On likes, comments and reviews

[Ronyx]

   I began writing in 2006, and I penned my last words in 2015. After a successful run as an online author, I walked away and stopped writing. I began like most writers do- I sat at my computer, inhaled deeply and started typing, hoping that someone would find merit in what I was writing. For me, my aim was to try and inspire young readers to believe that rainbows appear after a storm, that it is okay to be gay and to borrow an old cliché, it does get better.

   I began posting on Nifty. I started with a few readers who surprisingly enjoyed what I was writing, and they encouraged me to write more. Then, the audience grew to a few hundred. Each day I was amassing more and more readers. As a result, I created my own website to showcase my work. Over several years, I became rather popular. I was now attracting thousands each week, and tens of thousands of pages were being read. In five years, I had drawn over a million visitors. I’m not boasting. I’m trying to make a point to readers.

   Think of writers as actors on a stage. My husband and I attend numerous plays each year. We particularly enjoy community theater. Smaller venues allow us to meet the actors and actresses. They come into the lobby afterwards, and we hug and congratulate them for their performances. We understand the sacrifice and dedication they went through with the hours of rehearsal and preparation. I have watched as their faces light up when the audience responds with applause, and I have seen the tears flow down their faces when they get a standing ovation.

   Writers are no different, except our audience are you, the readers. Like actors, we pour our heart and soul into our work. Our rehearsal is hours of writing, editing and rewriting. Like actors on a stage, we want to take you from your seat to a world of magic, mystery and wonder. And when we are done, we hope that you, the reader, will show your appreciation with applause.

   When I first started writing, the applause was loud and rewarding. I was contacted by readers from all over the world who encouraged me to write more. As a result, I dedicated every waking hour to present quality stories; and then I stood on the stage to a welcoming audience. At first it was a few, then hundreds and soon thousands. But strangely, one thing began to happen. Even though my personal auditorium was standing room only, when I went out onto the stage at the end of the performance, the audience had left. I knew my stories were being read because my numbers began to increase dramatically with each story. But the standing ovations became mild applause, and by the time I wrote my last story, I was standing on an empty stage by myself. I was hearing from only a few good friends I had made over the years with an occasional new reader. Often skeptical readers would tell me they thought I was too busy, and I wouldn’t be interested in hearing from them. Several times I literally begged my readers to give me feedback, but my pleas went unheard. As a result, that lonely stage robbed me of my desire to write. I no longer had the passion that I possessed early on.

   What I’m trying to say is writers need an appreciative audience. We can’t continue to write if there is no applause. It is frustrating to pour everything we have into a story, hit publish and wait. I’m used to it, but new and aspiring writers aren’t. They need to walk out onto the stage and be greeted with applause and standing ovations.

   Here at GA it so simple to show your appreciation. When that author stands at the end of the stage and takes a bow, you can applaud by taking one second to hit ‘like.’ If you are really enthused by his or her performance, then give them a standing ovation by leaving a comment. If you’ve been blown away, then hang around in the lobby after the show and write a review. As a writer himself, Myr understands this. I can hear him silently screaming out to you. He has built into the system a way for you to respond to each performance. Yet, most readers quickly depart, leaving the actor alone on the stage. There are others who watch the performance in the lobby. They do not register and enter the theater to take a seat to some of the finest shows on the internet.

   For without response to a great performance, writers will only go out onto a lonely stage a few times before they become discouraged. Readers often wonder why their favorite author left. Maybe they didn’t hear the applause. And like me, when the curtain opens, and they walk to the end of the stage for a final bow before an empty theater, they turn, exit stage left and never return.

  

 

[Wesley8890]

That's exactly how I feel after finishing a chapter. I love it when a reader just reacts. Even more when they comment. It makes you feel good and I like to pay it forward, even though I've only been writing for a year.

