How much do you take away from readers comments or suggestions?

[Phantom300]

Echoing the general response, I ignore the negativity (since they are almost exclusively Anons), embrace the constructive, and relish the positive.

I think my favorites are the ones who feel passionately enough about the story and are vested enough in the characters to want to read sequels, but make suggestions about them.

The best is feedback from other authors. That's what makes me feel like a success more than Red H's or Ratings, when I click on a commenter's username and find out they have published too.

 

[NotWise]

People in the community blame 50 shades for a lot of the misinformation out there, but they're wrong, its existed from long before those books came out, you're proof of it.

"People in the community" seem to be drawing lines around BDSM like Romance readers drew lines around the Romance category. Romance readers are probably more flexible.

You can write sentimental and romantic stories and they're welcomed in categories other than Romance. You can probably also write stories with bondage, dominance, sadism, submission and masochism and place them somewhere other than the BDSM category.

I don't know why a writer would want to post a story to BDSM. The views in the category are low, the ratings are low, and the comments are low. It's like the purists have driven off other readers, have driven off the writers, and they don't like the stories they have left.

 

[RelentlessOnanism]

People who are just mean I tend to ignore. And positive feedback means way more to me than they probably even realize. But I really do try to take constructive criticism to heart, it’s actually kind of exciting!

How much do you tend to listen to criticism? Or any other feedback for that matter?

One thing I find surprising is when I'm asked to write a story idea. I politely decline, because I already have so much unfinished stuff. What really shocks me about it though is I don't really consider myself a very good writer yet lol. I mean it's flattering that they ask, but still surprises me. What kind of unexpected requests do you receive?

Like most people have already said, I'm grateful for the nice comments, disdainful of the abuse, and mostly indifferent to the advice.

To be honest, I can't remember receiving that much constructive criticism. If I felt it was worthwhile, I'd take it on board, but I'm mostly after praise.

When I posted my first story, I actively sought out feedback - but then I realised all I was really interested in was compliments. So, I don't seek out feedback anymore.

 

[gunhilltrain]

"People in the community" seem to be drawing lines around BDSM like Romance readers drew lines around the Romance category. Romance readers are probably more flexible.

You can write sentimental and romantic stories and they're welcomed in categories other than Romance. You can probably also write stories with bondage, dominance, sadism, submission and masochism and place them somewhere other than the BDSM category.

I don't know why a writer would want to post a story to BDSM. The views in the category are low, the ratings are low, and the comments are low. It's like the purists have driven off other readers, have driven off the writers, and they don't like the stories they have left.

Maybe they publish there because, well, they find it an interesting topic. I think I have ten there if I counted correctly, and I haven't noticed any pushback yet. I do put some of them on other sites for the sake of variety.

There definitely are lines drawn around the Romance category, however. My attitude towards all this is, "It's a work of fiction, not a thesis. I just made it up. I hope it at least seems plausible."

Now Loving Wives, it does take some nerve to post there. I've only done that twice.

 

[Bramblethorn]

I don't know why a writer would want to post a story to BDSM. The views in the category are low, the ratings are low, and the comments are low. It's like the purists have driven off other readers, have driven off the writers, and they don't like the stories they have left.

Pretty clearly the purists haven't driven off everybody else, because there are still plenty of "kidnapped and enslaved" stories in the category that don't even nod at the idea of consent.

 

[AvroAnson]

Maybe they publish there (BDSM) because, well, they find it an interesting topic ...

There definitely are lines drawn around the Romance category, however. My attitude towards all this is, "It's a work of fiction, not a thesis. I just made it up. I hope it at least seems plausible."

Now Loving Wives, it does take some nerve to post there ...

Part of the issue, at least for me, is that my stories are what I want to tell. Not what I think will get me a high mark in a creative writing class or another more lucrative book deal. It's my hobby, I already have a job.

