unethical to delete a negative comment?

[lisa123414]

Just wondering, I got a very negative feedback comment on a story. Also noticed I can just delete it if I wish. The feedback is not constructive, in my opinion, rather hurts. So if I delete it, is it okay, or is it cowardice? The jist of it, is "...so what, two people had sex, la di da..." Y'all are the authors, what would you do?

Thanks! Lisa

 

[rgraham666]

Just wondering, I got a very negative feedback comment on a story. Also noticed I can just delete it if I wish. The feedback is not constructive, in my opinion, rather hurts. So if I delete it, is it okay, or is it cowardice? The jist of it, is "...so what, two people had sex, la di da..." Y'all are the authors, what would you do?

Thanks! Lisa

That's entirely up to you.

I've left all my negative comments up, just to show the trolls I don't care.

I have deleted one comment. It didn't take a piece out of me, but out of one of the people who helped me with a story because she was a lesbian.

Screw you buddy, I'll take what ever you can dish out. Leave my friends out of it.

 

[S-Des]

Just wondering, I got a very negative feedback comment on a story. Also noticed I can just delete it if I wish. The feedback is not constructive, in my opinion, rather hurts. So if I delete it, is it okay, or is it cowardice? The jist of it, is "...so what, two people had sex, la di da..." Y'all are the authors, what would you do?

Thanks! Lisa

I almost never delete comments. It's not a matter of cowardice or bravery, just what you are willing to tolerate. Some people look at the comments before reading a story, so if they are negative, just for the purpose of being mean, it might be best to delete it. At the same time, if someone is posting it to make themselves feel important then deleting it could provoke them to be negative on all your stories. Some authors delete anything negative, some refuse to remove anything, no matter what. I draw the line at attacking other authors or my editor (which has happened a couple of times).

 

[TE999]

Just wondering, I got a very negative feedback comment on a story. Also noticed I can just delete it if I wish. The feedback is not constructive, in my opinion, rather hurts. So if I delete it, is it okay, or is it cowardice? The jist of it, is "...so what, two people had sex, la di da..." Y'all are the authors, what would you do?

Thanks! Lisa

Leave 'em up there, Lisa.

It shows that you can handle anything they throw at you.

There's also an 'Anonymous' thread here in the AH where you can post the really funny or obnoxious ones and 'answer' them if you're in the mood.

Don't take these comments too much to heart. Just write what you like and enjoy yourself.

As the old saying goes: It takes a carpenter to build a barn, but any jackass can try to kick it down.

Happy Carpentry...I mean Writing (LOL).

 

[Lisa Denton]

Just wondering, I got a very negative feedback comment on a story. Also noticed I can just delete it if I wish. The feedback is not constructive, in my opinion, rather hurts. So if I delete it, is it okay, or is it cowardice? The jist of it, is "...so what, two people had sex, la di da..." Y'all are the authors, what would you do?

Thanks! Lisa

Is it a anonymous comment? I think that makes a difference to me, it may not to you or other peoples. I feel if someone wants to give negative feedback anonymously then they are one strike down to start.

I left one up for a long time thinking about it as you apparently are this one, I finally deleted it because it was not constructive critisism, and had nothing to do with the writing of the story, but slightly homophobic as well.

And anonymous, like I said, it makes a difference to me.

You have a nice name, I thought I was the only one who signs my posts.

See ya, Lisa.

 

[3113]

I'm of the opinion that if the criticism has validity, then it stays up. That means that if someone says, "These characters are cliché" then I keep it. Even if it's a long and harsh criticism, I will keep it up, so long as it's clearly thought out and has some validity. I leave it up and let other readers agree or disagree.

BUT if the criticism is just abusive and stupid, then I delete. If, for example, it says, "You suck!" or "Death to butt fuckers" (which I got once), then there's really no point in keeping it, is there? It's graffiti, plain and simple. Like an artist who has created a mural, I don't want those viewing it to have their pleasure marred. Putting it another way, I hope I've given readers a good story. If not, I'd like them to articulate why. But if they're just going to graffiti it, that *isn't fair* to other readers. Certainly, whether I like a story or not, I don't want to see "You suck!" after I'm done. So for the sake of my readers, I don't leave up such comments.

Also, I've found that like most taggers, those who leave such comments rarely come back to complain that I've erased their marks. They're cowards who like to tag and run. And if that's the case, they deserve to have their comments deleted.

