Advice to New Fanstorians
Viewing comments for Chapter 10 "Responding to Reviews"Tips and advice for the new members
46 total reviews
Comment from Jim Wile
Couldn't agree more, John. It is frustrating when you give an in-depth review which obviously took time to write and all you get is a simple thank you for the effort or never hear back at all.
It really is nice to get a little dialog going too, but that can only happened with a decent reply.
I enjoyed the wisdom of your post and I think we're getting a great collection of chapters in this book, not only for newbies but old-timers too, who can use the reminders. - Jim
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2024
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Couldn't agree more, John. It is frustrating when you give an in-depth review which obviously took time to write and all you get is a simple thank you for the effort or never hear back at all.
It really is nice to get a little dialog going too, but that can only happened with a decent reply.
I enjoyed the wisdom of your post and I think we're getting a great collection of chapters in this book, not only for newbies but old-timers too, who can use the reminders. - Jim
Comment Written 20-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2024
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Thank you, Jim. I agree with your dialogue comment. It?s ideal to get to know about each other through these open dialogues.
Enjoy your Sunday.
John
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So true. I seem to converse a lot more with folks on this website than I do with folks in real life now, which is sad, maybe, but at least I get to talk with folks who are as interested in writing as I am, which I seldom find when talking with most people. We all have that in common here, and it's a real pleasure talking with folks who I have something major in common with.
Comment from Debi Pick Marquette
I couldn't agree more. I have gotten these and they make me wonder if they even read my review.
LOL, and this is one you'll never accuse me of doing. In fact I wonder how many times you maybe wondered to yourself, does this woman ever run out of words? Hey, I am known as a chatterbox, especially if I am comfortable with someone. And you are just one of those guys.
And I do get that times we get busy and we have the same thing to say to so many people, as there are only so many ways to thank someone. However it is nice to know that someone read and appreciated the review. And respond to people who took the time to ask questions or had something extra to say.
Awesome job, John! I hope that Tom will make it mandatory for people to read these before starting to review here. I don't think we ever know too much that we can't learn something new each day. Thanks for the valuable ideas to pass down to our newcomers.
reply by the author on 20-Jan-2024
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I couldn't agree more. I have gotten these and they make me wonder if they even read my review.
LOL, and this is one you'll never accuse me of doing. In fact I wonder how many times you maybe wondered to yourself, does this woman ever run out of words? Hey, I am known as a chatterbox, especially if I am comfortable with someone. And you are just one of those guys.
And I do get that times we get busy and we have the same thing to say to so many people, as there are only so many ways to thank someone. However it is nice to know that someone read and appreciated the review. And respond to people who took the time to ask questions or had something extra to say.
Awesome job, John! I hope that Tom will make it mandatory for people to read these before starting to review here. I don't think we ever know too much that we can't learn something new each day. Thanks for the valuable ideas to pass down to our newcomers.
Comment Written 20-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 20-Jan-2024
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I had a similar thought that the "newbies" should be required to read similar posts like this one, just to get them off on the right foot. Maybe they could earn a few member $$$ by doing so. I haven?t really thunked it through fully. But I?m sure that?ll never happen.
Hmph? chatterbox never crossed my mind. Just a thoughtful, wonderful human being!
Gotta keep this short, okay. I have 27 responses to send. I?ve never had so many reviews in less the 24 hours I?m a bit overwhelmed. Hmph, maybe I could just cut-n-paste a quick "Thank you"?
Just kidding, my dear, just kidding?
Hey, enjoy your night. Stay warm with coffee, wine or rum?
John
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😘 goodnight my awesome twin!
Comment from Mrs. KT
Hello, John,
I enjoyed reading your essay.
I must share, however, that when I joined FanStory in 2007, the reviewing guidelines were to give a simple, "Thank you," and move on. Some reviewers go on and on about their personal lives ad nauseum when reviewing and never both to comment on the form, theme, characters, plot, etc. I find that unnecessary and a bit annoying.
I also find it annoying that when I take the time to edit a work, either a little or lot, writers will accept my edits, change according to suggestions, but seldom, if ever, nominate me for my reviewing suggestions. Or there are those writers who give me a "No thank you" for my editing suggestion, but the next day make said edits. (Tad bit sneaky, eh?)
Just a few of my pet peeves...
Thank you for sharing your, John!
diane
reply by the author on 20-Jan-2024
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Hello, John,
I enjoyed reading your essay.
I must share, however, that when I joined FanStory in 2007, the reviewing guidelines were to give a simple, "Thank you," and move on. Some reviewers go on and on about their personal lives ad nauseum when reviewing and never both to comment on the form, theme, characters, plot, etc. I find that unnecessary and a bit annoying.
I also find it annoying that when I take the time to edit a work, either a little or lot, writers will accept my edits, change according to suggestions, but seldom, if ever, nominate me for my reviewing suggestions. Or there are those writers who give me a "No thank you" for my editing suggestion, but the next day make said edits. (Tad bit sneaky, eh?)
