I can see the reviewer maybe just trying to express his/her appreciation of the fic and hoping for more of the same, but like you, I REALLY hate that wording. And you have summed up my exact feelings about whiny pushers who think they can make a difference by just sitting and yelling at others. Bravo! :) If I ever give a presentation on fanfic writing/reading (did once, but it wasn't the right time/place for it so I want to do it again), I may use this entry as an example of what not to do as a reviewer (I would give full credit to you, obviously).
When I was a budding young noob, experiencing the Internet for the first time (and for quite a while after that), I would leave reviews like that. However, I ALWAYS meant it in jest and as a compliment (the "not really a complaint" sort). I sometimes succeeded in conveying that (sometimes not; a sarcastic voice does not carry over the 'net; rather, words must be chosen to express that sarcasm without a voice). My writing has gotten better as a result of realizing exactly how to express myself with just words.
This person may have meant it like I would had I left something similar, but I believe your indignation is justified and this person needs to grow up and get a clue about social interactions, proper grammar, and correct phrasing.
My review, if I wrote one with a similar meaning to the fic in question, would have probable been: "ARG! Why aren't you writing a sequel? That was so good, I can't believe you're just going to leave us wanting more! My brain is going nuts thinking of what happens next, and it will never know if it is right or not! ... but if you're going to keep writing other fics and posting, I think I can beat my brain into submission and just go read everything else you've penned. Please keep writing, as you excel at it."
This is why I love reading your journal
Date: 2011-03-21 08:36 pm (UTC)When I was a budding young noob, experiencing the Internet for the first time (and for quite a while after that), I would leave reviews like that. However, I ALWAYS meant it in jest and as a compliment (the "not really a complaint" sort). I sometimes succeeded in conveying that (sometimes not; a sarcastic voice does not carry over the 'net; rather, words must be chosen to express that sarcasm without a voice). My writing has gotten better as a result of realizing exactly how to express myself with just words.
This person may have meant it like I would had I left something similar, but I believe your indignation is justified and this person needs to grow up and get a clue about social interactions, proper grammar, and correct phrasing.
My review, if I wrote one with a similar meaning to the fic in question, would have probable been: "ARG! Why aren't you writing a sequel? That was so good, I can't believe you're just going to leave us wanting more! My brain is going nuts thinking of what happens next, and it will never know if it is right or not! ... but if you're going to keep writing other fics and posting, I think I can beat my brain into submission and just go read everything else you've penned. Please keep writing, as you excel at it."
See? Sort of the same message, but FLATTERING.