How do I get beta readers?

[Zak]

Hey there, I was wondering how does one get beta readers for their webcomics?

I am looking to improve my story telling or rather my story further so Im being a little selfish in asking that it's for me.
As I recently got a review saying that I don't have "Character Conflict" which I translated as my story being flat. Mostly getting the idea from some recent folks that no one talks about my story, is because I guess its just not interesting? Again, sorry for being selfish but just wanting to know.

Not looking for views or likes or sub for sub.

Sorry if the topic isn't allowed.

[darthmongoose]

Are you looking for beta readers (people to give feedback before you publish or before you draw your episodes), or general feedback/reviews on published chapters?

...Though really in both cases, the answer is "ask politely", there are plenty of people here who enjoy giving advice and feedback on people's work. For some of us, it's a satisfying and fulfilling thing to do!

[Zak]

Mostly for the existing comic, I feel my writing style could use some work as opposed to the art department that most people tend to focus on.

I don't mind if its harsh or anything. But mostly I would like to try and improve as a story teller so I can use it for my future stories. Like, to go back to some comments, One said I don't have character conflict. A quick google search for what that means leads to advice for general conflict, which I feel Ive gotten down?

But they also said that without character conflict people won't... talk about it? Which they also said might be a bad thing since it leaves to my general issue of silently reading and liking the work.

I would like to ask politely but I don't want to annoy people with what seems like nagging. Haha, and friends seem too nice. Yknow?

Thanks for the comment, Kate!

[darthmongoose]

Ahh okay. Yeah, so it's helpful to know because what you're looking for isn't "Beta Readers". Beta readers are people who read before the thing is published so you can edit before the final version. If you just say "looking for feedback" "looking for constructive criticism" or similar, and point people at where specifically you're needing help, I'm sure you'll get some good stuff!

[Zak]

Yeah, I just had one nice person to take a look at it on the Discord server.

Sorry for not using the correct naming convention for it, I haven't done anything like that before haha.

Does the usual implications still apply? As to just message and ask random people that is? lol

Again, I don't want to come across as needy. Only to improve.

[darthmongoose]

Does the usual implications still apply? As to just message and ask random people that is? lol

Again, I don't want to come across as needy. Only to improve.

I think putting up a message saying "hey, anyone got time to give me some C&C?" is fine. It gets a little murkier when you DM or especially @ somebody, saying "Do you have any thoughts? Can you give me feedback?" even if they've given it before and seem to critique people regularly. People have started doing that with me, and it's a little frustrating. I don't really enjoy doing private critiques, but I'm too polite and conflict-averse to tell them "no, I'm busy" if they come to me directly like that, even when it feels like they're taking my time and expertise for granted.

[Zak]

Well, that's just because you're nice and approachable! lol. But I feel you on that, Would you say the "Hey anyone got time for critiquing" like here in the forums be a good thing? Or would you say something more publicly like again, maybe the discord server or Twitter or something if private messaging is a bit iffy to some?

[Kelheor]

I think it's good enough here or on discord Twitter or other social media where you don't interact with people closely will probably not get you any reviews, it's more chances to get it here.

[darthmongoose]

Yeah, there are plenty of example threads on the forums where people ask for critique. Here's one I was on the other day that's a really good example of somebody asking for critique and reacting politely:

Hi! The first 6 chapters of my webcomic are now live and I'd like to hear any feedback people have about it. It's a fantasy adventure comedy about a teenage girl who struggles to meet the expectations the world places on her. I'd love to hear any feedback people have about it!

[Zak]

@darthmongoose @Kelheor

Thanks for the advice! I think I might do that actually, post on here and the discord server.

I promise I won't badger for advice since you have issues with saying no, But if you reply to it. Its your fault of course haha.

Thanks again!

[powerplantanimations]

I just ask around on Discord and make friends.

[darthmongoose]

Hi there! I was hoping I could get a review of my webcomic? I mostly want a review on the story rather than the art, I got some comments recently and Ive chalked it up to the story feeling a bit flat. And I wish to improve on these aspects when I start to write up some more chapters! Here's the link: Please, be as harsh as you like. I would like to really try and improve with what Ive got since Ive been told I lack "Character Conflict" and with a google search, it comes up as being qui…

Dropping the link in for the review thread in case anyone wants to do Zak a solid and review (sorry, I'm having a really busy week right now and lack the spoons for reviewing at the moment).