Stories

[Lost_My_Mind]

Every time I read a story, I form an opinion about the story (As i'm sure everyone else does). I either like, or dislike the story. I also see every story getting praise. I read some stories that i think are pure crap, and still one guy saying "loved the story!". He gives no reasons on why he loves it, or why it was great.

Then the stories I do like always have praise as well, only difference is its more then one person, and everyone lists their own reasons for liking it.

Regardless, i ALWAYS see praise, and NEVER see a single negitive thing about any story! Do I just have super high standards? Or is everyone here living by the rule "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all!"?

So many times I see these stories that are 3 paragraphs, and i just want to point out some creative and constructive critisism to help them out, but don't want to come accross like a snot, being the only person not praising.

 

[P50]

Really loved your post

 

[chrisheaven]

yaeh- loved it!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[sole seeker]

Every time I read a story, I form an opinion about the story (As i'm sure everyone else does). I either like, or dislike the story. I also see every story getting praise. I read some stories that i think are pure crap, and still one guy saying "loved the story!". He gives no reasons on why he loves it, or why it was great.

Then the stories I do like always have praise as well, only difference is its more then one person, and everyone lists their own reasons for liking it.

Regardless, i ALWAYS see praise, and NEVER see a single negitive thing about any story! Do I just have super high standards? Or is everyone here living by the rule "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all!"?

So many times I see these stories that are 3 paragraphs, and i just want to point out some creative and constructive critisism to help them out, but don't want to come accross like a snot, being the only person not praising.

Can't speak for everyone, but IMO this is an excellent rule, you might consider joining me in practicing it.

BTW - I too loved your post.

 

[MrTicklefeet]

I think your post is full of crap, and could use more 'constructive criticism'. You ARE a snot. Are you happy now?
hehehehehe

 

[milagros317]

I never post negative comments about a story, and refrain from posting even constructive criticism unless the author states that feedback is welcome.

When I post praise, it is often with a reason included (such as "very erotic" or "the characters were realistic" or "loved the detailed description of foot tickling").

As an author, I know very well what it means when a story drops off the first page of the Post Stories forum with only a couple of hundred views and no replies. 🙁

PS This is the time of year that you can nominate your favorite stories (one fiction, one nonfiction) for Golden Feather 2003 awards.

 

[TickledToDeath]

living by the rule "if you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all!"?

While that is a good rule to live by, I, am usually very open and blunt with my opinions but as far as tickling stories are concerned I do not volunteer my opinion but will if asked.

As for your mind, Lost my Mind, check the TMF Lost and Found. I hear minds turn up there all the time.😉 😀 🙄

TTD😎

 

[Neutron]

Excellent Point...

But you'll find most authors here aren't interested in constructive criticism, and don't seem to understand if you put your story out for public view, you might not like what that view entails.

Tron

 

[Strelnikov]

Constructive criticism...

I welcome it. I think we all should - how can we improve the product if we don't know what's wrong with it?

And I don't mean a post that says "This sucks!" (too nonspecific), but "This sucks BECAUSE...." Early in my writing career on the TMF, Haltickling was kind enough to email me a critique of one of my stories. I suppose he emailed it because it wasn't at all complimentary. But it was honest and happened to be true - the story really wasn't very well written. Very helpful indeed, once I got my mind around it.

That's not to say that I don't like the posts "Loved the story!" It's nice to know your work is appreciated, even if the reader doesen't say why. But I would much rather have one or two replies from people like Milagros or Capt. Spalding than 10 of the other kind.

Strelnikov

 

[SimplyRio]

just a thought

Why can't an author post a story just for the sake of sharing a story?

Not everybody has a journalism degree, but people may still have some really great stories to share (fictional or otherwise). Granted this is a forum and, by it's very nature, is intended to stimulate discussion ... in the Discussion sections.

I'm only guessing, but I'm thinking a lot more people would post stories if they didn't anticipate getting unsolicited (negative) editorials.

Just my $.02

 

[MTJpub]

The TMF has an almost constant flow of new tickling fiction. I feel the main reason for this is that the TMF’s moderated format provides a safe haven for aspiring writers and hobbyists alike.

Unless it is invited by the contributor I don’t feel there is a need to cast a critical eye on a writer’s free offering to this community. I think to do so would only serve to reduce the overall level of participation we currently enjoy.

