As an author, what is your take on 'reviews'?

[WhoCares]

Personally I care very little for numerical statistics like ratings and readers because it offers very little information. I ascribe somewhat to the Roland Barthes "The Death of the Author" line of thinking insofar as the text must stand on its own in a manner disconnected from the author/author's biography (which is why i like the anonymity of the internet). That's why I value reviews quite a bit, especially those coming from people's emotional response to the text rather than structural ones.
Basically, if a review is criticizing my writing from a technical point of view, I engage with it critically but usually end up disagreeing with the reviewer and discarding that particular criticism. But if someone criticizes the text based on how it made them feel (even if its a technical criticism but their problem with it is based on how it made them feel) then I give it a lot of weight and importance and always strive to keep that feedback in the back of my mind for future writing (even though it can be very contradictory).
tl;dr reviews are important to me because I want to know how people are receiving and responding to my work.

 

[weakwithwords]

@Ral, the few comment chains I had been in or witnessed tend to be when other readers disagree and want to insist on a certain trivial often irrelevant point. They probably wouldn't have made the effort to interact so much if the dislike button was actually functional.

@LostinMovement, I have not published anything yet. However, if I had the choice (but unfortunately, I don't), I would disable ratings and reviews until I have released a significant number of chapters so that potential readers would not be influenced by likely misleading first impressions. Of course, I could stockpile and do an initial mass release, but that could lead to readers expecting an unrealistic release rate.

@Moctemma, there's a webnov where the author kept trying to placate the readers with author's notes, peppering it with details that should be in the story instead. At some point, the original story became a one piece fanfic.

 

[Deleted member 29316]

Well, "dense Japanese character" is more of a character type that they actually being Japanese. It is called Japanese because it is so common in Japanese webnovels/anime/manga/light novel/movies/games that the name stuck to it. Take it like this. Do you know Mickey Mousing? It is a film technique where the actions are synchronized to the music. Just because the name has "Mickey Mouse" in it doesn't mean it literally applies only to Mickey Mouse or Disney general.

And, reviews, they are always biased. One would say that this character is annoying, another would say the same character is well written and another would say that this same character is uninteresting. All of these are just opinions and they are true (except when they are trolling you) to the reviewer who makes it. They do find this character annoying, well written or uninteresting.

I think the better way is to see why they have these opinions. If this person says that the MC is being a 'dense Japanese character' then you to ask why they think so. There might be some insight there. Maybe you failed to show your character's personality correctly or emphasize on the wrong traits. Maybe the character interactions are very much like a typical "dense Japanese character" interactions. At least, a deeper look at your story is not a bad thing to do even, if you still don't get why his opinions is this way.

Hmm...I believe this is more on the pacing of the story of mine rather than on the characteristics of the character. Nevertheless, I do take ALL the reviews being given seriously, so if they could pinpoint properly where I am wrong then it's a welcome one. If they rant and whine, then all I could do is to keep quiet about it and continue writing.

As for that biased reviews, I guess you're right. Each reader has a preference of his/her own. Anyway, thanks for the insight!

 

[WhoCares]

Oh yeah I will add that I think readers should always try to review stories if they can. It boosts your engagement and understanding of a story that you really liked or helps you figure out what you didn't like and therefore refine your tastes for future reading. Basically, think about reviews benefiting not just the author or other potential readers but also yourself!

 

[Deleted member 29316]

It seems to be your fault too.

Yes! I've seen my first lengthy reader-to-reader comment chain in a fic in SH.

On another site, I've engaged my readers on a lengthy discussion about my story, which turned out to be a fruitful one.

 

[Ral]

the few comment chains I had been in or witnessed tend to be when other readers disagree and want to insist on a certain trivial often irrelevant point. They probably wouldn't have made the effort to interact so much if the dislike button was actually functional.

Well, of course, most reader interaction would be this type. Just think of the "Han shot first""Kirk vs Picard""Dumbledore is gay" and other such stuff. To many people, these are insignificant but to those who love these stories, it is these things that makes them love these stories. It makes them more engaged with the story.

