I had the most dumbest review ever...

[Obezyanka]

So I write fanfiction stories and publish on a fanfiction website.

One story I am currently working on is slow in progress with studies and spending time at my boyfriend's place. So I post one chapter once a week or at least once every forenight.

In my story I have changed complete scenes and introduced new characters into the story.

Today I get this review which read "and we developed a plot... EPIC!"

I don't know how to take it. I sense it's being sarcastic and I had no idea how to respond.

As I tend to do I look at the poster's profile, it is by a 14 year old who has written one story and has only posted two chapters which sadly for lack of word is very under developed and fast pacing. Actually there was like only two paragraphs in the first chapter and four in the next.

I feel very insulted by the review coming from someone who barely writes anything but dribble. Thoughts I have had are "Who do they think they are saying something so pathetic concerning my story and here is nothing but nonsense concerning theirs..."

Sorry to put this out but I need to vent.

[seymoore999]

Aw- he/she is just a kid trying like us all. I wish I had known of a site like this when I was fourteen. I think we were still using Prodigy back then. ;)

[lilix morgan]

Don't let it get to you. If you're really bothered by it so much, push that frustration into a form of writing, but not to that person. Yelling at them for their remark will only spark a fight, and you shouldn't stoop to his/her level anyway.

That being said, what he/she said wasn't all that nice if it. I'm pretty sure they were trying to be sarcastic.

I'm sorry it happened to you. It might have been the first time someone picked on your story like that for no reason, and sadly, in the world of the internet it won't be the last. You've just got to keep your head high and learn to ignore the comments like those, and focus on the real reviews you get.

[garmar69]

Accepting reviews graciously, good and bad, is as much an art form as reviewing itself. When you put your work out into the world for others to comment on you can't really control what you get. You can control your reactions to those comments though.

[That Silly Welsh Guy]

I agree with lilix morgan - unfortunately, the internet is full of sarcastic people of the type that you've mentioned but your best bet is to, as has already been mentioned, deflect that irritation and upset at what was said into something productive. Who knows? You may be able change that person's mind by writing something so fantabulously amazing whilst inspired by that anger that the reviewer is forced to eat thier words :)

[pacmansays]

You don't have to write stories to be able to tell a good one...a lot of reviewers aren't writers but can still tell a good or bad story if they see them.....

also talking about 'most dumbest'...you might want to check your grammar

[That Silly Welsh Guy]

You don't have to write stories to be able to tell a good one...a lot of reviewers aren't writers but can still tell a good or bad story if they see them.....

also talking about 'most dumbest'...you might want to check your grammar

I do believe that 'most dumbest' was done intentionally and meant as means of emphasising her irratation at what the reviewer said.

[pacmansays]

I do believe that 'most dumbest' was done intentionally and meant as means of emphasising her irratation at what the reviewer said.

Then that's okay

sorry if i seemed snappy

(grammar nerd here)

[That Silly Welsh Guy]

Aha - no worries. I'm a grammar freak too. :)

[LordKyleOfEarth]

I wouldn't worry. Just ignore all the comments you dislike and life is much sweeter anyhow.

[thegearheart]

Hey, just remember this- he read your story. It doesn't matter if you agree with him or not- your work was read! It's hard to get people to read, so that's pretty awesome!

My wife was recently featured on Kotaku, and her work was seen by over a million people. Let me tell you- the comments she got were ruthlessly cruel. I told her that would happen, too. This sort of thing is normal on the internet. Ignore destructive criticism, and things will be good.

[NaCl]

You didn't mention if that was the only feedback you received or the only irritating "review" you got. Just curious . . . were there other reviewers? And, if so, what kind of opinions did you receive?

[Lemex]

The dumbest review I've ever seen is one of my own.
On one of the posted poems on this site, want to see it just look down.
It's in the In Search of Dead Grass thread.

[Obezyanka]

Thanks for your replies. Yes I did write "Most Dumbest" on purpose to show how irratated I am.

I understand that there will always be cruel jibes etc. It's just the sentence had no point value, no tips on why they thought it was so "Epic".

In answer to another question. I had already 28 reviews until this one, whom I see the reviewer has a similar plot although very much different story line.

[Chaoslogic]

Thanks for your replies. Yes I did write "Most Dumbest" on purpose to show how irratated I am.

I understand that there will always be cruel jibes etc. It's just the sentence had no point value, no tips on why they thought it was so "Epic".

In answer to another question. I had already 28 reviews until this one, whom I see the reviewer has a similar plot although very much different story line.
"Epic" is an internet slang. The hyperlink I've supplied will take you to Encyclopedia Dramatica's article on it, though I warn you, it is quite juvenile. The guy who wrote that remark is probably the same kind of person who would write this stuff.

[Cogito]

Vapid praise by any other name ...

[pacmansays]

"Epic (http://encyclopediadramatica.com/Epic)" is an internet slang. The hyperlink I've supplied will take you to Encyclopedia Dramatica's article on it, though I warn you, it is quite juvenile. The guy who wrote that remark is probably the same kind of person who would write this stuff.