How many people know how to craft a proper critique? How many critics wish to truly give constructive criticism and not exploit an opportunity to belittle someone in an effort to feel self-important?

If an author wishes to use the forum as a proving ground to enhance their craft they can ask for community opinion. It is here where your advice and critique will be most appreciated.


Morandilas
MTJ Publishing

 

[TicklishSinner]

You know, the writers on the forum arent profession (not that i am aware of)I mean constructive critisism is good, but I think better left to be done in a PM out of common courtesy for the writer, but if that can't happen, I mean if you like the story post..if you didnt keep your opinion to yourself and dont post. I agree some stories are good and some arent quite up to par yet, but my personal opinion is if you have a negative comment keep it to yourself only because it isnt just the write reading these posts, it is all of us on the forum and that can cause embarrassment and i dont think that is what the forum is about, but like i said helpful critisism is something i think the writers look for, but it should be written in a PM or in a non-harsh mature way..I just think you shouldnt lie and say it was good when you didnt like it, but you also shouldnt bash a story you thought was terrible..like i said if ya like it post, if not (hopefully) you should lose sleep over it..but hell I might be the only one who feels this way..but thats my opinion.

 

[Neutron]

Sorry..

This is a public forum. If you post a story publicly, it's open to any sort of criticism.

Tron

 

[TicklishSinner]

Neutron

i understand this is a public forum, but that doesnt give anyone no matter who they are to be cruel...i said critisism is good, but 9 times out of 10 most people can not give critisism without being harsh...public or not people have opinions and sometimes their opinions should be kept to themselves...including my opinion...unless you can express your opinion in a way to not make people feel like shit (which since this is a forum, people dont seem to have that courtesy...MOST people on here do, but there are a few that do not) Wheather you agree or not that is how i feel.

 

[TklDuo-Ann]

My own personal opinion is that constructive criticism is good and should be shared...but in a manner that isn't harsh. Some people don't know how to use constructive criticism and therefore seem to only criticize DEstructively. (Note that CON-structive helps to build up while DE-structive tears apart.) I've gotten both on my own writings. The constructive stuff has helped me grow as a writer. The destructive stuff, I generally ignore.

Ann

 

[Admiral Trouser]

Constructive criticism should be sought after here, not shunned. Granted, a line must be drawn between critcism and insult, but even the best writers here need to know what small factors about there style etc need improving, or extra focus etc etc. No-one here is perfect, most of us that post know it. There is difference between appreciating a story, and learning to pick out its faults. In my opinion, I would think it to be quite a compliment for someone to actualy take the time and interest to point out where my fiction (were I to write one) could be improved.

AT

 

[MTJpub]

Re: Sorry..

This is a public forum. If you post a story publicly, it's open to any sort of criticism.

Tron

Actually this is a privately owned, moderated forum subject to the following rule...The Golden Rule

In effect just any sort of criticism is not allowed.

 

[MTJpub]

Constructive Criticism

Did you pay or commission the author to write the story in question? Are you the employer, mentor, teacher, or confidant of the person you wish to give constructive criticism to? Did you receive an invitation to offer such criticism?

Under most circumstances constructive criticism requires an invitation in polite society. Unless someone is seeking your constructive criticism it should not be forced upon them.

Each story posted here has value for someone. Even a poorly written story can have elements that spark the reader’s imagination and lead to a satisfying experience despite the lack of professional skill by the author in question.

Not everyone that posts a story here is looking to improve their writing skills. Some are simply using this medium to express their fantasies or share a real life tickling experience with others. These people should not be harassed by the unsolicited criticism of a total stranger.

If we begin to subject each and every post to such scrutiny it would only serve to discourage active participation.

Morandilas
MTJ Publishing

 

[leafstk]

I have to agree with Sinner on this one...

 

[TummyDragon]

yeah yeah, blah blah blah

Yeah, as others have said, some have a gift for literary genius while others don't have quite the same aptitude. This doesn't suggest nor does it imply that those who don't write as well or those whose fantasies include different tastes should be trounced for their efforts because the perceived quality is less.

Public forum, moderated forum, doesn't make a difference. Rudeness to anyone making a sincere effort to share is intolerable.

