The Thumper rule or the lack of constructive criticism in fan fiction
There is a distinct lack of constructive criticism in fan fiction. I've read enough complaints recently to know I'm not the only who has noticed this.
The problem is that most people who are capable of intelligently dissecting a story are not willing or able to hurt feelings.
If the writer has been around awhile, they usually have long term friends / beta partners they depend on for feedback and or inspiration and anyone else's opinion isn't really necessary to them - although most still like getting positive feedback. If the writer hasn't been around, or has managed to offend people in a particular fandom, there may not be anyone he/she is willing or able to share concerns or issues with, so doesn't post or posts unbeta'd. Or they are not in connection with the same phase of reality as the rest of us and think what they've created is wonderful.
I was raised with the Thumper rule - If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. I don't always abide by it in real life, but something about the white comment box of doom constrains me when I am reading bad / weird / strange stuff. Since it is not possible on most journals / websites to leave comments that only the author can see, I tend to err on the side of caution, which isn't really helpful to authors in need of some honesty.
But - honesty hurts. As much as some really need it, and some say they really want it - it hurts. And I have yet to figure out a way to make it less painful.
I admit to being part of the problem, I just don't have a solution.
The problem is that most people who are capable of intelligently dissecting a story are not willing or able to hurt feelings.
If the writer has been around awhile, they usually have long term friends / beta partners they depend on for feedback and or inspiration and anyone else's opinion isn't really necessary to them - although most still like getting positive feedback. If the writer hasn't been around, or has managed to offend people in a particular fandom, there may not be anyone he/she is willing or able to share concerns or issues with, so doesn't post or posts unbeta'd. Or they are not in connection with the same phase of reality as the rest of us and think what they've created is wonderful.
I was raised with the Thumper rule - If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. I don't always abide by it in real life, but something about the white comment box of doom constrains me when I am reading bad / weird / strange stuff. Since it is not possible on most journals / websites to leave comments that only the author can see, I tend to err on the side of caution, which isn't really helpful to authors in need of some honesty.
But - honesty hurts. As much as some really need it, and some say they really want it - it hurts. And I have yet to figure out a way to make it less painful.
I admit to being part of the problem, I just don't have a solution.