[Former Member]

I try to not only Like, but also Comment on almost all the stories I read on GA. I try to email authors I read on other sites when either a chapter really moves me or when I finish reading the whole story. There are a few stories I've read where the author really does not want to hear what I think of the story!  ;-)

 

There have even been a few stories where I enjoy the author, but object to the direction of the story arc. Even in those cases I try to leave some sort of feedback. When it’s clear that the characters aren’t paying attention to my advice, I comment on other things including other people’s comments! I try to make sure the author knows I appreciate her (or his) skills even if I don’t like the character’s choices (I still don’t trust Alek).  ;-)

 

And I think I’ve been very consistent in Liking and Commenting on all the stories I’ve read by @Ronyx, @Timothy M., @Wesley8890, and @Caz Pedroso (and thank you to the authors who I see listed so far on this page).  ;-)

 

This is the only way I can afford to ‘pay’ for the stories I’ve read!  ;-)

Edited January 26, 2018 by Former Member

[Caz Pedroso]

If I read a chapter of a story, I always react to it, at least the author knows I've read it then and enjoyed it. I am trying to be better at leaving comments, and I do except when I'm reading on my phone (the screen is just too small to see what I'm posting properly). 

 

Of course, I am always grateful for all the likes and comments I receive as an author, and I try to reply in a timely manner to all of them, even if it's just to say thank you. 

 

@droughtquake Your comments are always welcomed and appreciated  

[Ronyx]

@droughtquake , @Wesley8890 and @Timothy M.. You are some of my dearest friends here at GA. Since I started posting my stories, you've been with me since the first post. We need more like you who encourage writers with likes and comments. To you, it may seem like a simple act. But to the authors you contact, it may make a huge difference. As for 'pay,' dq, I've never made a penny off my stories. I've received a few PP donations, but that is only to help keep my site online. Your payment with a comment is generous enough. It is a standing ovation for me.  

Edited January 26, 2018 by Ronyx

[Timothy M.]

14 minutes ago, droughtquake said:

This is the only way I can afford to ‘pay’ for the stories I’ve read!  ;-)

 

It's also the best way. Your comments are much appreciated.

 

5 minutes ago, Ronyx said:

We need more like you who encourage writers with likes and comments. 

 

   thank you, it's nice to know feedback is appreciated. But I guess it's easy for us authors to understand the importance of this. The real heroes are readers like @droughtquake , @Lisa,  and the other members on the most chapter comments list who give others the joy of applauding.

[Ronyx]

I think as authors, we know who is in the front row giving us a standing ovation with every performance. There is no questioning the love we have for their support. They know who they are. My frustration, and I think to a degree, Myr and the administrators here, is how do we get more readers involved? For some stories, I had over 4000 followers, yet I would hear from only a handful of people. It is the same way here. Some authors have hundreds of people following a story, but when they take a bow, there is only a few people left in the theater. It can be very disheartening to an author. I gave up two years ago. I now want to help other authors, especially talented, aspiring writers. I don't want them to throw up their hands in disappointment. I read very little online fiction, but when I do, I try to leave some kind of encouragement. I'm hoping a thread like this will make readers understand how valuable their feedback is.

[Mikiesboy]

1 hour ago, Ronyx said:

I think as authors, we know who is in the front row giving us a standing ovation with every performance. There is no questioning the love we have for their support. They know who they are. My frustration, and I think to a degree, Myr and the administrators here, is how do we get more readers involved? For some stories, I had over 4000 followers, yet I would hear from only a handful of people. It is the same way here. Some authors have hundreds of people following a story, but when they take a bow, there is only a few people left in the theater. It can be very disheartening to an author. I gave up two years ago. I now want to help other authors, especially talented, aspiring writers. I don't want them to throw up their hands in disappointment. I read very little online fiction, but when I do, I try to leave some kind of encouragement. I'm hoping a thread like this will make readers understand how valuable their feedback is.

Yours isn't the first, my friend. Myr started one a couple of weeks back. I've been here a couple of years ... GA has lots of guests and members.. some who will 'like' things.  And there are pockets of people who will comment.. who are really involved but it's a small group.  You gather a few core followers like you say who are always with you. And well i wonder why i bother sometimes...i've posted a lot of work in the past two years.. but i wonder if going elsewhere would be helpful but i doubt it very much.  good luck.. let me know if i can help.   

