[Viv]

I just wanted to pop in here and state publicly that any time someone reads something I write and has a problem with it, I would very much appreciate hearing about it. I'm a big believer in writing and rewriting, and I promise not to just sit there and defend my authorial decisions: I promise to hear you out and take your advice into consideration.

The source of this frustration is the rating system here at OSA. Some folks obviously don't like my work, but they haven't left critical reviews or let me know privately how I can improve, or if their dislike is purely subject matter. I've been over the stories so many times, and I'm pretty much at the end of my rope: I can't think of how to make them better.

I know some people prefer not to hear scathing criticism. I'm not one of those people. I would consider it a great kindness if folks who've rated my stories with low marks would give me something to work with.

[miriel361]

Ditto - Let the constructive criticism flow - I can take it. Indeed, if I get more than one comment that a particular part of the story, or chapter isn't sitting, I will rewrite it.

[dolarabee]

[Viv]

On averages, if several folks have already left higher ratings, and when one more vote is added the star count goes down, that last voter must have rated the story at least two stars below the original rating, right? (I could be wrong; math is not my thing.)

And I've seen this happen to other stories, not just mine. Even though, say, five people had rated the story and there were still four stars up, somebody comes by and adds another rating, the star total goes down (which I think means that one person rated the story really low), but there's no explanation. Nothing like, "I didn't like the subject matter" or "You got Faramir's hair color wrong and that makes it a bad story" or "You just dont' get it about transitions, so even though four other people liked it just because it had Legolas in it, I have to say it sucked."

I just think anonymity is wonky. At least for me: I'd rather get the "you suck" note, so I can get better as a writer.

I'm babbling again. Ick. There's nothing wrong with the site at all; I just wanted folks to know that they should feel free to be critical with me personally, rather than anonymously. I would appreciate it.

[miriel361]

I agree with Viv. Sometimes I get the feeling that:

one star = I don't like you, you wrote something in forum I didn't like, or gave me some constructive criticism I didn't want.

five stars = Yes, this is my friend.

I also saw my star assessment sink from 5 to 4 on Elrohir's Tale after one more person voted. Of course I was curious as to why. Basically however I don't take the rating system very seriously, it's the comments that say more.

[Maram68]

Actually, you have brought my attention on something i didn't know ... but then you know I am quite slow about noticing things

I agree that it is frustrating to see that some people don't like your work and "diss" it indirectly, without even giving the least feedback to help you see flaws or aspects that you could consider improving or changing.

Nevertheless, we have seen that even though the general review-attitude on OSA has improved, we all have still to learn to take and GIVE constructive criticism. I am aware that people with lots of writing expertise as well as new authors with fresh ideas and views have joined the archive, and I am positively looking forward to their input and creating an even better environment for us (writing- and reading-maniacs) altogether.

On the other hand, I must confess I haven't kept up my weekly quota of reading and reviewing I had originally thought of, but I shall catch up on that ASAP.

So, just let the muse lead your way and enjoy ... there are too many of us who really enjoy your work, Viv, and are counting the minutes for the next update or new witty idea ...

Hmm. THAT was a long post.


C.

[Viv]

[Zimraphel]

But there are people who simply don't want constructive criticism and are extremely defensive when it's offered, so I don't toss in my two cents. For my part, I don't rate the stories I read unless they're really, really good or really, really dreadful.

[Viv]

[Maram68]

[Robbie]

OK - I'll explain my thinking behind all this when I did the coding.

1) We have reviews which are not anonymous. Plenty of opportunity to give feedback.

2) We have a forum, which is not anonymous. Plenty of opportunity to give feedback.

3) We have a rating system - when the rating system started everyone just voted fives; it was five or nothing. That is a complete and utter waste of time. We changed the descriptions to try to get some lower votes; it worked immediately. We now have a nice variety of votes; you can use the votes in a bit more of a meaningful way than the "5 stars or nothing" system we had before.

4) We have the recommendation system (that no-one really uses). This is the equvalent of the "5 stars or nothing" voting system. Clear, crisp and simple.

*****************

Back to the voting system. If it wasn't anonymous, we'd probably end up with a "5 star or nothing" system; so no, I'm not going to change it unless instructed by Scribe. (It's her site, but I'll be arguing the case above.)

Additionally, if you're worried about personal attacks over story ratings then making this system unanonymous would just open the flood gates for that!

I did have concerns about "insider voting" or members logging on with two usernames and voting their own stories; for this reason I have added the ability for admins (Scribe, Dolarabee and myself) to monitor the voting system. If you suspect it's a "personal thing" then let us know and we'll very quickly check.

I hope that explains my thinking.

But feel free to debate it here if you want to convice Scribe to make the voting unanonymous!

************

Finally, to Viv. I've checked the voting for your stories and can absolutely assure you that you have had a range of wonderful votes - you should be very proud. There is one vote of two (which is still a good story, don't forget). I can assure you this is not done by anyone malliciously as other votes from that person are fair, as are his/her reviews and are your reviews of his/her stories. And no, I'm not going to reveal his/her name. It just might have been me

[KhazarKhum]

Here's my Stupid Question of the Day:

Is there a way to "repair" a vote? If you hit the wrong thing, is there any way to correct that???

[Robbie]

[KhazarKhum]

Ahhhh! Thanks!

[Viv]