2508 replies to this topic

[tricksie]

Yep! Tomorrow on ff.net! But I will try to get it up laaate tonight. 

[NaruSaku24]

Yep! Tomorrow on ff.net! But I will try to get it up laaate tonight. 

 

Yes!  Cant wait.

[tricksie]

Just posted Chapter 13 of Shattered Bonds. 

 

I included a sort of stern author's note too. I've had a steady trickle of reviews that I'm not making the characters enough like the manga counterparts. It's a little frustrating. I'm not rewriting the manga, you know? *sigh* Hope it didn't come off as too angry. I don't want to put anyone off from reading it. Just want to respond to these reviews that say "I really like you're story...but I think you should change the entire thing." Yeah. Right. Thanks for that.

 

Oh, and if also, if you read it, Voice in the Wind will be updated very soon! :)

[pharix]

/facepalm

there's a reason it's called fanfiction... (as long as they don't change so much that it's obvious bashing)

[NaruSaku24]

Just posted Chapter 13 of Shattered Bonds. 

 

I included a sort of stern author's note too. I've had a steady trickle of reviews that I'm not making the characters enough like the manga counterparts. It's a little frustrating. I'm not rewriting the manga, you know? *sigh* Hope it didn't come off as too angry. I don't want to put anyone off from reading it. Just want to respond to these reviews that say "I really like you're story...but I think you should change the entire thing." Yeah. Right. Thanks for that.

 

Oh, and if also, if you read it, Voice in the Wind will be updated very soon! :)

Just read Chapter 13 and all I can say is........Yes!     

Great job tricksie.  I really cant wait for the next chapter.

[oksus]

Just posted Chapter 13 of Shattered Bonds. 
 
I included a sort of stern author's note too. I've had a steady trickle of reviews that I'm not making the characters enough like the manga counterparts. It's a little frustrating. I'm not rewriting the manga, you know? *sigh* Hope it didn't come off as too angry. I don't want to put anyone off from reading it. Just want to respond to these reviews that say "I really like you're story...but I think you should change the entire thing." Yeah. Right. Thanks for that.
 
Oh, and if also, if you read it, Voice in the Wind will be updated very soon! :)

it seems to me like the story will end within 5 chapters, or am I wrong ?

Edited by oksus, 18 January 2014 - 01:33 AM.

[tricksie]

Just read Chapter 13 and all I can say is........Yes!     

Great job tricksie.  I really cant wait for the next chapter.

 

:) Thanks! I will probably get the next one up in two weeks or so. I want to get Voice in the Wind chapter up first.

 

@pharix: yeah, it's turned into a Sakura bash-fest in the reviews, so I turned on the moderation of anonymous posts. *sigh* The Sakura hate just gets old after a while.

 

@oksus: yes, around 3 chapters left, I think.

[Torxe]

Just posted Chapter 13 of Shattered Bonds. 

 

I included a sort of stern author's note too. I've had a steady trickle of reviews that I'm not making the characters enough like the manga counterparts. It's a little frustrating. I'm not rewriting the manga, you know? *sigh* Hope it didn't come off as too angry. I don't want to put anyone off from reading it. Just want to respond to these reviews that say "I really like you're story...but I think you should change the entire thing." Yeah. Right. Thanks for that.

 

Oh, and if also, if you read it, Voice in the Wind will be updated very soon! :)

 

 

nice chapter finally angsty Naruto is being more like himself again.

A shame the story is nearly finished but no point in stretching it I suppose.

 

btw it'll be the first story that I followed from start to end (the in progress kind ^^ ).

Also looking forward to the new chapter of A Voice in the Wind going to reread the previous one later today.

[KnS]

Just want to respond to these reviews that say "I really like you're story...but I think you should change the entire thing." Yeah. Right. Thanks for that.

 

Yeah, I don't blame you.  I don't get why readers can't understand what AU means in a summary.  It's not just about the plot deviating from the source material; the characterizations might deviate as well.  Why leave reviews that argue with an author's creative choices that they're providing, you know, for free.  If a reader doesn't enjoy a story or its characterizations, then why continue to read? 

