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Due to recent events, I would like to remind you all that there is a significant difference between critical feedback and a flame. One can express an opinion, even a negative one, without flaming. Observe.

Bleh. GothGinny? Could this get any more angsty? Tried to finish this chapter, but couldn't because of the bile rising in my throat over "Goth" Ginny. Oh well, to each his own.

This is a flame. Note the condescending tone and the bitchy delivery. The reviewer is trying to say they did not like the story, but they are letting their pissiness get in the way. The same thing could be rewritten to still convey the same message while not being offensive. Like so:
I don't care much for the portrayal of Ginny as a goth, so I didn't finish the chapter. If this is what you like then you're certainly entitled to write it, but keep in mind that it does alienate some readers.

See the difference? One concentrates on simple derision, the other one explains why the author might possibly give a damn about this particular reviewer's opinion. It still doesn't put the author under any obligation to change their story, mind you, but at least it falls within the category of what might be considered 'civil discourse'. It also makes it harder to just ignore the reviewer as a bitter and hateful lunatic if you actually apply the manners you were taught in kindergarden.

You should also note that, if a review goes beyond criticism of the story and to direct criticism of the author, this is beyond doubt a flame and will get your little troll ass kicked soundly. Got it?

Don't make me turn this archive around.

Posted by Mynuet on Nov 27, 2004 12:58 am (7 Comments)
Comments

Bleh I hate people who flame. It's such a waste of time. Not to mention it can be rather hurtful as well. Especially if someone tells you that your story was a load of rubbish.
Anyway please don't let this affect the way you view the authors and readers at this archive. I for one love this site and love reading all the different stories authors come up with. It would be a shame if those who have nothing better than to moan and bitch to cause an affect on here.
Love ser

ser @ Nov 27, 2004 11:07 am


I couldn't agree more. There's nothing worse than a lame review that tells you how badly your ideas suck; even getting *no* reviews is better. Criticism that stings and doesn't give any thoughtful advice won't help anyone improve their writing.

The worst part is when excessively harsh reviews make authors quit writing fanfic altogether; this is very disappointing for the author’s diehard fans. Take Melinda Malfoy's "The Dragon's Reality" (posted at fanfiction.net). Sure, there were a few things in her plot that I took issue with, but overall, I loved the story, and now we'll *never* get an ending. (Thanks a lot, you troll reviewers! Whoever you anonymous people were, could you have been a little more hurtful?)

As for me, if you can't say anything nice or helpful, please don't review me. I can take criticism, but flaming is simply uncalled for.

Sue Bridehead @ Nov 27, 2004 11:52 am


I don't know whether or not this comment was directed towards me, but it made me reconsider a recent review I had written and realize that I was out of line. I went back and apologized to the author, for it was never my intention to leave a flame, but my delivery could have been better. It's a good thing that you called this matter to attention, because it made me for one, realize that I was in the wrong.

Glass_Mermaid @ Nov 27, 2004 01:59 pm


The review I quoted was verbatim, but it was my intent to give a general "hey, watch what you're saying" message. It's not that people aren't allowed to say they don't like a fic, but rather that you can say you don't like a fic without being nasty.

Mynuet @ Nov 27, 2004 02:25 pm


Oh! My review was not so harsh as your example, but it made me reconsider what I said and realize that I could have worded things better. I don't think I could ever tell an author I couldn't finish a chapter because I didn't like it, whether I truly did or not. I just hope that other people will think twice about their wording as well after this little kick to the bum.

Glass_Mermaid @ Nov 27, 2004 10:55 pm


Well said and something that, sadly, needed to be said.

Vesica @ Nov 30, 2004 07:18 am


To be honest, both of those comments sound like flames to me. There is the element of bitchiness in both. It's just that the first one is simply childish while the second is done with more flair, or should I say tact?

It's a play with words rather than any change in politeness.

Perhaps I'm just sensitive, but I'd feel indignant for the author who received either comment. O__o"

In any case, that was a lesson for me in flames.

@ Dec 01, 2004 01:08 am