I see a lot of...

[Hazanko1225]

Hello all new to the forums but not to pokemon or fanfics. I have been through a few of the fics on here and they are pretty good. I do have to say while i have not been here long i have seen a lot of negative reviews trying to be passed off as helpful. A lot of these people work hard on their stories and to see some of the stuff said is not good from my stand point.

 

[IceKing]

Yes people work hard on their fanfictions. And they post 'em on here to get constructive critisism, not 100% mindless praise. If you don't want to get harsh reviews, then don't post on Serebii. Simple as that ^^ There are plenty of other forums where the reviews go like

omg 100000/10. PLZ CNTINUE!

And the toughest steel is forged through the hottest flames or something like that. I improved best with the meanest reviews.


So yeah basically, my opinion is that everyone has a right to give harsh critisism, as long as they give their reasons. If you don't want harsh critisism, don't post or just ignore it

 

[Breezy]

Well, while some reviewers are overly sarcastic in their posts and a bit too blunt, some reviewers may think that keeping it harsh will make the author take their advice more seriously than putting in flowery words.

But yeah, I do agree, some could be more helpful than harder. Of course, those reviews are good for a laugh too.

 

[Hazanko1225]

I dont post fics anymore, not for that reason anyways. I think that in not looking at the entire story people lose site of what was trying to be written. Some of these so called constructive posts ask for people to change plots or characters. I dont really see that as helpful, helpful is pointing out as much good as bad. No one here is looking for mindless praise and im sure many have been ridiculed into not posting for that very reason. With too much bad and not enough good you lose good people. Im not saying everything needs to be all lovey dovey but a lot of the things said dont need to be.

 

[Breezy]

Usually reviewers would ask the author to change their characters if the character is much too perfect. Readers like characters that they can relate to, that they can see happening to them even if it's held in the Pokémon world.

The same goes for plot. I understand what you mean by not looking into the story more, but most reviewers would say that if it's an average trainer fic with an average trainer collecting badges. There are thousands upon thousands of fictions like that and only a few stick out.

Yes, a few authors have been discouraged not to post their fic because of harsh reviews. But if they really wanted to write, they would of kept tried to keep going to improve themselves and prove their reviewers wrong by the fact that they can write and that they are creative. It weeds out who really is determined to write and who just wants mindless praise.

And actually, some authors here are looking for mindless praise. I know a few from a few months ago anyways...

 

[Astinus]

If the person reviewing points out something that could be changed, such as a lack of proofreading, then that isn't harsh. I get turned off from stories that are littered with typos.

But when I review I try to find something good about the story. There always is something positive about the fic. And try to take it one step at a time. Don't point out every bad little thing. Only point out one thing. (Yes, I learned this through reviewing here, but it doesn't mean that I'm going to sugar-coat everything. ¬¬)

But, honestly, if the characters are not human, if the plot is clichéd, then listen to your reviewers who say so. Work on your story to make it different. As Breezy said, if a writer just wants mindless praise and sees that they don't need to improve when people say that they do, they aren't "serious" writers. It's those that bounce back and who strive to be the best they can be that will get far.

 

[Trainer_Bolt]

I see your point hazanko and to a degree I agree with you. I posted my first fic a few days ago and got a few poopy posts. It didnt get me down, I wrote what i wanted and i was happy with it. Im working to improve plot and descriptions as they suggested and im also proof reading through it more before I add anything to it. You just have to take the good with the bad, sometimes it outweighs the good, which is when you really need to believe in yourself. Another good way to deal with it is to just ignore them

 

[Timid Kyogre]

We need the harsh reviews, it's what helps us improve. Sure, we do work hard on our fics. I have to admit, at the start of the Forgotten Enchantment, I wasn't as good as I am now. How did I get better? By listening to the reviews, and following other authors' advice.

Another example is my one shot Shadow's Curse. I wrote it quickly, and then posted it. Yes, I did expect harsh reviews. Also, before posting it I asked my friend if I should or not and she told me that it should be something like...a lesson, to let me improve in one shots I'm going to write later.

It'll be really stupid if an author said "Hi, I'm Tom and this is my fic *insertitlehere* please review, and no harsh reviews!" right?

~Timid Kyogre

 

[Psychic]

Well, a thread like this was bound to pop up sooner or later.

