What kind of reviews do writers prefer?

[WizardOne]

I guess its just down to preference, but as a reader its rather difficult for me to really know what to put in my reviews. Some Authors seem to live for the 'Good job' reviews, (feelgood reviews in other words) and others want harsh criticism to help them improve, and some don't really care for reviews and just write because they want to.

The dissonance struck me hard today when I was browsing a c2 on FF.net that only wants fics longer than 800k words, thinking I'd fine some funny terribad tripe ( I did of course) and I found this fic.

1. Chronicles of the Moon ? reviews
The ending and the beginning; the times before and ultimate questions answered. Who finally ends the endless battles and how can the House of the Moon finally live in peace. Many fave characters and OC's.
Crossover - Inuyasha & Bleach - Rated: M - English - Supernatural/Romance - Chapters: 110 - Words:1,605,439 - Reviews: 6 - Updated: 9-5-11 - Published: 6-2-10 - Sesshomaru & Kensei M.

Thats 1.6 million words. And Six reviews.

The writer really just doesnt seem to care if no one reads their fic.
Durandall quit ff.net because he was getting loads of reviews, but no criticism, other people quit because they get too much criticism and not enough reviews.

Basically, since we have a lot of writers on here, I'd like to see who prefers what. What kind of reviews, if any, do you prefer?
I'd appreciate honesty here. The standard response will be 'I prefer long and detailed criticism that will help me improve' which is fine, but I reckon some will answer that just because its the choice that makes them seem like they have character.

So.. Honestly... whats your poison?

(For myself, I prefer the 'good job' and nothing else reviews, I trust the reviews and opinions of my Beta's a LOT more than I trust the criticism of the ff.net hordes, who are well known for having awful taste)

 

[Ashaman]

This may sound bad but I'm happy just getting reviews.

I don't write for them, but as long as I get reviews I know someone appreaciates my stories, and it gives me motivation.

People pointing things out and offering critizimes is nice, but I sometimes find myself disregarding them because occasionally I feel they're just spouting bull.

Here as well, but mainly on FF.net.

If they point out something that honestly doesn't make sense, that's one thing, and helps me think things through, but I often see merely a differing opinion, which is something else entirely.

what's really bad is my compettive side when it comes to reviews. I want to have as many as possible, more then ... random popular story in the same category... and work towards that, and beyond that.

 

[TkMacintosh]

This may sound bad but I'm happy just getting reviews.

I don't write for them, but as long as I get reviews I know someone appreaciates my stories, and it gives me motivation.

People pointing things out and offering critizimes is nice, but I sometimes find myself disregarding them because occasionally I feel they're just spouting bull.

Here as well, but mainly on FF.net.

If they point out something that honestly doesn't make sense, that's one thing, and helps me think things through, but I often see merely a differing opinion, which is something else entirely.

what's really bad is my compettive side when it comes to reviews. I want to have as many as possible, more then ... random popular story in the same category... and work towards that, and beyond that.

I can sort of agree with this that getting reviews are nice and allows me to know that people appreciated my stories...

But at the same time, I want to improve my technique and skill so I also want people to tell me what they find wrong and WHY it's wrong...plus if they can give me a good enough reason on how it could be reworked to make it work, then I'm willing to listen.

I take in all sorts of advice. I'll listen to peoples suggestions and if I like their idea, I'll use it, but if not, I'm gonna toss it and use my own ideas. If they don't like that, then too freaking bad. It's my story and I'm willing to listen and take advice, but that doesn't mean I have to like your ideas and or use them...

 

[PCHeintz72]

As a long time reader/reviewer, I've seen all types.

Authors that specifically could care less or even get upset at you bothering to leave a review on spelling/grammar

Authors that don't care

Authors that just want 'more' or 'great job' posts

Authors that refuse to accept flames

As a reader, I vary my responses a bit, but for detailed style reviews, I generally do a running commentary and list thoughts down as I read. By doing it this way, they get a feel for what a reader is experienceing and thinking while reading the passages for the first time. Of course, this also means subsequent entries may override prior ones as your views of events and characters change... that is good for them to know as well...

If I know for certain they dislike spelling/grammar corrections, I will not bother, but on the other hand, if too bad, I stop reading.

I've had very few complaints on the above style.

 

[Nanya]

As for me, I'd prefer criticism if it points out ways to make it better.

Ego fluffing is all nice and good, but I do want to improve.

Just don't go "this sucks" and then give nothing to help improve it.

That's just me.