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[shapinglight]

Okay, said I was going to spam, and since this subject is horribly embarrassing for me, I might as well get it off my chest rightaway.

Ahem! I am a feedback whore.



Not that it's True Confessions Week on LJ, or anything, but since I was brought up to think that trying to attract attention to yourself was un-British or unfeminine, or un-something, admitting this is a lot harder than the subject (which is very trivial, I know) actually warrants.

I thought at first I would try and pretend to be all scientific and impersonal and put up some kind of poll so you could all join me in admitting you were also feedback whores, or else take the moral high ground and say getting feedback was a matter of indifference to you. However, implicating you all in my horrible character flaw didn't seem very fair, so I didn't do it.

Anyway, I am one. I wish I wasn't. I wish I was like peasant_ who not only doesn't like getting feedback, but actively discourages it by making it as hard as possible for people to give her any and glaring at them a lot when they do, but I'm not. Getting told people have enjoyed something I've written is one of the best feelings in the world for me. Likewise, not getting any feedback, or not much feedback, for something I've written makes me grumpy, and I have to own up to it.

:sigh: Oh well. Never claimed to be perfect. Should I have done the poll after all, or have I embarrassed myself enough already? Or, indeed, are you asking yourself, what on earth is wrong with wanting/liking to receive feedback? It's a British/women's/old person's problem. Get over it.

Comments

[kitty-poker1.livejournal.com]

Looking on this as a mini-poll, I go with Option ...what on earth is wrong with wanting/liking to receive feedback?

I refresh until my finger is numb until that first comment turns up. It's all very well writing for oneself and being satisfied, and I envy people who can do that, but I need the reassurance that someone enjoys what I've laboured over, that I haven't just wasted an hour (or more likely 12 hours in my case - I'm a slow writer) on something no one but I, and a beta if there's one, will ever see. Hell, I'll take concrit if that's all there is. At least it'll point me in the right direction for the next attempt.

I don't want to write in a vacuum, don't want to gaze with satisfaction at a long list of fics sitting on my journal with no comments. Now I've scared myself! ;)

[shapinglight]

I don't want to write in a vacuum, don't want to gaze with satisfaction at a long list of fics sitting on my journal with no comments. Now I've scared myself! ;)

I'm the same, Kitty. I wish I could rid myself of the notion that it's bad to feel that way, because it isn't really, is it?

[kitty-poker1.livejournal.com]

I wish I could rid myself of the notion that it's bad to feel that way, because it isn't really, is it?

No, not even slightly bad. Apart from the sheer pleasure fb gives, it's a learning experience. Even a simple "Loved it!" demonstrates you're on the right track, and more in-depth comments are invaluable for giving pointers about what you do best and, ideally, any weaknesses which can then be worked on. I've learned a lot from readers who take the time and trouble to comment.

[shapinglight]

I've learned a lot from readers who take the time and trouble to comment.

Yes, me too. One reader in particular was so helpful in giving me pointers about how to write Sunnydale-style Valleyspeak.

I feel better (though still rather embarrassed about this post).

[kitty-poker1.livejournal.com]

I truly don't think you should feel embarrassed, Deb. It's opened up a very interesting discussion and I bet a few writers here wish they'd had the courage to say out loud what we all think. I know I do.

[shapinglight]

Well, if nothing else it's given me a reminder that I must try and be a better f/b'er myself.