 

It may be annoying, but at least you get feedback that proves readers are paying attention, reading the story for content, and performing some kind of analysis on your work.  For the most part I have no idea what readers really think of my stories because they never say anything. 

 

IDK.  I've become disenchanted by the whole fan fiction experience.  I personally write fan fiction because I enjoy the creative challenge, and it gives me a break from all the other stuff I write.  But publishing it has felt more and more like a mistake lately.  I mean, the only reason to actually publish it is to enter into a relationship with readers and generate feedback.  But when 95+% can't think of anything to say, what's the point?  Can it really be all that good if that's the case?  I think that's a valid question.

 

It's a shame when something that could be a really fun, interactive, and interesting experience shared between a writer and their readers starts to seem like a thankless chore or something you have to defend.

 

I probably shouldn't post thoughts like these when I'm tired, on call, and my pain level is too high.  

 

P.S.  I read your author's note and didn't find it angry or off-putting.  It was fine.  

Edited by KnS, 19 January 2014 - 06:30 AM.

[oksus]

I have started writing a fanfic myself, and I am wondering...
Is anyone here here interested in reading a Political, Team7 & K11 centred Fanfic ?

I should have first chapter done by tomorrow, if enough people are interested in reading it, I will "serialize" it.

[BakeNeko-Chan]

 

 

Yeah, I don't blame you.  I don't get why readers can't understand what AU means in a summary.  It's not just about the plot deviating from the source material; the characterizations might deviate as well.  Why leave reviews that argue with an author's creative choices that they're providing, you know, for free.  If a reader doesn't enjoy a story or its characterizations, then why continue to read? 

 

It may be annoying, but at least you get feedback that proves readers are paying attention, reading the story for content, and performing some kind of analysis on your work.  For the most part I have no idea what readers really think of my stories because they never say anything. 

 

IDK.  I've become disenchanted by the whole fan fiction experience.  I personally write fan fiction because I enjoy the creative challenge, and it gives me a break from all the other stuff I write.  But publishing it has felt more and more like a mistake lately.  I mean, the only reason to actually publish it is to enter into a relationship with readers and generate feedback.  But when 95+% can't think of anything to say, what's the point?  Can it really be all that good if that's the case?  I think that's a valid question.

 

It's a shame when something that could be a really fun, interactive, and interesting experience shared between a writer and their readers starts to seem like a thankless chore or something you have to defend.

 

I probably shouldn't post thoughts like these when I'm tired, on call, and my pain level is too high.  

 

P.S.  I read your author's note and didn't find it angry or off-putting.  It was fine.  

 

 

Yeah, I definitely agree with all this here. Knowing that people are reading my stuff is great, sure, but 3,706 views, 33 favs, 47 alerts and only 15 reviews is a seriously uneven ratio.   I'm not condemning anyone for not taking the time to review, because I'm not very good at doing it either, not consistently, and I'm trying to break that habit. But the best thing a reader can give a writer is their feedback, and I'm not talking about the "Good job, update soon" type of review, but critique and constructive criticism or telling the writer you found a particular scene or characterization well written - it all contributes to helping a writer to know where to improve and what they're doing right.

Edited by BakeNeko-Chan, 19 January 2014 - 06:37 PM.

[Torxe]

 

 

Yeah, I don't blame you.  I don't get why readers can't understand what AU means in a summary.  It's not just about the plot deviating from the source material; the characterizations might deviate as well.  Why leave reviews that argue with an author's creative choices that they're providing, you know, for free.  If a reader doesn't enjoy a story or its characterizations, then why continue to read? 

 

It may be annoying, but at least you get feedback that proves readers are paying attention, reading the story for content, and performing some kind of analysis on your work.  For the most part I have no idea what readers really think of my stories because they never say anything. 

 

IDK.  I've become disenchanted by the whole fan fiction experience.  I personally write fan fiction because I enjoy the creative challenge, and it gives me a break from all the other stuff I write.  But publishing it has felt more and more like a mistake lately.  I mean, the only reason to actually publish it is to enter into a relationship with readers and generate feedback.  But when 95+% can't think of anything to say, what's the point?  Can it really be all that good if that's the case?  I think that's a valid question.

