Forum: Author Hangout

I think my filter's broken

StarFleet Carl 🚫

Either that, or I've decided I'm entirely annoyed with backseat drivers and armchair quarterbacks telling me how to write my stories.

I'm actually posting this in our (Author) section of the forum to get some feedback. I don't feel like I'm over-reacting, but at the same time - I'm doing this for the fun of it. If you've got constructive criticism, sure, let me know. If you're whining because something you get for FREE doesn't meet YOUR standards, then write the fucking book (shut up, Grinning Dick) yourself and publish it!

This is a really good story but like so many authors once you get into it the sex scenes slide into nothing.

It is really hard to keep up with a story that only posts once a week. The excitement just really drops off.

My latest blog entry:

I've gotten a couple of emails in the last month complaining that there's not enough graphic sex in the story any more, and that it's really annoying that I only post once a week. My open blog response to that is pretty simple, and in line with something Ricky Gervais said. "Fuck off, I don't care."

Each chapter of this story is about 15 - 20 hours of my time researching and writing in the first place. Then it's hours of time for my editor, proofreader, and final proofreader, plus more of my time. I'm posting it on a site where it's free for you to read, and it's completely voluntary on your part as to whether or not you purchase of a copy on Bookapy as a 'thank you' to me. The three books of 'A True History' are at 775,000 downloads total so far. I don't have a lot of different titles posted, but right now I have 1.8 MILLION words posted online here at SOL. If you don't like what I'm writing, or how I do things, don't read my story. It's that simple.

Replies: Pixy graybyrd Switch Blayde palamedes daisydesiree Mushroom Grey Wolf REP JoeBobMack joyR lichtyd Remus2

Pixy 🚫
Updated:

@StarFleet Carl

You should be happy that you even get feedback, so stop moaning... :P

On a serious side though. Would moaning about the type of feedback you get, not work against you in that those who might spend the time to reply decide that "actually, no, fuck you! I'm not going to bother now"?

Replies: StarFleet Carl

StarFleet Carl 🚫

@Pixy

Would moaning about the type of feedback you get, not work against you in that those who might spend the time to reply decide that "actually, no, fuck you! I'm not going to bother now"?

I welcome constructive criticism or legitimate, hey, why did such and such do this, because I don't understand. Just over the last year (since that's all the longer they stick around), I've received more than 2,000 emails from readers, and I've sent more than 1,000 replies.

Thing is - when I first started posting Book 3, it was on a TWO week schedule, because I DIDN'T have the 15 chapter buffer I needed to have to feel comfortable starting posting in the first place. I was VERY open about that. I've also made it very clear in my blog posts that my real world job as a real estate agent has gone crazy - right now I've four closings for May, and I'm already working with clients for June closings.

As palamedes said:

Or as my dad likes to say you always have the asshole who can do it bigger, better, faster, and cheaper or at least until you say then go ahead and do it.

I basically said that. They told me I was rude for saying it.

graybyrd 🚫

@StarFleet Carl

Simple approach: if you don't like the feedback, don't post the stories.

If you insist on posting the stories, don't open the feedback.

If you think you might miss out on some good feedback, then be an alligator and grow a tough hide.

Replies: Crumbly Writer

Crumbly Writer 🚫

@graybyrd

Simple approach: if you don't like the feedback, don't post the stories.

If you insist on posting the stories, don't open the feedback.

If you think you might miss out on some good feedback, then be an alligator and grow a tough hide.

That's pretty callous, as he stated that he doesn't mind constructive feedback or honest questions, but it's the unrelenting demands that are taxing him. If he cuts off those, as you suggest, then he cuts off EVERYONE wanting to communicate. Clearly, there's got to be some middle ground, otherwise no one will EVER post stories on SOL.

In my case, due to my own inconsistent postings, I'm hardly getting any feedback, even for my last few published books, so I can see both sides of the question, but telling someone in obvious distress to "Shut up and just write" is beyond the pale!

By the way, graybyrd, the next time you start getting harassed by a reader, guess what the online response is likely to be?

Replies: graybyrd

graybyrd 🚫

@Crumbly Writer

It's the online world we live in, so either grow a pair or shut it down. Yelling at the bastards won't do anything but confirm that they've penetrated your shield and they'll gleefully ram it to you again.

Proper response? Shut up and tough it out. It's the new world, and it is what it is. You got a different take on it? Let's hear it. Maybe a filter, or a volunteer pre-reader to screen the bad ones?

Switch Blayde 🚫

@StarFleet Carl

in line with something Ricky Gervais said. "Fuck off, I don't care."

But your response indicates that you do care. Yep, your filter is broken.

palamedes 🚫

@StarFleet Carl

I can understand the frustration and stress that idiots like that bring but things like that remind me or a quote from Dale Earnhardt (Nascar driver)

A reporter asked about how he feels when fans boo him.

Dale Earnhardt replied
"It doesn't matter if fans boo or cheer as long as they're making noise."

He followed up with that it is nice that there are fans that like and enjoy him but what really matters is that he is there to drive the car and win races.

Or as my dad likes to say you always have the asshole who can do it bigger, better, faster, and cheaper or at least until you say then go ahead and do it.

