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[KSuri]

On the reviews thing. Maybe some people don't review because.......



a.) They are on a mobile device that makes commenting miserable or impossible.

b.) Snuck the story into their free time but don't have sufficient time to actually write one.

c.) Want to and keep telling themselves they are going to, but never get around to it.

d.) Like it but are unsure of what they could add that might be useful to the writer.

e.) Like it but just don't think of reviewing.

f.) Think the story is okay but that's all.



@ZerbanDaGreat1: That's YOU who's writing "Life in Thedas"? I almost kick myself for stumbling upon the "spoiler" here. I wasn't sure Ven was going to go that route with Morrigan. He's young and all of that....ohhhh hot girl....but he didn't follow up on the kiss and Morrigan hasn't seemed to be sending any signals of interest. Other than helping him with his little problem that I was thinking was for other more Morrigan reasons.



I hesitate to go on in the instance someone else is reading and hasn't gotten to the end yet. Are we allowed to spoil away in here?

[maxernst]

Maria13 wrote...

DreGregoire wrote...

okay I don't see the attraction to doing it with a person that is not themselves. LOL. I'm not sure how I feel about the whole Anders (in DA2) not just being himself either, that's just creepy. Oh my goodness, I think I've said something similiar about Anders before, doubly creepy. haha

I'm wondering if with Anders/Justice you can now get two romances in a single package as it were... That would be interesting especially since it seems likely that what would appeal to Anders would not appeal to Justice and viceaversa.

Most people seem to think the same-sex option for guys will be Fenris, but maybe it's Anders.  Could Anders be straight and Justice gay?  That would be pretty bizarre.

[mousestalker]

I'd love to hear Justice' comments on sex.

[KSuri]

maxernst wrote...

Maria13 wrote...

DreGregoire wrote...

okay I don't see the attraction to doing it with a person that is not themselves. LOL. I'm not sure how I feel about the whole Anders (in DA2) not just being himself either, that's just creepy. Oh my goodness, I think I've said something similiar about Anders before, doubly creepy. haha

I'm wondering if with Anders/Justice you can now get two romances in a single package as it were... That would be interesting especially since it seems likely that what would appeal to Anders would not appeal to Justice and viceaversa.

Most people seem to think the same-sex option for guys will be Fenris, but maybe it's Anders.  Could Anders be straight and Justice gay?  That would be pretty bizarre.

It would put an unforgettable twist on Anders, whom I've always thought of as straight (thanks to fanfiction). I'm afraid that Anders has underwent major personality changes, not unlike the physical changes to Isabella, and am not sure what to think of that.

[Sialater]

Or Justice is female?

[Sarah1281]

Shadow of Light Dragon wrote...

XD On average I seriously think you're lucky if 1% of your readerbase leaves a review.

I've found that the first chapter of a story tends to have the most hits (probably from people clicking on the title link before going back to the chapter they were reading) and the last chapter you write has a huge review spike. Whenever I finish a story, I'm always overwhelmed because all these people reviewing have been quite silent for the rest of the story but apparently they do exist.

[KSuri]

Nadia73 wrote...

KSuri wrote...

On the reviews thing. Maybe some people don't review because.......

a.) They are on a mobile device that makes commenting miserable or impossible.
c.) Want to and keep telling themselves they are going to, but never get around to it.
d.) Like it but are unsure of what they could add that might be useful to the writer.
e.) Like it but just don't think of reviewing. (laziness)

I think these are the most relevant, E being the most common ( I added a word in there  )

I don't get why people feel they have to go into so much detail about the story or anything, just type something like 'it's great!' or 'i like it!' and leave it at that. By my hits and visitors, there are tons of people reading it, just the same 7 or 8 people reviewing faithfully, followers I guess you'd call them. i've even had people review in other languages which is great (hello, google translate!)

i guess there's SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO much on FF that even if a story they liked but never reviewed was discontinued, they wouldn't even care as they'd just move on to another.

makes me feel so cheap

:lol:

There is A LOT on fanfiction and about half isn't all that great. But I think people really do care when a story is discontinued. There is one on my Favs list that just sort of stopped even though I'm very curious as to where it was going to end up.

I'm guilty of this too but, as I don't consider myself a good writer, I'm not sure it will be missed. And, that story is starting to be on my mind a lot again and I have every intention of picking it back up again. At least while my  life is slow like now.

[Maria13]

mousestalker wrote...

I'd love to hear Justice' comments on sex.

Well from what I recall, Justice was just beginning to fall in love with the physical world... So his approach to sex could be very lyrical.  Whereas Anders is more of a back to basics kinda dude... That is apart from any sexual orientation issues...

