Are You Really Boo Hoo’ing The Tears?

By @Credoroza


I am sitting here this evening writing my column which is due in a week and  have  my TL open on twitter, always watching what goes on in the world of fandom, as that is what I write about, when a tweet comes across commenting on a FF story with 27K + reviews and how is that possible? Well, I keep abreast of all things fandom pretty much and knew exactly what story was being referred too. And it’s simple, it’s the bandwagon effect. It happens every once in awhile, thank goodness not to often, it’s discouraging to other writers and inflames the fandom, but it does happen.


Don’t get me wrong, the 27K writer is a very good writer. Usual review count is 4 - 5K for previous stories, outstanding for any story. But to take the jump in reviews, well there are things that caused it and sad to say, it wasn’t the story. Be that as it may,  these things happen.


What really bothered me though was the writers blog posting about a WIP with over 10K reviews. She made the statement that her heart wasn’t in it to continue but would not abandon the story and that the negativity in the reviews was disheartening. With over 10K in reviews, how  many were negative? Not that many, I’ve checked. But the ones that were negative were due to the writers choice to stretch the level of anxiety in the story feigning angst. There was no underlying hope in the anxiety and it had been going on for the past 5 chapters. People are getting annoyed. They aren’t looking for fluff, they are looking for understanding. They are looking for a shred of realism. And though fiction, that doesn’t excuse the responsibility for a form of realism. 


When you pick and choose history, when you pick and chose how far to go tearing the characters up leaving your audience with the feeling you have no way back that makes sense other than, poof, all is OK now and then readily admit the story isn’t flowing, well the negativity will come. Keep in mind, these reviewers are not your normal following. These are people that were brought in on the bandwagon. They just aren’t going for your style of writing and letting you know it. This is what happens when the bandwagon comes rolling in. It is as simple as that. So to post on your blog, is just adding grease to axle wheels of the bandwagon. And frankly, I am stunned that it was commented on. 


So when the bandwagon comes rolling in, you need to go with the flow and not watch your numbers climb. Not go so far out on a limb that your lose sight of your story. And certainly not boo hoo on your blog inciting even more hype. 


Normally I don’t rant about a writer. I am more inclined to poke readers who leave ridiculous reviews and you know by those reviews, they are skimming the story because the reviews make no sense. But this just irked me beyond normalcy. Come on, really? A writer can write what they want, but when their fan base skyrockets, there are reasons. So no boo hoo’ing. Write what you  want, but no blogging the tears. It’s offensive and I am certain it irritates the other writers in the fandom as well. That is all, rant over.