 

[TheSexyGeek]

Normally, I wouldn't delete a comment, negative or otherwise. I enjoy feedback, and if someone took the time to read my story and post then I am going to do them the courtesy of leaving their opinions posted. I haven't read the entire comment but from the snippet you posted, I would probably leave it alone.

The only exception I would make would be if the comment contained any kind of personal attack or comment. Saying my story sucks is one thing - saying I suck, or my editor sucks, or other personal comments like that aren't necessary and, in my opinion, aren't what the comment forms are there for. People who read my stories will also, hopefully, read the feedback others have left and such personal attacks lower the tone of the page.

I'm all for criticism, even if it's less-than-constructive, since it shows that something in the story triggered some kind of reaction in the reader. Senseless bashing has no place though, so comments along those lines would be the only thing I would consider deleting.

But since I've only got 2 stories published here at the moment (with a third pending), I really haven't had to worry too much about it.

 

[Roxanne Appleby]

I have deleted at three or four comments, and only when they demean other readers, or would in some way reduce the enjoyment of other readers. I agree with TE999: "Leave 'em up there - it shows that you can handle anything they throw at you."

The overwhelming majority of my comments are very kind (and I think that goes for most of us, yes?)

 

[DG Hear]

I totally agree!

I almost never delete comments. It's not a matter of cowardice or bravery, just what you are willing to tolerate. Some people look at the comments before reading a story, so if they are negative, just for the purpose of being mean, it might be best to delete it. At the same time, if someone is posting it to make themselves feel important then deleting it could provoke them to be negative on all your stories. Some authors delete anything negative, some refuse to remove anything, no matter what. I draw the line at attacking other authors or my editor (which has happened a couple of times).

I agree with S-Des, You can attack me, attack my story and even my characters. But, I draw the line on attacking my Editors. They do their job for free and are only out to help me. You attack them and your comments gone.
DG Hear

 

[TheeGoatPig]

If it is a valid criticizm I leave it up.

If it's so stupid I laugh, I leave it up.

It it's worng, I might argue with them, in which case I leave it up.

I don't moderate my comments. I leave them up

 

[Liar]

There's a difference between leaving a negative comment and trolling. And I don't mean trolling in the way that it's mainly used here on Lit (spamming an author or story with low votes) but as it's used on the rest of the internets; barging into a civil conversation, blurting out nasty crap, just to see the reaction. Just because they can, because it's the internet and nobody can stop them from being the dicks they are.

If someone really honestly think my stories suck donkey butt, they're free to say so. If they stray from that, and start to say things about me or my readers, then out they go.

I also omce had a comment that went, quite literally, "knEbrappi sdrhjkuu ee ee ee.-m". That one got deleted. I copied and saved the message for threads like these, though. Still trying to figure out the meaning.

 

[lisa123414]

Y'all are the best

Okay, so maybe a little reading between the lines is in order. The story was a collaboration, so I am feeling protective - something aimed at only me I could handle more.

And yes, the comment was anon. - a coward.

Heck with trolls, bring 'em on....I can stand up and take it like a woman

Lisa

 

[Roxanne Appleby]

BTW, welcome to AH, Lisa!

 

[3113]

"knEbrappi sdrhjkuu ee ee ee.-m". That one got deleted. I copied and saved the message for threads like these, though. Still trying to figure out the meaning.

Shhhh! Don't say that aloud! For heaven's sake don't even type it---

Uh-oh. Too late. Um. It was nice knowing ya.

 

[TheeGoatPig]

Shhhh! Don't say that aloud! For heaven's sake don't even type it---

Uh-oh. Too late. Um. It was nice knowing ya.

You quoted him! You're guilty too! (or does the italicizing of it through quoting redeem you?)

 

[TE999]

Shhhh! Don't say that aloud! For heaven's sake don't even type it---

Uh-oh. Too late. Um. It was nice knowing ya.

Play that phrase backwards and it says 'Klattu barada nikto'.

(Oh crap, his visor's opening...)

 

[Lisa Denton]

There's a difference between leaving a negative comment and trolling. And I don't mean trolling in the way that it's mainly used here on Lit (spamming an author or story with low votes) but as it's used on the rest of the internets; barging into a civil conversation, blurting out nasty crap, just to see the reaction. Just because they can, because it's the internet and nobody can stop them from being the dicks they are.

