All Comments on 'What I Don't Understand'

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I haven’t posted stories here but empathize with your situation. Without in any way excusing the boorish feedback, I can suggest a way that some of those readers end up reading from a category they detest: contests.

I have learned before reading a contest entry to visit the author’s story page first to see what genre it has been assigned. Having failed to do that in the past I have read a few stories I found abhorrent; no, I didn’t unload my vented spleen on the writer. Why Literotica doesn’t always (ever?) include genres in the seasonally themed events I don’t know but it may be the reason some people read stuff they hate. What they do with that hate is on them, though, not the site or you.

I’ve learned to avoid the cruelty and degradation—especially where it seems to be prolonged and indulged for its own sake—but I won’t judge what I don’t understand, especially if it assists you or others process demons.

I had always been certain that "Loving Wives category is about women who love their husbands dearly". I had never read any story from that category, so I had no chance to learn about my mistake until today. :D Shouldn't the category be renamed to "Hot Wives" though?

But that thing aside, I have mostly the opposite experience with comments on Literotica. Or to be more specific - the lack of those. Sure, I had had a few hateful comments here and there, I even found some of them rather amusing, like "This is horrible, you should stop writing." But the number of hateful comments is a small percentage of all comments, and there are very few of those in general.

I'm simply upset by the lack of any reaction from most readers. Someone had told me that Chyoa is better in that regard, so I posted my stories there as well, but it turned out that readers there also don't leave comments. Oh well, maybe that's just how reading erotica goes.

But to return to your topic...

We are all just perverts here, on our own device. ;-)

I am adding this comment anonymously for no other reason than I am an author here and have no desire to be hunted by trolls. (yes that's sad but true), I will say I have over 100 works posted on Literotica and have been writing here for over 20 years so have had my fair share of feedback.

I was researching this section as I am thinking of writing one for here and wondered what authors wrote. I came across this piece and as I read found myself agreeing with so many of the words, muttering under my breath, "Yes that's right," and "wow that has happened to me." I was shocked when I scrolled through the comments to see that this was written over 17 years ago and I can tell you... nothing has changed.

Like many writers, we accept the fact that not everyone will like what we write and some of the criticism is justified. However, when someone goes out of their way to seek out something they know they will hate just to have a rant, that worries me about society.

What I would say to you Goldeniangel is what my friends say to me when I get a nasty comment, "ignore the haters and keep writing, lots enjoy your work, just look at your ratings." I know that is sound advice and looking at the numbers you have written it looks like something you have done, so well done sister. I also know how much nasty comments can sting and for that, I am sending you a big HUG.

Hell Yeah, right back at you! This was a wonderful rant! I am relatively new to Literotica.com and have a few stories that seemed to be well received, but as you note, there are some comments that just 'raise my hackles' and come from anons or someone who hasn't made an effort to try writing their own stories! Having poured my heart into my first epic novel of 17 pages, one ingrate remarked 'that being good at putting words together doesn't justify 17 pages of dribble ... no idea what that meant to the writer, but it sure let some wind of out my writing sails for a while. - I got over it. But more to the point, I see that you haven't let them get to you! Bravo!

And another thing: I too am not appreciative of the E.B. Shrunks wannabees who feel obligated to dis a story cuz it's got too typos for their liking. It's (likely) amateur fantasy fiction, stupid!

I for one am glad you brought this out. And your right, you'll never understand why people think they way they do, re: why read a story you know will offend? Answer: morbid fascination, then guilt, denial and finally anger, at you, for writing a story they love to hate. Sound like a familiar pattern? It is, and its called denying a problem, like sexual hangups. Now we see the connection.

Once again, i feel your pain, and apparently, by the looks of the many kindred responses, so does many a frustrated writer, of which i am one.

I have found someone who agrees with my assessment of comments. So many anonymous take to negative and nasty language. And why do we never find out how superb their writing is?

I try to praise in public. I also try to remember to log in so people know a bit of who I am. Most of my comments with negatives are sent via email.

I do have an issue with language and grammar. First off, my language is American, though I can sometimes fake English. My big challenge is having been an editor for twelve years. Please, keep up your writing. If you can, don't be afraid to get an editor to look things over. Well done.

I can assure you that you buying some petty number of products doesn't make you important, and as an avid and faithful reader of Literotica, I am here to read the stories, not your egocentric drivel that I can certainly live without. Reading stories by authors like Goldeniangel is a priviledge. Your opinions are not.

puma0916@hotmail.com

You were the first author I favorited when I joined the site, and somehow I never read this piece. Now that I have, I just wanted to thank you on behalf of those of us who LOVE your stories and probably don't comment or send feedback as often as the jackasses of the world. So many jackasses.

Please know, from the bottom of my heart, that your stories have moved me, turned me on, and made me keep writing, whether I posted it on Lit or not. I love your work, and I'm really glad the jackasses didn't make you give up on your readers entirely. Because we like getting off to your awesome stories.