In fact, many authors deliberately invokes this. They might be deliberately vague or doesn't supply details about certain things.

 

[Moctemma]

@Moctemma, there's a webnov where the author kept trying to placate the readers with author's notes, peppering it with details that should be in the story instead. At some point, the original story became a one piece fanfic.

Interesting, how can a novel become a fanfic?

 

[ForestDweller]

They don't seem to like to talk to other readers though. I think I've never seen a comment chain where readers just talk to each. Any discussion that I've seen seems to be mainly be the author-reader kind.

I know two of my readers who had a decently length discussion with each other.

But that's pretty much it. Like you say, most of the comments are about the story or asking questions/giving suggestions to me.

For me review is necessary. I am a simple man. If I get good review, I will be happy. If I get very, very bad review, I will be sad, but I will improve myself. If I get 1 star without any single review, I will be crying for real.

I imagine one star ratings are just people who dislike the genre of the story in the first place. Which is understandable. I won't scold them for it.

And, reviews, they are always biased. One would say that this character is annoying, another would say the same character is well written and another would say that this same character is uninteresting. All of these are just opinions and they are true (except when they are trolling you) to the reviewer who makes it. They do find this character annoying, well written or uninteresting.

Reminds me on how in my story, some people prefer one girl while not caring about the other, and vice versa, to the point of saying they're going to stop reading if they stop appearing in the story.

 

[gaylolis]

i'm pretty okay, as long they didn't trash the story without explaining their reason.

i kinda hate when they include incorrect things about the story, and treat it like a fact.

i also hate when the reviewers force their thinking too much on the author, to the point of being preachy.

there's a line about being helpful to the author and potential readers, and being a dick. for the latter, i hope they have a taste of their own karma.

in the end, i'm just one of those people who casually write for fun. it's fine if they're critical, but i won't follow their advice too much, especially if it makes things unfun for me.

 

[CupcakeNinja]

Yeah. I want to know too.

As a reader, my reviews, especially when they aren't' very positive, are either ignored or seen with contempt. It is worse when the story is popular. The more popular the story is, the more hostile the author seems to be to any criticism.

I stopped reviewing any stories specially the popular ones. The more popular it is, the less inclined I am to review. And those stories that aren't popular, I would stop myself from speaking. It is just not worth it. Reviewing brings nothing but trouble.

What is the author's view on these things? Do they really even want reviews?

Maybe just understand that a lot of authors sre sensitive little cunts.

Me, i dont mind scathing reviews but it has to be reasonable. No actin like i offended you personally.

Like for example, my most popular story? It gets bad reviews. Not often, but it does. Do i care? No. I get that its a flaming tire. But i always say, either you love ot or hate it. Cuz its MEANT to be wild, chaotic.

Its a crazy, drug-induced, chill, perverse, sex-addicted trip of a story and some people ficking love that while others dont. So point is, its a story that may just not be for you and thats fine. Just accept that and dont be a fucking cunt who writes a six paragraph essay about how butthurt you are that its not what you expected. Thats all i ever ask. That they understand when a story is just straight sloppily done, and when its just not intended for certain audiences. Cuz there is a difference.

Personal i wouldnt let backlash stop me from reviewing and giving my opinion. I say what i want. They dont like it, they can feel to fuck off. Its all opinions anyway.

Aight well im done replying to you. Imma just address this to the thread in general now. Ahem:

Well authors too tho. Ghey gotta be reasonable too. They cant get pissy each time someone hates on their work. Like fuck you, every author who is a little bitch boi thst cant handle criticism. Stop being a pussy. You are entitled to write whatever the fuck you want, just understand that if you publish it online you are also entitled to having your work shit on. Sometimes within reason, sometimes just because the reader wants to act like a dick. Either way, grow some balls!

I said so many times before, but i have no sympathy for anyone who comes in whining about bad reviews. If the guys acted like your story personally offended them then i get it if you want to vent. Thats fine, venting.