 

It's a shame when something that could be a really fun, interactive, and interesting experience shared between a writer and their readers starts to seem like a thankless chore or something you have to defend.

 

I probably shouldn't post thoughts like these when I'm tired, on call, and my pain level is too high.  

 

P.S.  I read your author's note and didn't find it angry or off-putting.  It was fine.  

 

 

I can understand where you're coming from.

I'm one of those people that read a lot of fanfics but rarely leave a review and if I do it's like bakaneko-chan said a simple: I enjoyed and am looking forward to the next one.

It's mostly because when I read fanfic I (just as many others) read for my enjoyment and unless smthng really disturbs (perhaps to strong a word though) or worries me about the story, I don't comment on it.

 

It's also quite hard to complement someone on his writing skills while a reader himself doesn't know a thing about writing.

I tried writing a fanfc once and gave up pretty quickly because the writing itself felt tedious to me.

Most of the time rather then liking a specific part of a chapter, I tend to remember certain parts (arcs) of a story (spread over multiple chapters) so it's hard to say which part of a chapter I really like.

 

Again I get what you're all trying to say and it's understandable, I just wanted to give a comment from the readers POV.

Just know that I check my emails daily and always rejoice when I get a chapter notification ^^ and I'll try to leave (meaningfull) reviews.

Edited by Torxe, 20 January 2014 - 07:44 AM.

[Isian]

I agree with torxe, it is hard to leave a comment on a fanfic when I dont know much about writing. Im not using that as an excuse mind you, I just always feel like when I go to say something critical about the fanfic I feel like im telling the writer what to do and I think if I was the writee anf spent hours on a chapter to have some random on the internet telling me what do would irritate me. I havent actually published anything on fanfiction ive only attemptee to write a bit but I never finish a story but I digress. The point is, I feel bad about reviewing unless its positive and I have trouble doing that cause I have terrible memory but rest assured I shall be leaving reviews to the best of my ability.

[KnS]

It's also quite hard to complement someone on his writing skills while a reader himself doesn't know a thing about writing.

 

I agree with torxe, it is hard to leave a comment on a fanfic when I dont know much about writing. 

 

You guys are right, of course.  Not everyone is comfortable offering serious critique on someone else's work and writing skills, especially if they're reading purely for casual entertainment. Leaving reviews shouldn't feel like a school assignment.  Then it can feel like the same kind of chore that writing without any response can be.  Fan fiction is supposed to be FUN.

 

But there is one thing at which every single reader is an expert: their own opinion.  That's all writers want to hear.  Your opinion.  Why did you choose to read it?  What drew you to the story?  What kept you reading?  What scene or scenes did you like best?  What did you like about how the characters were written?  How did the story or chapter make you feel?  What was different about this story than others you've read?  What happened that you didn't expect?

 

Leaving those kinds of reactions in a review doesn't require expertise in English composition or training as an editor, and they mean the world to someone who has done their best to put time and effort into writing something worth reading.

 

And honestly, I really didn't intend for my mini-rant to shame readers.  I've just got a lot of serious stuff going on in real life, and I find myself questioning the amount of time and energy I spend on writing fan fiction when it doesn't seem to make much of an impression on readers.  Life is short, and I personally want to make good choices with how I spend it.  But that's my problem, not everyone else's.

[Torxe]

But there is one thing at which every single reader is an expert: their own opinion.  That's all writers want to hear.  Your opinion.  Why did you choose to read it?  What drew you to the story?  What kept you reading?  What scene or scenes did you like best?  What did you like about how the characters were written?  How did the story or chapter make you feel?  What was different about this story than others you've read?  What happened that you didn't expect?

 

And honestly, I really didn't intend for my mini-rant to shame readers.  I've just got a lot of serious stuff going on in real life, and I find myself questioning the amount of time and energy I spend on writing fan fiction when it doesn't seem to make much of an impression on readers.  Life is short, and I personally want to make good choices with how I spend it.  But that's my problem, not everyone else's.