PS - Chris Hemsworth is a sex god and I read that every time I come to your stories page. XD

isn't there some way, that we readers can find a list of writers that refuse to write about dads, husbands, men in general, being, wimps, crybabies, all that bullshit?

the ones where the writers tell you when he finds his wife cheating, no matter how long she has been doing it, or how many she is doing, it's got to be his fault, he has to get her back, and spends 8 chapters trying. or, writer, sucks us in, by starting out ok then gets pussy whipped by we have wasted several minutes. all we want is a writer that we can count on, that will not back down, leave us wondering what happened, we want a clear kick ass ending, not only lover pays, but SHE pays, and anyone that helped her pays, and we know the writer is going to take us there. we want to be able to smile when we reach the end. so many times we cuss for the time we have wasted but we can't guess by the tease the writer gives us as to where the story is going, sometimes the writes tell us before hand what to expect so we can skip, but not often. we readers should be able to compile a list of writers that writer different plots but don't ever make men pussies, because for sure the majority, of writers on Literotica are first class men haters. lots of time, i wonders if they are Lesbians in disguise, or just a big bunch or gay blades, but i promise you, they are not men i've been around hundreds if not thousands of men in sports, business, all kinds of activities, and nobody i ever knew wanted to watch another man fuck his woman or would back out meekly when he saw it happen, and all the crap that is written. so, please, help us, point me to a list of writers for men.

You all recognize the quote from Dr. Martin Luther King, I'm certain. The complete thing is his hope for his children.

" . . . my children be judged, not by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."

Simply put, his dream was that his children be judged by the proper criteria because that's what really matters since you're getting judged anyway. A better way to put it would be what do you believe about the people you come across? Everything you learn about another is technically a judgement. Do I trust this person to cut me open and save my life? If he has a stethoscope, sure. If he smells like he's pissed & shit himself while smoking a meth pipe wandering aimlessly across the freeway in a pink tutu, fuck no! I wouldn't trust his imaginary voices either! If a man secretly fucks another man's wife, do I trust him around mine? absofuckinglutely not! I said all that because I'm one of those who will say "this character was a piece of shit"

Don't you know that hating a hate worthy character is a compliment to the author? Sometimes I've read stories where there isn't a likable motherfucker in the entire thing. I'm writing a story like that now. Hell, the damn thing is being narrated by Satan, how likable you think any of those assholes are going to be?

Absolutely. Thanks for all your stories. I've read several of your stories. And I am bookmarking your story page.

Thanks for all your time and effort.

Ok here goes. I reckon some of those who read a story in a category that has been clearly flagged and then post comments describing the author as sick, depraved or worse are really struggling with the fact that these stories actually appeal to them and secretly turn them on. They won't admit it to themselves that their true feelings go against what they were perhaps taught to feel. That's my tuppence worth, now I'm off to read Angel's stories which I hope I find to be not so sick but at least a little depraved. Either way, I suspect they will be well written and constructed.

Hell yeah!

You said it just perfect.

Sometimes i read others comments on completing a story and i feel angry on behalf of the author.

Constructive criticism maybe, blatantly rude and insulting...damn god complex to think they have that right.

In my experience the comments I have received in literotica were fair.

The most aggresive came by people that really like a catergory and think that my story didn't fit there. I don't have a problem with that.

What I don't like are one line or one word comments that don't explain anything to the writer.

If you as a reader don't write what you didn't like how can the writer know?

I wrote a long response agreeing heartily and rebutting several arguments by those who think their toxic comments are a god's gift to mankind. Then I realized I was simply inflaming the issue. So instead I'll say: well said, Angel.

And I will add my own 2 cents to your excellent essay. I remain perpetually amused by someone (always Anonymous) who chooses to comment on Chapt 39 of a very long series about how "awful" it is. Especially when they have made similar comments on every chapter beforehand.

This must be some sort of weird masochism at work. If I read chapter 1 of something I did not like, I would not then read chapter 2, much less chapter 30. There is a special charge these people must get from this bizarre trolling that I will never understand, but, I always find it funny. In a strange way, I take a certain pride in coaxing some of the trolls out from under their rocks.

And to Mr. "Quit Your Bitching": you are truly a moron. We do appreciate you attempting to personify this story for us but it was a wasted effort since the brain the brain is overwhelmed by and thus ignores text typed in all capitals. On top of that, you contradicted yourself in your comments. No wonder you weren't brave enough to sign your name. Go home little chicken.

Well written as always and to the point. Your tales may be a bit short for my taste but they are, without fail, always clever and nicely crafted. Thank you.

I agree with everything you’ve said. Most of the comments I leave are dedicated in part to the negative comments left by lazy, ignorant, unappreciative jerks. I can’t believe how stupid some of the Lit readers are. If it’s torture to read a story, STOP READING IT! I fear there are plenty of good Lit authors who have quit because of comments that are hurtful. Goldeniangel, thank you so much for the huge number of stories you’ve shared with us, and for the quality of your work.

Barry

Needles to say I am NOT a writer hell i am lucky i can write my grocery list! But I do love to read, and if I can see the story in my head and feel what the characters are feeling than awesome i give a high rating...But to tell someone that they are sick because of what the story is about than its the reader that is sick cause they are the one reading the stories that they obviously don't enjoy, or do they? Maybe they are just upset at themselves because they got off on the story, or jealous that it's a fantasy of there's and to scared to act on it...all in all they are haters....

They are the hall monitors of the world with nothing better to do than criticize. There are builders and there are destroyers and they fall into the destroyer category. Ignore them, they don't 'exist'.

PS Goldeniangel, I am female as well and love your stories.

These were excellent points. I rarely comment, but always vote. I have not written and agree that unless one has made the effort to create then one has no platform to criticize those who do, unless the errors are such that the story cannot be read. I for one thank you for all your stories.

You had some excellent points, one and all. I guess great minds do think alike ;-)

Anyway, as one sick bastard to another, I like your stories. At least the ones I have read and I must admit, not all the subject matter descriptions attract me, in which case I don't read them.

Personally, I have written quite a few stories, I am just a little shy about posting them, probably a lot because of the potential for comments like you mention here. Anyway, good luck and I look forward to some more stories. One of my favs you wrote was Gifts of the Goddess series. I would love to see more of that.

