Non-Fiction
Viewing comments for Chapter 6 "Unique with Room for Improvement"All non-fiction
32 total reviews
Comment from MissMerri
I, personally, did not think this was too wordy Michael. You did cover a lot of ground, but every bit of it was interesting and worth mentioning. I saw one tiny thing I think you'll want to correct, because I know it was an accidental blooper...
"I've NEVER once heard a top ranked writer make mention of there (their, you meant) ranking in any way." (paragraph 11, I think)
I liked your many suggestions, and especially what you said about POM, BOM and SOM. It would be nice if there were ribbons and rewards of some sort when placing in these contests. Or at least a notice on the poem that placed second or third. But this is not supposed to be about my opinions on FS. Your writing is clear, well organized and most interestingly presented. Thanks for the good ideas.
MM
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
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I, personally, did not think this was too wordy Michael. You did cover a lot of ground, but every bit of it was interesting and worth mentioning. I saw one tiny thing I think you'll want to correct, because I know it was an accidental blooper...
"I've NEVER once heard a top ranked writer make mention of there (their, you meant) ranking in any way." (paragraph 11, I think)
I liked your many suggestions, and especially what you said about POM, BOM and SOM. It would be nice if there were ribbons and rewards of some sort when placing in these contests. Or at least a notice on the poem that placed second or third. But this is not supposed to be about my opinions on FS. Your writing is clear, well organized and most interestingly presented. Thanks for the good ideas.
MM
Comment Written 12-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
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I'm pleased to hear you agree on the POM etc. I think for us, the writers, it's a very prestigious award. I'm truly thrilled if I get nominated. It means way more to me than a funny animal contest. Coming in second place in the POM is a pretty big deal to us poets I'd say. I'd love a ribbon on my page, yes? Well, I'm pleased you liked my essay and I DID fix that little error, GOOD CATCH!
Lots of great essays. I was so happy to see so many entries and great ideas. Thanks so much. mike
Comment from Sandra du Plessis
A very well-written review on FanStory about the good, the bad, and the ugly. I for one prefer to ignore the ugly, let the bad pass me by, and let the good drives me on.
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
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A very well-written review on FanStory about the good, the bad, and the ugly. I for one prefer to ignore the ugly, let the bad pass me by, and let the good drives me on.
Comment Written 12-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
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Well said. My version is about 1400 words longer. LOL mike
Comment from Sasha
Hello stranger. Not sure why, but I haven't been getting your posts in my message box. I foolishly assumed you had left...silly me. I liked this essay and this line really struck a note with me: I was ranked ahead of the very people who were TEACHING ME how to write...I honestly do not know why I am number 3 in the Short Story category ahead of Grafmang, one of the best writers on this site. Also, most of my posts are silly Rambles that really add noting to wonderful world of great writers. I intentionally stay out of the forums, since that is where so much of the gossip and back stabbing occurs. You did a nice job with this and give the reader plenty to think about. You know me, I am terrible at finding spags and leave that to those that know what they are doing.
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
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Hello stranger. Not sure why, but I haven't been getting your posts in my message box. I foolishly assumed you had left...silly me. I liked this essay and this line really struck a note with me: I was ranked ahead of the very people who were TEACHING ME how to write...I honestly do not know why I am number 3 in the Short Story category ahead of Grafmang, one of the best writers on this site. Also, most of my posts are silly Rambles that really add noting to wonderful world of great writers. I intentionally stay out of the forums, since that is where so much of the gossip and back stabbing occurs. You did a nice job with this and give the reader plenty to think about. You know me, I am terrible at finding spags and leave that to those that know what they are doing.
Comment Written 12-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
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Hi, Sasha. I don't post very much, mainly little anon contests. When I do, I disable them in preview mode so notices don't go out. I don't have time to answer reviews so I try not to get many. I feel terrible when I have all these reviews I haven't answered.
Now, I'll tell you a story. When I first started and didn't know punctuation or much of anything else, I was told i had a "good voice". Well, I didn't know what that was either. I asked what they meant by that. They told me that having a good voice meant that I could write about most anything and make it worth reading. They told me to go read YOU as the best example of that they could think of. "Go read a Smurphy Ramble". It doesn't matter what it's about, you'll love it. THAT is a good voice. You ARE one of the best writers here. Ask anybody. Well, except you. LOL
Yeah, spags are for those spag finding sorts. No worries. Love your rambles and never miss one. Love your fiction too. Thanks a million. I'm still hanging around here in the shadows. mike
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Thank you so much for the compliment. I do recall you telling me this and must admit it made me blush.
Comment from jlsavell
well Mr Cahill,
I do believe you have given Fanstory a great review. You have covered all basis ad most things I absolutely agree with you est wishes with the contest.. a very well written missive in my humble opinion.
best wishes with the contest..
jimi
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
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well Mr Cahill,
I do believe you have given Fanstory a great review. You have covered all basis ad most things I absolutely agree with you est wishes with the contest.. a very well written missive in my humble opinion.
best wishes with the contest..
jimi
Comment Written 12-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
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You're the only person in the world who calls me Mr. Cahill. I imagine because I'm so NOT a Mr. Cahill type. :))
Glad you liked this. I'm usually pretty adept at blathering away about something. Thanks so much. mike
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Frankly, I began by addressing you Mr. Cahill as not only a fun and unique address but to separate you from the many Michael?s on here. I had no idea it offended you and deeply apologize.