 

 

I'm going to try and use these hints while I'm coming through with my promise ^^.

And you didn't shame me in the least with your "mini-rant" it was quite an eye opener really and I'm really grateful that you're all posting chapters.

 

oh btw I just want to mention that I never use the amount of reviews a story has to determine the quality when browsing in the list of fanfics.

I just read the summary and then look at the amount of favs for that. Perhaps unrelated but I wanted to throw it out there.

Edited by Torxe, 20 January 2014 - 07:00 PM.

[pharix]

is it just me or is there a lack of NS fics lately :(

[Liu bie]

is it just me or is there a lack of NS fics lately :(

 I know that  when I go to look for  NS fics I found another type of fics  like NH or SS, but when I go to NH fics they just NH fics it is not fair, it seems that every people hate NS. I think we lack of NS fics because NS soon will become reality.

[tricksie]

nice chapter finally angsty Naruto is being more like himself again.

A shame the story is nearly finished but no point in stretching it I suppose.

 

btw it'll be the first story that I followed from start to end (the in progress kind ^^ ).

Also looking forward to the new chapter of A Voice in the Wind going to reread the previous one later today.

 

Thanks! Yes, I was glad to get Naruto out of his spiraling depression. But he had to get there to understand Sasuke pov, and then get himself on the right path. And yes, the story's almost finished. Just a couple of chapters left. If it had a bigger plot in the Naruto world I would continue, but I don't want to drag it on past the important stuff - the NS fluff! And besides, I've got a few more stories waiting in the wings. But they'll come after I get caught up on AVitW and A Single Step. I want to focus on them for a while. I'd like to get a new chapter up a month...hopefully!

 

 

 

Yeah, I don't blame you.  I don't get why readers can't understand what AU means in a summary.  It's not just about the plot deviating from the source material; the characterizations might deviate as well.  Why leave reviews that argue with an author's creative choices that they're providing, you know, for free.  If a reader doesn't enjoy a story or its characterizations, then why continue to read? 

 

It may be annoying, but at least you get feedback that proves readers are paying attention, reading the story for content, and performing some kind of analysis on your work.  For the most part I have no idea what readers really think of my stories because they never say anything. 

 

IDK.  I've become disenchanted by the whole fan fiction experience.  I personally write fan fiction because I enjoy the creative challenge, and it gives me a break from all the other stuff I write.  But publishing it has felt more and more like a mistake lately.  I mean, the only reason to actually publish it is to enter into a relationship with readers and generate feedback.  But when 95+% can't think of anything to say, what's the point?  Can it really be all that good if that's the case?  I think that's a valid question.

 

It's a shame when something that could be a really fun, interactive, and interesting experience shared between a writer and their readers starts to seem like a thankless chore or something you have to defend.

 

I probably shouldn't post thoughts like these when I'm tired, on call, and my pain level is too high.  

 

P.S.  I read your author's note and didn't find it angry or off-putting.  It was fine.  

 

Thanks KnS, I'm glad it didn't come off too strong. I don't want to yell at everyone when the problem is coming from just a few. It's the first time I've dealt with flamey reviews on ff.net. Not people offering critical reviews or disliking it because of personal taste, but outright bashing me as a writer (lol, the worst one on ff.net, apparently), telling me exactly what to write, then demanding that I address all these shortcomings in the author's notes. LOL. I have no idea why a handful people have latched onto this story as absolutely demonizing NS. It's a short, character-driven fic, that doesn't have too many reviews. I don't no why it's illiciting such strong reactions. I just keep wondering how these readers handle all the other craaaaazy fics there are on ff.net? Naruto as an angel or a vampire? High school or time travel fics? Lol, there are so many things to hate, why stop at just my story!!! How do they read anything on ff.net without getting totally ticked off?!

 

I understand about feeling disenchanted with ff.net, but I truly don't think your publishing on there is a mistake. You have a take on Naruto that is alive and refreshing. They become real, mature characters when you write them, not merely the written caricature of a manga character. You're one of my very favorite authors on ff.net!