Replies: Michael Loucks

Michael Loucks 🚫

@palamedes

Dale Earnhardt replied
"It doesn't matter if fans boo or cheer as long as they're making noise."

He followed up with that it is nice that there are fans that like and enjoy him but what really matters is that he is there to drive the car and win races.

And, he added, that when they do stop making noise, you know your time is up and you go do something else.

daisydesiree 🚫

@StarFleet Carl

It's redonkulous for someone to complain that you only post once a week. Any of would be fortunate to have the time to post that often. (except Mat Twatter then it's every 30 minutes)

Mushroom 🚫
Updated:

@StarFleet Carl

Either that, or I've decided I'm entirely annoyed with backseat drivers and armchair quarterbacks telling me how to write my stories.

Don't feel bad.

I have had somebody for the last several days that has been reading one of my stories, and has been sending me complaints about every other chapter complaining about my main character.

And to be honest, at first I humored him and responded. But after logging in today and seeing 7 more complaints, I just gave up. And I am sure I will have 7 more tomorrow, but I am done responding.

I love fan feedback. But if you hate it that much, do not write to me complaining about almost every other chapter in a work that goes on for like 200 chapters. And always with what seems like the same problem.

Especially about a story I wrapped up months ago, and is over 1.4 million words long.

Grey Wolf 🚫

@StarFleet Carl

It's your story, obviously. I love feedback, but some people are wrong for your story.

For a 'some sex' story, expect not that many sex scenes. Comes with the territory. My feeling is that sex scenes get boring if they're between people we know and where it's not advancing the plot. Others' mileage will vary.

For posting, again, do what suits you. Roust posts 1x/week and seems to hold people's interest. I post 4x/week, but my chapters are 1/3 to 1/4 your length. Works for me, not for everyone. I still get constant complaints about speeding up the pace, which I won't (outside of the occasional bonus chapter). If I do, I'll get to where I'm out of story.

They can always read it when the book is done. That's what I tend to do. I don't read serials very often, and I don't write serials either. I choose to post that way so that people who enjoy / don't mind serials get access instead of waiting until the whole book has been edited. But I don't think of it as a serial. Even for writers like Roust, I read in 2-3 year batches. I'd rather binge 100-150 'new' chapters than try to deal with weekly, but that's my choice. Doesn't mean Roust is at fault.

You can't please everyone. Feedback is still welcome, but 'agree to disagree' has to be an option. That, or 'ignore'.

Replies: Crumbly Writer

Crumbly Writer 🚫

@Grey Wolf

It's your story, obviously. I love feedback, but some people are wrong for your story.

Excellent point. When I get messages like that, I suggest other stories they're more likely to enjoy. Or, if they're utterly unrelenting, I suggest a few of Rache's stories.

REP 🚫

@StarFleet Carl

I've had a couple of readers like that. My basic response is, if you don't like what I write, don't read my stories. Same thing about my posting schedule. So far, my reply has shut them up or they took my advice and no longer read my stories. :)

JoeBobMack 🚫

@StarFleet Carl

Ack! That has to be tough. I haven't had that experience since I haven't posted anything yet, but I had a buddy who did public presentations in a setting where evaluation forms were collected. He got get some strange results. His evaluations always were significantly above average, but it also wasn't unusual to have one or two in any group who just hated it. He'd just shake his head and say, "That's not me; that's them."

We also tend to pay more attention to negative stuff, remember it more easily, and think it is more significant than the positive. All of do it - it's called "negativity bias." Was important thousands of years ago when there were many lethal threats in the environment, but may get over stressed in the modern world. Also, people tend to go negative because it's an easy way to look smart, even though it makes people less likable, less easy to be around, and poorer leaders.

I suspect that, as a percent of your downloads each week, the stupid negative comments are and incredibly tiny percentage. Hang in there! You're doing something you enjoy and that's giving a lot of people pleasure! And you actually wrote and published! Way ahead of so many of us!

Replies: Grey Wolf

Grey Wolf 🚫

@JoeBobMack

His evaluations always were significantly above average, but it also wasn't unusual to have one or two in any group who just hated it. He'd just shake his head and say, "That's not me; that's them."

I split the difference on this a bit. It's them, and it's me, too. The thing is, I'm not 'wrong'. They're not 'wrong'. We just don't align. The story I'm telling isn't the one they want to hear. It's likely very close, or they wouldn't care, but it's not aligned.

Your buddy the presenter is like that. The presentation he gave isn't the one they wanted to hear. The one they wanted to hear might have been great, too, but it's not what he gave.

I agree about negativity bias, and that sometimes it's hard to let a criticism just roll off your back (especially for someone who loves to argue). But, you make your point, they make theirs, and you agree to disagree.

Engaging is still worth it. I had several readers who just hated one stretch or another of my story. I discussed what was happening, why, and that it would resolve 'soon', and picked up several devoted readers. Some who still think I should have handled one or another section somewhat differently, but find a lot more to like than dislike.

You'll lose some. There's no perfect story. I just saw a news piece where 'Citizen Kane' lost its 100% rating on 'Rotten Tomatoes' because someone found a decades-old negative review that had been missed in their round-up. There were some blisteringly negative reviews of 'Star Wars' back in the day.

