Do you annoy/are annoyed by your readers?

Let's say that your friend agreed to review your book for free. Several months passed and he hasn't finished a single chapter. You remind him of it once, and again he says that he's going to read it. Many more months pass, and he still hasn't gotten very far in your book (though he says that he doesn't find your book boring, he just procrastinates (which might or might not be bullshit)). How do you react?

Do you casually remind him that your book exists? Do you politely ask him to read it? Do you make a temper tantrum on how underapreciated you are as an author, how shitty authors get way more attention than you and how you will never speak to him again if he doesn't read your book?

On the other hand, do you think that you, as the author, have the right to feel annoyed?

After doing only the first option for quite some time, I got pretty pissed off and started to be more explicit. I have asked my readers before and they told me it wasn't annoying, though I'm pretty sure there's something awkward about it. I mean, it must be difficult to allow yourself to immerse in a world created by someone who acts like that. Nowadays, I try to refrain myself from even talking about my books to the people who haven't finished it, but it's still annoying.

edited 17th Jan '12 10:28:19 AM by Teraus

I am saddened by my readers when that happens. Never annoyed though. Just sad. Bit disappointed. Bit let down.

I have never and will never demand that somewhat read my work, nor ever give them my work. They may seek it out if they wish.

I ask, but try not to force, unless it's Cakman. But it can get frustrating.

Nah. That's just one person whose attention didn't catch. There's billions of other potentials... but that's just what I tell myself.

You know, sorta like a middle-aged career woman who just can't find luck in romance.

XD. I think that's a common feeling.

Generally my readers only annoy me by clamoring for more (not trying to brag here, as they are my family and friends so I guess this is expected) but its the good kind of annoyance. We writers need to be poked and prodded elsewise we never get anything done.

Same, at this stage.

If someone is reading your stuff and not giving you constructive feedback in a timely fashion, you need to find someone else to read your stuff. Don't get annoyed, there's no point. Either they're too busy to do it, they don't understand it and quit reading, they've read it and don't want to hurt your feelings, or they have one of a thousand other reasons. Don't get annoyed. Find someone with the time, the expertise, and the willingness to read for you.

I hear there's this Internet thing that helps you find people. You can probably find someone to read your stuff.

edited 17th Jan '12 3:00:43 PM by RalphCrown

Honestly, just a comment of "what's X gonna do next" is enough to tide me over, since I've been deprived of even that, sometimes.

But that's assuming meager feedback trumps no feedback, which isn't true for everyone.

But then again, I already wrote my book. So I guess the only thing feedback is convincing me to do is post it.

edited 17th Jan '12 3:12:13 PM by MrAHR

My sister does that often. She is my biggest fan, having read every single chapter I've written so far, and that includes two books and five chapters. No one else has read the second book yet.

Yeah, well... I wanted to find someone at TV Tropes, but I need to translate my books first.

edited 17th Jan '12 3:33:04 PM by Teraus

Tv Tropes sucks when it comes to getting feedback. Period.

@AHR: In general, it does...but there are good individuals here.

Playing devil's advocate for a moment: I committed myself to reading two long projects by different people here, and one in real life, and it's really hard to set aside the time to go through a work that may be rough around the edges, provide good feedback/criticism, and touch base with the writer, especially when you have personal stuff and writing of your own to do.

Oh, once you get feedback, it's usually good feedback. It's getting it in the first place that's the problemo.

I would be grateful to even have readers...

Well, checking your thread, you have readers for about 7 pages or so. That's not that bad. But then again, once you gain something, you automatically adjust to consider it the norm.

I think I have phrased it wrong.

I was actually trying to say that I wish I had readers because that means that I'm actually writing again.

edited 17th Jan '12 4:28:06 PM by dRoy

Ohhhh. I geddit.

I think that among the coolest perks for reading of reading is that you can enjoy it at your own rythim

TBQH, when I ask people to review, they get back to me in a few days at most, usually complimenting my sense of humor.

So I wouldn't know how to respond to this thread's question.

GTFO, you lucky bastard.

It looks like I'm the only annoying author around. I feel really ashamed...

No. I annoy people. Just subtly. I can't tell you how many times I've made references to my story, in an attempt to get someone to read it.

If you're willing to read someone else's work, it can be to your advantage to swap with another writer for critique. (I got my current reader by proofing her MLP fanfic. I don't even watch MLP, but she's a good enough proofer that it was worth it.)