Hector Acosta
from Dallas is reading FletchJuly 3, 2014 - 7:27am
Nathan,
Oh, I wasn't accusing anyone at all, and like I said, I know there's behind the scenes reasons things are like they are.
I am much more interested in comments than the prize as I honestly feel there's a ton of more deserving stories than mine out there, so it does chaffe me when someone doesn't comment, simply because I want to know at what point or thing the story didn't click for them.
Jason Choi
from Hong Kong is reading The Goldfinch July 3, 2014 - 3:25pm
Hey there.
As a native from the cramped concrete city Hong Kong, I have seen the Triad cartoonized/glamorized by the media (think Jackie Chan's Rush Hour 2, the popular video game Sleeping Dogs, Infernal Affairs and Martin Scorsese's mafia version The Departed, and about 100+ Hong Kong gang films).
"Burn, Baby, Burn" is my attempt at the realitistic portrayal absent from mainstream media - curious young men falling in with the local Triad who end up making mistakes they cannot live with. There is no comic violence, no Jackie-Chan-style roundhouse kicks - only paranoia, despair, trauma, isolation and death.
This is my attempt to create a haunting, sobering and emotional story, and I would greatly appreciate if you could leave me an honest critique through the link above. I will offer one in return, for what it's worth.
Enjoy your summer!
Jason
Also, please check out Dan Fiore's "Heart" - my favorite by far.
Liam Hogan
from Earth is reading Hugo NominationsJuly 3, 2014 - 4:53pm
During the reading month, don't forget to PIMP YOUR STORIES ! Distinct lack of skulduggery shown by authors so far. You're all obviously clean livin' types, who wouldn't say boo to a goose. Where's the intrigue? The dastardly plots? The smash and grab (of votes?) Where, for pity's sake, are the sharks with frickin' laser beams attached to their heads?!
Devon Robbins
from Utah is reading The Least Of My Scars by Stephen Graham JonesJuly 3, 2014 - 8:00pm
I'm trying, Liam. My shit is getting borderline desperate.
Dan J. Fiore
from Pittsburgh is reading too many things at onceJuly 3, 2014 - 10:08pm
Thanks for the shout out, Jason!
just downloaded "Burn, Baby, Burn" last night and can't wait to dig into it this weekend!
Dan J. Fiore
from Pittsburgh is reading too many things at onceJuly 3, 2014 - 11:00pm
And apologies to the rest of you who commented on "Heart" whose story I've yet to enjoy. I'm unfortunately a terribly slow reader, but I'm looking foward to spending July making sure I read back all the rest of yours and then some. I don't want you to think I'm unappreciative of the time you've spent or the attention you've shown. It in all honesty means the world to me.
If you feel, especially toward the end of the reading period, that I might have missed your story (which might happen with a story or two considering the huge amount of submissions and somewhat difficult process of searching by username), please DO NOT HESITATE to PM me. I'll get right on it. I don't want to miss anyone.
I will say that the talent I've seen in each of the stories I've read so far is absolutely staggering. I can't wait to see what the rest of you have in store.
You guys and gals rock.
-Dan
big_old_dave
from Watford, about 20 miles outside London, Uk
July 4, 2014 - 10:50am
As i this my first litreactor comp i was wondering when the top 50 go through if it woud be cool to do a league table of where all the stories stand. My work is clearly not going to get into the top half but I'm intrested to see how far away i get :)
Devon Robbins
from Utah is reading The Least Of My Scars by Stephen Graham JonesJuly 4, 2014 - 11:16am
I'm curious to see how that all works.
Chacron
from England, South Coast is reading Fool's Assassin by Robin HobbJuly 4, 2014 - 1:00pm
If you guys want something different read My Messiah Complex by Dylan Mackay. Those of you who've had any kind of review from me before will know I don't usually give praise as high as that. I'll admit that this story connected with me on a personal level that the writer couldn't possibly have planned for, but that's half the beauty of it, and I've analysed the story enough to see past the captivating 'wow' effect.
