For a Reader to Digest- part2 page11 - Page 7

Originally posted by: arisai

I'm not 'famous' but I am guilty of this. I didn't realise it upset people. Usually after I update, I hang around just long enough to do a read through and check for glaring typos or mistakes in the update and then leave. I post a link to my updates instantly on Twitter so my friends from there res. the first couple of spots and if they update their reses while I'm still there, I'll reply and sometimes it turns into a conversation.

From that point on, although I read every comment posted, I generally only respond to anyone who asks a question answering which wouldn't give away a major plot twist in the future... Or someone who brings up literature. I've had many a brilliant chat about literature and books in the comment section of Tainted and The Svengali. 😆

And though I mentioned in my previous post here how much I adore long, appreciative comments- even to those, I don't know how to actually hit reply and say thanks without sounding like a douche or up myself and then I'd stand the risk of upsetting someone I didn't thank who liked it just as much but wasn't able to word their feelings as cogently so left a shorter comment.

Originally posted by: boyznaka

I can't help but agree to most of it. One must read the whole thing before commenting because you never know when a writer changes the story.

But as a reader, there are a few things which I'd like to say. The first of them being how sometimes writers disagree and, well, this will sound mean but kind of bring down a reader's opinion. Agreed the reader must read, and must digest. But people have their own interpretations of everything, and if a writer is writing something with a certain frame of mind it's not necessary that the reader imagines it the same way as the writer. Clearance of doubt is absolutely fine, and much appreciated. But it's slightly sad when others start making fun of it, or, well, let' be real, bash it. I'm pretty sure you didn't feel nice when you had a doubt in Math class and upon asking it everyone made fun of you or the teacher got pissed. As a writer the most you can do is write your story and hope people read it the way you want them to. Try to correct them if they are wrong. But still remember it's not just them who are at fault.

Also, while I do agree that writers put in a lot of time and effort for writing what they do and it's both emotionally and physically draining and they have all my respect for that, we must realize at the same time that it's their choice to write and it's not for the readers but for themselves that they write. Well, that is my theory because whatever I write I write for my own pleasure. 😃 And if a writer writes to please then they shouldn't be affected by any trolls.

Also, the pink color, comic sans MS font, size 4 is sacred. Pliss 2 nt bash.😊

Originally posted by: Inked

Wonderful topic for discussion. [Thank you for PM, V]

No denying---what you describe in Trait #1 is not just a good reader, it is the best! A close reader who makes thoughtful developed illuminating comments is a true gift to a writer. Their comment won't make me more committed to my work nor can they make me a better writer, but their words tell me which aspects of my work is impactful. Three cheers for them---you know who you are!

However, I believe this kind of reader is an anomaly and should not set the standard.

I want to celebrate and appreciate the ordinary-extraordinary reader:

1. In a world where there is so much excellent entertainment available (for free) and libraries filled with amazing work----anyone who stops to glance at my work is appreciated by me. I agree with the commenter above who said, "I'm an amateur writing a fan fiction inspired by a tv show"---to have a reader spend a minute on my work is a miracle, as far as I am concerned. Woohoo! (Pari-style)

2. I love silent readers----my only problem with them is that I don't know who they are so I can't invade their privacy and thank them. If I have become incorporated as an invisible part of their daily life, what greater compliment can there be? As another commenter suggested above, "the reader is the client." The best clients are the ones who mindlessly put your product in their shopping cart, week after week, not even pausing to question why. It's part of their life. I am blessed to have readers who never write to me except when I fail to post an episode. And, how delicious when they write to say they have been silently enjoying my work for ages but a particular episode drove them to comment. Who doesn't love a secret admirer?