[thesnowtigress]

I don't really advertise my stories (besides a link on my deviantArt to my FF and vice versa). I'm kind of scared to hear what people think. I find my writing very amateur-ish. Although it would be nice to have some constructive criticism, 'cause you know, how else are you supposed to improve your writing? I know when I was in university I actually liked it when the professor handed back a paper with a bunch of corrections... as long as my grade was good too lol. I write mostly for myself, because I'm bored, but it felt a shame for me to not share them on the internet with other Dragon Age fans.

[Shadow of Light Dragon]

Corker wrote...

Shadow of Light Dragon wrote...

@Nadia: Groupies are entertaining!

*fetches SoLD a cold drink and a chapter review*  We live to serve. 

Ooh, perks!  Now I just need that palm-leaf fan and peeled grapes

Sarah1281 wrote...

I've found that the first chapter of a story tends to have the most hits (probably from people clicking on the title link before going back to the chapter they were reading) and the last chapter you write has a huge review spike. Whenever I finish a story, I'm always overwhelmed because all these people reviewing have been quite silent for the rest of the story but apparently they do exist.

This is very true. I'm more going by the average chapters rather than first and last, since as you noted the stats on those are skewed for very obvious reasons. And I agree, it's awesome to finish a long story and get reviews from people who have been there all along, but never said anything until it's all over.

[Mahkara]

thesnowtigress wrote...

I don't really advertise my stories (besides a link on my deviantArt to my FF and vice versa). I'm kind of scared to hear what people think. I find my writing very amateur-ish. Although it would be nice to have some constructive criticism, 'cause you know, how else are you supposed to improve your writing? I know when I was in university I actually liked it when the professor handed back a paper with a bunch of corrections... as long as my grade was good too lol. I write mostly for myself, because I'm bored, but it felt a shame for me to not share them on the internet with other Dragon Age fans.

Eh, well, if you really want concrit, I'd give it a shot.  I would need a link to the stories, though.  

I do agree, though. It's only only by writing (and thinking about writing) that one improves!

[ZerbanDaGreat1]

I've probably cheated. I have a larger reviewer base (roughly nine per chapter) because I was endorsed by a much longer and more popular fic. Yep, I sold out.



The only fic that's been naturally popular I've written was an Avatar sidestory. 11 chapters with 46 reviews - a lot worse than Life on Thedas at 94 reviews for 15 chapters. Anyway the Avatar one was written when the movie was still relatively new, and maybe I did a better job with the synopsis.



tl;dr reviews are fickle things.

[KSuri]

ZerbanDaGreat1 wrote...

I've probably cheated. I have a larger reviewer base (roughly nine per chapter) because I was endorsed by a much longer and more popular fic. Yep, I sold out.

The only fic that's been naturally popular I've written was an Avatar sidestory. 11 chapters with 46 reviews - a lot worse than Life on Thedas at 94 reviews for 15 chapters. Anyway the Avatar one was written when the movie was still relatively new, and maybe I did a better job with the synopsis.

tl;dr reviews are fickle things.

I don't know. i stumbled upon your fic when I pulled up a listing of Dragon Age stories through the FF.net menus. Been enjoying it immensly too.

As, I said earlier....kind of kicked myself for stumbling across a "spoiler" here but still find myself eagerly awaiting an update.

[thesnowtigress]

Mahkara wrote...

thesnowtigress wrote...

I don't really advertise my stories (besides a link on my deviantArt to my FF and vice versa). I'm kind of scared to hear what people think. I find my writing very amateur-ish. Although it would be nice to have some constructive criticism, 'cause you know, how else are you supposed to improve your writing? I know when I was in university I actually liked it when the professor handed back a paper with a bunch of corrections... as long as my grade was good too lol. I write mostly for myself, because I'm bored, but it felt a shame for me to not share them on the internet with other Dragon Age fans.

Eh, well, if you really want concrit, I'd give it a shot.  I would need a link to the stories, though.  

I do agree, though. It's only only by writing (and thinking about writing) that one improves!

ok if you really want to, i'll send you the link. uh, that is if i can find it lol. i probably should have bookmarked my profile.

[SheilaD67]

I think that folks mean to review, but after reading, they're probably too exhausted by the sheer amount of information they've taken in.  I know at times I'm tired from reading and absorbing so much information that the thought of typing (or using my brain to come up with something to say) can be a bit much.  I'm also one of those readers/reviewers that will read a bunch of stories at a time, and then go back later on after mulling over what I've read and give a review. 

