Statistically speaking, less than five percent of readers actually review. Right. Fact.

Why?

Why do you think people don't review? This has been driving me crazy. My current fanfic--which I will arrogantly say that I know is a darn good one--has been bottoming out in the review department. Over 70 people have it on story alert and over 90 have me on author alert, but I'm got nothing as far as reviews go. Maybe it could just be this story, but... Why? Is it because it's the summer and people are out doing stuff? Is it because most people are lazy and/or inconsiderate? Is it because they hate the story?

I'm not asking you about my story (although you're more than welcome to talk about mine, if you feel so inclined!). I'm asking in general: why don't people review stories? Why don't you review stories? It just doesn't make any sense to me. If you're so bored by the fic that you don't even feel like reviewing, then for heaven's sake, tell the author that! S/he won't have a clue that they're boring their audience stupid if no one bothers to tell them.

Okay. So this has ended up being more of a vent than a question, but it still stands. Why don't people review?

I usually don't review stories because I can't think of anything particularly helpful to say. The only time I review stories is when I think they are really bad and I can give the author constructive criticism with my very little knowledge of writing.

I just think that reviewing isn't helpful to the author if I'm not able to give them any advice on how to improve their story/writing.

And posting the hundredth review saying "great story, UPDATE" is pointless.

Sadly, we work hundreds of hours on our stories. We get absolutely no pay for doing this except for a review. People tend to look for the stories with the most reviews and read them assuming that they are better than the others. That's why even a, 'Great Chapter' is appreciated. Please, if you like what the writer is doing, give them that boost they need and post a review, even if it is short. Thanks.

1. Forums are not to be used to post stories.
2. All discussions, language and content, must be suitable for teens.
3. The owner/moderator(s) of this forum is solely responsible for content posted within this area.
4. All forum abuse must be reported to the moderator(s).

1. Forum admin/moderator
2. Fanatic (on site for more than 2 years)
3. Fan (on site for more than a year)
4. Regular (on site for more than 6 months)
5. Camper (on site for more than a month)
6. Apprentice (on site for more than a week)
7. Newbie (on site for less than a week)