 

But yes, I understand what you mean about the lack of a writer/reader relationship. Honestly, I blame the culture of ff.net in that it's first and foremost a readers' site, not a writers' one. FF.net could be supporting authors, encouraging groups that helped develop their writing/editing/reviewing skills. But the only thing they provide is a "community" where a reader can share their favorite stories. Yes, they have forums, but I've not found them to be very user-friendly. (It's easier to find a topic that applies to you through a google search than accessing them through ff.net.) FF.net could be a dynamic site that encourages young writers to move ahead with their writing, to improve. But instead it's simply a search portal for stories. And not much more. 

 

 

 

You guys are right, of course.  Not everyone is comfortable offering serious critique on someone else's work and writing skills, especially if they're reading purely for casual entertainment. Leaving reviews shouldn't feel like a school assignment.  Then it can feel like the same kind of chore that writing without any response can be.  Fan fiction is supposed to be FUN.

 

But there is one thing at which every single reader is an expert: their own opinion.  That's all writers want to hear.  Your opinion.  Why did you choose to read it?  What drew you to the story?  What kept you reading?  What scene or scenes did you like best?  What did you like about how the characters were written?  How did the story or chapter make you feel?  What was different about this story than others you've read?  What happened that you didn't expect?

 

Leaving those kinds of reactions in a review doesn't require expertise in English composition or training as an editor, and they mean the world to someone who has done their best to put time and effort into writing something worth reading.

 

And honestly, I really didn't intend for my mini-rant to shame readers.  I've just got a lot of serious stuff going on in real life, and I find myself questioning the amount of time and energy I spend on writing fan fiction when it doesn't seem to make much of an impression on readers.  Life is short, and I personally want to make good choices with how I spend it.  But that's my problem, not everyone else's.

 

 

Completely understand. Anyone can leave a good review if they feel so inclined. I was thinking, I love your suggestions and maybe you could tack something like them on to the bottom of your story (in an AN) to give your readers a little nudge. Not as a way to curry more reviews, but as something concrete readers could respond to. There's no reason you as a writer could ask your readers to give a little back, and I bet some of your readers would be glad to answer. I think an empty comment field can sometimes be daunting. But if you ask readers if they feel you hit certain targets with your chapter, they may give more honed responses. (Just a thought!)

 

Instead of ff.net posting an automated "thanks for reviewing" comment, wouldn't it be nice if they posted tips on how to write better reviews? 

 

I understand too about writing ff vs doing-anything-else-that-pays-you. It's a labor of love to write ff. For me, there's quite a bit of guilt involved too (lol, if that makes sense). If I'm writing, I feel guilty that I'm focusing my creative energy on something that's a personal interest not a professional one. But if I'm not keeping up with it, I feel guilty that I've let my readers down, and that my characters have no choice but to wait for me to finish their story. Lol. Anyway, I completely understand about making sure your time and effort is not wasted. And I want you to know, from the bottom of my heart, I love your stories, and your time spent on them is a gift to all your readers, including me. If you didn't write it, we wouldn't know the characters the way you tell them, and honestly I like them much better than the manga. Like I said, they are real and vibrant and fleshed out, and they make me see the manga characters in a whole new light. For me, yours are the best kind of stories there are! 

[morgaine4]

 

But there is one thing at which every single reader is an expert: their own opinion.  That's all writers want to hear.  Your opinion.  Why did you choose to read it?  What drew you to the story?  What kept you reading?  What scene or scenes did you like best?  What did you like about how the characters were written?  How did the story or chapter make you feel?  What was different about this story than others you've read?  What happened that you didn't expect?

 

 

I absolutely understand where you're coming from, but often it's just difficult for me to review a story that I've followed as it has been progressing for a number of reasons such as I forget the details of previous chapters and haven't had the time to reread, and as such it's difficult to analyze.  It's easier with stories that are updated a couple times a month, because of the frequency it's much easier to remember the details, and I feel more comfortable offering detailed reviews, but if that's not the case and I've read through the new chapter but haven't re-capped I often decide to wait until I have a chance to re-cap what has gone on in the story and then I often forget.  This also fits in with mentioning where I think the story might go, or what I'm fascinated with.  If I'm having trouble recalling the previous details, it's hard for me to claim any sort of prediction.  I do try though.

