Lonely Writers Blog Group Forum Popularity Contest

David M. Turner	Popularity Contest 18 Years Ago I hate how some of what goes on at this site is based on popularity. There's one particular writer that's in my head right now. People adore his writing, but I just don't see what's so great about it. He wrote a story and entered it into one of my contests and I rejected it, I just noticed that that same story got 3rd place in another and that the guy who ran the contest hailed this story as magnificent in a review. In fact everyone that reviewed this piece did nothing but say how amazing it was and how it was a masterpiece. No one pointed out the number of flaws and holes in the story (and believe me there were plenty). I did and he later thanked me for my honest review. I don't wanna sound bitter and I have nothing against him personally, I just hate to see how so many people flock to someone who's stories aren't that great, but then I see others who are magnificent writers and they don't get any credit. I've read some seriously amazing stories on here and when you look there's no one reviewing them. Usually these stories make you think a bit and I guess people don't want to think. Then you see stories that are just sex sex sex or gore gore gore(and loaded with bad grammar, misspelled words etc etc.) and there's dozens of reviews saying the same thing "you're the best writer ever." "every thing you write is amazing, you're going to be the next big thing." etc. It just frustrates me!
C.m.v	[no subject] 18 Years Ago What's a real pisser, David, is that life is a popularity contest. It isn't right, and it certainly isn't fair...but it just is. I mean, did you ever notice the butt kissers at work always get the promotions? Even when the hardest workers who might keep to themselves never get any notice? I understand your frustration. But maybe peoples motives aren't s**y.. I mean, maybe they do see the flaws, but dont have the heart to pick it apart? maybe they see something you or I might not? Maybe to them, it is great, while to us, it might suck. Who knows? Personally, I dont give asshat reviews and I rarely, if ever, tell someone they misspelled something. I've had this argument many times since joining this site...I dont think we can expect fairness to be a factor on here anymore than we can in regular life. Maybe this person is a s**y writer, but has alot of friends, or gives lots of kind reviews and therefore people don't have the heart to be mean? Who knows! I do get frustrated, like you, that some people get all the attention, while others get nothing. I've read some crappy stuff that got 50 reviews while I read a story that is terrific and gets maybe 2 reviews. What can we do about this? Anything? I wish I could review more, but its hard, you know?
Fantasyfairy	[no subject] 18 Years Ago I think maybe it's a matter of perspective. Some thing that you or I may find a load of crap, someone else will think it is the best thing ever written. Personally when it comes to porn and gore, I just switch off. In my opinion they don't make great stories, just a lot of rubbish, but some people like that. I hate giving bad reviews, I may say it isn't to my taste, but that doesn't mean it isn't to someone else's. If I read a piece that I find really bad, then I don't even bother with a review because I think it's a waste of my time, and a waste of the person who wrote it's time too. I just wouldn't have the heart to say to someone, you know what that a load of bloody rubbish! I just couldn't do it. But then, that's just me.
Chan	[no subject] 18 Years Ago I think that as writers, we all try to see the good in other people's works, even when there isn't much good there. We all know what it's like to struggle with our talent, to have someone not understand what we wrote, and to be critiqued. While I agree that this site, along with many others, does seem to have a clique of popularity, I have also found MANY great artists among the sites confines. I also agree with previous statements by Chrissie and Fairy, some people think something is great while others think it isn't. That's our right as human beings to have difference of opinions. Personally, I hate the Saw movies (for example), does that mean that everyone I know should hate them as well? I don't think so. I also try my best to always leave good reviews, or atleast constructive ones. If I read something I don't particularly like, I generally tend to not review it and if later asked why I've not reviewed, then I will speak privately with the writer and explain to him/her why I didn't feel the need. Sometimes, then after, the writer will explain to me what he/she was trying to get across in their piece and occasionally I will then reread the piece and review it IF (and only if) my mind has been opened enough to see beyond the confinements of the words. Some pieces you read do that automatically, but others just need a bit more explaining. And I will never degrade someone's work because in the end, we're all writers just trying to get our thoughts out, even if it doesn't strike a good chord with everyone else.
Vincent Weathers	[no subject] 18 Years Ago I noticed that too. Good things often go unnoticed, while many things at mediocre or less than good are taken to a liking. This seems to work with Authors too. Best selling authors tend to have their newest stories published even if the story isn't even that good. Books seem to sell based on name rather than whether the book is good or not. Regarding reviews: If there is a piece that I don't like, in general I speak it in a more positive term than a negative terms. I look with an eye for potential. If I see some that still exists, I would mention it. I never resort to the word "HATE". That word had never been part of my vocabulary. Also, if I have nothing constructive to add, I generally do not review. ----People NEED TO SAY WHY they like a piece or dislike it. "It is the best piece I read in quite awhile" --- thats nice, but why is it the best piece? Simple explanations are not the most concrete. It is the best piece I read in awhile, and here is why: 1. 2. 3. .... At least this way, you will know why someone has a certain opinion. Generally if someone says "I don't agree with the way a character acts..." (along those lines) it can mean a variety of things. If it is about their direction and lifestyle (but in character), they are simply reacting to the fact you have achieved that effect. Otherwise it could mean that your character is acting out of character, your technique is off or something else. I don't know enough to clarify on "technique difficulties" or to provide more examples.