Advice to New Fanstorians
Viewing comments for Chapter 8 "Dumb Stuff I Did"Tips and advice for the new members
27 total reviews
Comment from jim vecchio
I am trying to implement those ten points into my visits here. Sickness keeps disrupting me lately, but I have lots of time to write so I try to post daily when I can. Plese don't ever feel obligated to read anything of mine. Right now, I have little family obligation and much time when healthy, so it is far easier for me than some.
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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I am trying to implement those ten points into my visits here. Sickness keeps disrupting me lately, but I have lots of time to write so I try to post daily when I can. Plese don't ever feel obligated to read anything of mine. Right now, I have little family obligation and much time when healthy, so it is far easier for me than some.
Comment Written 14-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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Write now I am trying to find big whoppers so I can promote my work. Get well sweetie pie. Karen
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I am always well after reading your words.
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You make me blush!
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That's all because of your creativity!
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I am so sorry you have to put up with pain. I do know that God gives us all crosses to bear; even Paul had his thorn in the side, but God's Grace is sufficient. As long as He grants us life, we should use it to His Glory and, in our cases, write, if that's what He meant for us to do.
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Just get better. Karen
NNR no need to reply.
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Well all my smarts gotta go somplace! :-)
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I'm glad you share them with us!
Comment from Tom Horonzy
Good advice
And
I
Am
On-board with the advice
I do
Most of what is said
My one disappointed
Is to feel
Outside groups that heavily support one another
My reads are unique
I am an enigma
I write for silent applause for
I wouldn't post anything I didn't like
Isn't that why we write?
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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Good advice
And
I
Am
On-board with the advice
I do
Most of what is said
My one disappointed
Is to feel
Outside groups that heavily support one another
My reads are unique
I am an enigma
I write for silent applause for
I wouldn't post anything I didn't like
Isn't that why we write?
Comment Written 14-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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Aren't you a clever clogs? I have never been any good at big groups with one person's thoughts being followed. I operate on the sidelines, in the shadows. I don't want to be the boss, but, I can never be one of the sheep ever. I take it you are the same? Karen
Comment from jessizero
I wish this had been around when I was new here! I have made some of these mistakes, as well. I have a friend I adore, but I don't like some of his writing, so I don't review it. I was beating myself up about it, but you made me feel better.
Thank you for providing this guide here, and best wishes to you.
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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I wish this had been around when I was new here! I have made some of these mistakes, as well. I have a friend I adore, but I don't like some of his writing, so I don't review it. I was beating myself up about it, but you made me feel better.
Thank you for providing this guide here, and best wishes to you.
Comment Written 14-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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I live to serve sweetie pie. We do the best we can.
We cannot, and never will be everything to everyone. I learned to accept my shortcomings( of course there are not very many Hahaha) and get on with my life. Pick and choose your battles.
:-) Karen
Comment from Rachelle Allen
This is absolutely excellent advice, every single point. Even though you're not a "long time" member, you're a smart, savvy one and a very quick study. I've read a number of these offerings by other members, but this one stands out. Great job. xo
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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This is absolutely excellent advice, every single point. Even though you're not a "long time" member, you're a smart, savvy one and a very quick study. I've read a number of these offerings by other members, but this one stands out. Great job. xo
Comment Written 14-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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I always found, that when trying to teach, humbleness( I am humble just ask me) and a well developed sense of humor, will carry the day. We need to learn to laugh at ourselves, because other people do.:-) Karen
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Oh, yes; I laugh at your often!
Comment from barbara.wilkey
I've been a member since 2008. I wish I had had this help when I started. I learned by trial and error, but sort of figured it out. I still need help, often. I guess I'm a slow learner. LOL Thank you for sharing this with us. I could see no way to improve it.
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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I've been a member since 2008. I wish I had had this help when I started. I learned by trial and error, but sort of figured it out. I still need help, often. I guess I'm a slow learner. LOL Thank you for sharing this with us. I could see no way to improve it.
Comment Written 14-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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Are you as sweet as peach pie. I have bumbled around because I am a stubborn thing and want to figure things out on my own. No doubt a character fault. But now, I tend to ask for help before my head explodes. That's progress. :-)
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sure is
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I try to learn new ways to do old things. It makes you flexible. :-)
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
I enjoyed reading this, Karen, and even though I've been here a couple of months longer than you, those common-sense tips you give really resonate. Your writing style is, as ever, easy, engaging and worthwhile to read. Thank you, Debbie
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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I enjoyed reading this, Karen, and even though I've been here a couple of months longer than you, those common-sense tips you give really resonate. Your writing style is, as ever, easy, engaging and worthwhile to read. Thank you, Debbie
Comment Written 14-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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You are just the sweetest thing ever. Am I blushing? I hope this helps others not to go overboard like I did. I was consumed by it all at first. I still like the shiny sixes, but I am not looking at them the same way. Thanks for the nice words. Karen
Comment from scongrove
Great advice, my friend :) I have learned the hard way to not take the negative feedback at heart. Some readers here leave great advice that I have learned from, while others can be just mean. Look at the overall positivity and move on from there. You're right. Not everyone is going to love your story.
Fanstory has been a great learning tool for me. I've come a long way since 2014 and continue to grow as a writer.
Thanks for sharing, Karen! :)
Sincerely,
Shana :)
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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Great advice, my friend :) I have learned the hard way to not take the negative feedback at heart. Some readers here leave great advice that I have learned from, while others can be just mean. Look at the overall positivity and move on from there. You're right. Not everyone is going to love your story.
Fanstory has been a great learning tool for me. I've come a long way since 2014 and continue to grow as a writer.