I have written hundreds of stories that are based in my own RL history. Basically I have spent my adult social life in a GROUP as the sexual property of the Alpha Male of our group whom I SUBMIT (1/4 of BDSM) to without condition, he uses me and he decides whom else is permitted to (LW without misogyny) it's CNC, which is not NC. Either I have agency and can "gift" myself or I don't and all sex is NC.

"'I hope it at least seems plausible.'" It is, as well as most pleasurable. All scenarios depicted have been beta tested over, and over again for decades.

"Romance category, however. My attitude towards all this is, 'It's a work of fiction ...'" I have never posted in Romance, but where I think a story should go isn't the final word. Whatever category I request, its just a request.

Most of my work doesn't fit a particular category well. If Zane has me service two women it may be put in Lesbian, if I get cuffed or spanked it may be posted in BDSM, lately NC-R because it isn't "formula." I always find it funny when CNC is moved to NC-R. Some stories went to Mature, Ex-Voyeur, or (Incest)Taboo if I get too introspective about daddy issues.

A lot is in Group, that is where I request placement now-a-days, most goes to LW, which was my prior default placement. That's a bit funny because although Zane proposed and I accepted we never did in an effort to placate both families, maybe LW should be renamed LWGBFFUMC/CLSO&NB/CFWB. Oh, the trolls would love that.

I doubt I am the only writer who gets comments that the story just read doesn't fit the category it was posted in perfectly.

 

[NotWise]

Pretty clearly the purists haven't driven off everybody else, because there are still plenty of "kidnapped and enslaved" stories in the category that don't even nod at the idea of consent.

"Kidnapped and enslaved" seems like a popular video trope. I'll offer "bound and tortured."

The BDSM purists need to work hard to chisel their vision out of the rough rock.

 

[NotWise]

* * *

 

[TarnishedPenny]

I don't know why a writer would want to post a story to BDSM. The views in the category are low, the ratings are low, and the comments are low. It's like the purists have driven off other readers, have driven off the writers, and they don't like the stories they have left.

Well, how about 'cause it's fun?

As to ratings, without trying to disagree with a man who is more than just 'wise', I've put up, I think, eight tales on Lit under BDSM. Average rating was just over 4.7, so I think I'm happy there. Number of views was OK, now that I think on it. Heck, why not just stick with 'fun'?

 

[NotWise]

Well, how about 'cause it's fun?

As to ratings, without trying to disagree with a man who is more than just 'wise', I've put up, I think, eight tales on Lit under BDSM. Average rating was just over 4.7, so I think I'm happy there. Number of views was OK, now that I think on it. Heck, why not just stick with 'fun'?

You can stick with "fun." Enjoy. It looks like very few authors in the category enjoy that success.

 

[KeithD]

Well sure, BDSM clubists here can pretend they determine what can be written as BDSM to the extent of downrating and giving negative comments, but when they do so, they are no better than those doing the same thing in Loving Wives. No BDSM clubists have some sort of right to determine what can be written as BDSM here or anywhere else. They don't own creative fiction. They can only be nasty assholes and downrate and negative comment to prove that they are.

 

[SimonDoom]

I don't know why a writer would want to post a story to BDSM. The views in the category are low, the ratings are low, and the comments are low. It's like the purists have driven off other readers, have driven off the writers, and they don't like the stories they have left.

Experiences vary. My highest-rated story was published in BDSM, a little over 4 years ago. As of today it has over 89,000 views and it's been favorited 101 times. Those aren't incest numbers, but they're not bad, and the score is higher than for any incest story I've written.

 

[Ginlover]

Well sure, BDSM clubists here can pretend they determine what can be written as BDSM to the extent of downrating and giving negative comments, but when they do so, they are no better than those doing the same thing in Loving Wives. No BDSM clubists have some sort of right to determine what can be written as BDSM here or anywhere else. They don't own creative fiction. They can only be nasty assholes and downrate and negative comment to prove that they are.

As I said before, if thinking consent is the one consistent requirement of BDSM and that makes me a purist or clubist I am those two things.