What I'm really interested to see is if some of you disagree with me for singling this one out so highly - this guy's taken a fair amount of risk writing this the way it is, and it might not go down so well with some other reviewers on here. Either way, I think it deserves more recognition than it's had in the six days it's been up.
On that note, when I gave it the thumbs up the site didn't seem to register my vote. Could just me my computer or connection screwing up somehow, but Nathan if you're reading this just take a look into that, if you would.
Nathan Scalia
from Kansas is reading so many thingsJuly 4, 2014 - 1:53pm
It registered as a thumbs-up.
Liam Hogan
from Earth is reading Hugo NominationsJuly 4, 2014 - 4:34pm
There's a delay on every registering - never worked out how long, but if the story shows you back what you voted, be assured it will add to the vote bar sometime later.
Nathan Scalia
from Kansas is reading so many thingsJuly 6, 2014 - 6:37am
There's still seven pages of unread stories. Stop playing jacks or whatever it is you kids do these days and get to work!
Devon Robbins
from Utah is reading The Least Of My Scars by Stephen Graham JonesJuly 6, 2014 - 7:55am
I'd assume that is because those people aren't participating and reviewing stories themselves.
Nathan Scalia
from Kansas is reading so many thingsJuly 6, 2014 - 11:40am
That's not true of everyone on the list.
Adam Jenkins
from Bracknell, England is reading RCX Magazine (Issue 1 coming soon)July 6, 2014 - 12:45pm
Over half way through... home straight.
Josh Zancan
from Crofton, MD is reading East of Eden by John SteinbeckJuly 6, 2014 - 1:57pm
I haven't had a chance to really review yet (I've done one). After I posted my story, I left for Denver for a wedding and have been on the go with family stuff the whole time. I feel bad about it, but starting July 9th, I look forward to giving some hits to the neglected (I feel their pain, I've only had a few myself).
Jonathan Riley
from Memphis, Tennessee is reading Flashover by Gordon Highland July 6, 2014 - 3:29pm
Left Thursday for the lake for the holiday weekend and just got back. I have a story to write this week but I'll try to get to as many as I can starting tomorrow.
RhysWare
from Worcester, England is reading The WarriorsJuly 6, 2014 - 3:34pm
I've been reviewing, but it's at a slow pace. Apologies, I tend to be a very slow reader! I will get around to reviewing everyone that has been kind enough to review mine also, I promise.
Also, got my first thumbs down without a comment today. Kind of sucks, doesn't it?
Liam Hogan
from Earth is reading Hugo NominationsJuly 6, 2014 - 4:52pm
All 8 stories that have no ratings, are by authors who have yet to rate any stories themselves (or rather commented, as that is what is tracked). I found the one person who had reviewed but not yet been rated, and promptly reviewed it. I'm not going to get to read all 153 stories, so I'd prefer to read those by people who are engaging in the process. (Not even necessarily those who have read my story - I expect I'll end up reading twice as many as I get reviewed by). I'm guessing most of the people on the forums are in the same boat - reading a lot more than being read. This isn't a bad thing, but I'd rather not have it feel like work - it should feel like fun!
Aud Fontaine
from the mountains is reading Catch-22. Since like, always.July 6, 2014 - 9:58pm
I got the first season of True Detective for my birthday so that's been cutting into my free time quite a bit... it's hard to critique things when the mystery of the Yellow King is weighing on you. Shit's going down in the bayous, man.
Turtlethumbs
July 7, 2014 - 3:40am
aw i got a driveby downvote
Liam Hogan
from Earth is reading Hugo NominationsJuly 7, 2014 - 5:05am
Max, Rhys, 'tis a badge of honour, that driveby downvote. Means you must have done something good enough to worry the opposition... ;)
Hector Acosta
from Dallas is reading FletchJuly 7, 2014 - 7:31am
Down votes with no comments are so weird to me. If you took time to read a longish story, you would think you could at least tell the writer why it didn't do it for you. Though I guess some people might be worried they'll get retaliated against. I wonder if an 'anynomous' comment option would have helped or caused more headaches.
