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 Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 5:48 pm
We see them, we send them, we breathe them. They range from horrid flames to polite concrit to the dreaded "upd8!1!!1!11shift!1" But as I know I've been wondering lately, what makes a good review?
So, ah ... yeah. If you've got any tips as to how to write some good ones, let's hear 'em. :3 <3
Me personally, when I review, I try to think of what I personally would want to hear if I was writing the story (meaning no "0mg1! ur such 4 g0od writ3rR1!11!"s), but also that I'd also want honesty - in polite way.
(Or if you've got any tips on what *not* to do when reviewing, let's hear those, as well. :])
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Posted: Thu Jan 17, 2008 7:17 pm
Well... when I write a review, depending on how good or bad the story was, I try to compliment/criticize the author(ess) fairly. There's nothing like seeing an unintelligent attack, or mindless praise tacked onto your hard work. There's probably books out there on better critiquing, but they're not going to do you much good without actually believing your own words.
I guess my only real advice would be: when writing a review, be it positive or negative; be willing to stand by your words. Most sensible authors can take comments well, so don't be afraid to point out things you noticed. On the same token, if you're going to do praise; mean it. Personally, being criticized is never fun, but... knowing that someone took the time to think about your work is much more satisfying than just random praise. It shows the reader actually took the time to think over your words.
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Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2008 10:06 pm
Depends on why I read it.
If I found it to read for enjoyment only then I probably will leave one that is short, and contains my opinion of the story/material and what - if anything that I liked, disliked, or felt didn't either work or make sense in the story.
If I have been asked to review it, I'll then take out my clipboard and make notes of any grammar errors or parts in the story that don't fit or lack something. I'll make suggestions and write the above mentioned things. I may also tell them that I'll be coming back or ask if they wish me to continue reviewing in the same manner. ((usually because my reviews tend to be very long if I found a lot of things to mention on.))-- and yes, I do it for each chapter so sometimes the writer may get several long reviews from me one right after the other. ((only a few have said never to do that to any of their stories again.....but at least I ask right-?))
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Posted: Fri Jan 18, 2008 11:29 pm
Well I try to give a review that tells the author what I like about the story and just my general opinion of their style and etc. I like to write uplifting reviews.
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Posted: Sat Feb 02, 2008 6:29 am
Constructive critisism. You can tell them what's wrong with the fic as long as you give them a suggestion on how to make it better. But don't be blunt about and say things like, You messed up spelling here. Haven't you ever heard of spell check?
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Posted: Sun Feb 03, 2008 6:16 pm
When I do review it's because i love the story and support it or the fact that the writer needs constructive criticisms. I generally like a story without too many spelling mistakes and a plot so if/when i do a review i try to point out the good and bad so it doesn't discourage the writer.
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Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 7:07 am
If I don't like the story, I don't say nothing... (I learned that on Bambi lol)
Actually, if I don't like what I'm reading, I leave it...
(I met a forum made by people who reads ff that they don't like just to criticize them in the worst way!!!! Get a life!!!)
If I like what I read, I try to be... fair... it's not like "OMG WHAT A FREAKIN' AWESOME FIC!!!!". That don't help to the writer, just feeds the ego. I say exactly why I like.
And what not to do?
Well, about that forum that I mention... I dropped a comment saying just that "What a group of losers, take $1 and get a life". They erased the post, of course, but at the first episodes of Convergencia I found an anonymous review:
"You suck and your fic too, and thanks for the $1"
Man, I gave you that $1 to buy-a-life! rofl
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Posted: Fri Feb 08, 2008 7:43 pm
*sigh* It takes all kinds to make the world turn, I suppose. Really though, why anyone would go out of their way just to write pointless things about other people's work is beyond me (unless it's MST 3000, then it's bloodly hillarious). It's both a waste of time for the author, who has to check the alert, go to ff.net and read the review, and finally decide on the course of action to take. I don't quite know what else to say on that point... so I'll just make another one.
So many times the review system on ff.net becomes a banter box: where people who have taken the time to read (or skim) your work can post a few random thoughts, before moving on to the next thing. Reviews, despite what many of the users in this guild have shown, is another dying art. From the long, well thought out criticizm and praise, we now have one and two line gibberish posts, praise that is more hazardous than walking barefoot through a back alley, to my personal favorite (an actual review I got... which will be censored): F****** great! Loved it! Now, unless I've been under my rock too long, there's just something... stupid about writing something that short for a long one-shot.
On the other hand, the 'bad reviews' also spawn from a lot of the would-be authors posting drabble, sue-fest stories, and 'canon' that would make the original author want to commit siucide rather than continue reading. I'm not picking on anyone here, nor would I even consider bringing names into the mix. My point is, the slowly worsening reviews posted are not a random thing... oh wait, this was an advice thread... aheh.
