Author's Note
I know, I hate these, too. However, I received a couple of blistering reviews that I, as the author, feel need to be addressed. Frankly, it's midnight, I haven't slept in forty-eight hours, and I am completely partied out, so forgive me if I'm a little grouchy.
The first review, from an anonymous reviewer:
"Dude, you are very mean. I didn't base my story on yours and because you said we who write about the same thing are 'Copycats' I lost alot of my readers. I didn't even know yours existed I made my own up, I know I don't have milatary information because my story is for fun. I hope you're happy with all your reviews, thanks alot bishh.."
I have not called anyone a "copycat." I simply said in an author's note that preceded one of my chapters that many readers are telling me that they think other authors are copying me. I said that other people are calling these authors "copycats." If you don't believe me, here is the note:
"Send me the title and author. So far my feathers have not been ruffled over this, but I'm always interested in checking the stories out. These so-called "copycats" have had very limited military knowledge, so I think that if they have read "BS," they only read the first few chapters. So far I'm just leaving them be."
See that? So-called. I have not released any of these story titles or any pen names to anyone. So no one can dare say that I am the reason you are losing readers. I simply check out the stories that readers send me, and so far, I have not contacted any of these authors about plagiarism because I don't like to cause conflict (gasp!). So you're barking up the wrong tree. Maybe you should check out your readers and see who is calling you a "copycat."
The second review, from an anonymous reviewer who I suspect is the same anonymous reviewer since the reviews came within three minutes of each other, but I'm not pointing fingers:
"I really hope you're happy. thanks alot bitch!"
My only response for this is that since I am innocent of this "crime" I have been "accused of" (if you can call a poorly-written review an accusation), I am very happy with my story and with my number of reviews. I don't claim to be a great author, and I don't claim to be copied. And if a "bitch" (or a bishh, whatever that is) is a person who is entirely original and doesn't troll on other writers, then I'll wear that badge with pride.
Now, my invitation to these reviewers:
If you decide to grow a pair and send me a message/leave me a signed review with your complaint, I will be much more cordial and I will explain to you that you are mistaken. And we can iron this out like mature writers.
Thank you,
Sarah
(And if any of my regular readers are still reading this note, the next chapter will probably have to wait for a while. I have to return to school and take exams. My apologies if you came to this note and were hoping for a legit chapter. I am truly sorry for letting you down and wasting your time. I love you guys!)