3. Writing is not a masturbatory exercise---a reader has a role---but if a writer is asking for reader attention (or punishing readers for lack of it) then I feel the writer may have other reasons for writing that have nothing to do with sharing their art. Fair enough---we are all here for different reasons---but putting words on paper and presenting it does not entitle you to a reader. It only opens the door to a reader. Whether the reader remains in your parlour is a complex issue. It doesn't reflect on them when they leave or stay and it doesn't reflect on you when they leave or stay. (shrugs)

4. (This is controversial---but I share it because I believe it strongly.) Writers should write and focus on making their work irresistible and impeccable---and a true expression of themselves. That is their only calling and task. And, they should leave readers alone. Let readers read, skim, ignore, enjoy, comment, not comment AND yes, even misunderstand your work and your characters. Where does it say that a writer's work must be understood exactly as the writer intended it for it to give pleasure or have value to a reader? Writers always entering their own threads to explain and defend and protect their work prevents me from commenting on their work. I don't want to be corrected for my perceptions. I am a reader who brings my own life experience and history to a story. Allow me to dislike and unfairly judge your cherished character because your work has actually succeeded and taken me into my own world where I see that character as the lover who betrayed and left me. When a reader responds strongly to a character or scene, I know I have succeeded as a writer----even if the response was contrary to what I expected and intended.

5. This is the antidote to No. 4: Readers trust us as writers. If we haven't told you something yet, be patient, we will when the time is right and you will enjoy the ride all the more. Trust that we have done our research, but remember that this is fiction, sometimes it will serve the story better if our plot is not absolutely faithful to science, medicine, legal procedure and current moral beliefs. Suspend your judgment, and allow yourself to be transported by our story. If our "errors" bother you frequently, stop reading us. We are not the writer for you. But, don't call us flawed, careless, immoral, insensitive or depraved. Nobody is more keen to make a good impression on you than we are. We want to be loved but give us space and freedom to present the story we want--because what we present is the story our heart is burning to tell.

Thank you for staying with me on this long message.

maya hill

Originally posted by: Inked

Wonderful topic for discussion. [Thank you for PM, V]

No denying---what you describe in Trait #1 is not just a good reader, it is the best! A close reader who makes thoughtful developed illuminating comments is a true gift to a writer. Their comment won't make me more committed to my work nor can they make me a better writer, but their words tell me which aspects of my work is impactful. Three cheers for them---you know who you are!

However, I believe this kind of reader is an anomaly and should not set the standard.

I want to celebrate and appreciate the ordinary-extraordinary reader:

1. In a world where there is so much excellent entertainment available (for free) and libraries filled with amazing work----anyone who stops to glance at my work is appreciated by me. I agree with the commenter above who said, "I'm an amateur writing a fan fiction inspired by a tv show"---to have a reader spend a minute on my work is a miracle, as far as I am concerned. Woohoo! (Pari-style)

2. I love silent readers----my only problem with them is that I don't know who they are so I can't invade their privacy and thank them. If I have become incorporated as an invisible part of their daily life, what greater compliment can there be? As another commenter suggested above, "the reader is the client." The best clients are the ones who mindlessly put your product in their shopping cart, week after week, not even pausing to question why. It's part of their life. I am blessed to have readers who never write to me except when I fail to post an episode. And, how delicious when they write to say they have been silently enjoying my work for ages but a particular episode drove them to comment. Who doesn't love a secret admirer?

3. Writing is not a masturbatory exercise---a reader has a role---but if a writer is asking for reader attention (or punishing readers for lack of it) then I feel the writer may have other reasons for writing that have nothing to do with sharing their art. Fair enough---we are all here for different reasons---but putting words on paper and presenting it does not entitle you to a reader. It only opens the door to a reader. Whether the reader remains in your parlour is a complex issue. It doesn't reflect on them when they leave or stay and it doesn't reflect on you when they leave or stay. (shrugs)

4. (This is controversial---but I share it because I believe it strongly.) Writers should write and focus on making their work irresistible and impeccable---and a true expression of themselves. That is their only calling and task. And, they should leave readers alone. Let readers read, skim, ignore, enjoy, comment, not comment AND yes, even misunderstand your work and your characters. Where does it say that a writer's work must be understood exactly as the writer intended it for it to give pleasure or have value to a reader? Writers always entering their own threads to explain and defend and protect their work prevents me from commenting on their work. I don't want to be corrected for my perceptions. I am a reader who brings my own life experience and history to a story. Allow me to dislike and unfairly judge your cherished character because your work has actually succeeded and taken me into my own world where I see that character as the lover who betrayed and left me. When a reader responds strongly to a character or scene, I know I have succeeded as a writer----even if the response was contrary to what I expected and intended.