Okay, as for giving good reviews. Taking a moment to step back, and think about what you just read helps a lot. Some fics have very powerful emotional pulls woven into the words, so simply going with your gut instinct can clould your judgement about many things, such as how the plot developed, characterization, spelling/grammar, and the like. At the same time... a fic having a real pull to it is important, too. Why else would you read something, if it didn't keep you interested (or because someone is practically expecting you to, but that's beside the point).
Also, be firm but fair when noting things you felt were not done right. Not every author(ess) is going to be a walking dictionary, or have the punctuation skills of a Harvard graduate. Grammar nazi's are just as bad as people who randomly praise... though, you can learn a bit from the former, once you get through the harsh nature of some of their comments... Still, being fair about noting things helps get your points across without causing the author(ess) to become defensive.
'Good' reviewing is a learning process, just like anything else in life. If you liked a story, say so. If you felt a few things were not up to par, point them out. Just keep reviewing.
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Posted: Mon Feb 11, 2008 11:52 am
I don't review as often as I used to, and I don't think myself to be all that great at it anyways. I'll say what I like, and point out good qualities. I'm not very picky, but I tend to point out OOCness, even though I disregard my own opinion directly afterwards as simply, my own opinion and something the author shouldn't be too concerned with. And I never write much, mostly because I have such a bad tendency of rambling, and I don't know if the author would apreciate that somewhat waste of their time. If I have a problem with how a story is going, I don't normally say so, and just kind of stop reading.
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Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 10:36 pm
does anyone else feel a little bit down after you have left a wonderful review, of thoughts, suggestions, editing tips, and yet the author doesn't even bother replying back.
I mean, for some who get hundreds I can see - but on the ones where you are one in 20 who reviewed or less, that just seems a bit rude. I answer EVERY review unless it is anon. or something and I can't.
I enjoy giving feedback just as much as get it so it just is sort of depressing to me. - is that strange?
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Posted: Mon Mar 03, 2008 10:42 pm
Umi Celes Depends on why I read it. If I found it to read for enjoyment only then I probably will leave one that is short, and contains my opinion of the story/material and what - if anything that I liked, disliked, or felt didn't either work or make sense in the story. If I have been asked to review it, I'll then take out my clipboard and make notes of any grammar errors or parts in the story that don't fit or lack something. I'll make suggestions and write the above mentioned things. I may also tell them that I'll be coming back or ask if they wish me to continue reviewing in the same manner. ((usually because my reviews tend to be very long if I found a lot of things to mention on.))-- and yes, I do it for each chapter so sometimes the writer may get several long reviews from me one right after the other. ((only a few have said never to do that to any of their stories again.....but at least I ask right-?)) She's not kidding either - I've been on the recieving end of these for my stories she reads from my journals. Umi, you are a true literature spirit - I love how when you read you make notes in the margins of your book. (people in high school thought you were a crazy person. ^_^ but I love you anyways) wink
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Posted: Tue Mar 04, 2008 11:12 am
I can be totally honest. I will more often than not only leave reviews on stories if I feel they are really incredible. If a story needs a lot of work I'm not afraid to leave notes or offer help, but I've had authors scream at me for doing that so I don't do it as much anymore.
From the point of view as a writer, I get tired of all of those 'you're great!' reviews. I know I'm not the best writer on the face of the planet, so something other than ego boosting reviews would be nice every once in a while.
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Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2008 9:11 pm
I have to admit that a review that actually says something about your story - comments on your characters or your your descriptions of events or writing style in general or anything - is far nicer to hear than a blind, "your story is so great!".
Even better than that, though, is mentions of way that you might be able to improve. Let's face it; none of us are perfect writers, because such a thing does not exist. Therefore, there must be someone who can lend a pointer. After all, that's what reviews are for, aren't they? To help someone improve their writing? Or, after the least, to mention their strongest points so that they can improve on the points not mentioned?
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Posted: Fri Mar 28, 2008 9:20 pm
xXMercurialXx I have to admit that a review that actually says something about your story - comments on your characters or your your descriptions of events or writing style in general or anything - is far nicer to hear than a blind, "your story is so great!". Even better than that, though, is mentions of way that you might be able to improve. Let's face it; none of us are perfect writers, because such a thing does not exist. Therefore, there must be someone who can lend a pointer. After all, that's what reviews are for, aren't they? To help someone improve their writing? Or, after the least, to mention their strongest points so that they can improve on the points not mentioned? I agree with you. I would enjoy it when people express points in the story they liked or think don't fit - it shows they were paying an attention to what they were reading. the comments about what they want to see more of are also great and helpful.
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Posted: Tue Apr 01, 2008 6:57 pm
Me, I try not to flame. Sure, to our standards, the story may not be the best, but people are proud to call them their own, you know? They work hard, and hope to hear good things back, not comments like 'you suck big!'. I give words of advise if I think the story is lacking, and no matter what the story is like, I try and give a few nice words. If it's really bad, I just don't review.
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