The comments below are from the e-mail response form at ASSTR or Stories on Line or directly from readers. I've done some minor editing of the comments. Each paragraph is from a different reader except for one long comment. The first brief comment is one I especially like.
So good. Like cold tea on a hot day. Keep it coming.
I... have to tell you ... that I really admire how you spin your tale and keep me interested and wanting more and more. Heck I don't ever read science fiction but this story is very intriging (SP) and I can hardly wait for another chapter.
Your story is a challenge to my understanding of humanity but it makes me think about what is really mportant. I think it is the philosophy behind your words that makes me think more. Please keep exercising that wonderful mind of yours for our benefit.
You write a very good story. It is different than many that are posted on SOL. It is an excellent combination of adventure, exploration,and personal interaction. Love and sex not withstanding, they are well blended into the overall scheme and not the sole focus of thestory.
I haven't gotten well into the story yet, about 2/3 of the first chapter. I appreciate well written work, almost regardless of subject matter. Plot, character development, readability, etc are important to me. The first chapter has made it apparent…that I will have to read all the rest of them. Probably more comment later. Don't stop. Quality writers are hard to find.
I have been an ardent admirer of yours since the days of The Measure of Man. I recently found out that you had posted your new story on Asstr. As usual, you have got me captivated. Please do carry on writing! Even though you don't get paid for it, you are among the few erotic writers on the net who are worth reading. Please do accept my apologies on behalf of people who have the time to download your story, but do not have the courtesy to show their appreciation. Once again, thank you.
Thank you for writing this story. I am most definitely heterosexual in my preferences and usually avoid any m/m stories; however you have treated this subject with sensitivity and care in such a way that it is impossible for me to be repelled. You have managed to introduce love and caring between both sexes in a sensitive way that adds to the complexity of the story in a positive manner. I am enjoying the way that you have each new character introduced to their new paradigm and had them adapt before adding another. Personally I would like to see David enjoy all the women and have them enjoy him in turn. Congratulations on writing this enjoyable tale,
I am enjoying your story, but I think there is too much sex since the arrival on the new planet. I really enjoyed the first part of the story, and the romance with Anna. I do not like being pounded over and over again with any type of religious or anti-religious message. I don't mind the message being present, but having it come up every chapter is annoying. Likewise with making a big deal out of homosexuality. I feel like you are contriving sex scenes to pound me over the head with your message, when it would be much better conveyed through straightforward low key acceptance by the characters involved. By making a big deal of it, you push the reader's nose in it and that angers me. Why push an agenda? It's not necessary. Really, it's just rude, when the story started off so well. Please, more exploration, less sex.
A very well written story, I especially love the fact that they are getting the chance to start fresh on a new "copy" of Earth
>> A Long Note from One Reader:
I'm really loving this story. I've just finished reading the 25 chapters you have so far posted and cannot wait to read more.
It is this type of story that makes me long for the return of more detailed scores than just a single number. The technical aspect of this is about a 9 - other than the occasional appearance of a figure 0 where there should be a letter o and one or two typos there is very little I can criticize in this story. There is a bit of repetition around the approach to (I think) James, noting about three times that it was approaching 30 days since the previous person arrived. This suggests that you had more story to tell here than you originally thought - not a bad thing at all, just a tiny bit more tidying needed as a result.
Plot wise this is a solid 9. The main character is perhaps very slightly too perfect at times, but it never gets to be a problem. Perhaps a bit more could be made of the conflict between needing to be a leader and not wanting to be a dictator. The "cool" response is also slightly overused in the later chapters, especially when voluntarily entering it, as a convenient plot point and you need to be careful to avoid it becoming a deus ex machina. Aimee is very well written in this regard, although you again need to be careful to avoid supplies being sent from Iain's world becoming something like that.
Subjectively, the appeal to me is a full 10. I've found it very hard to put down at times, and in others I've had to stop reading for a while to fully process the thoughts you've set off. Both hallmarks of a great story. I can only presume that the low score is driven by adherents of religion objecting to your dismissal of it and/or your treatment of the homosexual acts. A world of my choosing would be as yours in those respects, and I wish others could see beyond their prejudices.
My only other comment is that I'm not certain that you could do this story justice in only another 15 chapters. So far we have met only five of the twenty people we know who will populate this world. If they continue to arrive singularly at~30 day intervals and have the kind of issues those so far do then there is much story that will not be told in that little time.
>>
I really APPRECIATE your story telling!! It is a good read!! And the gist of the story stirs the imagination to create a draw to want me to read more! THANK YOU!!
Please continue with story. It’s got a great premise and is developing nicely. I can imagine that it could take a lot more than another 25 chapters to explore all the possibilities, develop the characters and conquer the new world. Lots of questions to find answers for including the why and the who.
It is a very interesting work. I like the direction you are taking it, although the sex bits are sometimes distracting-grin.
Please allow me to complement you for another superb story. You had set the bar high with you previous story "The Measure of Man", and with this story, you have not disappointed. It is my request that you please continue to do the good work.
Love the story, very well thought out. I like that world and would love to live there. Well written also. Keep up the good work.
This is a very interesting story. The theme or story line is different than any other that I have read. I would give it a nine. You should write if it gives you pleasure, not because others gain pleasure from your efforts. A painter paints because it gives him pleasure to create a picture from his mind. A few critics will say it is not art, others will find it fascinating.