-=zg=-

I do know how incredibly difficult it can be to write erotic stories, hell ANY stories for that matter, I've tried and failed. Then again I've never let anyone read the things I write because I'm my own worst critic and I'm convinced that everything I write sounds like crap. So my kudos to every single author on this site and any other for being brave enough to show your work and share it with us all!

It's baffled me to no end why people read stuff in a category they clearly don't like and instead of just leaving the page, they feel the need to leave a comment to express their displeasure at what they read as if they lack the ability to do the smart thing and just go away.

Anyway, bravo to you and this essay/comment/concern/question :D

p.s. keep writing!! I for one enjoy your work and varied you are with it :-)

is why some people favorite then unfavorite a story or author, sometimes repeatedly

I enjoyed that the first anonymous post I read on this article was someone illustrating your point perfectly. Great article.

1. Simple answer: The LW has two main groups of readers and the Literotica's owners do not want to divide the LW into two hubs. The two groups prefer other type stories and this is a difficult thing for some authors. The majorities of the stories are a common selection atribute, whether the husbands like their wives have extramarital activity or not. The Literotica's owner should divide this hub according the husbands (fiances) behavioral with the extramarital activity of the wives. So the two reader groups with the two author groups could decrease the encounters each other.

2. Eleborated answer: The sociological survays of the extramarital activity show a huge shift in the last 100 years. The husband's extramarital activity remained similar, but the extramarital activity of the wives changed significantly. The minimum 1 extramarital event for lifetime (prostitute usage is cheating too) is about 60% in the Western Culture among husbands. Naturally this statistic figures contain such thing, that somebody was cheater in the first marriage only, one occasion in drunken state in all his/her life, et.

However the women statistical figures are very interesting to the light of the 100 years difference. The minimum 1 extramarital activity for lifetime increased to 55% from the 25%. during 100 years. The before 100 years the women cheating was correspond with the husband's behavioral. The homosexuality was a hidden thing and many wives looked for happiness extramarital way beside open homo husbands, the alcoholic, violance husbands, serial cheater, whorehouse/prostitute customer husbands, impotents and the lack of any sperm bank for improduct not impotens husbands, when the family wanted children. I think a thinking tolerated human can say the half of the extramarital activity for woman was understanble 100 years ago and the other half activity was connected to the mistake of the wives. A good husband rarly met a serial cheater wife 100 years ago against the nowdays status. I think that absolut faithful 40% and 20% relative fidelity husbands (relative fidelity husbands, who had extramarital activity only in their first marriages, only once was an accidental affair (in drunken state, with an unstoppable slut, etc.) in their life time) very often meet serial cheater and slut wives and fienceés. IronDragon (an author fellow) wrote he got rid of his fianceé before their wedding, because the "kind" lady planned bastard children to him in their future marriage. 100 years ago to be betrayed husbands were very rarly and it was connected to be wrong husbands. This today not right and good husbands (fiances) become betrayed by wives (fianceés). The court system and the family laws in the Western World do not followed the change in the marriage status, so the innocent ex-husbands got extrem punishment too several times. The turn has started slowy in the USA, for example the bastard child is below 4 years the ex-husband does not pay child support and he could start his life with new wife and his own geneticaly children without children support in some USA states (unfortunatally not the all 50 states). In some USA states the ex-husband can start lawsuit against the biological father to pay 18 years money settlement for raising up bastards. This is dream in the most countries in the Western Culture that the Modern Sciences arrive to the family law (DNA test), but the Hungarian family law does not know the spousal alimoney (ex-wife must go to work).

So one part of the readers are very sensitive to the extramarital stories in the LW hub, because they experienced the negative effect of the cheating or their friend, relatives, children, parents, collegues told their negativity effects against being good husbands. If the 100 years ago 25% statistic figures had been the authors would have gotten better echo..............................However at 55%.............

I've recently written a loving wives fantasy and was met with lots of criticism. Especially those who read the story and didn't like the fact that yes, it involved cheating, like the genre entails. This article sums up how I feel about those people.

My first foray into Review and Essays. Quite interesting for an author to rail against the commenters. Yes of course many are just plain stupid and ignorant. Some of us however have a specific reason to be on this site. Considering when I accidentally stumbled here and by reading a few tales made me discover the truth about my own life, I use tales as therapy to help me cope with my demons. I will write eventually as I have many ideas rolling around in my head.

As for reading tales hated and bashing the author, personally I know a tale which I WILL NOT read as I know I will find it extremely distasteful. However when I like the subject and the result of the tale I let it be known through my comment which is normally not very forgiving to the kind of people I despise.

I'm ranting so I'll stop. This seems to be more of a discussion I should have in a group setting than a comment on a story.

I'll end by saying ignore the haters and welcome the critique whether good or bad. You can learn from both.

Just my opinion, for what it's worth.

"Don't criticse if you haven't written yourself" is fundmentally invalid and kinda puts me off listening to the rest of what you have to say. Don't use that argument....it's such a load of bollocks.

I do love your work, and I'm glad you don't let those bad comments hit you too hard. I do have a bit of a theory regarding the whole categories thing. Often, I'll try to find stories to read using tags, rather than categories, and then I'm paying less attention to the actual category. Though really, I don't think that would really explain it...

I haven't read all your stuff and I probably won't end up doing so. Some of what you write will inevitably squick me a little and I won't enjoy it as much as I would like. Still, I know that what you write is well written and tastefully erotic, which is why I'll keep reading it.