DO NOT CLICK ON ANY OTHER LINK ON THAT SITE BTW....for your own good....



I understand that there will always be cruel jibes etc. It's just the sentence had no point value, no tips on why they thought it was so "Epic".


I post poetry on a poetry forum and there's a similar system, 3 comments for every poem you post yourself. When I post a poem and the responses I get are simply 'very good' or 'nice read. Hope to see more' it also annoys me because i can tell they're just doing it to fill their quota

[Cheeno]

Easier said than done, but...water off a duck's back. Keep writing.

[Dalouise]

Even easier, don't put up anything for review. ;)

[architectus]

Track his IP. Get his address. Send him a box with a stink bomb in it that goes off upon opening. Muahaha. But seriously, at least it was not as bad as some of the responces I've seen on youtube.

[miasmatic7]

well perhaps try to see it from his point of view. Just becaues he is 14 and wrote 2 chapter which you find is mediocre doesn't mean his views are baseless (unless he is a troll). Like his writing did not appeal to you, perhaps what you have been doing until that point did not appeal to him - and he felt the need to let you know. And sarcasm is as much a part of the internet as it is of real life. Only difference is that in real life 75% of the time people tone down their snark so as to avoid confrontation or hurting someone's feelings. On the internet not many are inclined to do that. Moreover most of the time when we write our work, we are unnaturally biased towards it (almost everyone is) - and it is normal. However, what appeals to us in our own writing might not necessarily attract others to see it in the same point of view as we do. you might think your character A is very well developed and you are quite attached to his personality but person B reading your work might find him dull. To each their own. Secondly, what a few people mentioned here - when you post your work up for review on the internet, you should be prepared to expect comments that might not be tailored to your liking. Having said that, I agree some comments are just plain pointless insults - mostly from trolls and tinhats - but others that are perceived to be harsh can actually be very constructive in their nature. So I hope you won't let this kid's review get to you and continue to write. :)

[burned_out]

You've probably heard it a hundred times over, but you're going to hear it from me too - reviews are not meant to be sugar coated.

Its obvious that this boy really doesn't know how to review very well if thats all he said, and he shouldn't be posting his work that soon anyway. I wouldn't call 2 para's a "chapter". Maybe a part of a chapter, like mine is, but thats just me.

It also could be that he's jealous of your work.

But thats just me.

[Obezyanka]

Hey guys, I do know that reviews can be harsh. I know I'll never be the next J.K.Rowling or Stephen King etc.

I have gotten over it actually after all it's pretty pointless to be petty huh.

[Henry The Purple]

Hey guys, I do know that reviews can be harsh. I know I'll never be the next J.K.Rowling or Stephen King etc.

I have gotten over it actually after all it's pretty pointless to be petty huh.

Why would you want to be Stephen King? That's a disgusting aspiration if I've ever heard one (no offence to you, I'm directing this insult at King, lol).

[Cogito]

Now, now! I don't bow to the altar of King either, but to each his or her own. :D

[garmar69]

Why would you want to be Stephen King? That's a disgusting aspiration if I've ever heard one (no offence to you, I'm directing this insult at King, lol).

It must be a real bummer having world-wide literary recognition and millions in the bank.

I sure hope I never attain such status either. :rolleyes:

[architectus]

I think King is a pretty good writer. He builds believable and real character's. I think he is the master of it really. It lacks in other areas, however. He still wrote some great stories.

[garmar69]

I gotta say one thing. His last few books have been a real snooze.

Cheesy writing or not...I've spent a good many hours lost in his writing. The Stand is a fine novel. If a bit too long

[Henry The Purple]

It must be a real bummer having world-wide literary recognition and millions in the bank.

I sure hope I never attain such status either. :rolleyes:

I'm about as fame hungry as the average American Idol contestant, but fame and fortune do not a happy person make. Fame doesn't make you a good writer either.

Literary recognition? Most literary critics pan the embittered novelist known as King, and rightly so.

[garmar69]

Literary recognition? Most literary critics pan the embittered novelist known as King, and rightly so.
I suspect you're missing the point.

"Literary" means of or relating to or characteristic of literature; which is published writings in a particular style on a particular subject.

Having your own opinions is great. Using those opinions to make false assumptions...not so great.

[architectus]

Sure, King hasn't won any literary awards, but he sure knows what MANY people want to read.

As far as his recent books, I did like Cell. It was one of his best paced novels, if not the best paced.

[Henry The Purple]

I suspect you're missing the point.

"Literary" means of or relating to or characteristic of literature; which is published writings in a particular style on a particular subject.

Having your own opinions is great. Using those opinions to make false assumptions...not so great.

Thanks for the info, sweetheart. ;) Twilight could be considered literature in that case, doesn't mean it's quality writing. King will certainly be remembered in years to come.... as a popular trashy novelist. It won't be a respectable recognition.