Just a few of my pet peeves...
Thank you for sharing your, John!
diane
Comment Written 20-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 20-Jan-2024
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I for one appreciate corrections and 98 of 100 times I go and make them.
I?m here to learn not so much earn.
Thank you, Diane for reading and sharing.
John
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Goodness, John!
I had better get my computer fixed; keys are sticking, and I appear to not be able type correctly! Yikes!
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
I agree with you entirely, John, on this. It is annoying just getting a 'thank you' and that's it. And another of my pet peeves is the replies that are duplicated for every review everyone writes for them. Well done on this one, my friend. I was nodding my head all the time, it was lucky it stayed on my neck! LOL Warm hugs, Sandra xx
reply by the author on 20-Jan-2024
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I agree with you entirely, John, on this. It is annoying just getting a 'thank you' and that's it. And another of my pet peeves is the replies that are duplicated for every review everyone writes for them. Well done on this one, my friend. I was nodding my head all the time, it was lucky it stayed on my neck! LOL Warm hugs, Sandra xx
Comment Written 20-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 20-Jan-2024
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Sandra, the only reason your head would fall off is because of the enormity of words stored up there or the volumes upon volumes of yet to be written and published poems, stories or novels. Hmph, I do not recall you writing script?
Thank you for reading and sharing.
John
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LOL!! That was so funny.
Scripts? Hmm, now that's a thought! 😂xx
Comment from LJbutterfly
Thank you John for your clearly written opinions on reviewers. I conduct reviews but usually fail to keep track of who thanked me, or how much of a thank you I received.
There was a top ranked poet on this site who posted at least once a week and offered reviewers a minimum of one dollar. Each poem received at least thirty reviews. This poet never conducted reviews (can be checked on a writer's profile page), meaning cash must have been paid for each post. This poet never sent thank you responses.
My point is, there are all types of styles on this site. I joined and studied the site and read for six months before I ever reviewed or posted. A newbie should read the FS rules, read this book, ask questions, and adhere to the 'best practices' of seasoned members.
reply by the author on 20-Jan-2024
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Thank you John for your clearly written opinions on reviewers. I conduct reviews but usually fail to keep track of who thanked me, or how much of a thank you I received.
There was a top ranked poet on this site who posted at least once a week and offered reviewers a minimum of one dollar. Each poem received at least thirty reviews. This poet never conducted reviews (can be checked on a writer's profile page), meaning cash must have been paid for each post. This poet never sent thank you responses.
My point is, there are all types of styles on this site. I joined and studied the site and read for six months before I ever reviewed or posted. A newbie should read the FS rules, read this book, ask questions, and adhere to the 'best practices' of seasoned members.
Comment Written 20-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 20-Jan-2024
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I agree with your views and thoughts. I try to stay in my lane, which I think I?m ding okay by.
Cheers,
John
Comment from damommy
You're so right. However, it doesn't matter how poorly a post is written, it's still someone's heartfelt outpouring, and we need to be mindful of that. We can't all be literary giants.
reply by the author on 20-Jan-2024
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You're so right. However, it doesn't matter how poorly a post is written, it's still someone's heartfelt outpouring, and we need to be mindful of that. We can't all be literary giants.
Comment Written 20-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 20-Jan-2024
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Each post is someone?s hard work, which is why I try to praise even by providing corrections.
Thank you much for reading and review.
Cheers
John
Comment from Mary Vigasin
Thank you, John; I heartily agree and disagree. If you write a review, recognize the writer's effort.
However, I have 112 posts; some are multiple entries by very talented writers. I never just say thank you, but right now, my life is so turned upside down with my husband's Huntington's disease; I am feeling guilty being so far behind in reviews and even a quick reply to my post because I do not want just to say "thank you." I also admit when I just get a "thank you" I wonder what did the reviewer think? Was it just to check off another review for $$?
So at times, there are extenuating circumstances.
reply by the author on 20-Jan-2024
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Thank you, John; I heartily agree and disagree. If you write a review, recognize the writer's effort.
However, I have 112 posts; some are multiple entries by very talented writers. I never just say thank you, but right now, my life is so turned upside down with my husband's Huntington's disease; I am feeling guilty being so far behind in reviews and even a quick reply to my post because I do not want just to say "thank you." I also admit when I just get a "thank you" I wonder what did the reviewer think? Was it just to check off another review for $$?
So at times, there are extenuating circumstances.
Comment Written 20-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 20-Jan-2024
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Mary, I completely understand. I should be more mindful of the "why?s" in a short response. But I guess I?m referring to those who constantly do this.
You are never one who would do that.
With that being said, I?m going to google Huntington disease because I don?t know anything about it. And in the meantime I will keep your husband as well as you in my prayers.
Stay well and keep us FanStory family apprised in his recovery!
John
Comment from Wayne Fowler
Nicely written.
You are right in that someone has invested thought and energy to review your work. And even if the only did it for the dough, they (we) should make every effort to earn the money. And in as kind and considerate a manner as possible.