Also, I've noticed a few people even make profiles but virtually every comment they make is hateful and non-constructive. I've noticed this especially with Femdom stories, but I'm sure similar things happen with lots of catagories. My fear is that a new author will see something like that and then stop writing, then it ruins things for the rest of us.

I live in chronic pain now with memories of pain all the way back to age 2, 14, 34, & 46+. With all that pain comes rage & depression -> several 3-day, 30 day & even a 6 month stay at psyche hospitals when the pain interrupts sleep for too long a period of time. I saw a lot of destructive behavior, some of it from with-in myself. Those who seek out writings to attack are seeking control or destroy it both. They may seek to stop you from writing about subjects either because:

They want control over the subject and only their views count

They truly hate the subject and want to stop / destroy any “infectious ideas”

Fear subjects – see themselves as victims & need control

Fear their emotions / dark side being exposed

Or simple like to enrage others for their own entertainment

People want control in their lives to feel safe.

Some need / want to control everything to feel safe (including your writings).

Others want someone stronger to keep them safe.

Most realize that they can’t control everything – and just work with what they can control.

I see your point about the mindlessness of comments. Some people are just assholes, and to do it well, have also decided to be stupid. I also understand the frustration with anonymity(and recognize the irony in this sentence). But I think disregarding people's negative comments because they've never written anything themselves may be a little off-base. Generally speaking, areas in which ideas are social tend to develop faster. If four people predict the coordinates of a tree, odds are each is a little off, but if you average their predictions together, the result will almost surely be more accurate. My point is that, when somebody posts something negative, they represent a certain point of view, one that should not be disregarded. If they are not just trolling or condemning you, they are simply letting you know that there was something they didn't like in that story. Over years and years, this will, in theory, lead to the general betterment of erotic stories. It's a process. It may suck now, but down the road it will pay off--if not for you, for your horny grandchildren. May the Literotica the wonder into be a better one.

More dialogue before sex? Um... If I understand correctly what you're asking for then I'd recommend "Tricked With a Treat" or "Chris Hemsworth: Sex God". If that's not what you're looking for then leave a comment again and I'll get back to you =)

Keep rockin p's I don't have a sign on anmy seems faster

I am just a reader at this time not having posted anything yet myself. I have enjoyed the stories that you have written that I have read. I don't read from categories I'm not interested in and if I venture forth into them it's my bad not yours. I really wish people wouldn't be so negative. Get this people...where else can you find some really good stuff to read for free, all because some writers are willing to share their ideas and fantasies with us? Who cares if the spelling and grammar need editing? Some stories transcend the need to be perfect when they are awesomely written. Just my humble opinion!

I do enjoy most of your stories. I think this entry makes a lot of sense. Thanks for your thoughts

I have read some, not all but some, of your stories. I think that you are a wonderful wwriter. With your stories, it is not all about the sex; you have an amazing gift to be able to convey the emtions as well. Please keep writing, you have a wonderful gift.

I have to agree with Foolishdancer, I love almost all of your writings, and if I was to have a problem with one of them I wouldn't be leaving a comment about it. I just leave the story and go on to the next one. Please don't stop writing do to the people whom leave those comments. Those of us who do like them would lose out on more of your stories. ;-)

I very much hope you keep on writing and don´t let people that critizise unjustly stop you. you are my all time favourite author on literotica and if i could buy your work for my kindle i would jump at the opportunity to do so.

liebe grüße, Nicole

Especially to how stories seem to be received in the inverse to what I expect. And how people don't check to see what my gender is. In short: Hell yeah :)

I just wanted to thank you for the many erotic hours you've provided me, and, from the ratings, I must assume many others. I've given up reading online comments for the most part because of the derisive nature of many of them. I agree with you, why read something you know will offend you? And why bother commenting on such a story if you do read it? I don't get it myself. I won't say I've liked each and every one of your stories, you probably don't yourself, but I appreciate the time and effort you put into it for little or no reward. And I fully understand that a story that doesn't rock my boat today may make me croon tomorrow, much as songs on an album. I can't name how many cds I've bought for one particular song, not caring for the rest, only to find, six months out, that it is one of the songs I hadn't liked that was now the one I couldn't hear often enough. If you check my profile you will see that I am not a story contributor, and only occasionally post comments, but I only post positive comments. If I don't like a story I just don't vote or comment on it. I figure the author will get plenty of negative feedback, deserved or not, and that my comments are not needed, whereas in the case of positive feedback, I know that none of us gets enough of that.

However, I might add, that because of writers such as yourself, this is one of the few adult sites that I might consider paying for if it were required.

I agree completely. It really pisses me off and I find it so pathetic that some people will write lame reviews for a story that they had no business reading. For example, I'm not into Anal, therefore I don't read anything in that category, no matter how much I may like a particular author. It just seems like common sense.

Crap, do people even "think" about the website they're on??!! How can someone say that a story is sexually sick when they are surfing an erotic literature website. Yeah, there are a lot of non-erotic stories, but again, look at the title of the website!

The only point I don't agree with (and maybe I'm misinterpreting this) is the comment about a negative reviewer not having written a story themselves and therefore can't understand the difficulties. I can't create a story but it does bother/distract me when I try to read a story with poor spelling or confusing sentence structure. For me though, I just move on.

I think it's disrespectful to leave cruel public comments but people are people so nothing surprises me anymore. It's funny to note that recipe sites such as Epicurious has similar problems. Someone will write a nasty recipe review saying that they swapped 3 items and left out others, then go on to say that the end product was horrible.

