Comment from Michael Steinert

Exceptional

I don't think you are too wordy. Almost never. However you make a lot of great points, which is expected from you. My only concern is transparency. We don't actually know who the review panel is. Well at least I don't. I also think if a contest is blind, it should not be posted in ones portfolio until the contest is over. I have one contests I'm sure because of my following and have had the reverse happen. I've used fan story as a great jumping point for publication. I also understand that my darker tone will probably never win me a fanstory award but can win in the contests. Honestly, I respect your opion very highly and I think you have made some very good suggestions.

 Comment Written 15-Jul-2018

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reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018

One of the problem with the various panels and committees is that they're made up of fellow members. Transparency is cool, however, I'd hate to be on a committee and have everyone KNOW IT. I think people would by frying the poor committee members. They do it now when they're anon, yes? Agree thought with the entries in the portfolio. We've broached that to Tom more than once. THAT more than anything KILLS the anon aspect. You're probably right about the darker tone. I know when I write something controversial, I don't have a chance. They do tend to want conventional and poetic. But, hey, we know that and can write accordingly if we want. I do sometimes and fare better. Appreciate the insights and great review, Michael. Thanks a million. mike

Comment from Pearl Edwards

Excellent

You bring up some good points in this essay mike, and I'm glad I've always been on the outer limits as I've not come across the back-biting and rumour mongering in all the years I've been on FS though I have seen other writes about same. I, like you, feel that my writing has approved dramatically through the helpful reviews of others much more prolific than I, and more importantly, I love the writing and reading.
cheers,
valda

 Comment Written 15-Jul-2018

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reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018

I PROMISE you, you're writing gets better and better and better. :)) I try and stay on the outer limits, but I'm too loud and obnoxious. HA!!!! I try and ignore the bad and usually do. I can't though when it's against a friend. But, all in all, I love it here. Thanks for a great review. mike

Comment from barbara.wilkey

Excellent

I enjoyed reading your contest entry. The only comment I have, other than your writing is very good, is I have known somebody who advertise on FS that he/she's writing was rated number one on FS. This person was one of those who posted multiple times a day. It was simply quantity not quality. Otherwise your post is right on the mark. Good luck with the contest.

 Comment Written 14-Jul-2018

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reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018

I've seen that too, Barbara. I kind of laugh. Who cares, right? We do here because we know how much work it is and it means something to us. But I'm sure the rest of the world could care less. It's true, one can flood quantity out there and climb pretty high. But all things being equal, quality wins out. There are writers here that all the quantity in the world won't overcome. Great insights and you know i LOVE the compliments. Thanks so much. mike

Comment from Mustang Patty

Excellent

Hi, Michael,

Thank you so much for sharing your view of FanStory. We can be cliquish, we can sometimes be cruel, but yes, we are all here to share our craft.

I've been attacked more than I would like and it is just because I'm prolific. I do tend to get touchy once in a while.

However, I really thought about your words and I appreciate how you explained the rankings.

Good luck in the competition. Your post is well thought-out and presented in a great manner.

~patty~

 Comment Written 14-Jul-2018

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reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018

Indeed, the simple act of being prolific is enough to get you attacked. If you have the NERVE to be good as well ... look out! LOL It's simple envy, but it still hurts and just irritates. We always tell people to ignore those stupid three star reviews and savor the tons of fives and sixes, but do WE do so? Well, I find it quite difficult. :))

Thanks so much, Patty. A lot of great essays, yes. Not sure if anyone's listening, but we're listening to each other anyway. mike

Comment from nordicgirl

Excellent

Michael, it's great just to hear your voice again. I don't follow any of the ins and outs of this place. You never steer me wrong. When you say something is unbelievable, it always is. I think you are too, though you don't. Mr. Modesty, at least about writing. Hehehe! This all sounds reasonable and most fair to me, vintage you. A winner in my eyes. NG

 Comment Written 13-Jul-2018

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reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018

Well, if you want to hear me blather incessantly, just give me a call. I never shut up as I'm sure you're aware. LOL

I never steer anyone towards anything that isn't top notch. I have great taste. :)) michael

Comment from robyn corum

Excellent

Mikey,

A nice, well-written post with a lot of information to share. I am always wondering WHERE these horrible plots come from and where they show up? I do see bad reviews from time to time -- attacking, etc. -- but not so much of the stuff others talk about. It may be because I visit the forums so infrequently?

