback that I listen too is when someone tells me a story turned them on and / or they got off on it. Any other is, well, ignored in the order / tone it was received. . But I am truly grateful to those who enjoy my attempts at writing and sharing. All three, maybe four, of my fans are wonderful.

 

[darkride]

Hi @BobbyandtheCabin
One of the criticisms I noted against your story that you've listed at the start of this thread was that it was too short, there was no character development etc etc.
However, what I would say was that it was an incredibly descriptive, erotic piece of prose that was very well written.
I believe I'm pretty privileged in that in my last couple years of high school I had the realisation that - I'm a writer - (and, it took someone else to call me that, despite having teachers call me a storyteller since I was 9...) and I spent all of my final year of school exploring writing styles and techniques and learning all I could from my teacher who everyone else in the school hated, and yet I appreciated greatly because we understood each other.
There is nothing wrong with what you have written, if that is what you wanted to write. I know professional writers will say you need to write to an audience, and maybe that's why my net earnings as a writer to date is $60... (there's no k or m following that number, just to be clear! ) But for me - I write because I have characters in my head that are living their lives in my imagination, and I love capturing those lives and sharing them with others. I wish I had your power of description and creativity - my sex scenes have a tendency to be very action oriented by the numbers... even though what's going on my head is a lot steamier.
Anyways... just my 2c...

D.

Oh, and yes... I'm loving that the stories I've posted are sitting at around 4.1/5 stars... But disappointed that my non-human story is only 3.5 stars... My writing techniques are no different... The quality of my writing on par... But as I've had a couple of people say - ultimately my knowledge of that subject and the existing lore has let me down and caused people to mark me down for it. And that is on me. I shouldn't have tagged it how I did, and made it clear it was my own mythology, not part of a wider universe.

 

[BobbyandtheCabin]

Hi @BobbyandtheCabin
One of the criticisms I noted against your story that you've listed at the start of this thread was that it was too short, there was no character development etc etc.
However, what I would say was that it was an incredibly descriptive, erotic piece of prose that was very well written.
I believe I'm pretty privileged in that in my last couple years of high school I had the realisation that - I'm a writer - (and, it took someone else to call me that, despite having teachers call me a storyteller since I was 9...) and I spent all of my final year of school exploring writing styles and techniques and learning all I could from my teacher who everyone else in the school hated, and yet I appreciated greatly because we understood each other.
There is nothing wrong with what you have written, if that is what you wanted to write. I know professional writers will say you need to write to an audience, and maybe that's why my net earnings as a writer to date is $60... (there's no k or m following that number, just to be clear! ) But for me - I write because I have characters in my head that are living their lives in my imagination, and I love capturing those lives and sharing them with others. I wish I had your power of description and creativity - my sex scenes have a tendency to be very action oriented by the numbers... even though what's going on my head is a lot steamier.
Anyways... just my 2c...

D.

Oh, and yes... I'm loving that the stories I've posted are sitting at around 4.1/5 stars... But disappointed that my non-human story is only 3.5 stars... My writing techniques are no different... The quality of my writing on par... But as I've had a couple of people say - ultimately my knowledge of that subject and the existing lore has let me down and caused people to mark me down for it. And that is on me. I shouldn't have tagged it how I did, and made it clear it was my own mythology, not part of a wider universe.

Thank you for your reply.
I'll take a little look .

Yes, I did creative writing at uni (I'll be honest, I didn't get my ass into gear until final year), and the one thing I took away is:
You can do whatever the f*ck you want, as long as it's on purpose

 

[darkride]

LOL - "as long as it's on purpose"...... See, the biggest problem I have when I write, is when characters don't do what they are goddam meant to do! Suddenly they're going having some thoughts of their own, acting in ways I didn't plan, and I potentially have to rethink what I'm doing. I have purpose... but the characters?! Sheesh.

 

[darkride]

Just posted my latest chapter, #5 of an ongoing story, and it's arguably the most intense to date. It's literally just been published... has only 50 views... and so far, 1 rating - someone gave it a 1 Star.

