readers Readers, What Do You Skip?

[Cia]

We have, a ton of them over the years. These are just a few of the blog posts put up. 

 

 

 

[Lisa]

@Cia, thank you for these! I'm going to go back and read the writing posts above.

 

Well, I've read everyone's posts, and there are many I agree with. The first of course, would be what @Valkyriesaid in her first post: if there are spelling or grammar mistakes in the story description, I won't even bother clicking on the first chapter. If the author doesn't care enough to make sure the description is grammatically correct, I'm sure he/she doesn't care about the content either.

 

That being said, though, there have been stories I've read/am reading where there are spelling, grammar, etc., mistakes. I'm only sticking with these stories because I like the plot, characters, etc. If the plot is really good, I try not to cringe whenever there's an error.

 

Like @Timothy M., if a scene is extremely violent, I'll skip over it. I do tend to skip over paragraphs and paragraphs describing one thing---a building, an area, etc.. I want to get to the heart of the story and learn about the characters, not the architecture. If a sex scene is boring and I feel the characters aren't connecting in it, I'll skip over it. But my favorite 'love scenes' (I'll call them), are when the characters have that connection, and I can feel the connection, if that makes sense. Then it's not a sex scene per se, but a love scene or at least an I-like-you-very-much scene.   There's a story on here where the two characters are in a movie, and while reading their love scene, it was apparent---at least to me---that the characters loved each other. That's what I like. Not the wham-bam-thank-you,-man kind of scene.

 

Another thing that annoys me (I think Gary mentioned it), is using the same word throughout the paragraph. Stop repeating the same word over and over again. Someone else pointed out characters and their physical descriptions. I don't want to read the character is 5'11" with blonde hair and green eyes and having a swimmer's body. I'd much rather the author show me this. And...I don't give a (fill in the blank) how big the size of his penis is!

 

I know the last paragraph really isn't what you were asking about, Cia, because I don't necessarily skip over these parts, but I included it anyway.

 

Awesome topic, btw!  

 

Edited November 9, 2017 by Lisa

[Bucket1]

14 hours ago, Cia said:

 

We have, a ton of them over the years. These are just a few of the blog posts put up. 

 

Hmmmmmm.... never seen them before and in all fairness never bothered to look either. I wouldn't search the writing tips blog because that is for authors. 

[Cia]

7 hours ago, Bucket1 said:

Hmmmmmm.... never seen them before and in all fairness never bothered to look either. I wouldn't search the writing tips blog because that is for authors. 

When those were posted, we had one site blog for all the different kinds of posts, actually. It's tied in with the writing community, but perhaps that is something we can look into--doing a reader specific blog for those types of tips and other events/information that might be more reader-centric. You can search for topics with tags and keywords too, but most people don't think about looking for past information, they go for what is right in front of them or recently posted. 

[Bucket1]

I think I need a Newbies Guide for Non-newbies

 

GA is a big place

[Former Member]

3 minutes ago, Bucket1 said:

I think I need a Newbies Guide for Non-newbies

Isn’t that what FAQs are for? Of course, it does help when questions posed in said FAQs are actually answered. Ignoring questions tells users that the writers of those FAQs do not value them.

[Timothy M.]

On 11/8/2017 at 3:58 PM, Cia said:

We have, a ton of them over the years. These are just a few of the blog posts put up. 

 

 

I just (re)visited those blogs about feedback on stories. They are certainly very useful and have lots of good advice. However, I think they're more aimed at helping people who already comment on how to improve their feedback to authors. For newbies who are contemplating writing their first ever comment, I'd worry about them being put off and thinking 'I can never live up to that, and my comments won't be good enough.'

 

If the goal is to encourage non-member readers to join GA and start commenting, maybe we should think of motivation? One month free Premium to the newbie with most comments in a month or with the most liked comment? Or maybe we could have a new blog with some of us 'experienced' commenters telling how we began and what we have gotten out of leaving comments and being active in the story topics. I.e. highlighting the multiple benefits of becoming an active GA member.  