The first many months that I was on FanStory, I considered posts to be fairly anonymous. As I considered myself an unknown to everyone. I didn't realize that every post represented a person that I might develop a relationship (of sorts) with. Not that excuses rudeness, it doesn't. But I am given to brevity (normally, evidently not here). Also, I hunt and peck typing. So I offered minimal reviews, or cryptic correction suggestions.
As you state, most of us pay the $15-20 per post out of review earnings. Posting and promoting 2-3 per week is a lot of reviewing. Personally, I don't mind a minimalist review. And I, like you, appreciate a bit more than a simple 'thank you' for my reviews. I may have, though, offered a simple 'thank you' for reviews that I considered totally missing the mark, or insulting since I do not think it appropriate to defend my work, or to engage in bitterness.
Thank you very much for this post. It has helped me to be more considerate. I apologize for its length.
(I'll try to find the previous chapters of the book.)
reply by the author on 20-Jan-2024
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Nicely written.
You are right in that someone has invested thought and energy to review your work. And even if the only did it for the dough, they (we) should make every effort to earn the money. And in as kind and considerate a manner as possible.
The first many months that I was on FanStory, I considered posts to be fairly anonymous. As I considered myself an unknown to everyone. I didn't realize that every post represented a person that I might develop a relationship (of sorts) with. Not that excuses rudeness, it doesn't. But I am given to brevity (normally, evidently not here). Also, I hunt and peck typing. So I offered minimal reviews, or cryptic correction suggestions.
As you state, most of us pay the $15-20 per post out of review earnings. Posting and promoting 2-3 per week is a lot of reviewing. Personally, I don't mind a minimalist review. And I, like you, appreciate a bit more than a simple 'thank you' for my reviews. I may have, though, offered a simple 'thank you' for reviews that I considered totally missing the mark, or insulting since I do not think it appropriate to defend my work, or to engage in bitterness.
Thank you very much for this post. It has helped me to be more considerate. I apologize for its length.
(I'll try to find the previous chapters of the book.)
Comment Written 20-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 20-Jan-2024
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Wayne, I thank you for reading and sharing some of your views and experiences.
Cheers,
John
Comment from nomi338
Thank you for the timely message. You touched on may issues that are my pet peeves as well. Nothing bothers me as much as being bombarded by a writer who is not skilled at all, does not promote his work and winds up being rewarded with a high status because of his frequent posts. I think the system should be altered to deduct from high ratings if the requent posts are not promoted.
reply by the author on 20-Jan-2024
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Thank you for the timely message. You touched on may issues that are my pet peeves as well. Nothing bothers me as much as being bombarded by a writer who is not skilled at all, does not promote his work and winds up being rewarded with a high status because of his frequent posts. I think the system should be altered to deduct from high ratings if the requent posts are not promoted.
Comment Written 20-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 20-Jan-2024
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Nomi,
The site and its policies and procedures is not perfect, but for the most part, it works.
Thank you, my friend.
John
Comment from Dawn Munro
Ah, John, what an incredibly strong 'voice' herein, and while I cannot agree wholeheartedly with your content, I most certainly agree with the first part of this...
"So, there is someone, somewhere on this Earth reading your post and writing their review. This takes time. It takes their time. As you're hopeful for many, many upon many reviews of your posted work, *the reviewer is also waiting for a response to their review..*"
**I am not sure anyone would (or should) be "waiting for a response" -- I write my review without expectation. It's like a gift -- I give, without doing so in hopes of receiving a gift in return. That does not mean that I do not sincerely appreciate the effort expended when someone writes a review of my work, even when the review is less than helpful. I admit, too, to being delighted when I DO hear back, but I understand that there are only so many hours in a day, and there are also limitations which dictate a member's priorities (such as the ability to stay in one spot for long periods of time).
Your op/ed is flawlessly written, and it is that which makes for a pleasant read. Thank you for posting.
reply by the author on 20-Jan-2024
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Ah, John, what an incredibly strong 'voice' herein, and while I cannot agree wholeheartedly with your content, I most certainly agree with the first part of this...
"So, there is someone, somewhere on this Earth reading your post and writing their review. This takes time. It takes their time. As you're hopeful for many, many upon many reviews of your posted work, *the reviewer is also waiting for a response to their review..*"
**I am not sure anyone would (or should) be "waiting for a response" -- I write my review without expectation. It's like a gift -- I give, without doing so in hopes of receiving a gift in return. That does not mean that I do not sincerely appreciate the effort expended when someone writes a review of my work, even when the review is less than helpful. I admit, too, to being delighted when I DO hear back, but I understand that there are only so many hours in a day, and there are also limitations which dictate a member's priorities (such as the ability to stay in one spot for long periods of time).
Your op/ed is flawlessly written, and it is that which makes for a pleasant read. Thank you for posting.
Comment Written 20-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 20-Jan-2024
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Dawn, thank you for reading and then sharing with me your views and opinion. I certainly appreciate it.
Cheers,
John
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You are very welcome. :)
