Overly critical feedback from non-authors

[Hugme]

Real and fantasy

Well, all I can say is that we do only have one key for my chastity belt...and he holds it. Oh, and I actually have a functioning brain

 

[Bramblethorn]

For storage of material you don't want to keep on your home or office computer.

These days there are a lot of easier options for that. Google Docs, Dropbox, USB drives, ...

 

[bushyTrail]

Not to mention a little something called cryptography.

 

[Bramblethorn]

Not to mention a little something called cryptography.

Basic crypto stops people from looking at the contents of a file, but it doesn't stop people from noticing that you've got a folder full of encrypted files and assuming that it's porn, which might defeat the purpose.

There are options that will conceal the existence of one's porn folder, but the ones that would work on a shared computer aren't straightforward to use.

 

[Hypoxia]

There are options that will conceal the existence of one's porn folder, but the ones that would work on a shared computer aren't straightforward to use.

My LIT folders and certain downloads reside on a memory stick, echoed to a cloud account. Pull out the stick and I'm totally clean.

 

[KeithD]

These days there are a lot of easier options for that. Google Docs, Dropbox, USB drives, ...

I didn't start this "these days." and I don't use anything you cited. I do use the Internet. So, your easier isn't necessarily my easier.

 

[KeithD]

My LIT folders and certain downloads reside on a memory stick, echoed to a cloud account. Pull out the stick and I'm totally clean.

And your memory stick is where? Mine is pretty much the same place I don't want to have sitting around at home.

 

[8letters]

My LIT folders and certain downloads reside on a memory stick, echoed to a cloud account. Pull out the stick and I'm totally clean.

No one will notice the recent file listings reference a memory stick that has been removed. Or if they do notice, they won't find it the least bit suspicious.

 

[Hypoxia]

No one will notice the recent file listings reference a memory stick that has been removed. Or if they do notice, they won't find it the least bit suspicious.

Win10's "recent files" list can be cleansed. The mem.stick can be replaced with a totally different other. But I'm not expecting forensic analysis, just suggesting a casual slight-of-hand.

 

[8letters]

Win10's "recent files" list can be cleansed. The mem.stick can be replaced with a totally different other. But I'm not expecting forensic analysis, just suggesting a casual slight-of-hand.

It depends on the circumstance. If you're using a work laptop, then everything related to porn should be on a memory stick. Pop the stick out and you're in compliance with corporate rules. And there are no rules that you have explain what's on the memory stick.

But if you're talking about a computer used by multiple individuals, then a memory stick is a less-than-stellar solution. Having everything on a memory stick, you only be suspected instead of found out. But you'll still be suspected. And they'll know to look for your memory stick. Cleanse the "recent files" list and you'll still be suspected. If you want to leave no trace then open a private tab in your browser, sign into your porn Google account, and write in Google Docs.

 

[rikimaru4]

If you want to leave no trace then open a private tab in your browser, sign into your porn Google account, and write in Google Docs.

This is exactly how I do it! works great

 

[Bramblethorn]

It depends on the circumstance. If you're using a work laptop, then everything related to porn should be on a memory stick. Pop the stick out and you're in compliance with corporate rules. And there are no rules that you have explain what's on the memory stick.

Depends on where you work. Employers who are sensitive about IT security often will have rules about memory sticks etc. I've worked places where just plugging an iPod into the work computer would result in an automatic notification to the IT security team, who'd then send a friendly "please explain". I wouldn't recommend any of these approaches for that kind of workplace, even aside from the ethics of pursuing one's own hobby on work time.

 

[KeithD]

Unless your job is working with porn, I wouldn't suggest that you spend any time you're supposed to working for someone else by engaging in porn--writing or reading. If you do, you risk and deserve being caught and fired and having to find someone else to work for for a paycheck.

 

[8letters]

Depends on where you work. Employers who are sensitive about IT security often will have rules about memory sticks etc. I've worked places where just plugging an iPod into the work computer would result in an automatic notification to the IT security team, who'd then send a friendly "please explain". I wouldn't recommend any of these approaches for that kind of workplace, even aside from the ethics of pursuing one's own hobby on work time.

I wasn't clear. I'd assume that you're using the work laptop for porn when you're at home or traveling. Getting caught with porn on your monitor is a great way to be walked out the front door.

 

[Hypoxia]

I wasn't clear. I'd assume that you're using the work laptop for porn when you're at home or traveling. Getting caught with porn on your monitor is a great way to be walked out the front door.

I last worked on corporate computers circa 1986. Above, I referred only to my home laptop, which my partner (who doesn't know of my writings) might stumble across, or the kids or grandkids whilst visiting. I only need prepare for stumblings, not serious searches -- not while I survive. And after that, so what?

Y'all have your own security issues. Do what you must.

