On Reviewing

[dawn_felagund]

Reviewing (meaning leaving comments on stories) is one of the more anxiety-provoking and frustrating aspects of fandom participation, in my experience. I frequently see newbies lament that their stories aren't receiving comments; authors sometimes stop posting to or leave entirely from sites where they feel that their work isn't receiving adequate

Comments

[alasse_mirimiel]

As a reader, there are three main reason I don’t review so much is time, mostly because when I really like a story, I want to say something more than ‘Nice’ or ‘I liked it’. That is tied up with I enjoyed the story so much that I don't feel I can put into words why I liked it so much.… putting into words why I liked the story is difficult, especially when I have to translate it into English

[dawn_felagund]

I've gotten that comment before: "I don't have much to say about it but I loved your story and can't quite put into words why." Personally, I love those reviews too. :) It's wonderful to know that I've reached someone and given them a few minutes or hours of enjoyment, even if they can't find much more to say than, "I really liked this."

I've incidentally learned quite a bit about another pet topic of mine--summaries--in the course of the results and discussion of the poll and post. Also, I've heard the term review criticized because it doesn't serve the function of a review for most people, i.e. helping them to decide whether or not to read a story, but it seems that it actually does, for a good many of those who have responded here.

If I enjoy the works of an author then it’s more likely I’ll read something I wouldn’t normally read.

This is an excellent point, and I suspect it's true for most of us. (I might have to make another poll later to find out! ;)

[alasse_mirimiel]

When I review some short piece, or when there's no time to write a good long review, I just copy some sentence or point out a scene I particularly enjoyed. I don't know how useful that's to authors, but it's a quick way of sharing why I like the story.

[curiouswombat]

I want to say something more than ‘Nice’ or ‘I liked it’. That is tied up with I enjoyed the story so much that I don't feel I can put into words why I liked it so much.… putting into words why I liked the story is difficult, especially when I have to translate it into English.

I have a friend here on LJ, whose first language isn't English, who comments 'Great chapter!' almost every time. I really like to see those - I know she's still reading, and still enjoying the story enough to let me know.

The long reviews that pick out their favourite passages and comment on specific story points are wonderful - but I really do appreciate those 'great chapter!' comments just as much.

[alasse_mirimiel]

If it’s a friend then it’s likely I’d do the same, to let them now I’m reading.

I know people appreciate comments so lately I’ve been trying to comment on the fics I enjoyed, even if it’s a three word comment.