And regarding reviews, I'm working my way through as many stories as I can. Though I'll admit I tend to have an order I go through:
1)Anyone that's reviewed my story
2)Anyone that I notice has been reviewing
3)People that pimp their story on the forums
4)Everyone else.
Liam Hogan
from Earth is reading Hugo NominationsJuly 7, 2014 - 9:22am
Just clicked on the random button 10 times or so - not one story passed Hector's (and my!) test 2. Think I'm gonna give up for a while, and write something instead. It would appear that crime does not pay...
RhysWare
from Worcester, England is reading The WarriorsJuly 7, 2014 - 11:43am
Liam, that's an interesting way to look at it, and one I like! Well, kind of....
I do hope the stories with even a few downvotes get read also, because again, like the story might not be for some readers, it may be right for the prize-giver!
Motor-Psycho
from Montreal is reading Everything By WillefordJuly 7, 2014 - 7:24pm
Which story has the most reads/votes/comments?
Devon Robbins
from Utah is reading The Least Of My Scars by Stephen Graham JonesJuly 7, 2014 - 7:48pm
YouAreNotASlave
from Birmingham United Kingdom
July 8, 2014 - 6:13am
I've found the voting seems to come in ebbs and flows, I got quite a few at first then a small lull, then another few and now another lull. Just trying to read and rate as many as I can, I took part in teleport us a year ago but didn't really throw myself into it, definitely taking this chance to get criticism on my work.
Also what's the etiquette on voting on your own story? I've refrained as it seems a bit disingenuous but am unsure whether other writers are only voting on other ppls stories.
(Cheeky Plug here. Mine's about a primary school and a dead cat : http://litreactor.com/events/arrest-us/kitkat)
Hector Acosta
from Dallas is reading FletchJuly 8, 2014 - 6:18am
I don't think you can vote on your own story, as it doesn't seem to register the click.
I'm guessing. It's not like that's the first thing I tried to do after uploading my story or anything.
YouAreNotASlave
from Birmingham United Kingdom
July 8, 2014 - 6:30am
Ah thanks. Yeah it was a struggle not to, the thumb up on my own story has been teasing me for weeks
coded
from Earth is reading Purple FlameJuly 9, 2014 - 9:56am
So, I’ve been reading and rating stories for the last two days and I’m wondering how this works;
What’s happening to the entries that were late posts? The ones with no reads, it would’ve been better if the reading and voting aspect of this competition started as soon as the submission period closed. Writers with late entries are at a disadvantage here.
Here's my story. It was a late entry. I'm open to criticism.
Liam Hogan
from Earth is reading Hugo NominationsJuly 9, 2014 - 10:02am
(These are the unofficial views of another author!)
In the end, the stories that are going to get the most votes are from those that there is "noise" about on the discussion boards, and/or the ones that the author is doing a lot of rating. (Because some people rate back). Late entries will have a disadvantage, sure, (also because some mad fools who intend to rate the lot will work through chronologically) but I think you'll find a few "early" stories with scant few votes, because the author isn't a rater.
If you've been rating, then I'd expect - and hope - for votes for yours to catch up. You can try pimping your story out on http://litreactor.com/discuss/pimp-your-arrest-us-stories - though you might find I already did for your story!
Liam
Hector Acosta
from Dallas is reading FletchJuly 9, 2014 - 10:20am
I currently have 22 votes and about 18 comments on the piece, which is above the number of a lot of stories that were posted before me. I've voted and left comments on over 60 other stories at this point. I find that the ratio between reviewing and being reviewed skews to the former. Your experience might be different.
What I found worked for me was:
Review, review, review. If you're looking for actual comments on your story and not just votes, that's probably the best way. Keep in mind that if someone reads a story, votes on it, and never leaves a comment, the writer won't know who they are, so they'll have a harder time repaying the favor.
Also, click around other people's stories and notice who constantly does reviews, or whose review style you think would be beneficial to you. Then go and review their story.
Be shameless. We have a pimp your story thread, and I've seen a couple of people end their review with a link to theirs. Send PMs out asking people. Bribe me.