5. This is the antidote to No. 4: Readers trust us as writers. If we haven't told you something yet, be patient, we will when the time is right and you will enjoy the ride all the more. Trust that we have done our research, but remember that this is fiction, sometimes it will serve the story better if our plot is not absolutely faithful to science, medicine, legal procedure and current moral beliefs. Suspend your judgment, and allow yourself to be transported by our story. If our "errors" bother you frequently, stop reading us. We are not the writer for you. But, don't call us flawed, careless, immoral, insensitive or depraved. Nobody is more keen to make a good impression on you than we are. We want to be loved but give us space and freedom to present the story we want--because what we present is the story our heart is burning to tell.

Thank you for staying with me on this long message.

maya hill

Originally posted by: Krani

I think a general setting needs to be established that no favours are happening. Writers do not do readers a favour by updating, and readers do not do writers a favour by reading.

I am definitely someone who would correct a reader if the got something wrong, or if they interpreted it incorrectly - mostly because at the end of the day I do not want them to be confused with the way the story progresses.

Originally posted by: Inked

Wonderful topic for discussion. [Thank you for PM, V]

No denying---what you describe in Trait #1 is not just a good reader, it is the best! A close reader who makes thoughtful developed illuminating comments is a true gift to a writer. Their comment won't make me more committed to my work nor can they make me a better writer, but their words tell me which aspects of my work is impactful. Three cheers for them---you know who you are!

However, I believe this kind of reader is an anomaly and should not set the standard.

I want to celebrate and appreciate the ordinary-extraordinary reader:

1. In a world where there is so much excellent entertainment available (for free) and libraries filled with amazing work----anyone who stops to glance at my work is appreciated by me. I agree with the commenter above who said, "I'm an amateur writing a fan fiction inspired by a tv show"---to have a reader spend a minute on my work is a miracle, as far as I am concerned. Woohoo! (Pari-style)

2. I love silent readers----my only problem with them is that I don't know who they are so I can't invade their privacy and thank them. If I have become incorporated as an invisible part of their daily life, what greater compliment can there be? As another commenter suggested above, "the reader is the client." The best clients are the ones who mindlessly put your product in their shopping cart, week after week, not even pausing to question why. It's part of their life. I am blessed to have readers who never write to me except when I fail to post an episode. And, how delicious when they write to say they have been silently enjoying my work for ages but a particular episode drove them to comment. Who doesn't love a secret admirer?

3. Writing is not a masturbatory exercise---a reader has a role---but if a writer is asking for reader attention (or punishing readers for lack of it) then I feel the writer may have other reasons for writing that have nothing to do with sharing their art. Fair enough---we are all here for different reasons---but putting words on paper and presenting it does not entitle you to a reader. It only opens the door to a reader. Whether the reader remains in your parlour is a complex issue. It doesn't reflect on them when they leave or stay and it doesn't reflect on you when they leave or stay. (shrugs)

4. (This is controversial---but I share it because I believe it strongly.) Writers should write and focus on making their work irresistible and impeccable---and a true expression of themselves. That is their only calling and task. And, they should leave readers alone. Let readers read, skim, ignore, enjoy, comment, not comment AND yes, even misunderstand your work and your characters. Where does it say that a writer's work must be understood exactly as the writer intended it for it to give pleasure or have value to a reader? Writers always entering their own threads to explain and defend and protect their work prevents me from commenting on their work. I don't want to be corrected for my perceptions. I am a reader who brings my own life experience and history to a story. Allow me to dislike and unfairly judge your cherished character because your work has actually succeeded and taken me into my own world where I see that character as the lover who betrayed and left me. When a reader responds strongly to a character or scene, I know I have succeeded as a writer----even if the response was contrary to what I expected and intended.

5. This is the antidote to No. 4: Readers trust us as writers. If we haven't told you something yet, be patient, we will when the time is right and you will enjoy the ride all the more. Trust that we have done our research, but remember that this is fiction, sometimes it will serve the story better if our plot is not absolutely faithful to science, medicine, legal procedure and current moral beliefs. Suspend your judgment, and allow yourself to be transported by our story. If our "errors" bother you frequently, stop reading us. We are not the writer for you. But, don't call us flawed, careless, immoral, insensitive or depraved. Nobody is more keen to make a good impression on you than we are. We want to be loved but give us space and freedom to present the story we want--because what we present is the story our heart is burning to tell.

Thank you for staying with me on this long message.

maya hill