 

 

[FormerMember4]

Authors and poets should be given appreciation. Readers sometimes don’t understand blood, sweat, and tears. Along with writers block. Writing is something we enjoy. Readers should appreciate those stories and chapters take time away from writers family.

I try to comment on every chapter. Unless the comment is repeated for 8th time. I’m catching up from holidays. I review as soon as story ends now.

[Wesley8890]

2 minutes ago, BlindAmbition said:

Authors and poets should be given appreciation. Readers sometimes don’t understand blood, sweat, and tears. Along with writers block. Writing is something we enjoy. Readers should appreciate those stories and chapters take time away from writers family.

I try to comment on every chapter. Unless the comment is repeated for 8th time. I’m catching up from holidays. I review as soon as story ends now.

I totally forgot about the writers block but most of the people on here are really patient even after a five month wait

[Mikiesboy]

2 hours ago, droughtquake said:

his is the only way I can afford to ‘pay’ for the stories I’ve read!  ;-)

You're comments and involvement are second to none ... i love your comments. You're so open about what you read ... i appreciate that very much.

[Mikiesboy]

9 minutes ago, BlindAmbition said:

Authors and poets should be given appreciation. Readers sometimes don’t understand blood, sweat, and tears. Along with writers block. Writing is something we enjoy. Readers should appreciate those stories and chapters take time away from writers family.

I try to comment on every chapter. Unless the comment is repeated for 8th time. I’m catching up from holidays. I review as soon as story ends now.

You too jp, you are generous with your time and comments ... it's much appreciated. 

[FormerMember4]

When you show appreciation for an author, it’s not just them you’re showing appreciation. Silent in background are the editors and beta readers. They devote their times to authors so the reader has a more enjoyable read.

[Mikiesboy]

14 minutes ago, BlindAmbition said:

When you show appreciation for an author, it’s not just them you’re showing appreciation. Silent in background are the editors and beta readers. They devote their times to authors so the reader has a more enjoyable read.

Yes jp!   Ugh i am such a dolt.. i'm glad you're around!!  Yes, it for those volunteers who help us read for us, listen to our ideas.. pat us on the head and kick us up the backside!!  The team.. exactly!!

[FormerMember4]

2 minutes ago, Mikiesboy said:

Yes jp!   Ugh i am such a dolt.. i'm glad you're around!!  Yes, it for those volunteers who help us read for us, listen to our ideas.. pat us on the head and kick us up the backside!!  The team.. exactly!!

LOL tim! You show your team the love.

[mollyhousemouse]

over about the last year or so i've become more active on GA in doing so i've learned the value of the reaction, comment and review.

it's often difficult for me, as a reader, to comment on a story offering.  it seems superficial, trite and cliche to say "thanks, i enjoyed that" over and over, especially when 6 other readers have said the same thing.

i want my comments to mean something to the author.  what i find myself doing is reading and re-reading before commenting.

in the last 3 or 4 months i've joined a "team" and have started blogging.  i see now, even more just how important the reactions, comments, and reviews are.  this has spurred me to be more consistent in doing that and also with sharing what i've read with others

thanks for bringing up the topic @Ronyx

[Former Member]

In my quest to write something interesting in my Comments, I have been asked by one author to limit my tangental conversations with other Commenters. That made me feel less inclined to Comment in the future. Sometimes the tangents are the things that make continuing to Comment fun!  ;-)

 

The tone of the story and especially the specific chapter affect the mood of the Comments. But occasionally, the mood needs to be broken before it becomes too overwhelming. And I sometimes relate my own experiences to the actions in the chapter. It’s always related to what the chapter stirred up for me.