Unfortunately, as you can no doubt see , we have a number of folks that posted a story, but haven't done a review. And hey, I get that everyone's busy and does things at their own pace, but for me at least, I rather do a review for someone that shows some sort of interest in this thing than someone that posted a story and seemingly forgot about the website now. I don't think anyone wants to punish people for not reviewing as much or dictate the rules or anything, but there's so much content out right now that you have to make yourself known.
On the bright side, now that you've posted here, I'm sure you'll get a couple of reviews, and I'll make sure to check your story out as well.
Jay Parekh
is reading Fight Club July 10, 2014 - 6:04am
I've read about 10 or so stories so far. Hopefully I ll catch up over the weekend.
Costumes hasn't had any activity for about a week, and is a smart sideways swipe at crime and crime fighters.
But there's plenty more out there to find. Only read about one page's worth, (25 a page) 5 pages of stories to go! (I won't, of course, get there... particularly as I have no real interest in reading stories from authors who aren't reading other people's work (not necessarily mine!) but also because I'd not get anything else done!
Liam
Hector Acosta
from Dallas is reading FletchJuly 10, 2014 - 7:39am
Jay,
Naked Villany - Is a fun story that stands out in the sea of dark crime stories (which I'm guilty of writing)
Bloodsake- Really enjoyed this southern tale. Great dialogue and interesting use of POVs.
Buried Treasure - It has it's issues, but it's funny and deserves more reads.
And man, I don't want to keep harping on the lack of reviews thing, but out of these four stories, three of the authors have done 0-2 reviews for others, so if you can only read one, it should be mine- False Impressions.
If you can read two however, read Buried Treasure.
Jay Parekh
is reading Fight Club July 10, 2014 - 11:13pm
Thanks Liam & Hector,
Have added all these to my reading list.
Tim Hennessy
July 11, 2014 - 9:37am
Pimpin ain't easy and I'm not good at it.
And as much as I'd love to tell you my story is something different or awesome I'd rather hear what you guys think.
I've been hammering away at this one for a few years and will gladly read and critique your story if you take the time to leave some thoughful feedback. I know I still owe a few critiques but will be getting to them shortly.
Aud Fontaine
from the mountains is reading Catch-22. Since like, always.July 11, 2014 - 10:03am
If you want to read something that'll cause you painful ambivalence then I suggest my story: http://litreactor.com/events/arrest-us/for-all-we-know
If you want something legitimately awesome and stylistically ambitious then Keys in the Ignition is totally the way to go: http://litreactor.com/events/arrest-us/keys-in-the-ignition
For all your subversive psychopath needs Curtis is Crazy is a solid good time: http://litreactor.com/events/arrest-us/curtis-is-crazy
And if you don't read Circus Crime then you're doing this competition all wrong: http://litreactor.com/events/arrest-us/circus-crime
Zack McCormack
from Indianapolis, IN is reading Empire of the SunJuly 11, 2014 - 1:35pm
I just discovered this website and this contest and am in love. Unfortunately, I've only recently had the time to start digging into some of the stories on here, focusing on those without too many reads, but my favorite so far has probably been "Flatline and the Beat" (http://litreactor.com/events/arrest-us/notes-to-liberate-love). Has some editing issues but it's a solid, tragic, romance short for those interested.
[Upcoming shameless plug] I don't like being that guy always pushing his work but as a beginning writer any feedback I could receive on my writing, "A Christmas Story" (http://litreactor.com/events/arrest-us/a-christmas-story), would be much appreciated. I'll try to reciprocate the love and post some of my favorite reads that I stumble across as well.
