How To Deal with Negative Feedback

Good essay. I don't surprise my readers with any content that is not tagged or not to be expected as part of the category that the story is found in. I also write a disclaimer at the top of my stories that have triggering content (incest, interracial, cheating wife, etc.). Because of my painstaking efforts to inform my readers, I can now delete the trolling comments that pertain to the content of my story. I sometimes get "Just another cheating wife story written by a cuck- 1*" . I delete these comments because I've already tagged the story and wrote the disclaimer so this comment has to do with someone who simply does not like the content and is trying vote the story down or just shame me. A negative comment that lets me know that there's not enough character development, for example, I leave on the message board as I want others to see that I don't delete the comments I don't like or disagree with. I learn from the CONSTRUCTIVE negative comments, but I also learn from the positive comments- I know that I am on the right track and to continue with the style I'm writing in for that story and category. The trolling comments don't bother me like they did when I first began writing.

I personally find positive feedback largely useless. It doesn't tell you what could be improved. But there's a distinction between negative feedback and trolling. Negative feedback is 'your story sucks, because...', whereas trolling is 'your story sucks, do us all a favour and stop writing'.

It's a bit like walking down the street and seeing an attractive person of the appropriate sex. If this person checks me out, it means I must be doing something right. If I don't get more than a casual glance, it means I should do something about my appearance.

Now, the difference between feedback and walking down the street is that you can't exactly run after a person and ask 'but why don't you find me attractive?' It would likely end up with the police being involved, and a rather unpleasant interrogation.

So this is why I welcome negative feedback, provided it helps me become a better writer. Positive feedback doesn't do that, it just polishes my ego.

thank you! My first story on here was approved last night and my first and so far only two comments have been that its too short and I'm guessing boring because they're all like this guy's going to be old when the story's done. Bum me out a bit and no real constructive feedback. Bleh. This makes me hopeful

As a recent contributor of stories on lit, I also dealt with some harsh feedback. I suppose some of my stories may have struck a nerve somewhere, with some of the readers. I was almost at a point of not wanting to write again, until a fellow member kindly pointed out that while it seemed the attacks were against my character, that those attacking me were also on Lit, and were likely not at the pinacle of morality themselves. Anyways, I walked away from your post with a smile on my face...thanks :)

Best advise YET!

Absolutely true.

Sometimes negative feedback is very useful, and in fact I discovered to my surprise through one comment, that the spell checker doesn't check words in capitals unless you reset it!

Some negative feedback is just so hilarious that you have to leave it, but my general rule is that if they've put a name to it, then I leave it, and if they haven't got the guts to put their name up, then I delete it.

The thing that surprises me, is just how many e mails I get through the site, rather than public comments. Often I get more e mails, (almost always positive) than public comments. Is this normal???

As a fellow author here on Lit, I too, have received anonymous negative comments. It is true, that you can't please all the people, all the time. If my stories have been read and enjoyed by the majority of readers, then I feel I've done a reasonably descent job in writing my stories. Almost all of my stories are based on true happenings in my past. And sometimes the truth isn't as exciting as fantasy. But, if it gives you an idea on something new to try, or reminds you of something in your own past you had sort of forgotten about and makes you smile, then my story was a success. It always amazes me that most, maybe not all, but certainly most anonymous negative comments contain numerous mis-spelled words and bad grammer. It just shows their mentality. I enjoyed your take on the subject.

You do not make a distinction as to what is or is not constructive criticism. Personal attacks, illustrated perfectly by your first example, are in no way constructive. They are merely the words of some poor soul venting anger. Don't succumb to letting such feedback anger you. The best response is none at all. Ignore it.

On the other hand, we should all welcome constructive criticism, that which has reasonable basis and specifies the problem(s) with your story. Oh yes, it can get me riled for someone to lambast a story I've so carefully written, but then I take a deep breath, and ask myself, "Does (s)he have a point here?"

Do answer that, determine if the criticism is purely subjective, i.e., based on personal preferences. For example, in many of my stories, my ejaculation, be it oral coital, anal, or otherwise, is precipitated by the girl tickling my balls. I've been criticized for that, and it's legitimate criticism, for it demonstrates a lack of variety, a samo-samo, stuck-in-a-box writer's mentality. I did not realize how often that scrotal stimulation appeared in my stories until someone pointed it out. But I left that aspect in anyway, for all my stories are from real-life sexual experiences, and those chicks really did tickle my nuggets to send me over the edge.

On the other hand, I have changed the length, ratio of dialogue to exposition, and amount of humor, among other things, in my stories based on reader feedback. I remain my own toughest critic, however, and I write not only to entertain others, but also to relive those sexual experiences and cement the memories.

Finally, the most effective way to give feedback is to first point out what worked and why, then specify what did not and why, giving specific examples along with recommendations. People are just more receptive to criticism when it's delivered in this fashion.

Good recommendations. I'm just going to leave the negative feedback there and laugh about it. How does someone who remains anonymous have the right to tell me that my stuff sucks? It's funny when you think about it. They are criticizing an author, but don't have the balls to step up and be accountable for it.

Thank you for your advice. I too found your suggestions very helpful. Negative feedback unfortunately is something that we as writers have to learn how to handle but I think your advice is right on target. Thanks again!!!