But dont seriously cry over it. Because then i have to mock you for being so damn sensitive yourselves. Make fun, make light. Laugh it off.

Start honestly bitch and imma have to call you a sweaty scrote face

 

[BenJepheneT]

I don't care. If it's a good review, I thank you. If it's a scathing review, I'd take it as either a form of criticism or basically slander and try to improve from there. I prefer the latter, as it's actually helpful and you don't see much of it.

The review I actually hate the most is the 5-star system itself. It's so fucking easy to just abuse it that it's a god damn joke. Plus, it's the most prominent thing you see on an author's work besides the title itself. Honestly speaking, most >4.5 stars in this site don't even reach above 3 IMO. It's just a hive mind crowding in and showering praise without question. Positivity is good and all, but without criticism it's basically a cult following.

 

[Ral]

Maybe just understand that a lot of authors sre sensitive little cunts.

Me, i dont mind scathing reviews but it has to be reasonable. No actin like i offended you personally.

Like for example, my most popular story? It gets bad reviews. Not often, but it does. Do i care? No. I get that its a flaming tire. But i always say, either you love ot or hate it. Cuz its MEANT to be wild, chaotic.

Its a crazy, drug-induced, chill, perverse, sex-addicted trip of a story and some people ficking love that while others dont. So point is, its a story that may just not be for you and thats fine. Just accept that and dont be a fucking cunt who writes a six paragraph essay about how butthurt you are that its not what you expected. Thats all i ever ask. That they understand when a story is just straight sloppily done, and when its just not intended for certain audiences. Cuz there is a difference.

Personal i wouldnt let backlash stop me from reviewing and giving my opinion. I say what i want. They dont like it, they can feel to fuck off. Its all opinions anyway.

Nah. I'll still won't give reviews. They are really just not worth it. Even without the backlash. I just can't see a reason why I should write one.

As you said; would you care about people giving their views of your story, particularly the negative ones? What they don't like about your story? You don't.

And, I could just rate. Much easier and safer and still have the effect on the overall rating and other metrics.

I could just stop reading and go to the next story instead of spending my time writing a review hoping the author would read it and improve their story (which is very very unlikely). Maybe, some readers would read my review, I guess, and help them make decisions but that can be viewed as a bad thing. Negative reviews discourages readers . . . that is bad.

To me, there is just no point in giving reviews. Unless it purely congratulatory; it is unwanted, deemed unhelpful, and generates animosity.

 

[DubstheDuke]

Lately, I've been checking some of the top stories on trending and I noticed although they do have a big number of readers and views, the majority of them have no reviews. I found that interesting because a while ago, I found some hidden gems on SH and despite having small readership and less exposure, they each had at least one review.

What is your take on this? How do reviews differ from views and readers' numbers in your opinion?

This goes for any site, but lets be honest here. Reviews are always extremely biased. Unless a story is breathtakingly good, people will not care enough to post a good review. On the other hand, people who hate a story just because it isn't their particular type of story are quick to post a bad review. I think that reviews tend to trend towards being bad, because people simply don't care enough to review if they think a story is good. Therefore, while reviews can be used as somewhat of a guideline, they shouldn't impact the final decision on whether to read a story or not, as very often it is usually someone who was not a part of the intended audience complaining about a story which was not meant for them.

 

[Goswick]

I mean, on Royal Road, reviews seem to be a lot more important than on here. Reviews just aren't as big a part of the platform here, and as somebody said earlier, I think it probably does have a fair bit to do with the way the platform is set up. Ratings seem to be a better indicator, since they're more front-and-centre, but until Scribblehub puts their reviews somewhere on the bottom of a fiction's page or something, I don't think reviews are going to become more widely adopted for a while.

 

[weakwithwords]

@DubstheDuke, I have two friends in MAL (don't know if they're still active as I have stopped using the site for over half a decade) who were avid anime watchers and prolific reviewers. Didn't matter if it was good, bad, or mediocre. They wrote reviews for it. Of course, there were some anti-fans that didn't like wading through 10k of text to get an opinion.

