Chapter 2—Through the Void—Has Been Revised · 12:08pm Dec 9th, 2013
If story-specific blog posts works as I think it does, I'll be moving the update whatnot to here and scrapping that "chapter" from the story. Like I mentioned before, reading the revised edition is optional; think of it as a bugfix patch, not content.
Reworked the scene spent in the Between, and added a little bit I was ashamed to find out I'd forgotten to put in the first time. Added a few details behind Gears's reaction and managed to squeeze in one of the more bizarre Five Score references you've ever heard.
Overview aside, I was thinking about those that disliked my story. It doesn't bother me that they did, I'm just curious of the why. One of them had a reason I found to be completely stupid, but hey, at least they gave a reason. That reason also makes me wonder how many of those dislikes are from similar reactions. How many were from people sick of seeing yet another HiE? How many were malicious authors I'd been a little too honest with on their work? How many just figured I needed more dislikes?
Can't answer any of those, but I don't expect an answer, just musing aloud. I don't expect everyone to like my work, but at least have the courtesy to read it before you make a call.
Sidefic idea: Adventures of Rick, Interdimensional Crowbar.
Sidekick Rick: The Adventurous Crowbar
Why does that sound so wrong...
Anyhow, on topic:
There aren't a lot of people that care to post the negative things they found in a story. I don't downvote often, and I usually say why. Most of the time I just leave the story without giving it any votes, up or down...
Mostly it is because people are afraid of a negative response. There are many authors that simply delete bad comments because they can't face their own mistakes. Or something else, I'm not exactly the leading expert on author psychology, or reader- for that sake.
Some people downvote simply because they're tired of HiE's, but I don't think it's as prevalent as some authors think it is. It certainly happens, but most of the time it's for reasons that should probably be a bit obvious.
I like your story, as I've stated on several occasions, I think? Yep... maybe. I like your story. It might not be the most original thing since people discovered that circular objects roll better downhill than cheesegraters, but it's still good and interesting.
There's a lot that could be said that'd describe how much, and what I liked about your story, but it all boils down to: I had a great time, keep it up.
EDIT: Sorry if it feels like I could have added more. I could, just got sidetracked by Neverwinter.