Either way, I'm kinda glad. I'm a pitcher half-full girl and that would break my heart.

Just one note:
1.) "Yeah, well the rankings are fixed, man. (They're)e just based on quantity.

Thank you for your shared smarts!

 Comment Written 13-Jul-2018

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reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018

I just drink the pitcher and order another. :)) I probably get attacked because I'm loud and obnoxious. Most of my friends it's clearly out of envy. Just an irritation really and always to the nicest people. But many have left the site over it sadly.

Anyway, thanks so much for the kind words AND my continuing struggle with their/there/they're ... a dumb habit. Once I write it, I don't seem to see it no matter how many times I read it. :)) mike

Comment from Susanjohn

Exceptional

You need a hug!! So many wonderful thoughts and suggestions and insights!.. This is so classic Mikey with your heart spilling all over the paper :-) Aw Mikey your heart is just one that can see and feel everything and the rest of you just says it like it is.
humility,love, kindness, respect, self control and a listening heart will always matter. The good and the bad of FS..as in life.... you always choose kindness.
Wonderful FS review Mike.

 Comment Written 13-Jul-2018

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reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018

Gee whiz. As long as you review me once in a while, I'll never be sad! Has anyone every told you what a lovely woman you are? Well, I'm sure they have. They are right. I truly thank you. I'm going to believe all of this ALL DAY LONG!!!! mike

Oh ... yes, hug back. Always open for that. :))

reply by Susanjohn on 18-Jul-2018

Well my Irish brother...you just keep on smiling and I'll keep on reviewing . :-)

Comment from Dawn Munro

Excellent

Hi, Michael. Before I even begin to write my review, let me say this -- I am only halfway through, and I'm, already wishing I wasn't out of sixes to rate this, and not (only) because I am cheering you on -- I don't agree with (SOME) of your points. Your content IS amazing, but it's the the actual writing that is superlative. (I do, however, especially love the idea of POM second and third place ribbons...)

But I am strictly opposed to the ranking and rating system as it exists. I repeat (ad nauseum by now, I'm sure you've read my opinion many times -- lol) -- some of the consideration for those things is 'popularity' based on reviews, and reviewers have no criteria to meet. Anyone can do it, and aside from the ones you mention, there are those simply not as qualified as the writer they review. Your suggestion is a good one -- a month of only fives allowed. But mine is better -- NO RATING ALLOWED. (*Dawn is grinning smugly*) Hey -- those ridiculous one, two and three star ratings negate the sixes, and more importantly, can keep a poem from that front page where the writer will garner more reviews, make more contacts, have more choice in determining what is chaff and what is wheat. But even MORE important is the fact that even the hide of an elephant will eventually scar with enough torment, and there ARE some spiteful people 'out there' - FanStory is not immune. (They're not all stupid either. By that I mean, they have enough on the ball to hide their malicious intent.)

Anyway, I got carried away... (*grin* - I do that when it's a piece I love -- have you noticed?) "Too wordy"? Um, how's about "too prolific to be producing any quality" or "brevity is overdone" or "too subtle" or... (LOL) I also tend to do a lot of reading between the lines... GAH!

The odd little nit I found to fix (2): "Yeah, well(,) the rankings are fixed, man. (They're) based on..."