Motor-Psycho
from Montreal is reading Everything By WillefordJuly 15, 2014 - 7:12am
Devon Robbins
from Utah is reading The Least Of My Scars by Stephen Graham JonesJuly 15, 2014 - 7:39am
Got my first mysterious down vote. Kind of a bummer.
big_old_dave
from Watford, about 20 miles outside London, Uk
July 15, 2014 - 7:47am
Don't worry Devon still two weeks to go, you've still got loads of possitive votes,
Bob Pastorella
from Groves, Texas is reading murder books trying to stay hip, I'm thinking of you, and you're out there so Say your prayers, Say your prayers, Say your prayers July 15, 2014 - 8:49am
I've so behind in reviewing it's not even funny. I've got some time this weekend, so I plan on knocking a lot of these out.
kevymetal
from Halifax, NS
July 15, 2014 - 11:48am
Should I be pimping my story here as well? I'm unsure as to the rules of pimping as I'm new to the pimping game. If this thread is some sort of pimp free-for-all, it's Keys in the Ignition if anyone's curious. I'm trying pretty hard to...hustle...and write as many reviews of others' work as I possibly can before the contest's over.
Hector Acosta
from Dallas is reading FletchJuly 15, 2014 - 12:20pm
If you ain't pimpin', you ain't livin'
Also, I hate how one like gives you MAYBE a decimal point up, but a thumbs down can bring you down multiple points down.
Stupid math.
Liam Hogan
from Earth is reading Hugo NominationsJuly 15, 2014 - 2:46pm
This is only true because you have largely up votes. Be thankful! if you had 50/50, then an upvote would raise you as far up as a down vote would lower you, and if you had NO up votes, then a down vote wouldn't change your score at all!
Lovely maths (yes, it's a plural...)
EscherTO
from Toronto is reading Freedom by Jonathan FranzenJuly 16, 2014 - 6:09pm
Can you edit (re-upload) your story after it has been submitted? Or would that be contravening policy? Arrest me?
I rushed mine (was a fairly late entry) and I'm pretty disappointed with my effort. It needs a whole lot of work...just don't want to re-upload if it will boot it out.
Liam Hogan
from Earth is reading Hugo NominationsJuly 17, 2014 - 4:42am
Editing after competition closed is possible, but scan up this thread for the official line, which is it should be reserved for typo's (and maybe formatting issues!) not wholesale changes.
Nathan,
Oh, I wasn't accusing anyone at all, and like I said, I know there's behind the scenes reasons things are like they are.
I am much more interested in comments than the prize as I honestly feel there's a ton of more deserving stories than mine out there, so it does chaffe me when someone doesn't comment, simply because I want to know at what point or thing the story didn't click for them.
Hey there.
As a native from the cramped concrete city Hong Kong, I have seen the Triad cartoonized/glamorized by the media (think Jackie Chan's Rush Hour 2, the popular video game Sleeping Dogs, Infernal Affairs and Martin Scorsese's mafia version The Departed, and about 100+ Hong Kong gang films).
"Burn, Baby, Burn" is my attempt at the realitistic portrayal absent from mainstream media - curious young men falling in with the local Triad who end up making mistakes they cannot live with. There is no comic violence, no Jackie-Chan-style roundhouse kicks - only paranoia, despair, trauma, isolation and death.
This is my attempt to create a haunting, sobering and emotional story, and I would greatly appreciate if you could leave me an honest critique through the link above. I will offer one in return, for what it's worth.
Enjoy your summer!
Jason
Also, please check out Dan Fiore's "Heart" - my favorite by far.
During the reading month, don't forget to PIMP YOUR STORIES ! Distinct lack of skulduggery shown by authors so far. You're all obviously clean livin' types, who wouldn't say boo to a goose. Where's the intrigue? The dastardly plots? The smash and grab (of votes?) Where, for pity's sake, are the sharks with frickin' laser beams attached to their heads?!
I'm trying, Liam. My shit is getting borderline desperate.
Thanks for the shout out, Jason!
just downloaded "Burn, Baby, Burn" last night and can't wait to dig into it this weekend!
And apologies to the rest of you who commented on "Heart" whose story I've yet to enjoy. I'm unfortunately a terribly slow reader, but I'm looking foward to spending July making sure I read back all the rest of yours and then some. I don't want you to think I'm unappreciative of the time you've spent or the attention you've shown. It in all honesty means the world to me.