 

[Blind_Justice]

Does anyone else get irritated by overly critical feedback from non-authors? It compares to food critics who can't cook. I feel the voting/comments system should be altered. One should have the choice of allowing everyone vote/comment on their works. Or allow only fellow published authors to vote/comment.

You don't have to be a trained chef to state "I don't like this food." You don't even have to be a trained chef to explain why. Burnt meat, overcooked veggies and too much seasoning can be spotted even by someone not bearing a Michelin Star. Same with music critics - you don't have to play in a band to declare a song "fucking trash". Take all that current Top 40 music. It sounds like someone hit his head against a computer a couple of times and called it a day. When looking at Taylor Swift's "Me" credits, you'll find THREE Songwriters, so a lot of work probably went in there. Doesn't change the fact that it sounds like cheaply made garbage to me whereas something made by AC/DC gets me going - and the next guy runs away screaming because he can't stand Brian Johnson's voice.

Art is highly subjective. I have not the foggiest idea why people go nuts over a white canvas with a few spurts of color or some installation made from wood planks, bins and trash bags while others proclaim it high art and post-modernism. Applying that to writing and especially erotic fiction, there is so much people can take issue with, from not liking the characters to not liking the situations/fetishes portrayed to such inane things as "too many punctuation issues". No need to be an author to be affected by what one just read and the worst thing: It's probably not even your fault that you triggered your reader. You can't write in a way to appeal to everyone.

Authors may offer more precise feedback than "bleh, that sucked, 1 star", but I've had Anons offer as much valid criticism as some colleagues. I also had pissed-off colleagues who couldn't take honest critique and decided to be little pouty primadonnas, so it balances out in the end. (And no, that's not aimed at you, Keith. For once. Keep your pants on.)

So, fantaseeboy. From where I'm sitting, it looks like you have exactly two choices. Take the good with the bad, enjoy the praise and try to learn from the criticism or turn off comments altogether to preserve your precious equilibrium. And I know I'm probably not endearing myself with these words of wisdom, but if you can't stand the heat, just get outta the kitchen.

Where did I put my flame-retardant suit again?

 

[Hypoxia]

Where did I put my flame-retardant suit again?

It probably fell behind the clothes washer.

 

[DevlinCarnate]

Does anyone else get irritated by overly critical feedback from non-authors? It compares to food critics who can't cook. I feel the voting/comments system should be altered. One should have the choice of allowing everyone vote/comment on their works. Or allow only fellow published authors to vote/comment.

This is a rite of passage for everyone on the site who offers up work to the public.

Honestly, if your work gets a lot of criticism, you're doing something unique and innovative. Common, repeated and stale works get only one type of criticism - "Boring!" or "I've read that a dozen times already." Even the trolls are lazy for that stuff.

If you're risking something, trying something new, that's when you get the spike in noisy and loud responses. So, if you're seeing such chatter, take it as an acknowledgement that you've tried, and apparently hit a nerve.

Also consider that you're most vulnerable to this when you're starting out and building an audience. If you have only a few followers and get that biting critique, sure, it can make you consider whether or not you're doing the right thing. Here's where you need to maturely review what is being said. Is there legitimate advice in there? Would it help your make a better piece next time? Or is it just noise? You need to separate the chaff and ignore it.


Of course all this assumes that your work was decent in the first place. There's plenty of just plain shit out there, too.

 

[Jackba57]

Does anyone else get irritated by overly critical feedback from non-authors? It compares to food critics who can't cook. I feel the voting/comments system should be altered. One should have the choice of allowing everyone vote/comment on their works. Or allow only fellow published authors to vote/comment.

I just love the people that think they are subject matter experts. They pick apart everything they can. They set themselves up as experts, in their minds.

NEWSFLASH!

The story is written to ENTERTAIN, not be historically factual. Besides, in my current physical state I’m lucky I can remember back as far as the story I wrote.

Now the critical feedback about buildup, foreshadowing etc was excellent feedback.

The super insulting people can go fuck themselves with a horseshoe.

My opinion.

 

[standingstones]

I have some simple rules I follow concerning trolls. I always write them back. I tell them if my stories bother them so much, don’t read them. That seems simple enough. I also state that the stories are free to read. They aren’t paying a penny to get off. It is rare that I get a reply back. I always delete their rude comments.

 

[FilthyFantasy]

Three types of negative feedback.

There are three different types of negative feedback. The first, and the most common is:

"I don't like your story/characters/fetishes/decisions etc." which is simply a fan, or a non-fan, telling you they're not part of your target readership or making you aware of that 'this or that' is causing them not to like your story.

It could be useful if you don't understand why so many people are disliking your story, but if you know that your subject material will be unpopular to most before you post it for example, then these types of comments are mostly useless.