Gee, I guess I already gave the review, didn't I? No foolin' YOU! (Best of luck in the contest. *smile*)

Dawn XX

 Comment Written 13-Jul-2018

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reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018

Fixed the nit, thank you. I do agree in principal about the rankings and all. But I don't see any alternative that would work with this wide a diversity. There's a need for some kind of structure and also for volume to keep the business side going. It would be nice though for all the more serious writers to have a little oasis to hang out on and just write, read, discuss etc. :))

Great insights and input. We don't disagree. :)) mike

reply by Dawn Munro on 19-Jul-2018

I guess, but my preference would be simply encouraging and assisting when we feel qualified to do so - I'm all about positive reinforcement, especially when it comes to art. One man's trash, and all that- who's to say what is beautiful? I would never want to be potentially discouraging the next Wordsworth, for example. Now of course, that's barring standard English - i.e. spag difficulties.

Serious writers or not, really - all the more reason not to potentially hurt feelings of someone who is here mainly to socialize.

I completely understand that in order to survive ANY business has to consider its bottom line, but I honestly do not see how rankings and ratings play into that at all, unless it is to encourage folks to open their wallets to promote. If that's the case, what about ethical business practices?

Anyhow, that's my opinion, and I think we agree in many respects.

You're welcome, Mike.

Comment from Alexander Vasa

Excellent

Hello Michael, I don't think you are wordy and I think this post has some very valid suggestions and I agree wholeheartedly if you are going to bring someone down, just move onto another post. I must admit, that the thought of posting 2 poems a day to race to the top is not that appealing for me. I am too busy for it, as a lot are. I work one poem at a time, and maybe don't post a new one for a few days. I think the quality would drop off if I did that. I was the recipient of some nasty reviews when I first arrived, and I didn't ignore it and wished I had, so I suggest anyone reading your article, do as you suggest and forget about it. I do now, I actually didn't realize people could see other peoples reviews, and I was quite shocked when I found out. Then I thought, well what horrible things are you saying? And there weren't any, so I speak freely now without a thought of who reads it, but at first, it is quite a scary thing, posting and reviewing. I like other people and am a bit of a people person in real life, so I find it fun to meet people I wouldn't normally get to know. Thanks for the post, I am glad you promoted it, as it will help the site if we all follow some of your common sense suggestions. Cheers, Ana.

 Comment Written 13-Jul-2018

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reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018

The people that actually worry about what they might say are NEVER the ones who need to worry, Ana. You always review with a kind word and encouragement. The rankings are a nice thing, but they're not everything. I've had time to write my brains out a couple times. But at the moment, I only have time to enter a few fun contests and sponsor something like this here and there. Just pop in now and then. I'm a terrible fan and member at the moment actually. But the outside world affects us, yes? Maybe next year I'll be more active. I do understand NOT being able or even inclined to write two a day. But I also understand being able to. It's all whatever anyone wants to do, their thing.

A great review and I so appreciate your input and insights. Thanks a million. mike

Comment from Pamusart

Excellent

Hi Michael. You bring up a lot of good points. I can think of three writers in the top five who are only there based on quantity. I suppose that is true for me also. I joined March 1 this year. I do not have enough fans to get so many reviews as some get. I hope my poetry is good One major thing I would say is that everyone expects five stars on all their work. You are right. I never grade down but just try to be helpful. The fact that everyone gets fives no matter the quality cheapens the gives so the sixes must count a lot. Thank you for this rant. Good luck in the contest. Thanks for sharing

 Comment Written 12-Jul-2018

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reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018

Getting a fan base takes time, but it's faster than you think. There are plenty of top writers at the top and, yes, some of them aren't the best. However, some of the best writers here can also write endlessly without a drop in quality. It's astonishing to watch. The problem with the stars is that not enough people use them. That gives the very few people who use four star reviews enormous power. A four star review is extremely rare these days and thus very damaging to receive since odds are no one else is getting one. It is guaranteed to knock a piece off the front page costing it reviews. Not to mention, many of the people passing out fours don't know what they're doing and can't tell a sonnet from a bonnet. LOL (just made that up)

Anyway, you're an excellent writer and we all know it, so don't worry about it. :)) Thanks for the great review and insights. mike