If you feel, especially toward the end of the reading period, that I might have missed your story (which might happen with a story or two considering the huge amount of submissions and somewhat difficult process of searching by username), please DO NOT HESITATE to PM me. I'll get right on it. I don't want to miss anyone.
I will say that the talent I've seen in each of the stories I've read so far is absolutely staggering. I can't wait to see what the rest of you have in store.
You guys and gals rock.
-Dan
As i this my first litreactor comp i was wondering when the top 50 go through if it woud be cool to do a league table of where all the stories stand. My work is clearly not going to get into the top half but I'm intrested to see how far away i get :)
I'm curious to see how that all works.
If you guys want something different read My Messiah Complex by Dylan Mackay. Those of you who've had any kind of review from me before will know I don't usually give praise as high as that. I'll admit that this story connected with me on a personal level that the writer couldn't possibly have planned for, but that's half the beauty of it, and I've analysed the story enough to see past the captivating 'wow' effect.
What I'm really interested to see is if some of you disagree with me for singling this one out so highly - this guy's taken a fair amount of risk writing this the way it is, and it might not go down so well with some other reviewers on here. Either way, I think it deserves more recognition than it's had in the six days it's been up.
On that note, when I gave it the thumbs up the site didn't seem to register my vote. Could just me my computer or connection screwing up somehow, but Nathan if you're reading this just take a look into that, if you would.
It registered as a thumbs-up.
There's a delay on every registering - never worked out how long, but if the story shows you back what you voted, be assured it will add to the vote bar sometime later.
There's still seven pages of unread stories. Stop playing jacks or whatever it is you kids do these days and get to work!
I'd assume that is because those people aren't participating and reviewing stories themselves.
That's not true of everyone on the list.
Over half way through... home straight.
I haven't had a chance to really review yet (I've done one). After I posted my story, I left for Denver for a wedding and have been on the go with family stuff the whole time. I feel bad about it, but starting July 9th, I look forward to giving some hits to the neglected (I feel their pain, I've only had a few myself).
Left Thursday for the lake for the holiday weekend and just got back. I have a story to write this week but I'll try to get to as many as I can starting tomorrow.
I've been reviewing, but it's at a slow pace. Apologies, I tend to be a very slow reader! I will get around to reviewing everyone that has been kind enough to review mine also, I promise.
Also, got my first thumbs down without a comment today. Kind of sucks, doesn't it?
All 8 stories that have no ratings, are by authors who have yet to rate any stories themselves (or rather commented, as that is what is tracked). I found the one person who had reviewed but not yet been rated, and promptly reviewed it. I'm not going to get to read all 153 stories, so I'd prefer to read those by people who are engaging in the process. (Not even necessarily those who have read my story - I expect I'll end up reading twice as many as I get reviewed by). I'm guessing most of the people on the forums are in the same boat - reading a lot more than being read. This isn't a bad thing, but I'd rather not have it feel like work - it should feel like fun!
I got the first season of True Detective for my birthday so that's been cutting into my free time quite a bit... it's hard to critique things when the mystery of the Yellow King is weighing on you. Shit's going down in the bayous, man.
aw i got a driveby downvote
Max, Rhys, 'tis a badge of honour, that driveby downvote. Means you must have done something good enough to worry the opposition... ;)
Down votes with no comments are so weird to me. If you took time to read a longish story, you would think you could at least tell the writer why it didn't do it for you. Though I guess some people might be worried they'll get retaliated against. I wonder if an 'anynomous' comment option would have helped or caused more headaches.
And regarding reviews, I'm working my way through as many stories as I can. Though I'll admit I tend to have an order I go through:
1)Anyone that's reviewed my story
2)Anyone that I notice has been reviewing
3)People that pimp their story on the forums
4)Everyone else.
Just clicked on the random button 10 times or so - not one story passed Hector's (and my!) test 2. Think I'm gonna give up for a while, and write something instead. It would appear that crime does not pay...
Liam, that's an interesting way to look at it, and one I like! Well, kind of....
I do hope the stories with even a few downvotes get read also, because again, like the story might not be for some readers, it may be right for the prize-giver!