I am one of the older members here at SPPf, and have been writing and reviewing fics during pretty much all the two years I've been here. Over that period of time, I have learned a lot about fic writing and just writing in general, as well as how to review properly. Not to seem arrogant, but I'm probably one of the better reviewers here, despite not being very active in the FanFiction section

First and foremost, let’s ask: “Why post a fanfic on the internet in the first place?”
A lot of people just get ideas and create plots based on the loveable Pocket Monsters, and have nobody to share it with because almost nobody else cares.
But then there are people who do it because they want to work to improve their overall writing skills. Of course, they could also just want to show off their ideas, but essentially, we all want to get better at writing. But if we just keep posting and posting, we aren’t going to get any better.
That’s where reviewers step in. We help and give advice to people who are struggling, trying to teach them exactly what they can do to improve and how to do it.

Second pertains more to the reviewers themselves. “Why are some reviewers so harsh? Why can’t they be nice and say things nicely?” Sometimes, it’s just silly to beat around the bush- you have to be blunt sometimes and tell people the honest-to-Mew truth. If someone has a bad fic, a reviewer isn’t going to lie and say “wow, this is amazing! Perfect the way it is!” Of course, if someone isn’t good, it isn’t at all helpful to just say “you suck at writing, go take a course in English” or to even just say “your description needs work and your characters are flat” isn’t enough. We might seem like we overact to every minor detail, but if you want to improve you’ll pay attention to those little details.
Another reason is that you wouldn’t believe how reviewers here are treated sometimes. The older, more experienced members here have a lot more respect for reviewers, mainly because they give them good, solid reviews that really help them. But not everyone is so open-minded. It isn’t rare that a reviewer will review a fic, usually one of a newer member, and instead of the person accepting the review and using it to try and improve, they might either totally ignore the long post or get upset and say they either don’t need to improve or that “you’re just being mean!” backed up with reasons such as “just because I’m new” or “I’m only 12!”
Reviewers get a LOT of attitude sometimes, and a lot of us have just given up on being nice and sweet and coating our reviews in sugar.

Some of these so called constructive posts ask for people to change plots or characters. I dont really see that as helpful, helpful is pointing out as much good as bad.

Ah, that brings up a very good point:
There are many people here who try to pas off as reviewers, but fail badly at being helpful. It’s always good to keep in mind that a lot of people don’t know what they’re doing or saying when they post in a fic

But more to the point: there are some real idiots here who will insist that “omfg, u haaaav 2 add a flygon in teh fic!” just because they want to see characters they like. It’s usually best to ignore these people or tell them off; it’s YOUR fic, not theirs!
But, as previously mentioned, if someone says “ugh, well the main character’s best friend is a Mary-Sue, I suggest you do this and that so she isn’t a ‘perfect’ character” then it isn’t telling someone to completely change the fic, but fix up a certain aspect that is taking away from the more professional quality of a fic, which is what you want to strive for- to make the fic good enough that it could be published and sold in stores.

No one here is looking for mindless praise and im sure many have been ridiculed into not posting for that very reason. With too much bad and not enough good you lose good people. Im not saying everything needs to be all lovey dovey but a lot of the things said dont need to be.

Actually, you’d be surprised how many people are attention wh*res here- not talking about anyone in particular, but a lot of people just want attention and for people to say “w0wz, this fic iz amazing!!!11! 10/10!111!!11!”
I can’t deny the fact that people have been scared out of posting their fics,, but again, as previously mentioned, if you’re scared off by a few reviews that tell nothing but the truth, then you aren’t cut out for writing. Seriously, if you can’t take a few comments on a Pokémon forum, you won’t do very well in the real world.

And we do try to point out the good things as well. Reviewers have to tell the truth, whether it be good or bad- it’s an obligation that comes with the job. And though a lot of people can’t figure this out, a reviewer can NOT be biased against a certain person or group. So if I was to review the fic of someone I hated, and it really was good, I can’t say “this was terrible” just because I hate them- I would be obligated to tell them the truth.




I hope this gives a bit more insight on the whole issue, and maybe answer questions people were too timid to ask. A lot of people don’t know much about the who reviewing thing, and though I’m no expert, I’ve been doing this long enough that I know all about it.

Oh, and thanks to everyone who supported us reviewers! It’s very much appreciated!


~Psychic

 

[CHeSHiRe-CaT]

You tell 'em, mah soul-twinneh D: *peace-sign*

I agree with everything Psychic says. It's necessary for us to be blunt when reviewing a fic, and not just sugar-coating the criticism with words of false truths >>; If people REALLY want to know how their fic is coming along, truthful, honest, and respectful reviewers will tell you what needs improvement, and how you can avoid that problem/fix that problem. People who just bring you down (even if it is the truth), or those who are just SPAMing threads with "OMFG THIS FIC IS TEH R0X0RZ LOL IN MY PANTS!!11one11!" don't offer their advice on how to assist you in solving your problem (assuming, of course, that they have reasons to back up why they think it is a problem).