I personally like getting 'thoughtful' reviews - the 'I love it' or 'I hate it' reviews - meh - not so much.  I want to know what people like or what they don't like about what I'm writing.  One reviewer gave me a long review, full of suggestions and comments - both positive and encouraging as well as critical - and I think that his review really helped my writing to continue to mature.  And while I have received at least one review that the reviewer claimed my gal was a Mary Sue, it, in a way, helped me to keep an eye on my heroine to make sure she continued to be realistic, yet completely likeable.  Reviews also help to keep me going and motivated, especially when I hit terrible writer's block. 
Even with a lack of reviews, I have noticed that my stories are still getting lots of alerts, favs - even from those who never review.  And traffic continues to grow.  On average, I get about 8 or so reviews per chapter, sometimes more, sometimes less.  So, we know that folks are out there reading, and that's pretty awesome to know, too.

A trend I've noticed with many writers, and its one I try to keep going as well: encourage readers to visit other authors' stories.  I've picked up some readers that way, and I know other writers have as well. 

[Mahkara]

Eva Galana wrote...

A trend I've noticed with many writers, and its one I try to keep going as well: encourage readers to visit other authors' stories.  I've picked up some readers that way, and I know other writers have as well. 

I try this. It never seems to work. But I just keep hoping that more people will read both of my betas stories.  (As both are some of the best writers I've been fortunate enough to work with.   Hey! I only harass the best!)

One of them, quite frankly, doesn't need the additional traffic. But the other one is horribly ignored despite that her stories are awesome beyond compare.  Go figure...fanfiction really does suck.  

[Mahkara]

Eva Galana wrote...

I think that folks mean to review, but after reading, they're probably too exhausted by the sheer amount of information they've taken in. 

  

I think this is some of it, but not all.  I mean, it seems weird, but I've had a few people who've reviewed all of *once*, then I've responded to them while thanking them for the concrit, and they're back time and again.

Others review every couple of chapters. Not every one, but every few.

And others seem inspired by some totally random thing to review, then I never hear from them again.

It's pretty random.  But I'm honestly convinced that...

a) if you're grateful for every review, you're more likely to get them.  A few people who've hated what I'm doing with my story still respond as, sure, they'll complain every chapter, but they know that I'm still interested in hearing what they have to say.  I've even had people kind enough to say, "TBH, not much happened in this chapter that's worth reviewing, so not going to say anything". That's pretty damned  helpful, I think (As I like things to happen in chapters. Otherwise, what is the point?).  But I also think that you're unlikely to get reviews like this if you're not pretty clear that you want them, both by adding tags like "say whatever you want", but also by responding to reviews like that in a positive manner.

 Some chapters just aren't worth the review.  Some people will skim a chapter and go "boring" and not review.  Others will see something worthy of commenting and, OMG, they will do so!  With a passion! And then some!  (Yeah, ideally, every chapter is worthy of a review, but we all know it doesn't work that way.  If you don't believe me, find a random story on ffnet and read it and see if you have thoughts about how awesome it is every chapter...)

c)  A lot of times, a lot is written, but nothing happens.  Especially in fanfiction.  I read a bunch of stories where I'm like, "This wasn't bad, but what do I have to say?"  I mean, am I suppose to comment on, "Oh, yes, the 4K words of the characters snuggling just a bit more was super cute!"  I mean, maybe, but it's not the kind of thing that makes me hit the review button.  It's cute, and I may well have enjoyed it, but I'm not inclined to review.  While a major plot twist or something really spectacular is going to make me want to say something.  Just saying...

And, of course, most people just don't review. It's time, it's effort, it's a lot harder than not hitting that review key and typing in something.  I'd be surprised if the vast majority of people reading anything reviewed as it's *work*. This is why I'm grateful for what I get.

[Mahkara]

Nadia73 wrote...

and about being grateful for reviews.. some authors go on and on and on about that but I just can't. I say thanks once and then if they PM me, I go from there with talking but I have no idea what else to say beyond the normal thanks. I'm certainly not going to kiss butt for reviews though  

FF is a weird site 

I think there' s a difference between offering a strong thanks and kissing butts.  *shrugs*

If I get a page long review about different opinions on characters, why the writer liked this, hated that, etc. I can review with "thanks for the review!" or I can spend a bit more time and say, "Yeah, I agree so and so was a bit cold there...that was intentional. But, yeah, in that part, I may have pushed it a bit too far. Thanks for letting me know!" etc.