Which story has the most reads/votes/comments?
Heart.
But you can read mine if you're looking for something awesome.
You can also read mine if you're after something a little different.
http://litreactor.com/events/arrest-us/circus-crime
I've found the voting seems to come in ebbs and flows, I got quite a few at first then a small lull, then another few and now another lull. Just trying to read and rate as many as I can, I took part in teleport us a year ago but didn't really throw myself into it, definitely taking this chance to get criticism on my work.
Also what's the etiquette on voting on your own story? I've refrained as it seems a bit disingenuous but am unsure whether other writers are only voting on other ppls stories.
(Cheeky Plug here. Mine's about a primary school and a dead cat : http://litreactor.com/events/arrest-us/kitkat)
I don't think you can vote on your own story, as it doesn't seem to register the click.
I'm guessing. It's not like that's the first thing I tried to do after uploading my story or anything.
Ah thanks. Yeah it was a struggle not to, the thumb up on my own story has been teasing me for weeks
So, I’ve been reading and rating stories for the last two days and I’m wondering how this works;
What’s happening to the entries that were late posts? The ones with no reads, it would’ve been better if the reading and voting aspect of this competition started as soon as the submission period closed. Writers with late entries are at a disadvantage here.
Here's my story. It was a late entry. I'm open to criticism.
http://litreactor.com/events/arrest-us/the-demons-that-fill-you-with-fear
The CrazyRabbit Lady
CrazyRabbit
(These are the unofficial views of another author!)
In the end, the stories that are going to get the most votes are from those that there is "noise" about on the discussion boards, and/or the ones that the author is doing a lot of rating. (Because some people rate back). Late entries will have a disadvantage, sure, (also because some mad fools who intend to rate the lot will work through chronologically) but I think you'll find a few "early" stories with scant few votes, because the author isn't a rater.
If you've been rating, then I'd expect - and hope - for votes for yours to catch up. You can try pimping your story out on http://litreactor.com/discuss/pimp-your-arrest-us-stories - though you might find I already did for your story!
Liam
CrazyRabbit,
I posted my story False Impressions on June 25th.
I currently have 22 votes and about 18 comments on the piece, which is above the number of a lot of stories that were posted before me. I've voted and left comments on over 60 other stories at this point. I find that the ratio between reviewing and being reviewed skews to the former. Your experience might be different.
What I found worked for me was:
Review, review, review. If you're looking for actual comments on your story and not just votes, that's probably the best way. Keep in mind that if someone reads a story, votes on it, and never leaves a comment, the writer won't know who they are, so they'll have a harder time repaying the favor.
Also, click around other people's stories and notice who constantly does reviews, or whose review style you think would be beneficial to you. Then go and review their story.
Be shameless. We have a pimp your story thread, and I've seen a couple of people end their review with a link to theirs. Send PMs out asking people. Bribe me.
Unfortunately, as you can no doubt see , we have a number of folks that posted a story, but haven't done a review. And hey, I get that everyone's busy and does things at their own pace, but for me at least, I rather do a review for someone that shows some sort of interest in this thing than someone that posted a story and seemingly forgot about the website now. I don't think anyone wants to punish people for not reviewing as much or dictate the rules or anything, but there's so much content out right now that you have to make yourself known.
On the bright side, now that you've posted here, I'm sure you'll get a couple of reviews, and I'll make sure to check your story out as well.
I've read about 10 or so stories so far. Hopefully I ll catch up over the weekend.
Till now my favorites are
Criminal Class (Underated if you ask me)
Alchemy & Atrophy (loved the title too)
Born again Packaging (deserves more reads for sure!)
Are there any stories you guys wanna recommend that are good but just haven't got the recognition / no. of reads they deserve?
I'd be interested in giving those stories priority while reviewing.
Thanks!
Thanks for the plug, Jay!
A Conversation on a Thursday, with Beer hasn't had many votes but is very nicely done.
Costumes hasn't had any activity for about a week, and is a smart sideways swipe at crime and crime fighters.