Hang in there! You're doing something you enjoy and that's giving a lot of people pleasure! And you actually wrote and published! Way ahead of so many of us!

And that's the point. At least for me, I'm writing for me, first, and after that, the people who enjoy it and are happy going along for the ride. The rest? I'm happy to engage, but at some point 'Sorry, it's not going to be that way' is the answer.

joyR 🚫

@StarFleet Carl

I'm entirely annoyed with backseat drivers and armchair quarterbacks telling me how to write my stories.

Authors have in the past noted that certain idiots comment on every chapter of their story, in detail, all of it negative. The idiots don't seem to understand that they are actually reading the story more avidly than many 'normal' readers who actually enjoy each chapter. (Yet mostly don't bother to praise or vote)

Of course constructive criticism is much more welcome than simple bitching and moaning, yet both are a result of people actually reading your story. Which is usually the reason for posting a story.

Instead of letting their comments affect you, take a moment to consider their plight, sitting alone in their dank basement surrounded by take-out wrappers and empty beer cans, unwashed, unloved, friendless, hopeless. Their egos so emasculated that criticising a story is the only chink of light in their otherwise pointless lives. As pathetic as they are, they did read your story, so congratulate yourself, you did good, you brought a moron a fleeting moment of satisfaction, perhaps brought a smile to their fetid, foul lips.

Replies: Jack Green graybyrd JoeBobMack

Jack Green 🚫

@joyR

Instead of letting their comments affect you, take a moment to consider their plight, sitting alone in their dank basement surrounded by take-out wrappers and empty beer cans, unwashed, unloved, friendless, hopeless. Their egos so emasculated that criticising a story is the only chink of light in their otherwise pointless lives. As pathetic as they are, they did read your story, so congratulate yourself, you did good, you brought a moron a fleeting moment of satisfaction, perhaps brought a smile to their fetid, foul lips.

You should stop peering through my window. Remember what happened to Peeping Tom.

Replies: joyR

joyR 🚫

@Jack Green

You should stop peering through my window. Remember what happened to Peeping Tom.

I'm neither a tailor nor a groom, both of whom are later additions. I have been known to ride naked though.

:)

graybyrd 🚫

@joyR

@JoyR

Their egos so emasculated

So in effect, shriveled, dessicated, and useless... brains and balls!

You go, girl!

JoeBobMack 🚫

@joyR

Instead of letting their comments affect you, take a moment to consider their plight, sitting alone in their dank basement surrounded by take-out wrappers and empty beer cans, unwashed, unloved, friendless, hopeless. Their egos so emasculated that criticising a story is the only chink of light in their otherwise pointless lives. As pathetic as they are, they did read your story, so congratulate yourself, you did good, you brought a moron a fleeting moment of satisfaction, perhaps brought a smile to their fetid, foul lips.

Ouch! Double ouch!! Reminder to self: Never, ever, give joyR reason to go off on you!

Replies: joyR

joyR 🚫

@JoeBobMack

Ouch! Double ouch!! Reminder to self: Never, ever, give joyR reason to go off on you!

Fear not..!! The sword is mightier than the crayon.

:)

Then again, if you desire a indisputable outcome, never take a crayon to a gun fight. I did that once. It ended in a draw...

lichtyd 🚫

@StarFleet Carl

Someone once told me if a reader points out something wrong with your story, 90% of the time they're right. But when they tell you how to fix it, 90% of the time they're wrong.

One of my readers pointed out the lack of explicit sex in my story. At first I had the same reaction as you. Then I thought about it. The reader was right in that I missed a perfect opportunity for a love scene. I'm working on the scene now. It's not done yet, but it's close. I think the rest of my story is fine. There's a lot of implied sex and that's good enough for me.

Getting back to your story. Maybe the reader sensed something was missing and thought a love scene might be the fix. I can't say because I only begun reading A True History the other day.

Replies: StarFleet Carl

StarFleet Carl 🚫

@lichtyd

a love scene might be the fix

It's not that he thought a love scene would be the fix, it's that he wanted an explicit balls deep description of what happened. I WROTE a love scene.

At this point in the books, I don't have an issue writing an actual physically descriptive sex scene .. if it advances the plot. If it's simply there for sex filler, then it's really not needed, in my opinion. This website is titled Storiesonline, and allows full adult content, with the age 14 restriction. ASSTR is/was SPECIFICALLY Alt Sex Stories Text Repository - where the Sex was more important than the story.

SciFistories you can also post adult stuff, with the same age restriction as here, but obviously Science Fiction.

FineStories specifically states:

Stories may not contain explicit sex;

If you're that damned hard (up) for stroke material, I would suggest one of several free video sites.

Remus2 🚫

@StarFleet Carl

You always have the ability to simply ignore them. Just as they have the ability to ignore what you write. Constructive criticism is a valuable tool, but not when they are just being an arse. It's the latter you should ignore. They are probably sitting in the dark of their parents basement with no life experience to speak of. Such a person adds no value to anything.

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Forum: Author Hangout

I think my filter's broken

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