 

Anyway, in order to not be completely  I'll add that something which can make me skip commenting is when authors don't reply to comments. (it doesn't have to be at once, but eventually.)

 

With the new option of liking comments that is the minimum response I'd expect, but unless the author gets tons of comments (like Mark Arbour), I'm put off from leaving a comment, if I don't get some sort of response. And of course, it's even worse if authors ask for comments at the end of each chapter or only reply to comments from their friends / admirers.

Edited November 10, 2017 by Timothy M.

[Former Member]

43 minutes ago, Timothy M. said:

One month free Premium to the newbie with most comments in a month or with the most liked comment?

And if someone decides that a solitary  is a sufficient Comment on dozens of stories?  ;-)

[Timothy M.]

3 hours ago, droughtquake said:

And if someone decides that a solitary  is a sufficient Comment on dozens of stories?  ;-)

 

Then they win a tutorial on how to write meaningful comments.  

[Kitt]

4 hours ago, droughtquake said:

And if someone decides that a solitary  is a sufficient Comment on dozens of stories?  ;-)

 

38 minutes ago, Timothy M. said:

 

Then they win a tutorial on how to write meaningful comments.  

Sorry guys, but a like of some sort is my usual "comment" since I got chewed out publicly for saying a story took   left turn I didn't see coming.

 

An added emogie shows stronger reaction. 

 

I only really comment for authors I know well and can trust to pm me if something bothers them.

[Timothy M.]

8 minutes ago, Kitt said:

 

Sorry guys, but a like of some sort is my usual "comment" since I got chewed out publicly for saying a story took   left turn I didn't see coming.

 

An added emogie shows stronger reaction. 

 

I only really comment for authors I know well and can trust to pm me if something bothers them.

 

I did think of you and your fun emoticon comments, Kitt, and I was sad when most of the ones you left for me ended up empty after the great GA update.

But since we were discussing newbie commentators, I decided my suggestion doesn't apply to you, so I went ahead. After all, you don't leave emoticons just to rack up comment numbers.

 

[FormerMember4]

5 hours ago, Timothy M. said:

 

I just (re)visited those blogs about feedback on stories. They are certainly very useful and have lots of good advice. However, I think they're more aimed at helping people who already comment on how to improve their feedback to authors. For newbies who are contemplating writing their first ever comment, I'd worry about them being put off and thinking 'I can never live up to that, and my comments won't be good enough.'

 

If the goal is to encourage non-member readers to join GA and start commenting, maybe we should think of motivation? One month free Premium to the newbie with most comments in a month or with the most liked comment? Or maybe we could have a new blog with some of us 'experienced' commenters telling how we began and what we have gotten out of leaving comments and being active in the story topics. I.e. highlighting the multiple benefits of becoming an active GA member.  

 

Anyway, in order to not be completely  I'll add that something which can make me skip commenting is when authors don't reply to comments. (it doesn't have to be at once, but eventually.)

 

With the new option of liking comments that is the minimum response I'd expect, but unless the author gets tons of comments (like Mark Arbour), I'm put off from leaving a comment, if I don't get some sort of response. And of course, it's even worse if authors ask for comments at the end of each chapter or only reply to comments from their friends / admirers.

I agree with this. An author not replying is inconsiderate. Your reader took the time to comment. I find it egotistical when authors don't reply. You're not that good that you don't need readers.

[Carlos Hazday]

10 minutes ago, BlindAmbition said:

I agree with this. An author not replying is inconsiderate. Your reader took the time to comment. I find it egotistical when authors don't reply. You're not that good that you don't need readers.

Different strokes, JP. I try to reply to every comment within 24 hours, but that's me. Some authors can't handle critical comments and avoid replying to all comments in order not to play favorites.