[mollyhousemouse]

9 minutes ago, droughtquake said:

In my quest to write something interesting in my Comments, I have been asked by one author to limit my tangental conversations with other Commenters. That made me feel less inclined to Comment in the future. Sometimes the tangents are the things that make continuing to Comment fun!  ;-)

this would make me much less inclined to comment also @droughtquake the comments section is written by fans, it's a kind of fan club.  talking with other people who have enjoyed the story should be a part of the whole experience

11 minutes ago, droughtquake said:

The tone of the story and especially the specific chapter affect the mood of the Comments. But occasionally, the mood needs to be broken before it becomes too overwhelming. And I sometimes relate my own experiences to the actions in the chapter. It’s always related to what the chapter stirred up for me.

i think that when you relate your own experiences to that characters, the actions in the chapter it would validate that what was written as fiction, in fact, has a basis in reality.  it's also one of the ways to make your comment more meaningful to the author, wouldn't you think? that what he, or she, or they, have written has reminded you of this time when......

 

[Ronyx]

7 minutes ago, droughtquake said:

And I sometimes relate my own experiences to the actions in the chapter. It’s always related to what the chapter stirred up for me.

This is why I have always looked forward to your comments, @droughtquake. They are always insightful and add a personal element related to the story.

 

27 minutes ago, mollyhousemouse said:

it seems superficial, trite and cliche to say "thanks, i enjoyed that"

@mollyhousemouse  I, like most writers, would rather receive a simple 'thanks,' than a thousand sounds of silence. At least we know you enjoyed the story and took the time to show your appreciation, no matter how simplistic.

[FormerMember4]

9 minutes ago, Ronyx said:

This is why I have always looked forward to your comments, @droughtquake. They are always insightful and add a personal element related to the story.

 

@mollyhousemouse  I, like most writers, would rather receive a simple 'thanks,' than a thousand sounds of silence. At least we know you enjoyed the story and took the time to show your appreciation, no matter how simplistic.

You get more than just a thanks from me. You know I enjoy your stories. You have given me two very special stories. One with an HIV+ character. You also gave me a blind character. Both are me, it’s nice to have stories that really represent you.

[Former Member]

I think your experiences as writers is a lot like my experience as Sales Clerk/Sales Associate/Team Member in retail. Most customers do not seem to recognize that an actual person with feelings is helping them. There are customers who do not engage verbally when asked questions, although in some cases there could be a language barrier. (When I worked in a department store jewelry department, customers would sometimes get angry when we told them we didn’t have larger diamonds in stock. I used to wonder to my coworkers if they expected us to go down to the basement to mine one for them?)  ;-)

[mogwhy]

37 minutes ago, droughtquake said:

In my quest to write something interesting in my Comments, I have been asked by one author to limit my tangental conversations with other Commenters. That made me feel less inclined to Comment in the future. Sometimes the tangents are the things that make continuing to Comment fun!  ;-)

 

The tone of the story and especially the specific chapter affect the mood of the Comments. But occasionally, the mood needs to be broken before it becomes too overwhelming. And I sometimes relate my own experiences to the actions in the chapter. It’s always related to what the chapter stirred up for me.

i like your comments. i always wish i could write comments as well as you do. i try to write something more than just i enjoyed that. so i end up with i enjoyed that because...although i did tell one author i wanted to strangle him, but i did tell him why

 

he just laughed 

Edited January 27, 2018 by mogwhy

[mollyhousemouse]

17 minutes ago, Ronyx said:

@mollyhousemouse  I, like most writers, would rather receive a simple 'thanks,' than a thousand sounds of silence. At least we know you enjoyed the story and took the time to show your appreciation, no matter how simplistic.

this is also something i have talked with other authors/writers about, that what might seem trite to me, means more to them.

the other thing we talk about is when readers leave a comment and the author/writer doesn't respond.  i think it's important that if someone takes the time to comment on one of my blog posts, it should be acknowledged

[Former Member]

Too bad there’s not a Thank You emoticon available!  ;-)

[Ronyx]

8 minutes ago, BlindAmbition said:

You get more than just a thanks from me. You know I enjoy your stories. You have given me two very special stories. One with an HIV+ character. You also gave me a blind character. Both are me, it’s nice to have stories that really represent you.

@BlindAmbitionYou know I love you, don't you?  

Edited January 27, 2018 by Ronyx