Look, ban me if you have to, but I really don't see anything wrong with that. I didn't use any naughty words (apart from "suck," which can hardly be said to be offensive anymore, and at worst indicates the person using it has an unimaginative vocabulary). It's a bad story. I can try to dress that up with lots of nice words so I don't offend the author's feelings. I guess I could have said,
"While I appreciate the hard work and sacrifice that went into the production of this story, and whereas I certainly would not wish to denigrate the creative process, I feel that the end result left me somewhat less than thoroughly entertained, due to the fact that the story was derivative of other works that slightly exceeded it in quality and entertainment value, and also because it wasn't the easiest story in the world to follow. Therefore, whereas I failed to be entertained by the story, this should in no way be construed that the author is a bad person or lacks talent. My dislike of the story was no doubt a reflection upon my poor intellect."
Or I could just say that the story was so awful it deserves to be set on fire. Seriously, why mince words?
I don't think explaining why it's a bad story is demonstrating a lack of respect. What about me? I gave 55 minutes of my valuable time to listen to this story, and another ten minutes or so to achieve some cathartic bellyaching on the internet. Does the author respect my time? Evidently not, as the author has [and here PCoC has censored himself, deleting a colorful description suggesting some malice perpetrated by the author in knowingly wasting my time with a horrible story].
When I like a story, I weigh in and explain why it's good (see my review of the Best Escape Pod Ever, "Connie Maybe"). And when I waste nearly an hour on a terrible story, I'd like to be able to vent about it without having to spend an hour rewriting my review so it doesn't cause anybody to cry.
So I leave it up to you, Mr. Moderator. Give the word, and I'll ban myself. I'll never again darken these forums with my presence, if that's your wish. But I'm not going to expend needless effort writing only bland criticisms when I don't like a story. I don't attack the author and call them a bad person--I call their stories bad. And I fail to see how that's wrong.
Alright, I'm putting my virtual foot down. (a foot composed of the next several pixels that make up this post)
Dude, there's a difference between voicing an opinion and being an asshole. It's the difference between "man, I really disliked this story, and I feel like I wasted my time with it, here's why: [insert explanation here]" vs. "This story makes me want to kill, and should be set on fire, and my god it's made of suck!"
We like to keep a civil community here, not one filled with douchey comments, tactless assholes, and unfiltered opinions. Yes, go ahead and hate a story, but holy crap must you be so blatantly offensive about it? Not only are you insulting the author, but you are insulting the editors who decided this was a good story, good enough to be bought, transferred into audio, and distributed to the public.
Frankly, if you don't think you can show a little self-restraint, then I do not see the point of you being here. Your review of "Connie, Maybe" was awesome, I will say that much, but it doesn't make up for all the other crap you've been throwing around here. You are on thin ice, so either behave or get out.
and, not directed towards you, but rather the "grading" of stories.
no. just don't. you say "oh then don't read it", well sorry, but ONE STAND ALONE LETTER is not going to just be glanced over and ignored. It stands out, and condensing an entire opinion into one letter is as bad as a "meh". Sure, you explained yourself, but the letter grade at the end is useless, it adds nothing to the opinion. If anything, it detracts from it, cheapens it. Just don't, please.