What do you think of writers who put their work on yahoo answers?

Answer 1

For novelists in particular, I think they are taking quite a big chance at having their work misunderstood or undervalued, since many book-writers (or writers period) can't write a summary to save their lives.
It's especially hard if they're young, it's the first book they've written, and they've never written short stories or essays.

A writer who wants to put a summary of a book on Y!A had better practice, practice, practice... then rewrite again. It may be a waste of time and space for them otherwise, and not a lot of fun to read the answers. Those who'd like to read a good piece are disappointed as well. As for all the short stories... isn't there another, better outlet?

So I guess I'm saying I wouldn't do it!
Suggested links for those interested in publishing, either online--to a PDA often, sometimes a group of writers--or off...
http://www.publisher.org
Association of American Publishers
http://www.bookwire.com/
links to online publishers, libraries, etc.

Answer 2

Most artists can be loners or very busy working, sometimes not developing friendship within their vocation, so feed back is why its done, sometimes small enclaves are formed, eventually forums, then from forums, ideas are born, that's growth also learning is spread through a form of osmosis.

Simply put, reaching out and becoming a dart board for stranger criticism.

Some of the stuff is crap, all of it, has growth potential. It depends on whether the artist gives up or keeps going.

Sometimes if good fortune and a belief within themselves, you'll end up finding them in prominent shelf positions at book stores, being promoted as the next best thing.

Answer 3

For the most part they are starting out and are asking if they are good enough to keep writing and sticking with this craft.
There isn't anything wrong with putting up a snippet of your work up here, perhaps someone should take the time to read and possibly redirect them.

As for Associated Content, maybe they don't know of it nor do they feel good enough about their work to put it up on such a site.

My suggestion to them would be to send them to Write.com and let them create a profile and be critiqued by their peers.

Answer 4

I did that one time, but deleted my question almost immediately. It was completely stupid as it was not yet copyrighted. I think it's not a smart thing to do. People steal ideas all the time. Why put your precious work for the world to see and it's not protected legally? I am very paranoid about my writing and rarely let anyone read my work, probably to my detriment. But, oh well.

Answer 5

I think it's a great way for up and coming writers to get their work critiqued and get ready for the real world of writing.

Answer 6

Most of them aren't professionals. A lot of them are teenagers who just want honest feedback.

When you're a kid, it's hard to get an honest opinion from friends or family members... they always fluff it up.

Answer 7

Maybe they are beginners and wanted to know what people all over the world think about their work.

Answer 8

They are offering their work up to anyone who wants to cut and paste it. I think mostly they want approval. For the most part, they don't want to really hear any crit, they just want to hear they are the next Shakespeare. Shrugs. Whatever. Pax -C

Answer 9

If they want the public to view their work, they should submit it to Associate Content, where they can get paid.

Answer 10

I don't read what they write...this isn't the place for reading stories, it's for Q&A.