Why leave reader feedback?Feedback is the lifeblood of any fiction board. It's a symbiotic relationship between readers and writers.
Writers write -> Readers read -> Readers let the writers know they aren't wasting their time -> Writers keep writing -> Readers have a greater choice of what to read.
Think of where Stephen King would be if no one bought his books. Joss Whedon if the WB cancelled Buffy in the first three episodes because no one was watching. Sarah Mclachlan if no one went to her concerts.
These are all forms of feedback. Fiction boards only ask that you take a moment to leave a note after you've reached that last page.
Usually, new readers are afraid to leave their mark as they fear they will come across as ignorant/stupid. The first thing to realise is that everyone has sounds a little blonde at one time or another. That's okay. Once you remember that, it becomes easier to let yourself be heard. And it helps by knowing what kind of feedback you can give.
Once again, in very simple terms, we have three types of feedback.
Constructive CriticismAlso known as "concrit" or "beta reading", this form of feedback often occurs before a piece of writing is released to a wider audience. Readers will try to objectively point out what did and what didn't work for them in a bid to help the writer improve their piece. Some beta readers will concentrate on plot, others on spelling and grammar, while some are all-rounders. It depends on the reader's strengths and the writer's needs. Generally a writer will ask for a beta reader, or accept a volunteer request from a reader. Keep an eye on the boards for any of these requests if you are interested in becoming a reader or need one.
Or join the Writing Clinic by sending a PM to me (*subject to approval)
Critical ReviewA critical review is a subjective analysis of a piece of writing. The reader will list what they liked and didn't like about the piece, and will sometimes "grade" it. You may find that what one reviewer gave an F, another reviewer will give an A. As a new writer, you must try not to take these opinions too much to heart, but should keep any relevant points in mind to improve upon future pieces. As a new reviewer, you must bear in mind that reviews are not platforms for scathing diatribes on character types or common plot points that you personally hate. Try to be fair.
General feedbackGeneral feedback is the most informal of the three and probably the most popular for readers just starting out. Readers may give a brief commendation, post their favourite quotes or ask questions. The reader will generally interact with the writer on a more personal basis, in that they aren't trying to plan and frame their responses but giving a rundown of thoughts and feelings. New readers are again reminded not to "flame" the writer, that is, post scathing remarks at the writer that have very little to do with the actual writing but personal pet peeves. If you do have a pet peeve, try and explain it as objectively as possible.
An example of general feedback (yes, a very fangirl example):
Wow. I loved that episode. Poor Jack. I can't believe how much pain he was in. The acting was terrific from all involved. Mark is scaring me though. I don't know how the writers are going to get him off this dark road he's on. I wish he had more faith in his brother and started talking to him again. I'm not too fond of this divide that's growing between them, though. I hope it comes correct. Can't wait for the next episode!
As you can see, it's just a very random rundown of impressions, and even though it is brief, the writer should be able to see that his intention has been effective: people are coming back for more, they are wondering what's coming and they've actually noticed the direction the characters have gone in. The beauty of general feedback is that it can be as short or long as the reader chooses with as much detail as they would like to give.
If you are still afraid to bring yourself out of the shadows, then you may also PM the writer directly or take part in the
WKRC initiative every Saturday where the object is to bounce thoughts off one another.
