Obviously I have a comic, not a novel, but this is a writing topic, so--
Who here works with beta readers? I have a friend or two giving me script feedback, and it's been very valuable. But I've been thinking about recruiting an internet stranger to do the same, since they wouldn't be tempted to spare my feelings if they hated something. BUT I'm also a big chicken about showing people my writing without visuals attached, since I don't think it's that strong on its own.
What about you? What's your experience with beta readers, if you use them? Friends, strangers? Good feedback or nah?