Welcome, ladies and gents, to the fifth chapter of the Fanfiction Guide!

First, this chapter is a bit shorter than the other ones. It's because I wrote this one really quickly at like, 12:30 in the morning. I'm sure I have more to say on it, but I think this is fine. Also, if things don't make much sense (I've read it over a couple times, but you never know) it's because I, you know, was high on tiredness. So yeah. Sorry if you're left in a daze after this chapter because you're so confused.

Second, I am going to start out this chapter with a disclaimer: Yes, I can be a filthy hypocrite. I know. Since I've said it here, this is no need to point it out in the reviews or in an angry PM. I thank ye.

With that said, you all must be wondering what it is I'm going to talk about to day.


Reviews, Comments, and Feedback

[the thing that everyone wants]

Now, I'm going to be straight with you. I can be found at fault with this. I did this a lot especially with the first fanfic that I first wrote.

But, slowly, I've learned. And now I'm going to share this new found knowledge with you all.

REVIEWS.

AREN'T.

IMPORTANT.

Probably just blew your mind.


Be Proud of What You've Written

A lot of fanfictions that I've read always ask for reviews at the beginning or the end of chapters (or the beginning AND end in some cases), or in the summaries of their stories. I'm okay with this—even though I try hard not to do it (and I'll explain why in a sec)—but the one thing that absolutely kills me is when people say this:

i want 50 reviews, so i won't update until i get that much :3 lolz so get reviewing or i'll stahp writing kk?

First, text speech in a story? Unacceptable.

Second, PEOPLE WILL WANT TO REVIEW WHEN THEY DARN TOOT'N WANT TO. Don't force ANYONE to review because then you'll just get a lot of annoyed readers. I guess it can probably work for some people, but honestly, whenever I see someone grovelling for reviews, I die a little inside.

Don't let reviews control you or how often you update. Most of the time, the reviews you get are either "OMG THIS STORY IS SO GOOD UPDATE" or "wut is dis u should stop writig rite now it suks." We're shooting for the former rather than the latter. [Though let's be honest here. Would the latter really insult you? I don't think so] There is a very minimal chance that you will actually get some constructive criticism, good feedback, or high school English teacher classic book analysis complete with symbolism, tone, and metaphor. Just putting that out there.

Isn't the reason why you're writing on this website in the first place is because you think it's fun? You're doing it for your own enjoyment, and it's a bonus if other people like it too. If you're having fun, reviews shouldn't even matter.

I am now going to quote Charlie McDonnell*. I'm going to paraphrase. A lot.

"I don't ever tell anyone to [review] unless I have a decent reason to...You are being nice enough to give me a bit of your time and attention. So I try not to waste any of that time. There are basically two ways for me to get you to [review]. The first way is for me to stand here and tell you '[Review!]' But the other way is for me to make the best content that I can, and assume that if you generally like it, you will [favorite] it, or if you have something to say, you'll [review], and if you want to [follow] then you will."

I changed some of the words in there to fanfiction crap instead of the YouTube stuff that he was talking about. But the message is still the same.

What Charlie talked about is typically the system that I follow. I trust the fact that what I'm putting out is something that I've really worked hard on, and if people want to review/favorite/follow, then they will. I'm leaving it up to you—the reader. Trying to force someone to review is like trying to force-feed someone creamed asparagus. They just won't like it.


Your Hits

Just because people aren't reviewing, declaring their presence and making sure that everyone knows that they're there, doesn't mean that people aren't viewing your story. You can look at your traffic on your account page, and look at how many people are actually viewing your story. The amount of reviews that you have will 99.99999% ALWAYS be lower than your traffic. Do you really think that the 12,000 people that saw your story would leave a review?

No.

They won't.

It's because the majority of them are incredibly lazy. I am at fault here. A story is really good, but I really just don't feel like typing out a few extra words. I know. It's lame. But don't go pointing fingers at me. I'm sure you do it too.

Also, look at how many people are following your story. One of my stories has nearly 100 followers. I am guaranteed that 100 people will get an email saying that I updated. And even though I won't be getting 100 reviews every week, it's nice knowing that there is a solid foundation of people that will be seeing the content that I created.

And hey, don't be sad if you have only 2 followers and 1 favorite. That's why this guide is here.


BONUS: Getting Well Known

Now we're getting deeper into the matter of my opinion.

I think the best way to get well known (besides writing good content) is favorite and review other people's fanfictions. There are going to be those random people that will look over people's reviews, and if you constantly leave behind feedback and reviews, the author will not only be grateful, but you're also putting your name out there, letting that random person find you.

And even though what I'm saying will not make reviews less important to some of you, shouldn't you review someone else's story to give them what they want too?

Did that make sense? That was a long sentence.


So basically what I'm trying to say here is that reviews don't matter. You're doing this for yourself, not for them. Don't get controlled with how many reviews you have. They really don't mean a thing. What matters is how proud of the work you are.

How's that for ending a chapter all inspirational-like?

~littlebitclever

*If you want to view Charlie McDonnell's video that I quoted, search My YouTube Rules (Part 1) by charlieissocoollike. He talks about some helpful things. I particularly like Rule #3. It also backs up what I've been saying.