I cannot tell you how much I would prefer that reviews be used for constructive criticism. I do not expect it, because that particular art has fallen out of favor and is no longer taught. Shame, really. I appreciate reviews, but only when they tell me something about how the reader felt, what they thought, if they were confused, etc. "I liked it" - or any version thereof - is a lovely affirmation, but it gives me nothing to work with. To ask the reviewer "what? what specifically?" would seem like trolling for love, when what I really want is the answer. I suppose that would take them knowing the answer, which they may or may not, and I'm not sure I have the right to ask that of them.

Part of the reason I like writing original fic (aside from chafing at the bonds of someone else's world) is that the people who choose to read aren't bringing preconceived notions of what they want the characters to be like, so their criticism or praise is based on their reaction to what they actually read.

It does help to be an unknown quantity, as I dodge the popularity contests and politics entirely. There's enough of that in my job, thanks. Fiction is an escape for me and I don't plan to let anyone take that from me unless they're handing me a publishing contract -- at which point I am entirely their bitch.