I hear ya.

For every good amateur story out there, there are a dozen mediocre ones and a hundred truly awful ones. And for every writer who gracefully accepts constructive criticism, there are five who simply ignore it and ten who consider it flaming, refusing to even entertain the thought that their story may be somewhat less than flawless and epic.

So what is there to do about it? Well, nothing really. I'd make an initial attempt to offer some constructive suggestions, and if those are received badly, just give up. If the person in question cares more about his ego than the quality of his writing, he's clearly not very serious about it. Give him a couple years to mature emotionally to the point where he can handle some friendly pointers; in the meantime, there's no point in insulting someone who's not going to benefit from your suggestions anyway.

On another note, out of pure curiosity, has anyone else been on the other side of that?

I remember, about five to six years ago, I was the recipient of one of those reviews. I still have that message saved on my computer, to open up and wince at the words, because I was that bad. But... It's been a sort of driving force for me. The writer said that I had potential to be a good writer. I'm not at that level yet, but I still look over it. It's an inspiration for me, in spite of the fact that it was words from a total stranger. Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Yes, I received feedback about this story in another forum and it was really useful because the person took the time to read the whole thing, quoted some parts, told me what he think was wrong or sounded bad or whatever and also gave me a general overview of what he thinks about the whole work. So I'd say I like getting any kind of responses as long as they are meaningful. It doesn't mean I'm going to change anything in a story just because someone doesn't like it but I will have it in mind next time I write something. It builds up.

I've occationly had some very helpful reviews on FF.net, and also some very detailed ones. The only time I ever recieved a flame when it was my own silly fault back a few years ago, and I deserved that one. -_-

But I know what you mean, it's difficult to tell some people that their story needs work without upsetting them. Some writers have excessive amounts of pride in their writing, even if their writing isn't uh... too good. You say anything bad about their stories and they, literally, explode at you. It's even worse when one of those people are friends with you. In that situation... I just tend to say that, yes, their work's okay. Though I do try to put some critism in there, sandwiched in between good comments.

hey i actually thought the writing contest was a GREAT idea. I have a friend on neoseeker who will definatly join and i wouldn't mine joining either!!

I, for one, would love a writing contest. I tend to need some sort of prompt or, well, focus, I guess. I'm not at novel-writing level yet (workin' at it) and I'm bad at poetry, so it's hard for me to just be able to sit and write. I often resort to fanfics (which I tend to view as extremely dorky)
Contests are a good opportunity to show your work and see how you stack up.

and when I give reviews, I always do the sandwhich thing. Like start of with something you liked, then put in some things that weren't the best (but show how they could be improved), and then end with a positive comment.

Did I just read... writing contest

We interrupt this general discussion to bring you a special news bulletin

A while back I advertised a writing tournament I was hosting in the interactive roleplaying forum (Here)

That kind of died, but has now been resurected. I think people here may be interested because even if it has that RP (roleplay) feel to it it's still writing the story for your character and it's still a tournament/competition (where pro's can prove their worth and amateurs can hone their skill)

For more info and to sign up, check here

Thanks

I would appreciate some comments on my poetry thread, as the name suggests, but it never seems to come along. *sigh*

The Neoseeker Library thread is the closest thing to an index, and it hasn't been updated in at least a couple years.

Goodday to everyone.

I think I'm new to this forum, though it has been sitting in my.neoforum for ages now.

Anyway, I've started writing my own story... It's a work in progress and mainly intended for me to enhance my writing skills, so I would greatly appreciate some comments.

And finally, I'm trying to create an original pack-animal (like a horse or a chocobo) and I kind of liked the idea of using a bird that can't fly, but since chocobos already exist, that's not very original. Any ideas, anyone?

It depends very much on the feel and kind of the 'world' you have invented. I assume you are writing a fantasy tale (or novel or short story or epic series), mostly because you said pack-animal and not a hover-sled or somesuch.
Pack-animals, on this planet at least, tend to be fairly large, possess great strength, are of limited intelligence and are reasonably easy to domesticate.
If you want a flightless bird which is not a chocobo, go for something that resembles a large ostrich or emu. Make it bigger, perhaps, alter its coloration. Change its temperament.
Or, if you're feeling adventurous, go for a bipedal lizard. Birds evolved from reptiles after all.

You are the king of inventing things, Scott. How do you come up will all that stuff?

Anyway, yeah, it's a fantasy story, though it's hard to say where the border between sci-fi and fantasy is exactly. My story definitely has some modern world and futuristic things in them, but it's main thing is definitely fantasy so yeah, quite hard to say.

I don't want to give too much away, but fossil fuels and explosives were never found/created in that world, hence the pack-animal. It has many other consequences too of course.

I read somewhere that most people only use 10% of their total brain power. I must use slightly more than that.

Actually, that's not true at all. Why would evolution (or God) go to all the trouble of equping us with a couple of pounds of grey goop if we didn't use all of it?

I'm just creative, is all.

I'm an ideas man. I thrive on enthusiasm.

quote Aulis Vaara

Goodday to everyone.

Anyway, I've started writing my own story... It's a work in progress and mainly intended for me to enhance my writing skills, so I would greatly appreciate some comments.

I've been appreciating comments for a long time now, get in line!