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I usually put some comments on the stories I like (even it's only like 2-3 sentences long) but recently I find myself holding back for commenting because of some unpleasant experiences .

1. I left a comment that basically asked the author if she could update earlier. Please note I didn't demand her to update frequently. I asked her about the POSSIBILITY of her updating earlier.

The response was pretty negative I could say. I was asking a simple question and she went ballistic. She could just say, "sorry, I can't." and I will understand. I know authors also have 'real-life' and 'responsibilities', that's why I didn't asked her TO UPDATE quicker, but I asked IF IT IS POSSIBLE to update quicker. It is a yes/no question actually. She could just say no.

By the way, I asked this because she actually had everything planned out before she post her story, so it is possible for her to update earlier (she said herself on the a.n. part) so I thought she just wait for 'the right moment' before updating to keep the reader interested in reading the story. But it took her 7 months to update, that's why I asked.

Well, I bet she misunderstood my question 😑. After this incident, I swear to myself I won't leave ANY COMMENTS on her story (I don't need additional heachache ya know?)

Some times after this incident, she complained that not many people commenting on her stories. Well, if she treat everyone who leave comments on her stories just like how she treated me, no wonder no one give her any response after reading.

2. I read a story that was actually really interesting but it was poorly written. By poorly written, I mean written in a super bad English. Some sentences have no subjects, misspelling everywhere. I know my English is not the best in the world, but I found that story super confusing.

Therefore, I told the author to find a beta reader that can help her improving the quality of the story. I even volunteered. I just think it's such a waste, the idea was fresh and nice, but some people will not even blink to skip that story because of the structure (she wrote stooping so low as stopping so low which is negligible at first, but after ten spelling mistakes, people will start to get annoyed)

The author took my comment personally. She said I should just say I hate her story and she will delete her story because I criticize it. What the hell?

In the a.n., she said she welcomed constructive criticism, but when she got one she became all defensive. So much drama, I just clicked unsubscribe button immediately.

I don't want to deal with this so now I rarely leave any comment, with the exception of some nice authors that I know.

How about you guys? Any unpleasant experience with readers/authors?

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mars2611 #1 Nov 13, 2016 21:50:07

I don't have an experience like that.
sometimes I choose to don't say anything on their story (for some reason).

MissMinew #2 Nov 13, 2016 21:39:50

I think it's very unfortunate that you've met rude authors.

I do think those two comments were edge-comments and I can see why both authors were a little offended as well.

The first question wasn't really necessary for the author. It wasn't a request per se, but I'm sure it could've felt like that. There could've been plenty of reasons the author didn't update in 7 months which of course is sad if she had the story already written or whatever. But it wasn't really necessary for you to ask whether or not it would be possible for her to update. You could've just told her you enjoyed her story - I'm sure a comment like that would've been appreciated more. ^^

The second comment is also a sensitive subject. When people say the accept constructive criticism, it doesn't mean it doesn't hurt. Especially for a non-native when they're told their English is bad. I don't know about you (and here I'm assuming you're non-native too) but I get super sad and annoyed when people correct my English. It may have been the same with the last author. You could've sent her a PM touching up on this topic and left a nice comment on the story.

I have a belief that criticism should be given in private and not in story comments. The reason I believe this is because few want to showcase critique on their stories. Other readers read the comments and if the comments are filled with criticism, people probably won't even bother reading. It also feels a little humiliating when it's in a story comment. (That's my personal belief).

Again - I think it's a shame that it deterred you from writing comments to the authors of the stories you enjoy reading because of unpleasant experiences. I can't take that from you, of course, and it's okay you feel like you feel.