But there's plenty more out there to find. Only read about one page's worth, (25 a page) 5 pages of stories to go! (I won't, of course, get there... particularly as I have no real interest in reading stories from authors who aren't reading other people's work (not necessarily mine!) but also because I'd not get anything else done!
Liam
Jay,
Naked Villany - Is a fun story that stands out in the sea of dark crime stories (which I'm guilty of writing)
Bloodsake- Really enjoyed this southern tale. Great dialogue and interesting use of POVs.
Buried Treasure - It has it's issues, but it's funny and deserves more reads.
Pearls in a Pigsty- I really enjoyed this story about two badass women.
And man, I don't want to keep harping on the lack of reviews thing, but out of these four stories, three of the authors have done 0-2 reviews for others, so if you can only read one, it should be mine- False Impressions.
If you can read two however, read Buried Treasure.
Thanks Liam & Hector,
Have added all these to my reading list.
Pimpin ain't easy and I'm not good at it.
And as much as I'd love to tell you my story is something different or awesome I'd rather hear what you guys think.
The Thaw
I've been hammering away at this one for a few years and will gladly read and critique your story if you take the time to leave some thoughful feedback. I know I still owe a few critiques but will be getting to them shortly.
If you want to read something that'll cause you painful ambivalence then I suggest my story: http://litreactor.com/events/arrest-us/for-all-we-know
If you want something legitimately awesome and stylistically ambitious then Keys in the Ignition is totally the way to go: http://litreactor.com/events/arrest-us/keys-in-the-ignition
For all your subversive psychopath needs Curtis is Crazy is a solid good time: http://litreactor.com/events/arrest-us/curtis-is-crazy
And if you don't read Circus Crime then you're doing this competition all wrong: http://litreactor.com/events/arrest-us/circus-crime
I just discovered this website and this contest and am in love. Unfortunately, I've only recently had the time to start digging into some of the stories on here, focusing on those without too many reads, but my favorite so far has probably been "Flatline and the Beat" (http://litreactor.com/events/arrest-us/notes-to-liberate-love). Has some editing issues but it's a solid, tragic, romance short for those interested.
[Upcoming shameless plug] I don't like being that guy always pushing his work but as a beginning writer any feedback I could receive on my writing, "A Christmas Story" (http://litreactor.com/events/arrest-us/a-christmas-story), would be much appreciated. I'll try to reciprocate the love and post some of my favorite reads that I stumble across as well.
I really wanted to contribute more to the group but since cracking the screen on my phone, its been a pita and The Woman took off with the ipad!
Doesn't mean you can't kick my can aroundhttp://litreactor.com/events/arrest-us/curtis-is-crazy :
/just posting this with my phone was a small hell
Got my first mysterious down vote. Kind of a bummer.
Don't worry Devon still two weeks to go, you've still got loads of possitive votes,
I've so behind in reviewing it's not even funny. I've got some time this weekend, so I plan on knocking a lot of these out.
Should I be pimping my story here as well? I'm unsure as to the rules of pimping as I'm new to the pimping game. If this thread is some sort of pimp free-for-all, it's Keys in the Ignition if anyone's curious. I'm trying pretty hard to...hustle...and write as many reviews of others' work as I possibly can before the contest's over.
If you ain't pimpin', you ain't livin'
Also, I hate how one like gives you MAYBE a decimal point up, but a thumbs down can bring you down multiple points down.
Stupid math.
This is only true because you have largely up votes. Be thankful! if you had 50/50, then an upvote would raise you as far up as a down vote would lower you, and if you had NO up votes, then a down vote wouldn't change your score at all!
Lovely maths (yes, it's a plural...)
Can you edit (re-upload) your story after it has been submitted? Or would that be contravening policy? Arrest me?
I rushed mine (was a fairly late entry) and I'm pretty disappointed with my effort. It needs a whole lot of work...just don't want to re-upload if it will boot it out.
Editing after competition closed is possible, but scan up this thread for the official line, which is it should be reserved for typo's (and maybe formatting issues!) not wholesale changes.