encouraging reader feedback

[Eternian Poet]

At least a few people are reading my "War of Attrition" - but I'm wondering what they think about it.

How can I encourage feedback?

Am I posting too frequently or infrequently? (it's been about a chapter a week) Have I made the elements in the story (characters, setting, themes) too unfamiliar? Or is silent readership typical and I shouldn't worry?

Anyway, tips on how to get readers to offer thoughts are appreciated.

While i'm thinking about it... how do writiers encourage readership? Is there a forum/site on which to mention/advertise your story?

Thanks!

[Slackbot]

Unfortunately, fiction often falls victim to the "Usenet nod syndrome." People read it and nod, but they don't feel like saying anything, so they don't reply. Also, some people are uncomfortable with posting honest criticism (as opposed to "Yay! Great story! Write more please!" fluff), and some authors are uncomfortable with receiving anything but praise.

This can be very discouraging to us Volatile Creative Types, because the worst reaction, IMO, is no reaction. If a story has a high hit count but no replies, it appears as if the story simply didn't interest the reader at all.

My only suggestion would be to post a note at the beginning of the story stating that you're open to reader feedback; comments and criticism welcome! But only if you mean that. (I personally love a serious, critical review; it shows me where my strong and weak points are and where I can improve.)

[He-Man54]

I gotta be honest I read most of the fics here but after I finish I'm wiped out and don't feel like posting (or I forget). I goota say though, Eternian Poet, your fic is a refreshing take on He-man. I'm not a huge fan of the whole "Hero is tired of fighting" type stories, but what I love about yours is how deeply you get into the characters' psyches.

[Eternian Poet]

My only suggestion....

thanks, I'm of a like mind, so I'll act on that.

[Eternian Poet]

I gotta be honest I read most of the fics here but after I finish I'm wiped out and don't feel like posting (or I forget). I goota say though, Eternian Poet, your fic is a refreshing take on He-man. I'm not a huge fan of the whole "Hero is tired of fighting" type stories, but what I love about yours is how deeply you get into the characters' psyches.

Thanks for your response and honesty (I take no offence at your being wiped-out!).

And I appreciate your compliment! Refreshing is what I was hoping for -Thanks!

[thew40]

Ah yes! Reader feedback! The bane of every fanfiction writer's existence!

A while ago, I posted a list of helpful hints to encourage feedback/reviews here. It's located in the Writer's FAQ, which has some other tips and ideas there. Check it out if you get the chance!

~W~

[Eternian Poet]

Ah yes! Reader feedback! The bane of every fanfiction writer's existence!

Thanks. This being my first foray into fan-fic, I've been -mostly- following your guidelines, I think they're pretty good.

Well, it is still fun, so even if it meets with defening silence it's still a pleasure and the view count gives me some sense of an readership.


The main thing I haven't had time for is reading other fan-fic, so I feel i'm a bit of a hypocrite!

[thew40]

Well, it is still fun, so even if it meets with defening silence it's still a pleasure and the view count gives me some sense of an readership.

This is the most important part of fanfiction, in my opinion. It's just all about having fun and enjoying it all!

~W~