Returning to the thread, if I then explain the ‘consent requirement’ is what defines the difference between BDSM and a non consent story in a polite, eloquent way, making reference to the writer’s skill and the wider content of the story and I take the time to write out a considered, detailed review, after the writer has requested feedback, it doesn’t encourage reviewers to review if that’s deleted as if I’m a troll.

If a story is written and the main character starts out being called Fred but half way through the writer calls them Harry, while later the character is accidentally renamed Joe is it wrong to leave a review on the story mentioning the main character’s name changes through the story? That the writer shows they have the ability to write an engaging story, but the change of name appears to be accidental and detracts from the story.

This thread is a discussion about reviews and writers are replying that basic feedback saying ‘fun story’ is not useful but they like detailed, thought out reviews though few readers take the time to review. I hope I’ve offered an explanation why few people might chose to give detailed reviews under their user name.

 

[KeithD]

As I said before, if thinking consent is the one consistent requirement of BDSM and that makes me a purist or clubist I am those two things.

It's not the only thing the site BDSM clubists demand.

 

[Bramblethorn]

"Kidnapped and enslaved" seems like a popular video trope. I'll offer "bound and tortured."

They are very popular tropes indeed, and for the ones where the kidnapping/enslavement/bondage/torture is nonconsensual, there is a "nonconsent" category here that would be a great home for them. "BDSM" isn't it. The fact that we have a category specifically for "nonconsent/reluctance" is that consent, or lack of it, is relevant to story categorisation.

A rape story doesn't become "BDSM" just because it has whips and chains, any more than it becomes "Romance" just because the rapist buys their victim flowers.

 

[SimonDoom]

I doubt I am the only writer who gets comments that the story just read doesn't fit the category it was posted in perfectly.

Not by a long shot. I've gotten comments like that, as have others.

I'm a committed non-purist. Or maybe anti-purist. If I read a story and feel like it doesn't fit the category, then I might let the author know in a friendly way in a comment that the story would do better if it was posted elsewhere. But I would never downvote a story just because it doesn't fit.

There's a mindset I don't understand that sees category descriptions and contest parameters as cages. I see them as springboards. If somebody's imagination leads them to blend BDSM and nonconsent, so be it. Let the imagination run free. It's completely unimportant whether a fantasy Literotica BDSM story conforms to the so-called "rules" of real-life BDSM enthusiasts. The category should be seen as an opportunity to explore every dimension of BDSM that the author's imagination can come up with, without regard to whether it fits another's idea of BDSM.

 

[8letters]

In general, comments tell me much, much less than rating. Comments me give a vague idea about what certain people liked or disliked about my story.

You can write sentimental and romantic stories and they're welcomed in categories other than Romance.

I think my I/T stories are quite sentimental and romantic. And I/T readers like them.

You can probably also write stories with bondage, dominance, sadism, submission and masochism and place them somewhere other than the BDSM category.

I have a BDSM I/T story. In general, I/T readers dislike BDSM, but my story is a BDSM story for people who don't like BDSM, and it's done quite well.

I don't know why a writer would want to post a story to BDSM. The views in the category are low, the ratings are low, and the comments are low. It's like the purists have driven off other readers, have driven off the writers, and they don't like the stories they have left.

I'd guess it's because they enjoy writing BDSM stories so much that they are willing to put up with the low views, ratings and comments. If a writer was indecisive about writing a BDSM story and a story for for a category that gets more views, more comments and higher rightings, I'd advice them to write for the other category. But I'd guess there aren't a lot of writers who are indecisive about writing a BDSM story.

 

[oggbashan]

If they point out errors like my frequent confusion with names? I take notice.

The rest? Not much.

Oops! Anon has just pointed out that in the third paragraph from the end of my latest story Delivery the baby's name of Harriet had been changed to Hannah. Thanks, anon.

 

[CyranoJ]

How much do you tend to listen to criticism? Or any other feedback for that matter?

