AJRoald's Blog

Rating and Reviewing Rant

As I was looking over my portfolio today, I noticed that the rating on one of my stories had gone down and I wondered what was up with that. Since no one has left a reveiw for the story, it took me a few minutes to figure out how to find out just the ratings.

I was a little miffed to see that one person rated this item a 1 and never bothered to leave a review or comments of any sort. I understand you don't have to do this, but I thought that if this person disliked my story SO much to rate it a 1 - they could have the courtesy to tell me why.

EVERYONE is entitled to their opinions, likes and dislikes, I have no qualms with that. I also know I write controversial fanfiction - usually unusual pairings - and that doesn't set well with all. Believe me, I have gotten my fair share of 'hate' reviews or 'flames', so that isn't the point here. At least those people had to take the time to write down why they didn't like my story, and while I don't agree with 'flaming', I can at least respect their point of view.

Personally, if I don't like a story due to content or characters, I just click out of it and never say a word. Just because I personally find a pairing or situation offensive doesn't mean everyone does. If it is poorly written but has potential, I will leave a review of 'constructive' critisism.

I don't agree with the people who leave reviews such as (and these are fanfiction specific):

1. That would never happen in the book.

Rebuttal: I'm writing 'fanfiction' - not the book.

2. I HATE that character, they are such a loser! -or- Those characters shouldn't be together because he should be with this other character!

Rebuttal: I happen to like the character and/or happen to like this particular pairing, that is why I write about them. If you don't happen to like said character or pairings, why even BOTHER to read my story when it specifies that these are the main characters and/or pairing.

I guess I don't believe in diminishing someone elses work based on my personal preferences. I simply choose not to read them and go about my merry way.