This is a reminder that unhelpful and/or hostile reviews aka 'flames' are not accepted here.
In regards to the complaint that I do not update enough, I am not going to apologize for that habit because I don't think I need to. If my stories are any good, it is mostly because I take the time to think things through. I try to develop my plots and characters. And I do not post until I feel it's ready. As an impatient fanfic reader myself, I can understand how frustrating that might be for some, but if it bothers you that much my only advice to you is to avoid WIP stories.
It's been said of my reviews that I am critical. In an attempt to avoid hurt feelings, I'd like to explain my philosophy on reviewing a little bit.
I was a creative writing minor is school. Before I sound too arrogant, let me assure you I hardly think that qualifies me as a great author or a potential critic for the New York Times. I only mention it because my most influential teacher often told us that the only thing less helpful than vague and nasty comments (what we call flames) are gushy and flattering comments. If someone is already doing something right, it's nice to let them know, but the only way anyone will improve and grow as a writer is to have the problems pointed out and advised upon.
So, when I write a review, I mention the things I like but I spend more time exploring things that could be improved. Now sometimes this may be a matter of opinion; I've gotten into my share of ideological conflicts although I try to avoid those unless the author asks for feedback on that topic. Most of the time, however, I try to focus on specific examples that I think disrupt the story or hold it back. Bottom line, I always try to be constructive and not malicious (I think I'm usually successful...) and I'm always willing to explain my comments if someone is confused or upset by something I've said (provided they are polite when they ask...).
Now I realize many authors are not interested in my kind of feedback. They have their own reasons for posting that don't include being critiqued or receiving suggestions. If that's the case, those authors should (and usually do) just ignore me. But I hope that understanding my reasons for reviewing will help assuage any hurt feelings that may come up. I know how sensitive people are about their creative works.
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