Anyway, to end my essay, I basically wanted to give you and all the writers kudos for writing anything at all. Most of us are extremely grateful to find so many fantastic adult-themed stories.

LOL what you are saying here rings true. People who needlessly distress themselves over sex, politics, religion (etc, etc, etc...) because they purposely expose themselves to topics they find abhorrent, and then lend their own opinions abusively, are a little odd (to say the least) If I disagree with or dislike something, I just steer well clear, making it really easy to NOT get upset ;-)

I love your writing, you are my favorite author on here, your prose, grammar and attention to detail are excellent, and its awesome to have such an unashamedly female voice exploring so many facets of this very kinky world we live in.

Thanks

I know I have made some people irritated by comments like this, but I firmly believe that the majority of good and useful comments come from people who have written their own stories. There are exceptions as I have seen in my own story comments. But the vast majority of troll comments are anonymous. Some people get off on picking on others and can't even identify themselves. It's an internet commonality. This site is a way for authors to learn better techniques, to show off their goods, lubricate their talents, and finish off with some degree of satisfaction, whether glamorous or messy...Oh yes and enjoy reading too.

I had been planning to write a similar essay, but you pretty well covered the ground. I suppose one should not feel as if one is the only one to feel the jabs. It has surprised me that I feel nervous each time I submit another story. After all, we are basically Anonymous as writers despite a contact name. The strangest aspect in my efforts is that the stories truest to life are ridiculed for being unlikely. Ah well, I have learned something of life.

Often I use a different user name for reading because some of the things I like to read are not the things I like to write and vice versa.

Since I've been writing more and reading less I tend to leave more comments because as a writer the voting system is great but I really want to know why I deserved those 5 stars or why it was you only gave me 1 star, was it my writing style, the length, the subject matter?

I also post on another site and realised that the ratings between the two can vary wildly.

If I were you I'd concentrate on the positive feedback, and by positive I mean genuine constructive comments on how to improve, and ignore people who just plain don't like the story. You can't please everyone all the time.

Lexi

The troll stories by MarshAlien and SweetWitch offer an excellent counterpoint to this phenomenon.

Others have already pretty much covered what I think, but I will say that you should carry on regardless and just shrug your shoulders when you get abusive comments.

You write well and get me aroused, so I'm impressed, as I know how difficult writing is. I particularly like the way you judge what a good length is for a story. Many go on for too long and I am prone to this too.

I've only read a few of your stories, but i'd like to make the generalization that you are a fantastic author!

There are dickheads, idiots and trolls in every community everywhere, even more so on the internet. Most people will pass by without even commenting, having simply enjoyed the read, but without anything interesting or will have passed without or will have avoided it because it doesn't suit them. The a fore mentioned types, however, find it funny, clever or just don't understand, that marking something down for subjective reasons isn't a choice. So few people know the difference between subjective opinion and objective fact. I would have to say you're probably my favourite author that I've read, but mostly because a lot of your work really hits the spot for me between romance and bdsm, something I struggle to find (I'm very picky). I realise that's personal to me, but I can also see that you're very descriptive about details I wouldn't even think of. Unfortunately, you will never get away from the comments like that, I'm sure this work was mostly for venting, but I for one enjoy your work, and hope to read more from you in the future.

I like stories, I have enjoyed several of your stories for which I thank you. I have noticed that you DO at least try and spell correctly, which adds to the enjoyment (not having to decipher a word first.) so many of the writers on this site cannot spell or do not bother to use a spell checker.

Mick

You submitted this a while ago, so who knows whether you're even still checking the comments. Still, if you don't mind my reviewing your review :-) ... Very well-written and persuasive without getting uncomfortably emotional. I haven't written nearly as much as you, but it's nice that there's your article to refer back to from time to time as a reminder of what to expect from some of the readers (and also a reminder to just shrug and keep going).

I generaly don't comment. I read on a smartphone so a story has to really strike me in order to take the time to type out a response, and this generaly only happens when something comes out as wrong to me. Usally a character does somethigh against their nature or I am just confused about what is happening. If I do come across something that I find offensive I will just skip it and move on. For me that is insest, rape for pleasure (not as a plot device), or REALLY graphic scenes, however I would never comment about it. Few stories are perfect and if any comment I make causes an author to double check something they overlooked then I don't see a problem with a negitive comment on a good story.

And no I have not written anything for this site, but I do read a lot (2+ hrs a day). I don't think you need to be a writer (or speller/typer) to recognise when a story breaks down. I almost never leave a purely negitive comment, every story has something good about it. Had the story sucked, I wouldn't have cared enough to notice my problem with it anyways

I really can see your point but always remember the comment tells you more about the commentator than it tells you about you or the stories you wrote.

I've never read one of your stories but will start now.

Your article made me curious.

And my advice is leave the stupid comments there where they belong with the stupid commentators!!!!!!

Marlam5

Hell, yeah! I do not understand why people read stories in categories they do not like, then complain. I think it is because they cannot admit that they are "perverted", too. Hey, we are all perverted in our own way and it is usually a good way.

I was directed to you by another lady author who calls you her favorite. I am glad I came here. After reading this article and one story I realize that you will be one of my favorites, too. Good work, lady.

clay.dodd@yahoo.com

Personally I have been quite astounded at the high level of writing and general story-making that I have enjoyed from so many talented authors on this site. I have certainly enjoyed many happy hours reading into the wee small hours!. Don't let the bastards get you down! :)

I totally agree, I don't mind constructive critisim at all, but if you just need to bash it momma always said, "I you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all."