[FormerMember4]

6 minutes ago, Carlos Hazday said:

Different strokes, JP. I try to reply to every comment within 24 hours, but that's me. Some authors can't handle critical comments and avoid replying to all comments in order not to play favorites.

Oh I know you do. It's appreciated. As a reader I now choose authors to comment. Won't bother with ones that don't engage. Like @Kitt I also had an author go apeshit on a comment. Don't read his story anymore. You're right about different strokes. No one likes criticism. When it's constructive, it allows you to grow.

[Kitt]

58 minutes ago, Timothy M. said:

 

I did think of you and your fun emoticon comments, Kitt, and I was sad when most of the ones you left for me ended up empty after the great GA update.

But since we were discussing newbie commentators, I decided my suggestion doesn't apply to you, so I went ahead. After all, you don't leave emoticons just to rack up comment numbers.

 

You are correct in that I don't give a rats patoot about the numbers.  I used to comment and discuss stories frequently. I simply got tired of certain posters tearing my comments to shreds, and the incident with the author was the straw that broke the camel's back.

 

Authors, please be aware a like from me is not simply clicked on as a matter of course. 

13 minutes ago, Carlos Hazday said:

Different strokes, JP. I try to reply to every comment within 24 hours, but that's me. Some authors can't handle critical comments and avoid replying to all comments in order not to play favorites.

I don't post much writing. In fact I would bet most of my friends here don't even know I have some prompts posted. I do however reply to every comment, even if it's only "thanks". Sometimes I just don't know how to respond.

[Mikiesboy]

26 minutes ago, Carlos Hazday said:

Different strokes, JP. I try to reply to every comment within 24 hours, but that's me. Some authors can't handle critical comments and avoid replying to all comments in order not to play favorites.

You're right C ... yes, it's great to hear the positive stuff but sometimes that's not going to happen.  And well, you want to write anything from a novel to a cookbook you had better grow a thick skin!  jp is correct, the other stuff helps us learn and grow.  There are ways to say mmm, that's not so great.. without being rude or nasty. There is just no need for those comments at all.   

And about replying to people who read my work.. Hell yes, within 24 hours and to each one as best as i can, i write it to that person. 

[Former Member]

3 hours ago, Kitt said:

Sorry guys, but a like of some sort is my usual "comment" since I got chewed out publicly for saying a story took   left turn I didn't see coming.

 

An added emogie shows stronger reaction. 

 

I only really comment for authors I know well and can trust to pm me if something bothers them.

 

3 hours ago, Timothy M. said:

I did think of you and your fun emoticon comments, Kitt, and I was sad when most of the ones you left for me ended up empty after the great GA update.

But since we were discussing newbie commentators, I decided my suggestion doesn't apply to you, so I went ahead. After all, you don't leave emoticons just to rack up comment numbers.

As Timmy said, I also was referring to a theoretical newbie who might just do it to build numbers.

[Drew Espinosa]

9 hours ago, Timothy M. said:

Anyway, in order to not be completely  I'll add that something which can make me skip commenting is when authors don't reply to comments. (it doesn't have to be at once, but eventually.)

 

Right after the big update back in March, there was that persistent Page 2 bug, I remember seeing many authors distressed at not being able to respond to new comments that happened to be on pages 2, 3, etc... I guess what I'm trying to say is sometimes circumstances don't allow for a speedy response from the author.  

[Timothy M.]

4 hours ago, Carlos Hazday said:

Different strokes, JP. I try to reply to every comment within 24 hours, but that's me. 

 

That's admirably fast, but I don't mind waiting a week or longer. In some cases, I know the author is busy, and of course getting new chapters is more important.   I also don't mind if not all my comments on a story get a direct reply (but a like is nice, so I know it's been read), so I mainly give up if none of my comments get a response.

 

58 minutes ago, Drew Espinosa said:

I guess what I'm trying to say is sometimes circumstances don't allow for a speedy response from the author.  

 

Yup, and that's perfectly OK, especially if there's a message in the story topic or as a status update. Then I know there's a good reason, and I'm not being ignored.