I admit that if all the review is composed of is, "OMG, this was great!", it's hard to respond with more than "thanks". But I'll admit that (as a reviewer), I'm sort of disinclined to leave multiple long reviews for someone who don't respond or replys with a "thanks" as the long reviews take a *lot* of time to compose.  (While I could c&p "I liked this!")

So it depends on the type of review. But I feel that it's polite to answer questions that were brought up, and even to discuss the review.  It also, to me, helps as a writing exercise. I really focus on reviews and what the reader is seeing, liking, disliking, etc. and use it to help improve my writing.  Answering most of their points not only shows that I genuinely care, but also helps me to think about all of them...

[SheilaD67]

Mahkara wrote...

Eva Galana wrote...

A trend I've noticed with many writers, and its one I try to keep going as well: encourage readers to visit other authors' stories.  I've picked up some readers that way, and I know other writers have as well. 

I try this. It never seems to work. But I just keep hoping that more people will read both of my betas stories.  (As both are some of the best writers I've been fortunate enough to work with.   Hey! I only harass the best!)

One of them, quite frankly, doesn't need the additional traffic. But the other one is horribly ignored despite that her stories are awesome beyond compare.  Go figure...fanfiction really does suck.  

Yeah, I recently discovered a tremendously talented writer who had zero - none - reviews at all.  I was the first.  While conversing with the writer I was told that some folks PMd, but for some reason never reviewed.  *shrugs*  I like the reviews...sometimes if a story has none, the reader may think that the story's no good and skip over.  I'm rather glad I didn't skip over this author's works.

[SheilaD67]

Mahkara wrote...

Eva Galana wrote...

I think that folks mean to review, but after reading, they're probably too exhausted by the sheer amount of information they've taken in. 

  

I think this is some of it, but not all.  I mean, it seems weird, but I've had a few people who've reviewed all of *once*, then I've responded to them while thanking them for the concrit, and they're back time and again.

Others review every couple of chapters. Not every one, but every few.

And others seem inspired by some totally random thing to review, then I never hear from them again.

It's pretty random.  But I'm honestly convinced that...

a) if you're grateful for every review, you're more likely to get them.  A few people who've hated what I'm doing with my story still respond as, sure, they'll complain every chapter, but they know that I'm still interested in hearing what they have to say.  I've even had people kind enough to say, "TBH, not much happened in this chapter that's worth reviewing, so not going to say anything". That's pretty damned  helpful, I think (As I like things to happen in chapters. Otherwise, what is the point?).  But I also think that you're unlikely to get reviews like this if you're not pretty clear that you want them, both by adding tags like "say whatever you want", but also by responding to reviews like that in a positive manner.

 Some chapters just aren't worth the review.  Some people will skim a chapter and go "boring" and not review.  Others will see something worthy of commenting and, OMG, they will do so!  With a passion! And then some!  (Yeah, ideally, every chapter is worthy of a review, but we all know it doesn't work that way.  If you don't believe me, find a random story on ffnet and read it and see if you have thoughts about how awesome it is every chapter...)

c)  A lot of times, a lot is written, but nothing happens.  Especially in fanfiction.  I read a bunch of stories where I'm like, "This wasn't bad, but what do I have to say?"  I mean, am I suppose to comment on, "Oh, yes, the 4K words of the characters snuggling just a bit more was super cute!"  I mean, maybe, but it's not the kind of thing that makes me hit the review button.  It's cute, and I may well have enjoyed it, but I'm not inclined to review.  While a major plot twist or something really spectacular is going to make me want to say something.  Just saying...

And, of course, most people just don't review. It's time, it's effort, it's a lot harder than not hitting that review key and typing in something.  I'd be surprised if the vast majority of people reading anything reviewed as it's *work*. This is why I'm grateful for what I get.

Completely agree here.  I always try to respond to a review; it does encourage the reader.  I've noticed that stories that I regularly read, I don't always review every chapter because the author never responds.  So, I figure that the reviews aren't really important and so don't always. 

And yeah, I can think of a few chapters I've written where they were mostly there just to keep the story going, and weren't really review worthy.

c) - Ha!  I have that problem all of the time!  "What to say? What to say?" and I'm like kicking myself because I can make my characters say stuff, but I can't come up with a pithy review?  I mean - really!

I am always glad that folks read.  Whenver I check out the hits per story/chapter, I smile.  At least no one hated the stories so much that they felt the need to just tell me to go sit back down in my corner and try something else.

[inquartata02]

I always have problems with composing reviews. I'm working on it and I review a lot more now than I used to. And reply to every review now, as well. It was a hard habit to break coming from the early FFn days when there wasn't a review reply system.