Is this FORUM dead or people just don't care to review FICs?

[Perpetual159]

Now, I noticed that not only are the new incoming fics in this site close to nothing, but those that ARE posted rarely get any review. I know that it does help to encourage writers to hear what people think about their work, and generally criticism--good, bad, or constructive--is always welcome.

Or maybe it just so happens that most of the stories posted here have been posted somewhere else like fanfiction.net, so people read them there, but still... this is more a labor of love, and writers aren't getting paid for this. I generally assume that people don't review for two reasons... either they don't have an account, or the story simply sucked. Nevertheless, honesty is the best policy. At least be honest to people and tell them how they did. But then again... that's just me. I hope this reaches the readers out there and encourages them to reply, AND, most importantly, review! The more reviews writers get, the more story they will write, and the more stories you will get to read... isn't it a sweet deal?

Respectfully, Perpetual

[wicked]

This site is not dead but the FMP fandom may have waned a bit since it first started. Them's the breaks. There isn't as much new Gundam Wing fan fiction out there (this site was first created for GW after all) either. It happens.

So that's one reason why people may not be reading/reviewing.

Another is that some people just don't review a fic. They read it and they like it but don't actually review it due to either laziness, not enough time, or apathy or myriad of other reasons. There's more than one cause to achieve an effect afterall.

I don't read that much fan fiction any longer. Mostly because I don't like the quality or lack thereof. I read a few people still because I know I'm going to get a good story but even then I don't always review. It's not because I don't like the story or don't have an account. I just don't feel like reviewing. Or I say, "I'll do it later" but forget due to other things in life whatever they may be.

Also fandoms go through phases. Or just individuals. There are times when it gets really quiet and other times it's roaring like a banshee. And that's from both sides: writers and reviewers.

Do we all want reviews? Yes. We love reviews. Are we always going to get them? No. Does that discourage us and make us think that what we write is worthless? Oh you betcha. But who are we writing for? Ourselves or the masses?

For as much as I like reviews, if I'm not happy with a particular work that others rave about, I don't give a damn about that story or it's reviews. I need to be happy with what I write before I can be concerned with others being happy with what I write. For me that's what it boils down to. At the end of the day if I'm happy with what I write, I'm okay with not getting reviews. Sure it might sting a little but I know I put something worthwhile out there.

And hell, I don't always review so how can I expect others to review everything I write?

Also, was this meant to be posted in this sub forum or in the Off Topic forum? If the latter we'll get it moved to the appropriate forum so that others may see it easier and respond with their thoughts.

~Wicked

P.S. Sorry it seems disjointed and possibly irrelevant to your original post.

[Perpetual159]

Not really... it is not disjointed at all. It was specifically meant for the Full Metal Panic! forum... I don't know about the other forums out there... this is the only one I read in this site.

Indeed, you definitely have a point when it comes to writing. Personally, when I write, I do it more to get it off my chest if I have an idea cooking in my head for too long, but if you post something for someone else to read, that means you want to hear what people thought about it. If I'm not expecting some sort of reaction or don't care to receive reviews from those who read it in a public site, then why even bother posting it? If you're writing it for yourself, keep it to yourself... simple as that. For me, as much as it is fun to write fiction, it's also a way to improve my writing skills, and I won't know what I need to improve on myself unless someone else points it out. There's only so many errors I can catch myself, right?

I personally don't always review what someone writes, but I rarely fail to say something about a story I read.

And yes, there is as much great stories out there as there are story that straight out suck. In an environment like this, you can't expect grammar, punctuation, etc., to be flawless, but the fact of the matter is that there are great storytellers, there are good storytellers, and there are horrible storytellers. Telling a great story is a talent... some of us are born with it, others aren't so lucky, but there's always room for improvement and to learn new skills.

So... this is the reason why I posted this topic. Thank you for your reply... some of the things you pointed out make complete sense.

It would be nice to hear what other people have to say.

Perpetual

[HiFreak]

This site was made for Gundam Wing fanfiction, like Wicked pointed out. Personally I have never seen FMP and therefore don't bother to read the fics.

You mentioned that this is the only forum you frequent. Likewise, people might not review because they don't often visit this forum.

[miz_lou]

Hey Perpetual,
it's always disappointing when your a diehard fan, but alas, there can be only so many of us in the world :] it's a balance thing, really Posts like this don't stir up many comments either

If you are interested there is a dedicated site to FMP! (much like BI is dedicated to GW) that I also post my works at (and have actually gotten less feedback there than here), but you're more than welcome to take a look. PM me if you're interested~



PS> To get a review here, you just might have to give a few out too It's that pesky balance thing again

[momiji_k]

Summer is always a difficult time to keep up with all the reading and writing I need to do.... then again I am not so sure I have a "time of year" any more that I can get all that done any ways...

But I have noticed a significant drop this Summer (like any Summer before) in fic updates and reviews on all sites I hang out on for fics. It always seems everyone is busy with Summer activites, friends, family, and extra work.

*sigh* We still just need someone to invent an 8th day of the week for nothing but reading, writing, playing video games, watching anime, or just relaxing.....

[kai_yukari]

Many may not frequent this part of the forum but I do. This is the only site with decent FMP fics, seriously!! Anyways, If I had already read the same fic on Fanfiction.net, I leave my reviews there. If the fic truly captured by attention (like making me cry, shout, blush, gasp) I make it a point to tell the author. I don't know if authors particularly like to be reviewed critically or just be appreciated, the latter I can do the former ~ highly unlikely. Anyway I liked your latest FMP fic.