The second type is:

"Your a terrible writer!" with no explantion of why they think that is the case, or alternatively, "I hope you die in a ditch you bastard." both are obviously nonsensical ad hominem and shouldn't be treated as anything else. They are the most baffling types of comments and should only serve as a reminder of that the world is full of idiots.

The third type is:

"You're doing 'this or that' wrong and it makes your story 'clunky/difficult to read' etc." these types of comments are the only ones that has the potential to improve your writing skill but the commentor has to know what they're talking about. It takes at least hundreds of hours to become good at anything and someone who has never tried to write fiction themselves for example will never be able to make useful comments on your writing skill if you have done so. So take their feedback with a grain of salt as it's unlikely that the commentors actually know what they're talking about, especially if they're being rude or dismissive as it's a clear sign of incompetence.

If you were a football coach you probably wouldn't go up into the stands after a loss and ask a drunk fan what went wrong. So don't do the equivalent and listen to bad advice from someone who hasn't shown that they know what they're talking about or even has the sense to be polite. It does not take a lot of effort to be polite and if someone fails to do so it means they have no intention of helping you. Rude comments are made by insecure people and insecurity stems from a lack of confidence in own ability. Keep that in mind.

 

[8letters]

There are three different types of negative feedback. The first, and the most common is:

"I don't like your story/characters/fetishes/decisions etc." which is simply a fan, or a non-fan, telling you they're not part of your target readership or making you aware of that 'this or that' is causing them not to like your story.

It could be useful if you don't understand why so many people are disliking your story, but if you know that your subject material will be unpopular to most before you post it for example, then these types of comments are mostly useless.

The second type is:

"Your a terrible writer!" with no explantion of why they think that is the case, or alternatively, "I hope you die in a ditch you bastard." both are obviously nonsensical ad hominem and shouldn't be treated as anything else. They are the most baffling types of comments and should only serve as a reminder of that the world is full of idiots.

The third type is:

"You're doing 'this or that' wrong and it makes your story 'clunky/difficult to read' etc." these types of comments are the only ones that has the potential to improve your writing skill but the commentor has to know what they're talking about. It takes at least hundreds of hours to become good at anything and someone who has never tried to write fiction themselves for example will never be able to make useful comments on your writing skill if you have done so. So take their feedback with a grain of salt as it's unlikely that the commentors actually know what they're talking about, especially if they're being rude or dismissive as it's a clear sign of incompetence.

If you were a football coach you probably wouldn't go up into the stands after a loss and ask a drunk fan what went wrong. So don't do the equivalent and listen to bad advice from someone who hasn't shown that they know what they're talking about or even has the sense to be polite. It does not take a lot of effort to be polite and if someone fails to do so it means they have no intention of helping you. Rude comments are made by insecure people and insecurity stems from a lack of confidence in own ability. Keep that in mind.

You left out two other types:
#4 This needs a sequel!
Don't take this as the go ahead to write a sequel. Take this as your story was so good that the reader wishes it kept going, but the story has ended and your time is best spent writing another story that people ask you to write a sequel for

#4 The small suggestion
"I loved the story but..." One commenter suggested I don't use "cunt". I had another commenter suggest using "make love" instead of "fuck". I get lots of comments wishing that my story wasn't so long. One commenter was upset that I had the MMC think at one point that the FMC was a virgin and then it turned out she wasn't. The challenge with these suggestions is that there's no way to judge how widespread the feeling is for the suggestion.

 

[Hypoxia]

Most of my negative feedback is on the order of "You suck!" or "Learn to write!" etc, almost never specifying points the reader dislikes. A tiny bit says "Wrong category!" but Laurel trumps my preferences, so Not My Fault. Other than praising or nonsense comments, I get the occasional worthy suggestion amidst odd requests -- what, butt-rape Mom? Kim needs a sex change? Naw...

But some are like "She should-a drowned the bastard!" OK, write it yourself.

 

[naughtyboyincali]

Yes. One of the main reasons I stopped writing, the other being theft.

 

[ThisNameIsntTakenYet]

Huh, forgot this thread existed. But now that it's been revived, I did get a comment recently that fits the topic.

One of my readers pointed out that my story Runner's High was a hookup that happened way too soon, without the characters barely even getting to know each other. I mean, they did spend two whole evenings talking to each other at a bar, but fair, I guess. Looking back I'm not exactly happy with how it turned out either, so fine.

But then he went on to say my latest story, Stuck in the Snow, had the same issue. Again, yes, this story happens over a span of 3 days, but the characters have been together for the majority of that time. It's quick, I admit, but this is erotica. I don't think it's too much to ask for readers to have some suspension of disbelief, right? Most of the stories on here happen faster than in real life, are unlikely, or pretty much implausible if you look at them realistically.