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I agree. Everyone has an opinion so members should stop sitting on the fence. Kudos ratings are all well and good but are meaningless without the reasons for awarding them.
JD
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Well said! You're absolutely right. People should comment at least once on another article for every article submitted.
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Thank you both. I just hope others take the hint. There is a site, (no names), that has the policy of critique first or you can't post your own work. I wouldn't want that here. I'd just like a little more feedback from those that aren't doing it.
Reiner.
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I agree...people should comment if they expect others to comment on their work.
BTW, I'm curious why I have 1 kudos point on my novel, which has been viewed 16 times, and no comments. Does that mean people don't like it enough? I really don't mind constructive criticism...
Happy writing, guys! ;)
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Have you noticed that those who do comment are usually from the same (very) small group of people. For myself, if it wasn't for you, JD, Poppy and one or two others, I would have no comments at all!
With regards to your novel, I believe people don't like reading things that seem to be too long. (I have had 14 views, no comments). As soon as you click the link to a post it registers as being viewed, not read, so liking the piece or not doesn't enter the equation. Short and sweet seems to be the preferred posting. There are exceptions but not many.
On this post's subject, there have been 17 views, and still people refuse to join in and comment on it.
I don't like the thoughts I'm getting but I'm beginning to feel inclined to only comment on those that comment on my work. It's a way off yet. That or leave the community altogether which is something I don't want to do. Already, I feel a bond between certain people and I'm not too keen on letting that go.
Reiner.
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Ah, length...funny, when I was a student my teachers said my essays were too short. Now that I'm writing a novel, I can't stop. Isn't it ironic...
I really enjoy the comments of those who actually bother, and I wouldn't want to leave the site, either. At the same time, this seems to fit the pattern of writers' circles in general - I attend one at a local book store, and sometimes we have a lot of people, but the only ones who stay are a core group of about five or six. I guess it's the difference between serious writers and dabblers.
I do enjoy the camaraderie among those who do comment, and I wouldn't want to lose that.
Happy writing - and commenting! ;)
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Good point. Personally I wish I could comment more as I wish I had the time to read more submissions.Have a very busy life working and tend to read the shorter submissions entered- which is a shame because I'm missing out on a lot of exciting new writing. On top of that there is the time required to write myself -which I'm quite slow at.
Having said that I am going to make a concious effort to read and comment more regulary.Think this is agreat site espescially when writers support each other. I know I get a lot from reading comments on my own work. So I hear what you say and am taking it on board.
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With regards to length it may be worth finding an appropriate cliffhanger in your work if it's too long and then splitting the tale and labelling the sections as part one and part two etc. That may provoke more people to read and comment on them and if they liked it enough they would no doubt seek out any continuations.
It's just a thought but it may help stimulate the community a little.
Happy writing.
JD
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Something else that may be useful is allowing for a 'remember me' button on the sign in page as it may be the case that people don't want to comment because it's a pain continually logging on. Already being logged on when they access the site from their pc may remedy this slightly.
Again, just an idea, but if it works...
JD
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Personally I truly believe this to be true. I mean we don't have enough people that're making kudos let alone even commenting. The only one's who I get comments from is from any of you guys. The other people here seemed to just stroll down and look. So I ended up writing an bunch of poetry no doubt.
I dont' see the point on why there aren't enough people just commenting on these posts. I mean isn't this suppose to be a web site where constructive criticism is necessary and were greatly encourage all kinds of work and poetry.
What else I noticed is that after I'd posted Chapter#4 and #5, doesn't seem like there were much views, which JD has a great point about how enough people aren't commmenting on these works. I know if I'm going to get back in touch with my agent, then this is something that I have to do. I'd to get people to look at my work and critiqued it. That's what it's there for.
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I've taken your advice and divided my novel snippet into two parts. The second might still be too long...oh, well.
I'm sorry, my comment wasn't entirely fair. I neglected to consider that some people just don't have enough time. Also, I do agree with the "remember me" button on the sign-in page. Perhaps sessions shouldn't time out so fast, either.
Happy writing! ;)
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It might sound quite strange but I like commenting on people's stuff (vocabulary not great due to heavy day at school)
There are several reasons why I might leave a comment; with poetry I find it to be quite subjective so if I recognise a feeling or emotion then I respond but if it doesnt get me I dont bother. Short stories - they need to get your interest in the first paragraph, second tops otherwise I find the length too daunting unless I feel an affinity to the author who maybe has commented on my stuff (again sorry fuzzy brain) or something I've read of theirs before was good. Zion I havent got round to reading your first chapter yet but will try to soon.
I am quite opinionated and sometimes I do worry I might upset people so often a critique also carrys an apology which I've decided I will stop doing because it sounds pretty dumb. anyway hope you're not leaving site.
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I've said it before and I'll say it again: critiquing benefits both the writer and the reader. I've noticed a change in my editing skills since joining this site and putting down both the good and bad points into words allows you to properly understand ways in which you can improve yourself.
Happy critiquing.
JD
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Not counting this, at the time of writing, there have been 12 replies but 52 views. However, have no noticed that the replies are mainly from 'our' small group?
Mr. Richard has a valid point about time. For some, the lack of it can make things difficult.
I have to admit I hadn't thought of breaking a chapter down to more manageable chunks. If the reader likes what they read they should ask for more.
This is just one of several writing sites/forums I am a member of and it's true that people don't do much commenting on any =of them; it's usually the same people. In fact, I raised the same point as here a couple of years ago with the same results. Nothing changed.
Well, at least it's good to know that there is a hardcore, albeit small, group of enthusiastic writers who respond and do what it says on the hand side of the 'Your post' box. Long may it last.
