The reviews aren't only there for the readers, though--it's also unbiased feedback, which is very hard to get. A serious writer needs something more than, "I liked it, it was good." That doesn't help you develop as a writer. And "cheating" that way--well, I suppose there are always those with no code of honor. I personally am very serious about my writing, and plan to make a career of it. As of now, the only person in my life who knows enough about writing to critique my work honestly is my mother. And one, she's 1500 miles away, and two, I wouldn't show her these stories. So while I enjoy the compliments, there's rarely much to build from--and that's not just those who review here, that's my friends, too. It's kind of frustrating.

Thus, my question--if serious writers, not only myself, started attaching their stories to posts in the Author's circle, would anyone review them? Not proofread, not edit, but provide honest response to the strengths and weaknesses of the piece? I've done it for others, but I could be just wierd like that. That sort of review is how I learned to truly write in the first place, and I've yet to find a system that tops it.

Morrighan