The rest of the chapters so far are all 4.1 - 4.4 stars... So - I know that it will improve - even my non-human warewolf story is sitting at 3.5 stars... but - yeah, 1 star that sucks.

---
8 votes now, and only 2 stars...

---
Now at 3.4 stars, and 1 comment saying it's "one of the best"... Can breath again now.

 

[BobbyandtheCabin]

Just posted my latest chapter, #5 of an ongoing story, and it's arguably the most intense to date. It's literally just been published... has only 50 views... and so far, 1 rating - someone gave it a 1 Star.

The rest of the chapters so far are all 4.1 - 4.4 stars... So - I know that it will improve - even my non-human warewolf story is sitting at 3.5 stars... but - yeah, 1 star that sucks.

---
8 votes now, and only 2 stars...

---
Now at 3.4 stars, and 1 comment saying it's "one of the best"... Can breath again now.

Happy to give a helping hand!

 

[harkon9225]

I wish I would get comments/feedback on my stories in general, whether the rating is up or down. Obviously if the rating goes up with no feedback, it feels better than going down with no feedback, but either way, the lack of people commenting doesn't feel great. It feels like I'm just sending my stories into the void, and I could just be getting back randomly generated numbers for view counts, ratings and favorites for all I know.

 

[lc69hunter]

I have only published twice. Both started out the first day in the mid 4's. Then the LW trolls found them and within a day had dropped to the low 3's. They are now starting to creep back up, I am gaining followers and more people are starting to save them as favorites. But it is almost ten months since the first one. So if people find it and comment and like it, it will creep back up

 

[Throwaway256897q6r72]

I'm pretty new here, just started publishing my stories. The rating system intrigues me. All the stories I'm posting were written starting a year ago, with me just posting the 54th chapter yesterday. The site they're on, I'm a little worried about shutting down, so I'm publishing them here so they don't disappear.

I'm not super concerned with the ratings, as I've written the stories mainly for myself, and I enjoy them. Feedback is awesome and appreciated, the little I've gotten here and the other site, and seeing my first few stories rated pretty much the same, but I have seen a drop in readers from the first.

So yeah, it intrigues me, but nothing that will make me stop.

 

[Rob_Royale]

Right now I'm watching my two most recent stories ratings slowly climbing only to drop again. Repeatedly. Ugh.

 

[Comentarista82]

If I read a story, I almost always rate, post the score and explain why. I've rarely found many stories that didn't have at least 2 good points to them. There are rare occasions I will not rate a story, but I will explain why also--usually it's because perhaps the author miscategorized it--and it's one I'll stop reading at whatever point I realize I see it's not within my preferences. I'm likely one of the few outliers in those senses, but if I read the whole thing, I'm saying something.

 

[Bazzle]

I think some people hate my writing, others like it.

So my haters will downvote, and those who like the stories will upvote.

We shall see what happens!

 

[OlderFitterWiser]

I couldn't care less & rarely check my ratings. I write for my own sexual enjoyment as much as any others enjoyment.

 

[Whanmore]

Ive recently lost an H. went from 4.7 to a 4.25. Mustve gotten a two or something. Doesnt bother me. Honsetly I'm just glad they voted. I hope people read my stories for enjoyment but if they dont like it...eh...what to do right? I suspect with the way my stories pan out there will be much more late voting than usual.

 

[Vintage_DM]

I think positive comments and my rating climbing makes me disproportionately happy .

I appreciate how criticism to improve (and it delivered well) can be really useful. However, it doesn't half give me a knock when my rating goes down and I've literally no idea why (e.g. no comments).

I always get so excited when I post something new, by the prospect of people reading and enjoying it. I guess part of me associates the rating lowering with the threat of readership decline.

(Ps. Here's my latest short story: https://literotica.com/s/asleep-in-the-log-cabin-ch-02 )

Ratings and comments remind me that opinions are like assholes; everyone has at least one or two. Me? I write for myself; if someone likes my scribbling, that's wonderful.