Reiner.
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Can I also mention with regards to the views/comments/kudos ratio that I will often view an article a few times after I have both commented and left a score to view any follow-up comments that may not appear in full in the new comments list. This would affect the ratio of views as I'm sure I'm not the only one doing this.
I still agree that more comments should be left, however, and stand by my suggestion of allowing a computer to remember you as a user and not have a time limit on how long you have been logged in for in order to encourage this.
Happy writing.
JD
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I've been busy lately so I've missed a lot of this...I try to comment on everything except poetry, because I'm awful at it. Also, I think people get turned of if you post a really long story- as in over 5 pages. I do think people should post more, though. I hope there will be more posts in the future. Keep writing!
Sincerely,
Dragonwriter
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I'm in total agreement with Dragonwriter and Jd. I also see JD's point about returning to a post.
Reiner.
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I would like to do more commenting like others I am sure. I love it when someone comments on my work. It take me one step further to my dream.
I try to post a response as well cos it helps to be acknowledged when you comment on peoples' work and to give your readers a flavour of you!
It does not have to be a long response, just a post perhaps after a few comments to say "you are welcome........"
It is a learning experience for all.
This site is brilliant!!
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Hi folks, it's really nice to know that people are responding positively to my original post; thank you and keep up the good work. Let's face it, without comments and critiques, this site would fold. The whole point in posting a poem or a piece of prose is to show off our skills and with feedback, hone them or just sit back and smile that we have written something others enjoy.
"Give and ye shall receive".
Reiner.
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I am new to this and I have tried to divide my time equally between my work and other peoples.
It is difficult to comment if
- you don't understand the piece
- you are not sure how your criticism is going to be received
- or you simply can't think of anything appropriate to say
and yes I have had the problem of writing a comment and finding out when I click "Post this message" that I am logged out.
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I should critique more articles now that school's over in the United States. Preparing for college might take away some of my time, but I will critique other peoples work.
Also though, like you guys, I've recieved more bad kudos than good. Maybe I thought it was because I was bad at writing or because I have Asperger's Syndrome, but then I figured out what it was: I didn't critique other people's work, so they won't acknowledge mine. It's like a cause and effect.
Again, thanks for reminding us to critique. I will critique more people's work.
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By Shavalar. It is difficult to comment if
- you don't understand the piece
- you are not sure how your criticism is going to be received
- or you simply can't think of anything appropriate to say
and yes I have had the problem of writing a comment and finding out when I click "Post this message"
that I am logged out.
***
Answer: why not just comment that you don't understand the piece. Don't worry about how your criticism will be received; providing you are not rude for the sake of it. If you don't like what you have read, say so, but explain why you don't like it. I agree that there are times when an appropriate comment doesn't come to mind.
With regard to being timed out, the best thing to do is to highlight your comment, right click and copy and then click 'post this message. If you are logged out, log back in and when you comment just paste what you previously wrote then click the post button.
I also find it frustrating to be timed out and I guess others do too. Bu the time I have written this, I will have to copy and click just to make sure. Yes, I was. Good job I did what I preached.
DeUndrae
I'm not sure if people deliberately vote you or anyone down for not making your own comments. I'd hate to think that was happening. However, don't think your low kudos means you are a bad writer. It could be that whoever is commenting on you feels you could do better. I always take what I want from comments and critiques and bin the rest. The worst thing you can do is be disheartened. There are things posted on this site, and others I attend, which I don't understand, poetry mainly. Rather than leave a score that is not truly representative, I leave the piece for others who have a better understanding of it.
Hope this helps.
Reiner.
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"I got slightly worried when I figured I recieved a 'not so good' without a comment! Feedback is always useful (and needed), good or bad."
Clifton, that's exactly right. I think people specifically should comment if they don't like a piece - the author will want to know what's wrong so he or she can improve it. That's the point - isn't it?
Happy writing! ;)
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I'm going to update this website soon. I shall look at the logging out problem. Other suggestions on how to improve the website are welcomed.
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This is my 2nd attemp at trying to post my comments - not sure what happened to the 1st one . I have a few suggestions - not sure they are worth anything but here goes. Also can I just add a new user - who is really enjoying the site - I may be just a little over enthusiastic at the moment but I'm sure I'll calm down very soon.
I think the long submissions are difficult to read in their current format - is it possible to upload them in pdf format or something similiar that can't be copied or edited and when you open them they appear in a separate window. This would allow the reader to see them in A4 pages and the writer not needing to reformat before submitting. Also with the writing being in a separate one the reviewer can switch between the commenting and submissions windows allowing for more specific critique.
Also, would it be possible to give the users the ability to create folders to store their work in - like you have on email accounts etc - this would be especially useful for keeping like with like eg all the chapters for a book in the one folder, or all short stories, poetry etc - a sort of virtual library.
What about an alert system that alerts the users to when their favourite writers have submitted something new - or if there is a new submission in their favourite genre.
Finally, and then I'll go take a chill pill, what about rewarding those who offer comments to new writers. This would give the new users a boost of confidence and hopefully they will become active participants.
That's it, fingers crossed that this one posts.
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Never thought about it that way Reiner. While I don't think people rate me low kudos because I don't comment on their work, the thought that someone rate me low because I have Asperger's Syndrome... That's what I'm afraid of since I posted it in my Featured Author page, but i don't think people in this group have the disdain to carry out such prejudiced ratings.
Seeing a kudo as someone saying, "You can do better than that. I know you can," can be more of an encoragement than a hurtful comment if you think optimistically, yet as JD Higginson said, if you just put in a kudo and not comment as to why you gave the writer that score hurts the the writer. Thanks
DeUndrae
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