To Once and Future Reviewers...

Damask the Minstrel · September 27, 2009, 12:58:35 PM

I'm worried that I've gotten off on a bad claw (and that past contests have left people sour), so I'd like to address the audience directly. Break the fourth wall, so to speak.

First, know that You Are Appreciated.
Reviewers tell us that not only do we have an audience, but that that audience cares enough to devote time to telling us what went right and wrong. It means that something caught your attention and you felt the need to share it. That's the keyword: share. A reviewing audience is an interactive one, which makes for a better contest overall. I know that reviewers have shaped contests slightly in the past, so it's not as powerful as a 'choose your own adventure' (and I belie my age, there), but it is -some- degree of satisfaction, knowing that you are heard.

I enjoy constructive reviews, silly reviews, even empty reviews (those that say, "Meh. It was all right."), because those tell me that I was only mediocre.

However, I do not abide by snarky or condescending reviews. (And please note, Ada, that you are a special case, as we've worked through that -- so this paragraph might have been about you, had we not worked past prior issues). If you, AudienceMemberPerson, come in as a beret-clad, Starbucks-sipping, English undergrad and start quoting your textbook on Elizabethan plot devices at us you will get two responses: 1) I will say as I always have -- it's a fantasy universe, deal with anachronisms and 2) I will use every resource to prove you wrong. Of course, if you're right, I'm stuck eating crow -- which I don't digest well.

However... it boils down to this. I want reviews, preferably public ones, but I won't abide flaming and nastiness, especially toward my cast-mates. We all worked our butts off to get in, and will continue to work them for your pleasure.

(Specifically for Cairn: I'd like you to do reviews, if only because you put time and effort into them. I may not always agree, but your reviews are darned thorough. So, please rethink reviewing. I'll attack-dog anyone that gets too snarky, I promise!)(EDIT: Err... snarky against you, I meant!))

So: review on, folks. We really do want it!

Cairn Destop · September 27, 2009, 01:11:55 PM

Just in case anyone missed my replies in another thread.

Quote from: Rath the Whirlwind on September 26, 2009, 10:09:55 PM

To be honest, I'm somewhat surprised that you're the only one reviewing the nine.

I think a lot of us are reluctant to comment on the applications. I made that mistake in QB-3 and found myself the target of a flame war because everyone said my comments "amounted to sour grapes because you didn't make it."

I'm also thinking I'll sit out commenting on ANYthing in this contest. Between the flaming chicks and a certain captain regarding one word and the rest of the audience on my "attacks" regarding one cast member, I've learned my lesson. Silence is golden.

Quote from: Damask the Minstrel on September 27, 2009, 12:32:02 PM
Now if some of us ask for private comments through PM, though...

A different ball of wax. Though I must warn you, if you ask, I'll not hold back any punches. And then again, I may have to tone that down. I've already lost enough online friends due to such honesty.

Though I do think comments on the application is a bit pointless. None of the action relates to the upcoming story. Even characterization is a moot issue since the author can alter their character at this point. For instance, there are comments on another thread about anorexia and being a baron.

If the writer decided that this fault could become a distraction, they can revamp their character in the story. It has happened in other survivor contests, so I would not be surprised if there is a reversal of certain personality traits. For all I know, our anorexic canidate might become the local glutton once the story is underway.

Rath the Whirlwind · September 27, 2009, 02:54:54 PM

Thank you, Damask. I very much agree.

Bellona Littlebrush · September 27, 2009, 03:23:39 PM

I'll third that. Damask has put it well. Might not always agree with you folks (you don't even agree with each other sometimes), but I'll appreciate every review I get.

Cricket Argyll · September 27, 2009, 04:54:29 PM

I'll try to keep my reviews as snark-free as possible, Master Robin, but I can't make any promises. If I do make snarky comments in my reviews, please do take them with a grain of salt. I do them for my own amusement as much as criticism and getting yelled at for reviewing, or what I say in a review is not going to make me a happy camper. So, let's make an agreement. You be civil and silly, I'll be civil and silly right back. Gonna actually try to review this go around. If you want serious critiques I'll give 'em, but my reviews will probably be more of the zany, in-character type.

Presenting:

Cricket and Terri Review! A fantastical romp with ladles, 9-irons, and violence!

Magical Fish · September 27, 2009, 05:16:56 PM

I don't know how many of the authors are familiar with me, but I'm generally a pleasant little fish. I read for enjoyment. If I find something to criticise I will, but I definitely don't go in looking for something to snark on. That being said, if I think that you really aren't taking in my suggestions or those of others, I'll just continue to harp (carp?) on them all the more. Also, have no fears about my post-secondary studies--as I learned while working as a writing tutor, this isn't about me, it's about you. And I can't wait to see what you all can do!

.....story soon?

Opal · September 27, 2009, 08:59:56 PM

Soon, Fishy, soon! Don't worry. ;D

And can I just say that I love your reviews? During MM you pretty much gave the most constructive criticism evar. :P

(Not to say I didn't appreciate the other few people that stuck around to review MM! Because I sure did. ^^)

Magical Fish · September 28, 2009, 02:15:40 AM

Thanks, Tara! That really means a lot to me. I don't actually have a lot of experience giving people advice on fiction, so I was rather nervous about criticising you all. Now, of course, I know everything about everything ever written ever! ;)

Sycamore · September 28, 2009, 09:57:46 AM

You know, I don't really consider myself as a reviewer. I'll comment on the story, let you know what I like and don't like, but that'll be about it. As far as prose and stuff like that, I'm not a good enough writer myself to be dictating on how the rest of you should be better writers. Let it be known that my "reviews" are nothing more than opinions, and critiques are nothing more than suggestions to be taken however you want. Please don't get mad at me!

Cairn Destop · September 28, 2009, 10:58:29 AM

Quote from: Sycamore on September 28, 2009, 09:57:46 AM
You know, I don't really consider myself as a reviewer. I'll comment on the story, let you know what I like and don't like, but that'll be about it. As far as prose and stuff like that, I'm not a good enough writer myself to be dictating on how the rest of you should be better writers. Let it be known that my "reviews" are nothing more than opinions, and critiques are nothing more than suggestions to be taken however you want. Please don't get mad at me!

And you wonder why I'll only comment via PM?