If someone really honestly think my stories suck donkey butt, they're free to say so. If they stray from that, and start to say things about me or my readers, then out they go.

I also omce had a comment that went, quite literally, "knEbrappi sdrhjkuu ee ee ee.-m". That one got deleted. I copied and saved the message for threads like these, though. Still trying to figure out the meaning.

Me and Lisa was PM'in, and I think she wouldn't mind if I take a moment to help you out Liar, and decode the topsecret eyesonly message you got.

Now "knEbrappi sdrhjkuu" could mean:
kan nue even begin righting a proper penis introduction
(or do you)
sux dix really hard jack kass u uckbigdonkeydix

And of course the "ee ee ee.-m" is self explanotory.

I am able to help you out because I have gotten many PM's from the person who wrote that. He is much better and almost to the incoherent stage when not in a hallucionogenic PCP haze coupled with the constant beatings he takes from his fellow kindegarten classmates which are embarassing to a grown man with a tiny penis.

Back to the regularly scheduled thread.

 

[lisa123414]

thank you Lisa

yes, yes, gotta love an intelligent woman named Lisa

unwrapping the many mysteries that are lit...I keep forgetting that the internet is open to all, including the space aliens

 

[cantdog]

The overwhelming majority of my comments are very kind (and I think that goes for most of us, yes?)

Anonymous has been very good to me, on the whole. But then, I don't get read very much.

 

[cantdog]

Just wondering, I got a very negative feedback comment on a story. Also noticed I can just delete it if I wish. The feedback is not constructive, in my opinion, rather hurts. So if I delete it, is it okay, or is it cowardice? The jist of it, is "...so what, two people had sex, la di da..." Y'all are the authors, what would you do?

Thanks! Lisa

I have deleted one.

I made a policy of no deletions, but this one was raving and pointless, the froth from a disturbed mind and not even about the story or the author. Just random hatred. So I got rid of it. I thought of it as scrubbing the wall where someone had smeared shit on it. But I still leave 'em up if I can. Most of them are very appreciative.

If they leave a name, I try to respond. If they have said nothing to which to actually respond, I give them a chatty letter about how the story came to be. Most stories have an identifiable origin. Answering fan letters is just courtesy.

If they are anonymous, it may even be to be spared my chatty letters! That's fine if they have something to say. The default on Lit is the anonymous comment, and they may have just not bothered. Were they to be abusive and anonymous at the same time, I may well delete another one.

Edited to add:Welcome to the Author's Hangout, Lisa.

 

[cloudy]

I think I've deleted one, and the same person left the exact same comment on every single one of my stories. It said, "You suck, bitch."

Now that I think about it, I probably should've left it alone. After all, I do and I am.

 

[Darkniciad]

I haven't deleted any yet, but I have more or less the same criteria as Rob. So long as you leave other authors, editors, commenters, etc. out of it, the comment stays up ( no matter how painful, and I have a couple of really cutting ones )

I actually consider the poorly spelled rants that could be pasted at the end of any story on the site and be equally as relevant to them as my silly little tale to be a quality advertisement. ( how's that for a run-on? Trust me, I can do worse. I consider run-on an artform ) When the brain-damaged chimpanzees-on-a-keyboard crowd doesn't like your stuff, that's an accolade, not a condemnation.

I know seeing a comment like OMG u rite so bad it fuonny. this stink wurse than my bathrum after i have chilly. has actually prompted me to read a story on numerous occasions, rather than prompting me to avoid it.

 

[Belegon]

After all, I do and I am.

....think I'm in love...

 

[slyc_willie]

On all my stories, I have deleted a total of two PCs. Neither one had anything constructive to say about the story and simply blasted me -- or the story -- concerning little details that they themselves interpreted wrongly. I took them to be merely nothing but troll attacks, skimming through the gist of the story and not really reading it.

Aside from that, if the comment has a point to make, I leave it up. Provided the point is accurate.

 

[Vermilion]

There's a plus side to negative criticism that nobody has mentioned so far... should other readers disagree with it they're far more likely to leave you some *good* feedback and fight your corner a bit. It's nice when you see a message that disses your baby, but then you come back and see two more saying they totally disagree, it's a hot story and they think the previous guy is on crack (or whatever)...
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