Seriously, you have to sort the reviewers out by the sugar-coated, the bad, the ugly, and the honest. Sugar-coated reviewers just feed their rabid nothingness with faked enthusiasm into a writer's work, not helping them improve on anything. The bad reviewers tell you what's wrong, and don't tell you how to find the solution. The ugly reviewers flame/nit-pick insignificant things that simply are made to discourage or let down the writer (in most cases, these people are called trolls). The honest reviewers are the people who tell you what they think straight-forward with no strings attached, and back up whatever criticism they have based on their knowledge of writing correctly (and if they don't know what they're doing, they're considered one of the minority groups, called "I-try-to-look-kewl-by-pretending-to-know-what-I'm-doing-el-oh-el"). These honest reviewers will tell you right from wrong (if you want their background, simply ask Psychic or I, and we'll tell you if they're what we call "honest") and will help you to change your ways for the better, whether it's grammar, spelling, or any other perspective in writing. That's just our job; there's no need to throw in honey-topped posts, transparent criticism, or rage. Only a few words of encouragement, our help, and a little cooperation from the writer to improve. Our reviews help you to become better writers, and send you sailing down the path of praise that follows :3

 

[Draconis]

I've read a lot of fanfiction in my time, but I seldom review. Why? Because I am a smartarse, and most of the time, the writers' get all uppity because of a harsh, but well deserved review. They claim I flamed them, and was not fair, which is total bullplop. Anyone who writes a story, filled with cliches, and Mary sues, and Gary Stus, claiming it's the best thing since sliced bread, deserves the harshness. There are some good fics that have cliches, but a perfect character is something to avoid, unless it's a Mary Sue/ Gary Stu parody, with plenty of humor. The simple point is: If you get discouraged over harsh, yet constructive critiscsm, then why the heck do you post your fics? If you can't face the cold, harsh truth, stop posting your fics. I myself dabble in some occasional fic writing, and I wouldn't want someone to sugarcoat the truth, just to spare my feelings.

 

[Literate]

The honest reviewers are the people who tell you what they think straight-forward with no strings attached, and back up whatever criticism they have based on their knowledge of writing correctly (and if they don't know what they're doing, they're considered one of the minority groups, called "I-try-to-look-kewl-by-pretending-to-know-what-I'm-doing-el-oh-el").

o.o That's what I do. Although, I do know what I do, right?

Well, to contribute to this thread, some newbie writers need crits and comments to improve. Sometimes, in most threads I browse, the newbie doesn't know much and the fic is instantly closed, either by ignorance of the rules or just sheer newbiness. I try to review easily, but I often have a high expectation of what the "right" way to have a good fic. (I read a lot.) Like, almost no mistakes, typos aside, and spell correctly. (I know good spelling when I see it, though truthfully, I really am not a good speller.)

But for people who are new to the universe of fanfiction, they need time to adjust to the reviews and comments. :| Don't expect a newbie to automatically reply positively to a harsh review and things that you say in the comments; you'll never know what they think about their own fics. They might get down and stop posting. Sometimes, these will open their eyes to what really is called a good fic and will try to improve.

But the best reaction at all is actually replies to their fic. In my first fic, which was a failure, had absolutely little reviews besides my sister and several other people, who just wanted to review just for the heck of it. And because I requested for reviews.

If you get discouraged over harsh, yet constructive critiscsm, then why the heck do you post your fics?

Um, for fun? (P.S. I think you spelt criticism wrong?)

I myself dabble in some occasional fic writing, and I wouldn't want someone to sugarcoat the truth, just to spare my feelings.

I know. But the best thing I want is replies. It's lonely, thinking no one read your fic. i.i


~PEACE~

 

[katiekitten]

I agree with Psychic and teh Cheshire. *raises glass* XD

I know that some reviews seem extremely harsh, but they mean well. You can spend ages writing something that isn't very good, thinking that is is great from the reviews you have gotten, but then be crushed when someone comes along and really reviews. I know. I've had a single review by Negrek on my story, (over 70000 words long. ) that was harsh, but good, but gave me what I needed to get my butt in gear. I rewrote it. And still am rewriting it. It has made me a much better writer, and I am very grateful to Negrek for it. *tips hat* Sometimes harshness is needed.

 

[Clare]

I dont post fics anymore, not for that reason anyways. I think that in not looking at the entire story people lose site of what was trying to be written. Some of these so called constructive posts ask for people to change plots or characters. I dont really see that as helpful, helpful is pointing out as much good as bad.