 

[darkride]

Here again... just published a new chapter, and waiting for the ratings to even out. Not one of my personal fave chapters, but finally involved some actual sex (albeit only oral), so I am hoping it gives some people a um smile or two... but *shrug* who knows. First vote was a 5, wish I could have stopped the voting then

 

[darkride]

I've just decided - a 1 or 2 star vote should REQUIRE feedback, and same for a 4 or 5.

 

[BgDaddy33]

I've definitely been reactive here, for something that's probably quite petty in many eyes. I am instantly triggered when someone doesn't demonstrate they can separate opinion out from fact, and as I found their comments sweeping and not specifically stating it as opinion, that's what took me.

I've removed my previous posts about it in this thread, as I now see I wasn't fair.

While I didn't and don't necessarily find their comment constructive (critical yes, a little confusing in parts and basically a list of what they don't like (but hey, maybe i'm wrong!)). I didn't ask for constructive, did I. I just said i hate when people give a low review and don't say why. This person said why. They literally did what I asked

So I owe them an apology! And will give one when I have a mo

I admire the maturity of this share. Reading this thread I am empathizing with you along each update. Anyone starting off is bound to get deflated by lack of enthusiasm around what they worked so hard to do and I think it is natural to feel attacked and maybe insulted when the feedback is negative. We get protective of our "babies."

It takes a callus around our heart to take constructive feedback without getting defensive, maybe other writers here can provide additional advice but time and time and time can help with that.

I have seen the comment "stay off the forum" a few times regarding aspects of feedback and I'm confused by this, especially when it comes to new writers trying to understand this new environment. Personally, I am eager to find a community, a few people with whom I can speak freely about the topics we write about and encourage each other. It's not like I'm going to chat to my coworkers about these stories after all. . IMO, "noobs" on the forum should be encouraged instead of being told to stay away?

Sorry, went off on a tangent there. Going to check out your stories now. Always looking for a good read. Good luck in your journey!

 

[BobbyandtheCabin]

I admire the maturity of this share. Reading this thread I am empathizing with you along each update. Anyone starting off is bound to get deflated by lack of enthusiasm around what they worked so hard to do and I think it is natural to feel attacked and maybe insulted when the feedback is negative. We get protective of our "babies."

It takes a callous around our heart to take constructive feedback without getting defensive, maybe other writers here can provide additional advice but time and time and time can help with that.

I have seen the comment "stay off the forum" a few times regarding aspects of feedback and I'm confused by this, especially when it comes to new writers trying to understand this new environment. Personally, I am eager to find a community, a few people with whom I can speak freely about the topics we write about and encourage each other. It's not like I'm going to chat to my coworkers about these stories after all. . IMO, "noobs" on the forum should be encouraged instead of being told to stay away?

Sorry, went off on a tangent there. Going to check out your stories now. Always looking for a good read. Good luck in your journey!

Thank you. Lovely message, and hope you enjoyed my stories.

I believe the argument for 'staying off'was regarding the fact that when you make it known that ratings matter to you, it can draw in negative attention from people who love to troll or give low ratings for the sake of it.

 

[Syzoth]

I understand where you're coming from.

Some people either forget or choose to ignore the fact that most of us are just amateur writers doing this for fun.

I pour my heart into these stories and, while I know I'm not perfect and don't expect 5's from every reader, genuine constructive feedback (ie- grammar, diction, plot and character development, etc...) is always appreciated.

What gets me is when people make negative comments and they clearly did not read the story. I feel like it's such a small but, unfortunately, vocal group.

 

[Stimtheone]

I honestly value comments more than stars, especially after I noticed that I had some hater that put one star on everything I posted. I noticed when they put one star on a story in a time too short to read it.

But, it happens. Some people like it, some people don't. Unless they give some more detailed description, all I know is that someone didn't like it and I understand that someone, somewhere... might possibly not like the messages I send.