Hell yeah. Thanks for writing this, I can relate.

I write with my wife in the "Loving Wife" genre. Holy Crap, we weren't ready for the initial comments we got! It's always the early comments that are mean and degrading. It's like they watch for new stories and want to be the first to shit all over them. After the first few, they get a lot better and some people are fantastic in what they say. I've gotten less focused on the junk and just delete without reading them completely, also delete any anonymous mean public comments. I premis each story saying it involves sex out of wedlock and will still get whiners talking specifics, that indicate they read the entire story. I will never understand. I appreciate the read and although this was the first of your works I've read, I plan to check out others. Thanks!

OK, so I am one of those people who leave Anon comments but I will say that I only leave positive ones. As you have said, I only click on stories that I think I will like or where the subject matter interests me. Yes, I have stumbled across stories that I didn't like and promptly went in search of others. My point here is that a good story teller to one may not be so great to another, and I agree that people should be leaving either positive comments to help encourage those authors they want to see more from or not leave any at all...you choose to click the link and there are no guarentees that you will like anything you click. If you think you can do a better job, then start writting. I for one have enjoyed many of Goldeniangels stories, only attempting to read what I think I will like.

With this article, I have decided to become a member so my comments are no longer Anon...Keep writting because I for one couldn't do it as well as you do.

You go girl! That is all.

Dear Lady:<p>I know this was written long ago and perhaps by now you've achieved some sort of peace and/or resolution with your dilemma. These are just my thoughts.<p>We all are anonymous here. Oh, with the acquisition of a "handle" one is identifiable as a particular anonymous person, but still he/she remains anonymous just the same. One may know me here from my designation above, but certainly wouldn't recognize me if we were to meet on the street. A bio can mean very little. I could post anything there. How would you know what to be true and what not?<p>I can and empathize with you regarding the mean-spirited and consequently meaningless responses you and other writers have had to suffer. I'm not a psychologist and have nothing other than my life's lessons to guide me, but my take is that those who post such remarks as you have mentioned have issues with themselves. I've read excellently composed and presented stories in which the male protagonist reconciled with his spouse only to witness the writer meet with derision because of such a resolution. I've also read embarrassingly poorly constructed stories which drew copious amounts of praise simply because the male protagonist "threw the bitch out." Apparently some folks, mostly males I'm sure, feel threatened and offended by anything which doesn't conform to their perceptions of how one is supposed to act in a particular situation. The bravado that is so often posted is mostly laughable, and most often quite illiterate. I would think that these responses would provide you with more information regarding the originators of such comments than any bio's ever could. I hope by now you have attached to these remarks the amount of worth they deserve. Also, I am sure there are those in having their responses listed liken it to "seeing their names in lights." Unfortunately I also believe there are some contributors whose only intention is not to provide a literate effort but simply to bait these folks. I find that as inexcusable as I do the narrow minded, bigoted, racist responses you have described. Their pouring gasoline on the fire will never ease this problem. <p>Why do some folks read stories they initially know they won't like? Simply, because they can. They smell blood. They are in attack mode. They relish the opportunity to foist upon the writer and the rest of us their understanding, their definition, their opinion of what manhood, maleness, masculinity actually is. Most of these descriptions seem not to include someone so evolved as to possessing an opposable thumb. Be that as it may, comments from these folks should not ever be abridged, personal attacks upon writers or other folks commenting excepted. To censure these folks would repress all who contribute comments here. As has been suggested to these folks that they need not read stories they realize that will inflame their sensibilities, we too should heed this suggestion regarding the 'Feedback Portal.' Regardless of intent and content, we all should have access to this forum.<p>All my best, Philip

Your writing is alway interesting and these comments are spot on..Walk tall and be proud...*s*

Forgive me for I have sinned -not getting to your stories as much as I vow to do that, and I will. But I have no problem responding to your strong essay. People crave the safety of the Anonymous messages to vent trigger compensate project and I could go on and on through all the psychological subconscious needs which are satisfied by spewing gabage at the authors. You could justifably complain and rationalize your own pain but it would pass above the heads of most who do that. It's like complaining about storms and earth quakes. they eist and we have to be prepared and endure it. Whether you and other authors serve a good purpose by opening a safe harmless valve for many disfunctional people to vent -it's still debatable.

My strongest advice, try to quickly skip forward when you see such messages. They are pathological not literary.

Instead refocus on all the good you do so many pleasurable hours of reading all in the best modality I know of -the grass root form! Cheers!

There are a lot of stupid people online, and a lot of people who like to get attention because they're either bored, friend-less, or both. Some just like to start up trouble, thinking they'll get away with it because they're anonymous online, they can put any mask on the Internet.

In brief, the Internet has the mentality of a five year old. My best advise, ignore those who give you mean, racist, or otherwise offensive or uncomfortable comments.

- Timmy

I know what turns me on and so I search out those stories, and I know what I don't like and avoid those types. I think authors on Lit are amazingly brave!

I'm a bit younger than you and an asian female as well, so it's nice to know I am not the only non-"depraved" young girl who finds these fantasies to be appealing. Also, after reading many of your posts (especially the Reviews/Essays) you're intelligence is quite obvious in the way you voice your thoughts. Thanks for the amazing stories and since you mentioned this... "..positive feedback makes me incredibly motivated to write more..." I wanna be the one to say please please keep it up!

Undoubtebly many of the people making comments regarding interracial storys are "full" racists, but another possibility is that they're only tolerant of some types of these stories. For example I've heard that many younger white supremists have no problem with asians ( with the obvious implication that they have no problem with white/asian relationships).