Has it ever occured to you that people might ask for plots or characters to be changed for a REASON? Namely that one or both of these is unrealistic, for example? To use a random example, I'm sure you've all come across at least one fic where the main character was a terrible Mary Sue/Gary Stu, had a team of Legendary Pokemon . . . and so on. Legendary Pokemon need to be treated with caution, not least because they are so powerful. And, as it says in Advice For Aspiring Authors, "no trainer would have one unless it had A GOOD REASON [my emphasis] to accompany that trainer". So, if someone posted a fic about a character whose team consisted of, say, Articuno, Mewtwo, Groudon, Entei, Jirachi and Registeel, it would be perfectly reasonable if someone told them something along the lines of:

I think you should overhaul your main character's team. Take out all the Legendaries and substitute some run-of-the-mill Pokemon; this will make your story a LOT more realistic and your character won't seem like such a Mary Sue.

Yes, it might seem a little harsh asking someone to pick apart their hard work, but sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. I agree that, if there is anything good about the fic, this should be noted and commented on. However, if a story has few (if any) redeeming features, people will say negative things about it, not necessarily because they hate it or the author but because they want to help them improve. And often the only way people will know where they are going wrong is if someone gently but firmly points out the mistakes.

But one thing I do draw the line at is telling people what to write and what not to write. You know what I mean? Those reviewers who leave comments like:

This is dumb! Why does (insert main character's name) have such wussy Pokemon? Give him/her some cool Pokemon like Charizard or Houndoom!

in stories which don't really need fixing.

 

[Act]

I think someone should come in and concrit the thread, just for some irony.

*can't say anything new*

 

[Jetx]

Personally, I like just one experienced and kind reviewer. Well, that's what happens to me anyway and I like it. He'll point out the errors I've made and at the same time praise what I do correctly. As that doesn't really happen on sppf, I seriously don't give a ... about getting reviews here, I just want people to read to be honest.

There are plenty of other forums where the reviews go like

omg 100000/10. PLZ CNTINUE!

Actually that's an extremely small minority of forums, as well as it being a minority of people on those minority of forums...

 

[Dragonfree]

I have a suspicion that maybe this thread has to do with my review of "World Championship Battle!!!!", a thread that has now been deleted, considering the time at which it was posted and the subject matter.

I think you should consider that this was a person who wrote Lugia instead of "Shadow Lugia" because it was apparently "easier". This person did not work hard on his story. He broke multiple fanfiction rules. He was too lazy to write the word "shadow" so he wrote just "Lugia" in purple font instead. He didn't bother to read over what he had written or remove the sudden author's note that had somehow gotten itself in between two sentences of the story.

The reason I was rather over-the-top?

I've spent years working on my own fic, trying to perfect it and make it good... and then along comes somebody who thinks it's justifiable to write "Lugia" in purple font just because he can't be bothered to write "The Lugia was purple" or just "Shadow Lugia".

Yeah, I was not particularly nice to the guy.

That's not the way I usually review people's fics. That's the way I review when the concept of writing fiction has just been raped and murdered in front of me.

I don't like being mean. Sometimes I just can't help it.

 

[Jetx]

I don't like being mean. Sometimes I just can't help it.

How could somebody blame you? That fic sounds terrible *no offence to author*

 

[Act]

Actually that's an extremely small minority of forums,

*laughs* You don't pay much attention, do you? Not to complain, as I'm on the benefitted side of many of those reviews, but there are billions of them here and they do get old after a while.

Personally, I like a nice sarcastic concrit. Keeps my ego in check.

 

[billy5772]

Yes people work hard on their fanfictions. And they post 'em on here to get constructive critisism, not 100% mindless praise. If you don't want to get harsh reviews, then don't post on Serebii. Simple as that ^^ There are plenty of other forums where the reviews go like



And the toughest steel is forged through the hottest flames or something like that. I improved best with the meanest reviews.


So yeah basically, my opinion is that everyone has a right to give harsh critisism, as long as they give their reasons. If you don't want harsh critisism, don't post or just ignore it

That reeks of either-or fallacy. There is a balance between harsh and scathing reviews and mindless "10000/10" praise. The review that expresses the truth in a kind way is the most effective one. This is not my opinion, it's true. No one likes to be criticized. No human, at least. Criticism creates in the author defensiveness, which in turn leads to resentment. The best way to influence people and get them to change and understand your viewpoint is through a review that praises successes and SUGGESTS improvements. Reinforcers are a much stronger way to influence behavior than punishment because a reinforcer tells you what to do, when a punishment only tells you what not to do.