Anyway, I don't want to turn this into a King bashing thread, was just pointing out to the OP that saying ''I'll never be Stephen King'' isn't really a negative statement. ;)

[Cogito]

Back on topic, please. For those who have forgotten, it's about the frustration of vapid, useless "reviews" like:
This is epic!!!!!!! :):)

[hyperknees91]

If the reviewer hasn't written more than two sentences then it isn't worth reading more than likely (his review that is).

Sometimes I'm at a loss of what to say and am short on advice but I at least try to convey the feelings I have about the paper (though even then I probably don't do the best job).

[Cheeno]

It's about effort. If you're not bothered to spend the time it takes to at least ponder what you've read, then post your conclusion, you don't deserve to have your own material responded to. Anyway, people don't seem to realise it's not all about posting your own work, hoping to be smothered in uber-positive feedback. In my experience, you learn much more about your own writing through critiquing other work, as well as reading critiques posted by other members.

[Wreybies]

Aw- he/she is just a kid trying like us all. I wish I had known of a site like this when I was fourteen. I think we were still using Prodigy back then. ;)

Yeah. Just a youngun'. They'll get teh hang of it soon enough... or they won't in which case other kids will stop sharing their Legos.

I remember Prodigy, but when I was 14, modems hooked up via acoustic couplers and there was no internet to be found... :redface:

http://vtc.vn/newsimage/original/vtc_143149_137988-coupler.jpg

[DavidGil]

I'm sorry to say this, but I reckon I have you beat.

<link removed>

Had two comments that were alright, but one of the other two boggles the mind and well, the other isn't exactly an inspiring post.

Jack: Need more facts. ( I'm fine with this)

Sharissa: idk

Austin: is silly (I understand the 'idk' bit even if I dislike internet slang but this one takes the piss. I mean, what the hell is 'is silly' supposed to mean in context to what the 'article' was about? If the link wasn't clicked, it's about Mark Twain facts, so it's hardly as though I set out to parody something.)

Plug: need more facts that aren't common knowledge. (I'm also fine with that.)

Anyways, I'm not frustrated by the comments. They were posted in March so it was a while ago and it didn't even frustrate me when those comments popped up. I must admit though, I did go 'eh?' when I saw 'is silly'. I just posted it really because I find it a tad amusing.

Edit: Actually, now that I think about it, the 'is silly' comment could have referred to the person telling me I needed more facts. But even that doesn't really make much sense.

[Edge]

I'm sorry to say this, but I reckon I have you beat.

<link removed>

Had two comments that were alright, but one of the other two boggles the mind and well, the other isn't exactly an inspiring post.

Jack: Need more facts. ( I'm fine with this)

Sharissa: idk

Austin: is silly (I understand the 'idk' bit even if I dislike internet slang but this one takes the piss. I mean, what the hell is 'is silly' supposed to mean in context to what the 'article' was about? If the link wasn't clicked, it's about Mark Twain facts, so it's hardly as though I set out to parody something.)

Plug: need more facts that aren't common knowledge. (I'm also fine with that.)

Anyways, I'm not frustrated by the comments. They were posted in March so it was a while ago and it didn't even frustrate me when those comments popped up. I must admit though, I did go 'eh?' when I saw 'is silly'. I just posted it really because I find it a tad amusing.

Edit: Actually, now that I think about it, the 'is silly' comment could have referred to the person telling me I needed more facts. But even that doesn't really make much sense.

Sorry Dave, I’ve got you beat...sort of, no useless reviews...no reviews at all for that matter. The thing I posted was a bit long, but I figured someone would at least give it a try.

[Gurari]

Today I get this review which read "and we developed a plot... EPIC!"

I don't know how to take it. I sense it's being sarcastic and I had no idea how to respond.

Meh. If you were insulted by this and are unsure of the person's intention, ask for clarification. If you feel it was blatantly sarcastic, feel free to message the douche and say something like "and your 14, fool", or alternatively, make an effort to coldly analyze every detail of one of the douche's stories to a degree that not only debases their intellectual level but also implies that they should never again put forth the effort to provide a useless crit.

And that's not going overboard (treat it like, "you killed my cat, now I kill your whole family")...



Alright, that's all a joke. Who cares what a 14 year old has to say anyway? The kid barely has pubic hair.

[Cogito]

Meh. If you were insulted by this and are unsure of the person's intention, ask for clarification. If you feel it was blatantly sarcastic, feel free to message the douche and say something like "and your 14, fool"I know it was a joke, but don't ever do that on this site.

If a review is completely useless, thank the critic and move on.

Or turn around and give the person a thorough review. Not out of spite. thougj; as an example he or she can learn from.

[Gurari]

Oops sorry, didn't mean to put bad ideas in people's heads...everyone here is pretty optimistic about each other and I feel attempts to give good crits (i.e. constructive), and from the responses I see that people here aren't very petty either, so I hope no one takes that joke seriously! my bad if they do.