Thank you for a lucid and quite sorely needed statement. I too find the number and nature of vitriolic comments puzzling.

<p>

There's nothing extraordinary about a reader failing to find a story entertaining; but why bother wasting his own and others' time posting a worthless rant about it that offers nothing the author might find constructive? It is particularly silly, and sometimes amusing, to see someone's gripe about the time lost reading the story. They never explain why they don't miss the time lost writing and posting their bitch about it.

<p>

No writer owes any particular reader what the reader happens to like. Sexuality is a nebulous and very individual force, not logical, not predictable and certainly, not universal. Nobody can write anything that will please everybody.

<p>

I fear that we are preaching to the choir here. The malcontents we're talking about are not motivated by what they claim to be. There's something else underlying that, some burr under their saddles that drives their vitriol. Still, maybe there are a few who will take your message to heart. I hope so.

<p>

Thanks for your contribution.

<p>

A note: I haven't yet read any of your stories. I did glance over the list, and by the titles and descriptions they look quite interesting, and rather in line with my own tastes. Although I'm most definitely an XY, and a straight one, I often find erotic writings by women to be superior. In general, women seem to put more heart into their work. It is my position that, overall, there is too much anatomy and not enough humanity in this field. Maybe I'll post my own words on that in this area sometime.

OMG I MEN WTF Y WUD U PUT SOMTING LIK DIS ON TEH WEBSIT ITS NAWT HAWT ND SUX U SUK 2 ND NOW DAT I HAF CONTRIBUTED 2 DIS CONVERSATION ND MADE LITEROTICA A BETTER PLAZ IM DON

You are so dead on. And I suspect you are absolutely correct..that people read stories in a genre because they have a secret desire for it...but in their shame..they berate the author instead. Make it their fault..as though somehow the author forced them to read it. Sad really. But I do wish they would spare everyone their angst driven insulting rants. Anyway..here's you "Hell Yeah!"

and two snaps up.Haha. Keep writing!

It's interesting what people will say when they're not face-to-face. Insults that would never be spoken are easy to write. So consider the source, try not to take it personally (as if an anonymous comment on the internet isn't already impersonal by definition), and keep on truckin'.

I suspect that there are a great many people like me who read for their own enjoyment and seldom or never leave a comment. So, as a representative of those silent readers, here's a little insight into my behavior.

Usually when I don't like a story, I simply stop reading it and start something else. Once in a while I'll keep reading, just to see if I can stretch my personal comfort space, or to gain insight into an area in which I have little or no experience. If I don't like the content, I don't see any constructive purpose in passing on my opinion. If the story is poorly written, I figure there are enough good writers already involved in the writing process on Literotica, and my two cents aren't going to help.

If I do leave a comment, it's because I want to let the author know that something in the story was especially entertaining or meaningful to me. There's enough negativity in life already; I don't need to add to it.

I have just started reading your stories. I ran the categories through my personal filter and picked ones I thought I would like, and was not disappointed. You are a good writer. Should you decide to pursue a career in writing, I wish you success.

I only read a few of your stories and thought you the categories they were placed in fit perfectly. If you are going to critique a story make you critique about the actual writing! Keep up the the awesome work

I think all the stories that i have read of yours are great usally i only read bdsm but i like how you work spanking and stuff into your other stories too. totally keep up the good work just ignore the haters lol

trixie

(trixrabbit74)

That always happens, cause there are people who like to stir up shit, and go to the places they hate to make mean comments about them. Posting on the internet just gets you more people in a shorter amount of time, because its easier for an asshole to rant at you then it is to write a letter and send it. I know, even though asshole comments hurt, you just have to remember there are lots of people who love your stories, even though they may not make it known.

Great stuff....

and you have NOTHING to apologize for (but you already knew that!)

I really believe that the nasty rude negative comments are made , in significant number, but people deliberatley coming here to seek problems and cause trouble.

Sort of like the truly mentally challenged folks that have decided to seek out and picket at the funerals of servicemen killed in Iraq/Afghanistan. Are they there protesting the WAR? (that would be tasteless enough, but no!) They are there spewing vile and hatred at gays. Same stupid mentality.

I like your stuff...and another thought that I had...many of us that have ENJOYED your erotic tales, are not in a great and purposeful at the immediate moment to send you a polite message...the more erotic and arousing the stories..the more likely we have other more pressing urges.

Every author should skim and head many of these comments. To get an idea as how they are percieved.And I hope they could act accordingly

I like most of your work; There are subjects I do not find entertaining so I don't read them. I apply my filter to your and many other writers work.

Angel please apply your filter to those non-constructive comments. Thanks for writing.

I see your article received 45+ comments. Not bad response for your thoughts or if you like your rantings.

I've been reading a lot of your stories lately and I have fully enjoyed them. I get a kick out of how you have the ability to write in many different genres and still consistently put together great stories... many of which are very original especially for how similar a lot of the stories are on this site. Anyways, after reading this peice about how feedback motivates you I wanted to put my two cents in about how much I enjoy your writing. On top of all this my girlfriend and I have enjoyed and learned (to both of our pleasures) from your how-to's on both deep throating and anal... two things both of us were interested in but had troubles with before. So thank you and please keep the stories coming. I appreciate them very much. You rock and as you asked at the end of this peice "can I get a hell yeah?"... well yes you can. HELL YEAH!!!

Screw the hell yeah, rather give you a 'you go girl'. You write some great stories and I peeked at a couple that aren't my normal genre of choice and still found them enjoyable. :D

You do a fine job. Almost everyone who reads will nitpick, dont mind them, just keep doing what youre doing.