 

 

I just keep wondering how these readers handle all the other craaaaazy fics there are on ff.net? Naruto as an angel or a vampire? High school or time travel fics? Lol, there are so many things to hate, why stop at just my story!!! How do they read anything on ff.net without getting totally ticked off?!

 

 

In my opinion, as a reader, the type of story makes a difference.  If there's a fanfiction about characters I enjoy that is set in a completely different Universe, I tend to be OK with characters acting completely out of character (as long as there are characteristics they share with the canonical versions), but if the story is set in a similar Universe, or the same Universe (in such a way that the story diverges from canon just when the story begins), then I have a different perspective.  I need the characters to greatly resemble/remind me of their canonical selves, and if they don't I need to understand why it is that they are so different.  So often, when one of my criticisms is "the character is too OOC," I'm really saying that I don't understand why the character is so different, what the characters motivations are etc.  I usually try to spell it out (but I probably forget), it's often a request for the author to clarify the reason the characters are behaving as they are within the story, and if there isn't some sort of explanation I often lose interest.  You're absolutely right that as a writer you don't mean to portray the characters as they are in the manga, that doesn't make sense BUT as a reader when I'm reading fanfiction I want to read fanfiction about character I know.  I want to read about slightly different versions or visions of those characters, and I want to understand why the author sees the characters.  I guess I feel that if the characters are too OOC, and that I can't find a legitimate reason for why the characters are OOC within the story, I lose interest.  I guess, I feel it's the author's job to convince me that the characters in the manga would act as per the author's vision given certain circumstances...but I have to believe it.  If I don't, then it's difficult.

 

With Shattered Bonds specifically (I haven't read the latest chapter yet, I'm about to) I feel as if I half understood why the characters (Naruto specifically) was acting OOC, but half didn't.  It was enough to keep me interested, and I was especially interested in his experiences with the ANBU (because that was in line with my vision of him).

[KnS]

But yes, I understand what you mean about the lack of a writer/reader relationship. Honestly, I blame the culture of ff.net in that it's first and foremost a readers' site, not a writers' one. 

 

You're right, and it is a good point.  However, it doesn't take much thought to realize that without writers, readers wouldn't have anything to read and the site would be empty.  It's ridiculous to cater to one side of the equation and ignore the other.  You would think it would be common sense, that if you appreciate a story and enjoy it you should SAY SO.  It's really not difficult.

 

More than anything I hate the excuse readers give that they're "too busy" to review.  Uh huh.  They had time to read it, but not take an additional 60 seconds to leave a remark?

 

For me, there's quite a bit of guilt involved too (lol, if that makes sense). If I'm writing, I feel guilty that I'm focusing my creative energy on something that's a personal interest not a professional one. But if I'm not keeping up with it, I feel guilty that I've let my readers down, and that my characters have no choice but to wait for me to finish their story. 

 

Exactly.  And it's not just about using my writing time wisely.  It's about not sacrificing other aspects of life to spend the hours it takes to write a decent story, fan fiction or otherwise.  There are many other activities I could be doing -- for myself, my family, my community -- that would be better than writing fan fiction stories that aren't appreciated.  One has to make good choices in life.

 

I understand about feeling disenchanted with ff.net, but I truly don't think your publishing on there is a mistake. You have a take on Naruto that is alive and refreshing. They become real, mature characters when you write them, not merely the written caricature of a manga character. You're one of my very favorite authors on ff.net!

 

(...)

 

And I want you to know, from the bottom of my heart, I love your stories, and your time spent on them is a gift to all your readers, including me. If you didn't write it, we wouldn't know the characters the way you tell them, and honestly I like them much better than the manga. Like I said, they are real and vibrant and fleshed out, and they make me see the manga characters in a whole new light. For me, yours are the best kind of stories there are! 

 

Thank you so much for saying this, tricksie.  I'm kind of at a loss for words.  It was a very nice thing to say, and it means a lot to me.