Thanks for sharing, Karen! :)
Sincerely,
Shana :)
Comment Written 14-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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You are a very good writer. You could write a story about the pitfalls you can come across when writing a book. Karen
Comment from Brett Matthew West
Disagree about your comment that "false friends," as you labeled them, will "tell you what they think is wrong". Isn't a real friend one who will tell you what is wrong and how to fix it instead of simply playing the FanStory Good Old Boy Review System game and give you 5 and 6 stars on everything you write regardless of whether the writing is atrocious or not? I would much rather have a "false friend," as you called them, tell me exactly what they see can be improved in my writing than to be given false 5's and 6's. Guess I am one of the site's oddballs. Improving my writing is much more important to me that false 5's and 6's.
Also, not sure would agree with your recommendation to always give 5's to each piece of writing as that is not what the FanStory reviewing guidelines provide for. You are so correct, way too many members of this site get all kinds of bent out of shape if their writing is given anything less than 5 stars. I myself believe the entire Review system needs to be completely eliminated. Why do I believe this? Because as it is currently used by most members, and is nothing but a Good Old boy system, it provides little to no real value to improving writing.
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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Disagree about your comment that "false friends," as you labeled them, will "tell you what they think is wrong". Isn't a real friend one who will tell you what is wrong and how to fix it instead of simply playing the FanStory Good Old Boy Review System game and give you 5 and 6 stars on everything you write regardless of whether the writing is atrocious or not? I would much rather have a "false friend," as you called them, tell me exactly what they see can be improved in my writing than to be given false 5's and 6's. Guess I am one of the site's oddballs. Improving my writing is much more important to me that false 5's and 6's.
Also, not sure would agree with your recommendation to always give 5's to each piece of writing as that is not what the FanStory reviewing guidelines provide for. You are so correct, way too many members of this site get all kinds of bent out of shape if their writing is given anything less than 5 stars. I myself believe the entire Review system needs to be completely eliminated. Why do I believe this? Because as it is currently used by most members, and is nothing but a Good Old boy system, it provides little to no real value to improving writing.
Comment Written 14-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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I will edit to make my point clear, False friends only ever say things like Didn't like it, could be better, never offering help as to why. I agree the system is totally bent. I have seen complete tripe given a six by their friends. I have told a friend that they phoned in their poem to met a contest deadline before. They said I was right, and didn't mute me because of it. But there are people here I have had to mute because all they ever did was criticize but never offer any ways to fix or make it better. I like the six stars, they are pretty and shiny, but I want to earn them, otherwise they are meaningless. I appreciate the time you took to read and offer your viewpoint, I will go clear it up. Karen
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Thank you for posting this entertaining piece.
I was a 'dolt'. I didn't realize that the writers I was reviewing were actual people. I thought they were anonymous contributors actually offering their writing for public review (editing and analysis). Silly me. And like you, I followed the rules, offering fours, fives, and an occasional six. I also awarded a three to a particularly terribly written post. (I thought that was being generous.)
I thought that my role as a reviewer was to 'tell writers what I thought they did wrong'.
Combine that mentality with my penchant for brevity and it was no wonder that I was blocked. The only wonderment is why I wasn't also banned.
If Tom doesn't have a 'Word to the Wise' early in the application process, he should.
Concerning voting. I wish more would vote. When the winner won by one, but only got five votes.... (frowny face here)
Sometimes I struggle, choosing between two really well-written entries. And I wonder whether the one I didn't choose even placed. Maybe the second best didn't get a single vote, other voters choosing posts with babies or cats. (Was that a rant?)
Thank you for your post, and I apologize for rambling.
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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Thank you for posting this entertaining piece.
I was a 'dolt'. I didn't realize that the writers I was reviewing were actual people. I thought they were anonymous contributors actually offering their writing for public review (editing and analysis). Silly me. And like you, I followed the rules, offering fours, fives, and an occasional six. I also awarded a three to a particularly terribly written post. (I thought that was being generous.)
I thought that my role as a reviewer was to 'tell writers what I thought they did wrong'.
Combine that mentality with my penchant for brevity and it was no wonder that I was blocked. The only wonderment is why I wasn't also banned.
If Tom doesn't have a 'Word to the Wise' early in the application process, he should.
Concerning voting. I wish more would vote. When the winner won by one, but only got five votes.... (frowny face here)
Sometimes I struggle, choosing between two really well-written entries. And I wonder whether the one I didn't choose even placed. Maybe the second best didn't get a single vote, other voters choosing posts with babies or cats. (Was that a rant?)
Thank you for your post, and I apologize for rambling.
Comment Written 14-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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Yes, I agree critiquing and voting could use an overhaul. I think all voting should be blind. I think all posting should be blind. I think if you want to post you should have to review five stories. Will this correct the system? No, but it would be a start. :-) Karen
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
I've gotten to the point where I pretty much only read what's in my mailbox - I just don't have time for the rest. But that way I'm reading people I respect, and occasionally I'll add someone new.
This was a good synopsis of the negative parts of the site and how we navigate around them. Thanks for sharing with our newbies.
xo
Pam
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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I've gotten to the point where I pretty much only read what's in my mailbox - I just don't have time for the rest. But that way I'm reading people I respect, and occasionally I'll add someone new.
This was a good synopsis of the negative parts of the site and how we navigate around them. Thanks for sharing with our newbies.
xo
Pam
Comment Written 14-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 14-Jan-2024
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I sure appreciate the read. I edited the part about the negative reviews, as I meant the people who only say bad things, but never offer reasons so you can fix it, I like bright shiny sixes as much as the next person, but I want to earn them.:-)