 

I want to mention that I love the new comment system, where readers can reply to other comments and to the author's replies. There are so many great improvements to the updated GA but that's one of my favorites. Thank you to all the GA admin for their hard work to make this a great site for authors and readers alike. 

Edited November 10, 2017 by Timothy M.

[Former Member]

2 hours ago, Drew Espinosa said:

Right after the big update back in March, there was that persistent Page 2 bug, I remember seeing many authors distressed at not being able to respond to new comments that happened to be on pages 2, 3, etc... I guess what I'm trying to say is sometimes circumstances don't allow for a speedy response from the author.  

There’s also a writer who waits until he’s going to post the next chapter before he replies to Comments (to avoid spoilers?). He’s very consistent and he does respond, so I’m used to the wait. I think he reacts sooner, but I wouldn’t mind waiting even for that (unless the author is in a once-every-couple-years schedule for posting new chapters).  ;-)

[Lisa]

It doesn't bother me so much if an author doesn't reply to my specific comment, however, I would like for the author to just acknowledge they read my comment. The author doesn't have to 'like' the comment; there are other options they can choose. If the author hated my comment, they can certainly click on the 'angry' option. (Plus, I really need to get my rep points up, and this always helps! )

 

And please, can someone tell me what gender-neutral word we're using nowadays, so I don't have to keep writing 'they' for an individual person. Thank you!!

[Former Member]

7 minutes ago, Lisa said:

And please, can someone tell me what gender-neutral word we're using nowadays, so I don't have to keep writing 'they' for an individual person. Thank you!!

‘They’ is a perfectly acceptable gender-neutral singular pronoun and has a long history of use. Other, newer pronouns are less recognized, especially by those for whom English is a second language. At this point, I’m still using ‘they’ but am willing to adjust in the future.

[Lisa]

4 hours ago, droughtquake said:

‘They’ is a perfectly acceptable gender-neutral singular pronoun and has a long history of use. Other, newer pronouns are less recognized, especially by those for whom English is a second language. At this point, I’m still using ‘they’ but am willing to adjust in the future.

Thanks, Drought! I started by writing he/she, but that got old fast. Plus, there's more than he/she now anyway, right? I wanted to be PC. I'll stick to 'they'.

[deville]

I am not here for the points , but for the art , and writing is Art, of the best kind( mostly) . Recognition of the author,  their courage and dedication in posting their creations for our consumption , to me, is vital. As simple as a’👍‘or as powerful as a ‘❤️‘ , or a range of emotions in between. We could after all be spending fortunes for the same enjoyment , we ( I ) derive daily from reading in Gay Authors. Do my comments need to be acknowledged by the authors ? Yes , and most unfailingly do, but the most resounding acknowledgement , of me the reader,  is when an author continues to post , to share the creative process .

[Mikiesboy]

9 minutes ago, deville said:

I am not here for the points , but for the art , and writing is Art, of the best kind( mostly) . Recognition of the author,  their courage and dedication in posting their creations for our consumption , to me, is vital. As simple as a’👍‘or as powerful as a ‘❤️‘ , or a range of emotions in between. We could after all be spending fortunes for the same enjoyment , we ( I ) derive daily from reading in Gay Authors. Do my comments need to be acknowledged by the authors ? Yes , and most unfailingly do, but the most resounding acknowledgement , of me the reader,  is when an author continues to post , to share the creative process .

Thank you for this. I love to write, I work hard to get better. I work hard to make what I write, right. Hours, months.. Changes was a year of my life...not complaining because I love it. I think most of us want to post more, and on this site readers are part of the process, part of why we put in the time and effort.  I don't want money, some feedback, some acknowledgement, that the effort was worth it is all we ask for.  So every thumbs up, or smiley face or when you spend time telling me what you and your husband went through. That what i wrote was right ... that's all I ask for. It's what keeps me writing.  

 

So, thank you.