Anybody out there?

[Marion]

I just wondered if we can still hope to see any reviews here? I enjoyed reading them and so - I hope - after some people were so worried, did everyone else.
Halloween always brings out some great stories and it would be nice to read what people thought of the Challenge as a whole , if they don't want to single out just one. Then, with Christmas coming, we might do that for that Challenge as well?

Shame to let the feedback element die.

Chris - is it possible to invent an anonymous way to post here - if people are worried about expressing their own opinions?
Just a thought.

[chrisbishop]

Actually, this section is set for "MEMBERS ONLY", which means that only members can leave reviews, and only members can see them as well. I can always open it to public, if you wish, and even open the thread for "guests" as well, but maybe that might be asking for just about ANYONE out there to give their own opinions on the stories - bad or wrong, like it's done on FanFiction.net?

What do the rest of our members think of this? If this is what the majority wants, I have no objection.

[Marion]

No, I didn't mean open it up to others - keep it to members only, Chris.
I meant to remind everyone it is here - and suggest that other people might use it to reflect on stories/challenges too: what they'd enjoyed or give constructive criticism in a general way about the fiction.
I was only wondering if it might be possible for everyone (members) to post here anonymously, in case people were nervous about upsetting the authors or being 'shouted at' for their views.
Probably wouldn't work - but I just think it is a shame Ethel Sherman stopped posting.
Never mind - forget I mentioned it.

[RhapsodyAngel8]

I see what you mean and think I agree with you, Marion; it would be so helpful to read/receive such feedback regarding fanfics, especially constructive criticism from more experienced authors. It is so nice to hear when people enjoy a story (or a specific scene/idea etc. within one), what worked for them, how it made them feel etc... and if the author can also be given helpful comments as well to boot – wonderful. Like you, I enjoy reading the reviews and find them most interesting.

If the author doesn't know how a fanfic has been received, or where / how the story could be improved, then how would they know what ‘works’ or to avoid the same pitfalls when writing the next story? In this respect, I know that I, as a very unsure, fledgling author, would certainly appreciate such comments/reviews. Much as I found the prospect of being reviewed by Ethel Sherman somewhat daunting, I would have very much welcomed it for the unbiased critique I would have received; yes, it is a shame that she has stopped posting.

If it could work, and if it does encourage more people to contribute in a constructive way, then the anonymous post might be a nice idea. The only thing that might worry me slightly is whether some people might think they could use anonymity to make somewhat ‘harsher’ comments than would be welcome or helpful; I should imagine, however, that this would be an unlikely occurrence from forum members.

[The Beta Queen]

I can't believe that anybody on this forum would indulge in the kind of sniping and back-biting that so often masquerades as "criticism" on sites like FanFiction.net.

At the same time, though, there are far too many writers on FF.Net who reject ANY kind of criticism with the most appalling hissy fits. To them, anything that is not "OMG THIS IS SOOOO KEWL!!!" RITE MOAR!!!" is a flame; their sense of entitlement leads them to expect lavish praise for everything they do, regardless of its actual merit. However, just as I'm sure that Spectrum Headquarters forum members are above flaming, I'm sure that our writers are above such childish reactions to not-entirely-positive reviews.

In closing, you might find these two sites amusing and informative:
The Wandering Critic's Writing Notes http://www.freewebs.com/wanderingcritic/
Wandering Criticism http://wanderingcritic.wordpress.com/
Both sites are fairly small, but well worth a read.

[chrisbishop]

Those are wonderful sites! I checked the second one a few days ago, and just took a few minutes going through the "Basics" chapter of the first link.

I do think these should appear as links in the "FanFic Tools" section of the website. Something I'll do on my next updates...

[Carrie]

Yes, it is a shame Ethel stopped posting, I'd kind of liked her to do one of mine, not that I wanted it to be an OH MY GOD THIS IS KEWL..review (although admittedly, who doesnt want one of those...but only if you really know in your heart of hearts that it merits it? ).
She did tend to post an objective and thorough summary, which was usually a true reflection of the story under review.

I always hope that any story of mine hits the mark, but so often, a 'that was a great story' response, however nice to hear, doesn't always tell you very much, since there is no way every sentence can be a masterpeice, so such attention to detail is, in a sense, very flattering, and makes you feel writing the story was worthwhile.

Thanks for the links, Beta Queen, I'll try looking at them. It's always good to see a fresh perspective on writing, wherever it comes from.

[RhapsodyAngel8]

Thank you for posting those links, Beta Queen – they are excellent. The Wandering Critic makes very interesting, and informative, reading. I shall refer to him / her quite often, I think.

I can't believe that anybody on this forum would indulge in the kind of sniping and back-biting that so often masquerades as "criticism" on sites like FanFiction.net.

Ooops- I didn’t mean to imply that forum members might flame anothers’ work. I agree that we would be above backbiting and sniping; apologies if this is how it came across – it certainly wasn’t what I meant at all by the term ‘harsher’ . A straight, measured, honest opinion, maybe pointing out flaws and merits alike, written in an unbiased way is what I was thinking of as an example of a review.

I admit that I know very little about FF.net and have only dipped a proverbial toe in the water on a very few occasions. Some of the ‘reviews’ I’ve seen there have been ... interesting, to say the least, ranging from the downright nasty to stuff that is so full of misguided, over-blown praise that there is nothing of any benefit to the author except to perpetuate self-belief that they can write brilliantly. As you say, an author shouldn’t expect unfounded praise for their work and certainly shouldn’t throw a tantrum if someone disagrees with their opinion; if not prepared to consider / act on constructive criticism, how could they expect to improve? As you mention, Caroline, it is always nice to receive general praise for one’s fanfic, but to have an objective review is invaluable.

[Intensity Angel]

If people want to review my new fic, I don't mind. Once I've finishing reviewing my mate's Star Wars fiction, i'll review a CS fan fiction, if anyone wants me to review theirs.