Hello fellow LitReactorers,
I've submitted two stories to the workshop now, and in turn I've received thoughtful, helpful reviews that have improved the quality of both pieces. I don't want to disparage the reviewers or the advice they've given me or to appear ungrateful, but I have noticed I tend to only get two or three reviews for my submissions, where other users receive them in the double digits. It's not a number-of-friends issue, because most of them have as many friends here as I do.
Again, not complaining. I'd just like to know what I can do to reach out to more worshop participants so as to get a broader spectrum of viewpoints. I'm trying to increase my own presence and critique more submissions. My schedule makes this difficult, but it's worth it to be a part of this wonderful service.
Thoughts? Suggestions? Chants? Potions? Any ideas are welcome.
Thanks,
Chris
The ones in the double digits tend to not be all reviews, but comments and discussion on the reviews that were given--so they probably had more reviews than 2-3, but not quite as many as the 15 showing.
Anyway, I've found that reviewing and participating in the forums has brought me reviews. There is also a worskhop whoring thread around here somewhere, where people are encouraged to post a link to their story if it's been sitting, lonely in the workshop.
Also, don't feel shy about sending a PM to someone you really want a review from, especially if they are interested in your style/genre of writing.
And size matters - shorter stories got more reviews. If I can knock one out in an hour or two, then I'm more likely to do that then anything over 2,500 words. If you have a long piece, break it into parts.
Summer seems to have taken over the lives of a lot of reviewers. In the winter, there's just more time for doing reviews for me.
Careful with Avery, though. She just puts in comments on the side insulting your manhood for the whole story. You're a pussy. You can't get it up. What's the matter, crybaby? I've got a bigger clit than you do dick.
She's mean but fair, but also very proud of her clitoris.
It's because people are lazy. Also, try posting a bazillion random things to the forums, laugh at the stupid memes, and you'll get way more reviews.
Of course, the new trend is no LBLs, so take your 4 line review saying 'omgz since i once also was a vampyre, this really speeks to me! This review is about me and not your story so of course i want to reed more of your urban fantasy romanze!'. Take it, and like it.
Well, this thread went to some interesting places.
Thanks for all the comments (and visuals). I figured ramping up my own participation was a good strategy. I've noticed the lack of LBLs, which is okay by me - I often struggle with those myself. A few paragraphs of comments seems to suit the process nicely.
Incidentally, I have no inordinate qualms with genitlia or images thereof. You know, just saying.
And, genitalia aside (for now), I looked back at your submission, and I think you got caught in the middle of a whole bunch of submissions. The workshop got deluged and I'm seeing several "1 Review" submissions that are farther down on the list (thus not easily seen).
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Howie, I would never remove a photo of your genitalia.
Chris, would you think it was weird in a face to face conversation if you said, "I'd like more reviews," and Howie pulled down his pants and showed you his rooster?
Because that seems like a perfectly natural progression to me.