I guess the readers are more into reading and lurking. Also, why waste the effort crafting reviews when one can write novels instead? Then again, someone might get inspired and motivated to make a series which is actually a collection of reviews of novels from this site. I think someone did something here like this, but it involved other sources as well.

@Moctemma, mm-hmm,

Close Combat Mage - Novel Updates

www.novelupdates.com

 

[Vanny]

Personally, it's one of the reasons I don't write much anymore; I might as well keep the stories to myself.

 

[Ral]

On the other hand, people who hate a story just because it isn't their particular type of story are quick to post a bad review. I think that reviews tend to trend towards being bad, because people simply don't care enough to review if they think a story is good. Therefore, while reviews can be used as somewhat of a guideline, they shouldn't impact the final decision on whether to read a story or not, as very often it is usually someone who was not a part of the intended audience complaining about a story which was not meant for them.

I think you mean ratings. Or so they say.

While this might be true in other platforms but it is not here. I think I've encountered only a handful of negative one but they are just really really few.

Even then, those negative reviews don't seem to be because they don't like this particular type of story. Most negative reviews, even outside of SH, aren't these kind. They are more or less legitimate criticism.

 

[ForestDweller]

I have two friends in MAL (don't know if they're still active as I have stopped using the site for over half a decade) who were avid anime watchers and prolific reviewers. Didn't matter if it was good, bad, or mediocre. They wrote reviews for it. Of course, there were some anti-fans that didn't like wading through 10k of text to get an opinion.

The last time I wrote a review on MAL, it was a negative one. And it got removed months after, probably after being reported by the fans of the show. So I don't bother anymore.

 

[CupcakeNinja]

Nah. I'll still won't give reviews. They are really just not worth it. Even without the backlash. I just can't see a reason why I should write one.

As you said; would you care about people giving their views of your story, particularly the negative ones? What they don't like about your story? You don't.

And, I could just rate. Much easier and safer and still have the effect on the overall rating and other metrics.

I could just stop reading and go to the next story instead of spending my time writing a review hoping the author would read it and improve their story (which is very very unlikely). Maybe, some readers would read my review, I guess, and help them make decisions but that can be viewed as a bad thing. Negative reviews discourages readers . . . that is bad.

To me, there is just no point in giving reviews. Unless it purely congratulatory; it is unwanted, deemed unhelpful, and generates animosity.

For me, if i have read a story for a while and am invested in it...and the author asked for reviews....i would do it. Good or bad.

Like if it was a story like...say, Against the Gods or Martial God Asura that i read for a long time before dropping. I would review them if asked and even if i still liked them at that point i wouldnt just placate. Those things had serious flaws since early on. And i would let them be known.

But yeah. Apart from that i dont leave reviews much either. And if i do, they are informal. I would just like "warn" the readers. Cuz being the good bro i am, i would just want fellow readers to be informed and maybe not waste their time reading something that may not appeal to them or what they may not be able to handle. I can do that sometimes. Just i wont do an actual critique of the work

 

[AkalE]

In my opinion it's necessary for readers to show appreciation for the work that the authors put. It might not be amazing or perfect, but its definitely hard work on the author's part.

I'm sure a lot of authors write for their own satisfaction, but for the rest a comment, a rating and a review would definitely be a positive reinforcement that people are reading what have written.

SH does seem to be a skewed in terms of authors vs. readers. That could be a reason why you see less reviews. We need a system that encourages reader engagement. SH is definitely a author's creative space and thats what makes it amazing. But more readers would definitely be a plus. I've heard others say that SH readership is lower than other sites or that they don't convert to patreon numbers. This could become a problem in the future where good stories aren't posted on SH anymore.

On the other hand reviews do bring a negativity into the space. especially if its a critiques a work. This might discourage an author. So personally I try to write reviews that doesn't discourage writers.

p.s. Someone point out that authors don't reply to comments from readers often, but there has to be a balace struck there. There are stories I've read where you basically have to go through the comments to understand parts of the story - that's bad.


TLDR doesnt exist