Debra Mc writes: In many ways, I feel like this story slipped out of her hands, as what she wanted to do was not what some readers wanted.
I have seen the comment threads of stories where readers push for certain outcomes. A writer might begin to doubt his or her original intention, and indeed, one reason you "publish" online free is to recieve feedback. Some people really are resistant to anyone telling them what to do, but others are more like the Bingleys or the Kittys -- not bad or stupid, but by nature more pliable and willing to listen. That is not always a good thing for them. Not making any judgments about any writers' psychological natures, just saying.
Oh, and by the way, I have seen a few stories that I think would have benefitted from the writer listening to criticism. But you can listen too much and be too sensitive. It's a tightrope over burning coals and flesh-eating pyranha (sometimes I just cannot resist the opportunity for a metaphor).
I have seen the comment threads of stories where readers push for certain outcomes. A writer might begin to doubt his or her original intention, and indeed, one reason you "publish" online free is to recieve feedback. Some people really are resistant to anyone telling them what to do, but others are more like the Bingleys or the Kittys -- not bad or stupid, but by nature more pliable and willing to listen. That is not always a good thing for them. Not making any judgments about any writers' psychological natures, just saying.
Oh, and by the way, I have seen a few stories that I think would have benefitted from the writer listening to criticism. But you can listen too much and be too sensitive. It's a tightrope over burning coals and flesh-eating pyranha (sometimes I just cannot resist the opportunity for a metaphor).