I enjoy some of your stories others i do not care for. I do however pay attention to the category to help me decide what i might like. The only way i end up somewhere that i may not like one is in a series. Thank you for your writing, i know how hard it is. I try but have a very difficult time with character development. You do all parts very well.

While I agree with everything you say, the question of trying to understand why people read something they already know they won't like, and then criticize it, is indeed curious. My conclusion is that the audience for erotic writing includes a lot of people with poor social skills, many of whom have emotional problems of various sorts, and many of whom are simply not very bright. "The Great Unwashed" is very likely literally true about a portion of the readership. The apparent KKK members who write things about "racial purity" are simply crazed. The reason they make stupid comments is that they are in fact stupid. Stupid people make up a fairly large part of society. I have yet to meet anyone who I think is truly sane. We all have some degree of blindness to reality. Asking why people do things is a hopeless question, because people in general do not have rational reasons for what they do. They have rationalization rather than rational.

As A very frequent reader of your stories, I would like to thank you for the time and trouble you put into your work.

I read quite a cross section of your work have found one or two things that made me cringe a bit, so i stopped reading and went on to something else.

A the saying goes "You Cant Please All Of The People All Of The Time"

But You Have pleased Me.

Fishtank

Hi

Love what you write, the way you write, how your stories move from beginning to end. The words you use.

Those that post degrading comments have small minds.

I don't know why someone reads something they know they

will not like, normal people read what they enjoy.

Sincerely

Richard

Read one comment on an Erotic Story by someone claiming to be a Moslem who was looking to make his sex life more enjoyable. Then went on to trash the story, etc.

I´m not Moslem but as far as I know reading erotic lit is the same as eating pork, not allowed.

I can't write but I love to read your stories. If I don't like something, I don't have to read it. Tell it like it is. Preach it.

I quite agree with you. If people are going to be offended by the stories on this site, why do they bother to read them?

I'm lucky, as the public responses and emails which I have received in response to my humble offerings have all been positive.

I believe you know that I totally agree with you. It is an issue of respect. I have been reading stories on the net long before I found Literotica. I have read some stories that had typos and errors out of the wazoo. Some of it was so bad that it was actually a task to decipher. Even so, some of those poorly written stories were still interesting by the topic alone. I struggled through, but still came away with a great story. Would it have been better if the writer had a better grasp of writing? Sure. But, They did this on their time, it was their concept, and their project. I appreciated them for their time, creativity and story. I would have NO story to read without them. That respect prevents me from leaving a crass remark. I would much rather be a helpful whisper than a hindering scream.

Keep up the great work!

nice or constructive to say i say nothing

The knee-jerk responders are going to get you every time you post to certain category. They are not to be avoided unless and until LIT decides to eliminate anonymous posts.

I seriously doubt that those people would post their vitriol if they were forced to use their real handles. But then again, many would probably come up with false handles and go right ahead anyway.

I personally can live with the LW Nazis if they actually read my story. It's the ones who go to the last paragraph without reading anything else to see if there is a divorce. If not, THE STORY SUCKS!!! and you are A WIMP!!!

My favorite response of all time was the guy who actually voted on a story and gave the following response:

I read the other responses and most of them say your story SUCK!! So I'm not going to read it, but I'm voting '0'. BECAUSE YOUR STORY SUCKS!!

Yes Literotica attracts the most intellectual of readers. It makes one proud.

I agree with a lot of your points.

My biggest bug bear as a writer, though is voting. If soem one has taken the time and effort to write seomthing, then take the five seconds after reading a story to caste a vote.

Even better write to the author with constructive critisim or praise. Do not just give them a 1 and slag it off.

I, as many others seem to thrive upnon positive feedback.

M

As a fellow author I agree wholeheartedly with Goldeniangel's comments.

WE all have to remember that in essance all people are animals. asome of us have had the good fortune to have learned something that I believe is called manners (whether we learned them from our parents, the school of hard knocks, or a combination there of) and others just plain missed the boat.

I certainly hope that the uneducated are the few and that they don't manage to rouin a good thing for the rest of us by discourageing those who have the skills and abilitys to write what I consider to be quite enjoyable stories.

gordyblu....

as i opten say when i publish a story:

Lay on MacDuff and damned be he who cries 'hold enough'.

i axpect the ravers to rave, the howlers to howl, the ranters to rant. i do ask that they tell me WHY. why was it bad, why was it bad.

I have gotten mostly good stuff that i could use.

check out A LOVING WIFE DIES. ouch.

the best ever was from Patricia51. it was long and good and was just maybe the best thing that happened to me. i am still not in her league, but it was a very good WHY.

beside "life is a tale told by an idiot, full of sound and fury signifying nothing."

H20wader

Take a wee bit of your own advice...if the criticism is crap treat it as such and simply don't read any more of it...you write for yourself and a wonderful additional benefit is that some of us...I suggest most of us...enjoy the writing and appreciate your efforts...even though many (most/almost all) don't let you know that directly because we are lazy, unmannered bastards. I did enjoy this essay, however and have given it the appropriate rating.

Please don't give up on those of us that read but can't/won't write.

A definite "Hell yeah"

I agree, If someone looks at the title of your story and area under which it was submitted and they like neither, they should move on. To read a story and really not like the composition or writing style, is fine but to not like the subject matter and then bash the author, well that is uncalled for.

Keep writing, the bashers will continue to bash and the ones that enjoy erotica for what is meant to be, will enjoy your stories.