Anyone who knows me is well aware of my extremely low tolerance threshold for idiots, and god knows I've flamed enough morons for their stupid comments in the newsgroups during my time, but rude people should simply be shot on sight to eradicate the gene pool of this defective trait. 🙂

There have been some truly crappy stories written. As a major fan of the written word, there is nothing that can captivate my attention faster than a well written story. There is also nothing that can make me puke faster than a poorly written story. So, I just put those vomitous stories aside to use in case of accidental poisoning so I can quickly purge my system of toxins without the need to have my stomach pumped. The valiant effort of those less gifted can have alternative, life saving qualities!

TD

 

[Lost_My_Mind]

"For example, if you don't like a story, saying why is encouraged and welcome. Saying that it's "lame" is not."

This is taken right from the "Golden Rule". Its exactly what I was asking about. The golden rule states that we are allowed to constructivly critizise.

So now that we got it out of the way that it IS allowed and ENCOURAGED, why is it i've never seen anyone do it?

Really i'm not for or against it, i was just curious. As far as quoting the golden rule, i was quite entertained by this thread. I just want to make sure if people are going to support their case with quotes of rules, then they accuratly quote the whole rule.

So, now that we know its not a TOS violation, and its actually encouraged by the moderators, why is it not practiced?

 

[TummyDragon]

"For example, if you don't like a story, saying why is encouraged and welcome. Saying that it's "lame" is not."
...

So, now that we know its not a TOS violation, and its actually encouraged by the moderators, why is it not practiced?

That's a valid question. I usually don't say anything because I don't want to discourage people from posting. I mean, think about the numbers. For every one person who posts, there are probably 500 or more who don't post for whatever reason. Of course not all of those would be inclined to write a story, but I think it is possible that many who don't post make that decision because of timidity. I mean, let's face it, most who finally find this site are simply amazed that there is such a group online in the first place and are really afraid to come the rest of the way out of the closet for a while. Then once they do, it takes even longer for them to feel brave enough to post a fantasy or full blown story.

The problem as I see it with criticism is that while the majority are very polite and helpful with pointers in the right direction, there are the few who get their kicks belittling others. This is not what your question is referencing, obviously, but rather the reality of 'criticism' in general. If a poster asks specifically for comments and/or criticism, then I will lend something to the thread if I think it can assist in some way. However, if the person is just trying to share a story, then I accept that post as something shared and just let it be even though technically it wouldn't be against posting rules to give a critique. The last thing I want to do is discourage a fledgling writer from making the next attempt.

We'll that's my excuse for not jumping in with critiques.

TD

 

[MTJpub]

Originally posted by Lost My Mind As far as quoting the golden rule, i was quite entertained by this thread. I just want to make sure if people are going to support their case with quotes of rules, then they accuratly quote the whole rule.

If you are refering to my quote of the "Golden Rule" I provided a link to it so people could read it for themselves and stated that "In effect just any sort of criticism is not allowed" The fact is that it must be in a constructive format. Not just any sort of criticism would be appropriate as suggested by the poster that I was responding to.

Originally posted by Lost My Mind
So, now that we know its not a TOS violation, and its actually encouraged by the moderators, why is it not practiced?

Good question.

Personally I think it would be rude and in poor taste. As I pointed out in another thread not everyone that posts a story is here to improve their writing skills or become a published author. Some write as an outlet for their fetish fantasies and others do it to give something back to the community that they enjoy. Neither of these groups should be subjected to someone’s unsolicited constructive criticism. However this is just my opinion.

 

[Ayla ny]

that’s what writing stories is to me. an outlet. if they touch something in the reader... then yay! it’s not why I write them... but it IS why I post them.

I know my punctuation stinks, and if it weren’t for spell-check, my spelling would be just as bad. it’s more a feeling I’m trying to express than anything else really. I’m not really into having what I feel criticized (God, I come here to get AWAY from that... ) or criticizing what others think and feel.

on the other hand, I have had a couple of things I needed to fix pointed out to me. I didn’t mind that a bit. changed a lead character’s name in mid-story once lol and I have also been asked to write more (my stories are always really really short). that kind of thing is perfectly ok. I guess it comes down to the feeling I get from the poster.

just try to keep in mind that sharing your very private thoughts, even in story form, can be scary enough. being nit-picked after doing so... wouldn’t feel so good.

 

[AffectionateDan]

BWAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAAA!

Really loved your post

Evil sock-monkey! 🙄 😛 😉