[SpaceWeavil]

I'm trying to figure out what to do about a fic I have here that's rated really really low compared to my others, I mean lower than even my first fic I ever wrote that used to be posted here. That makes me think that it's well below standard for me. I know it is only a drabble, but even compared to my other drabbles this one is well low. So my instinct is to delete it (it's a drabble that I was going to expand into a bigger fic, but now I don't know, looking at those points). The only thing that is stopping me deleting it though is that so far all the reviews have been positive.

So basically, how much weight should I put onto the ratings? I mean, if I received consistently critical reviews I would consider removing the story to either delete permenantly or to rewrite if there was something worth salvaging, so should I look at the ratings the same way? I.e. if I get consistently bad ratings should I also consider deleting or rewriting the fics, even if I don't know (through lack of any concrit) why they're so bad?

What do people think of these star ratings and how do you guys deal with them?

[ellisk]

I think those stars are very nice and I cannot deny that I feel great when mine add up to 4 or 5 and I feel very unconfident about a story if they add up to 3 or less. But then 3 is "very good" so why should I feel that is bad?

I definitely pay more attention to to reviews. Reviews take time to type. They are people's opinions with a name attached to them. They take some thought and show some level of caring. When I am trying to figure out if people on a particular site like my story, I definitely pay attention to reviews and I appreciate them greatly.

Bottom line though--do you like it? Do you think you can improve on it or do you think it's right the way it is? That's the biggest question.

If you like it and you have good reviews, I'd ignore the stars. It's hard because they are a visual thing right next to the title. But they do not mean as much as thoughtful words in a review.

That's my opinion.

[Viv]

The star ratings are bunk. (Sorry Robbie! I know they've taken a lot of work to set up!) They have few little relation to the quality of story-telling.

Of course, reviews aren't exactly a good estimate, either. Flames aren't allowed on OSA, and I think a lot of people have concluded that concritty reviews aren't exactly welcome either.

In short, don't use any of those things to judge the worth of your story. Write it if your muse moves you.

Besides, after quite a few years in a few fanfic communities, I have very little faith that the majority of readers can (or even want to) recognize quality writing. If you want high ratings and lots of reviews, write naked elves. If you want to create a solid piece of fiction that reflects your evolving ability, don't worry so much about the stars or reviews.

And pssst: you're good. Consistently. You just gotta believe.

[SpaceWeavil]

[DarkElfChilde]

Agent SW , you worry too much. lol. You know you're a good writer, so You did bring up a good topic, I myself kinda wonder about the star ratings.

[RobinKa]

I suppose it's much easier to click that tempting 'rate' button instead of leaving a review.
Please, don't worry about the star thing You've already had a fan club in Poland

Binka

[Robbie]

[quote="Viv"]The star ratings are bunk. (Sorry Robbie! I know they've taken a lot of work to set up!) They have few little relation to the quality of story-telling. [quote]

Don't be sorry - I completely agree with you. I don't remember if you recall this post where I say that hte star ratings are hardly used... http://www.openscrolls.net/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1675

As for the amount of work, the star rating system came with the original Storyboard code so just needed to be converted over to the current system - the reviews are the bits I had to add from scratch.

[NeumeIndil]

I'm a creative writing major; I read a lot, and not just fanfic. I've read some of your stuff, Space and you're good. If you want to take your 100 word drabble as a starter and help it grow, do it; to heck with the ratings. I'll read it. Like Viv said, just like with popular "Best Seller" fiction, fan fic tends to do what's popular, not necessarily what makes good literature. Besides, you can't get better at something unless you practice it.

So, yeah, there's my unsolicited 2 cents. Keep writing; someone appreciates it.

[ZeeDrippyVessel]

I'm getting ready to stir the shit and if I offend anyone, well just consider the source... just ole uppity Zee with a Rohirrim pike up her arse...

First off... Space, I love your stuff. All of it. Period. It's ALL downloaded, all in a folder with YOUR name so I can read and reread to my hearts content. I cannot say that about many authors. Period.

As for the ratings - I no longer pay attention to them. I realize that a '3' is supposed to mean 'very good' and many here abide by that. However - to me - a 3 out of 5 is okay. Not great, not awful. It's a 'c'. And for someone with an ego supposedly as big as mine is, that's just enough to make me either work harder or throw my hands in the air and say - what the heckers?

Besides, your stuff is NOT a 'C'.

There are those here who will low rate, just to be vindictive. Rider - which I think is absolutely the best thing I've ever written - recieved a '1' star rating within 5 minutes after I posted the first chapter. In fact, it's been 1 starred several times. I'm not saying it's perfect, but it's better than that. Hell, even the flamer site that shall not be named - they love it. (Which to me is very funny.)

Regardless, in my honest, self-serving opinion, there are fics that are highly rated that I don't think deserve it and there are fics that are low rated that I think are better than that. So star ratings are simply that - self - serving opinions.

As for the Constructive Criticism remark - this is a very touchy subject. Why? Because many people do not KNOW who to give proper CC. I think it is probably a well- known fact that I tend to come across as very prickly. The bottom line is - many people do not know HOW to give constructive criticism. (and many do not know how to take it.) To many, one writes out everything that is wrong with the fic. This is not the case. You do NOT have to destroy a fic, the work, the author, in order to aid them. Also, one does not know exactly who they are critiquing. It is NOT like a 'creative writing class' or any school-based classroom. Most of us are writing for sheer enjoyment and to be raked over the coals for anything publically, as if we were submitting for a professional publication, is not necessary. Besides, if your editor rips you for some mistake, it was done PRIVATELY, wasn't it? It's not like they blasted it all over the internet.

By the same token, some do not understand how to accept TRUE constructive Critique. In the words of the esteemed Master Erestor, not everyone is going to love Muffy the Purple Dragon tagging along with the Fellowship. Again, there are those who write for the positive reviews and the ego boast. (Believe it or not, I'm not one.) And you just don't know until you've truly, honestly CC'd someone.

I'm not saying Construcitive Critique is unwarrented and unwelcomed - it is. But it has to be worded right and it has to be helpful. Mocking, scornful, 'oh my what HAVE we here?' is not CC. Personally, if I CC a fic - I do it privately. I think most people are like me - they appreciate having things brought to their attention privately - so it can be fixed with as little fuss as possible. Or ignored just as easily. Again, we are all here for different reasons.

Now this is MUCH too long than what I intended. As usual. Bottom line Spacey - do what you wish... I wouldn't take stock in the ratings. If you want to remove it and redo it - go for it, I look forward to the bigger and improved product.