Sometimes other writers have useful points to make about style or technique. I listen to those. I may not necessarily change what I'm doing, but I do listen and consider.

Positive feedback is nice. I'm always happy to see it.

Vague criticism isn't worth much but I don't delete it either. I usually just try asking for specifics.

"Feedback" that consists of name-calling, grandstanding or kink-shaming (especially people showing up in specific categories to complain about the kink native to that category) I just delete as a waste of time.

 

[lovecraft68]

I'm waiting for the claim he edited the Gor books. and his ancestor helped write The School of Libertinage.

 

[Bramblethorn]

There's a mindset I don't understand that sees category descriptions and contest parameters as cages. I see them as springboards. If somebody's imagination leads them to blend BDSM and nonconsent, so be it. Let the imagination run free. It's completely unimportant whether a fantasy Literotica BDSM story conforms to the so-called "rules" of real-life BDSM enthusiasts. The category should be seen as an opportunity to explore every dimension of BDSM that the author's imagination can come up with, without regard to whether it fits another's idea of BDSM.

Okay. So what kind of content wouldn't belong in BDSM, if the author wanted to put it there?

 

[lovecraft68]

Not by a long shot. I've gotten comments like that, as have others.

I'm a committed non-purist. Or maybe anti-purist. If I read a story and feel like it doesn't fit the category, then I might let the author know in a friendly way in a comment that the story would do better if it was posted elsewhere. But I would never downvote a story just because it doesn't fit.

There's a mindset I don't understand that sees category descriptions and contest parameters as cages. I see them as springboards. If somebody's imagination leads them to blend BDSM and nonconsent, so be it. Let the imagination run free. It's completely unimportant whether a fantasy Literotica BDSM story conforms to the so-called "rules" of real-life BDSM enthusiasts. The category should be seen as an opportunity to explore every dimension of BDSM that the author's imagination can come up with, without regard to whether it fits another's idea of BDSM.

Seeing the people who created the site separated BDSM from Non consent it should be an indicator they aren't the same thing.

I mean going by your don't have a horse in the race but need to say something anyway comment, then why not put incest in romance?

Know why? because the site would move it, but if they missed it good luck with the 50 WTF is this doing here comments.

But the site can't screen in detail and people who want to write non con without the stigma of non con(that would be in their own heads that there is one) go into BDSM , this happens a lot more in the paid market because many platforms won't allow NC or rape for titivation.

The fact you can find a lot of Non con in BDSM is because the site doesn't screen properly in combination with the ignorance prevalent in this thread. Toss BDSM out the window and go with this. Every sexual practice requires consent....unless its non consent

That simple enough?

 

[KeithD]

Okay. So what kind of content wouldn't belong in BDSM, if the author wanted to put it there?

Has anyone ever put gay male content in the BDSM category and not had it torn apart? I include the BDSM content in some of my GM stories, but I wouldn't even begin to consider putting them in the BDSM category.

 

[lovecraft68]

If anyone here really wants a more informed answer-you know, being willing to admit you're sketchy on a topic so seek out people who know-go to the BDSM forum with this topic.

People who have been around awhile will remember Handsinthedark and whata rape obsessed creeper he was. Another cyber dom who would tell you all there is to know about the lifestyle and how consent isn't needed.

He posted once in the BDSM forum about how he could share a sub without her consent. It was the only post he made there, and his ass probably still hurts from being kicked like a dead horse.

You can listen to people who have real life experience, or you can wallow in ignorance, easy to guess which it will be here.

There's categories I know nothing about, and I'll tell you that, and if I want to know I'll ask someone who writes it. Amazing more people can't go that route instead of refusing to admit they're uninformed.

 

[CyranoJ]

Has anyone ever put gay male content in the BDSM category and not had it torn apart? I include the BDSM content in some of my GM stories, but I wouldn't even begin to consider putting them in the BDSM category.

Wow, really? That's tremendously saddening.