At least you may give me credit for recognizing you or addressing you with a name whether cordial or formal.
I will stop reviewing you.
My name is Jimi by the way.
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Well, Jimi. I was joking around. But as you wish. I don't mean to be curt with this reply, but I don't seem to be able to communicate very well here. I don't understand your response. I rarely post anymore. I posted a couple contests and got ripped for it. I win a couple contests and get ripped for that. Why bother, yes? mike
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Michael,
It?s all in perception. I thought I offended you. That is all.
I am sorry that you get ?ripped ? , whatever that means. I don?t understand that either. You are a great talent so why would not a comrade celebrate with you.
Your reply to me I perceived as you were upset. I felt I offended you by addressing you in a different way which is my way of saying.. your different,I respect you.
You do communicate well, but this is how I read your reply. ?It appeared you were annoyed.
Again my apologies. I overreacted.
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Michael,
It?s all in perception. I thought I offended you. That is all.
I am sorry that you get ?ripped ? , whatever that means. I don?t understand that either. You are a great talent so why would not a comrade celebrate with you.
Your reply to me I perceived as you were upset. I felt I offended you by addressing you in a different way which is my way of saying.. your different,I respect you.
You do communicate well, but this is how I read your reply. ?It appeared you were annoyed.
Again my apologies. I overreacted.
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No worries, Jimi. The rest of it has nothing to do with you anyway. :)) mike
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No problem, I just misread and over reacted which Ibam NOTORIOUS for!
As for you, don?t be discouraged. I don?t know what?s going on but what I do know you have a voice of reason and clarity. Often times when I read you in the forum, I think you should be an editorialist or contributing author to newspapers or magazines.
Have a great day. I would be remiss if I neglected to tell you
Today is an incredibly beautiful day. I have been up since5. My quiet time and reflection. May the sun shine warmly on your countenance and your heart be warmed by the life you live and the splendor of each gracious thought
Comment from Gloria ....
This is a fine entry into the contest. You've touched on important points in your signature conversational style, which lends an approachable tone to any write addressing a writing site. Clearly Internet anonymity changes the manner in which writers would communicate with each other face-to-face. That's only because of the paucity of physical chairs to throw at each other. ;-) While that virtual distance has its advantages, the covert voting blocks, backroom cabals and gossip cliques are an unfortunate by-product of the same ease of access and anonymity.
Because reviewing standards are difficult to define and reach a consensus on, I like the sites simple baseline SPaG (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar) parameters using finite reasons for a rating. Even at that, consistency is difficult to achieve because of the wide range of skill levels coupled with many strong personalities delightfully found among an international membership.
So right you are about rankings being a "game", and a valuable game at that. Nothing blows the sleeping bats out of a writer's belfry faster than having to write on command with decent flair and accuracy. It helps to have a repertoire of forms, a basic understanding of grammar, spelling and punctuation, and an endless stream of fresh ideas which every day living provides in abundance. That said, the social aspect provided by the site is also of great value and its importance to members overall sense of well-being and feeling welcomed and included should never be discounted. That social aspect is as valuable as any.
It's great to see greater diversity among site contest winners and I would also like to see a wider range of authors selected for the Poem of the Month, Book of the Month and Story of the Month contests. The Reviewer of the Month contest is different from the other monthly contests because it isn't a popularity, membership vote only. That is the reason you will see the same people win that contest over and over. And like all site contests everyone does have as much of a chance as anyone else to win the ROM, but it requires slowing down and spending a LOT of time with each piece under review.
Excellent piece, Mav and how right you are there is something on FanStory for everyone and it does take a little time to find it all with a little help from our friends.
Best of luck to you in the contest. :)
Ange
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
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This is a fine entry into the contest. You've touched on important points in your signature conversational style, which lends an approachable tone to any write addressing a writing site. Clearly Internet anonymity changes the manner in which writers would communicate with each other face-to-face. That's only because of the paucity of physical chairs to throw at each other. ;-) While that virtual distance has its advantages, the covert voting blocks, backroom cabals and gossip cliques are an unfortunate by-product of the same ease of access and anonymity.
Because reviewing standards are difficult to define and reach a consensus on, I like the sites simple baseline SPaG (Spelling, Punctuation and Grammar) parameters using finite reasons for a rating. Even at that, consistency is difficult to achieve because of the wide range of skill levels coupled with many strong personalities delightfully found among an international membership.
So right you are about rankings being a "game", and a valuable game at that. Nothing blows the sleeping bats out of a writer's belfry faster than having to write on command with decent flair and accuracy. It helps to have a repertoire of forms, a basic understanding of grammar, spelling and punctuation, and an endless stream of fresh ideas which every day living provides in abundance. That said, the social aspect provided by the site is also of great value and its importance to members overall sense of well-being and feeling welcomed and included should never be discounted. That social aspect is as valuable as any.
It's great to see greater diversity among site contest winners and I would also like to see a wider range of authors selected for the Poem of the Month, Book of the Month and Story of the Month contests. The Reviewer of the Month contest is different from the other monthly contests because it isn't a popularity, membership vote only. That is the reason you will see the same people win that contest over and over. And like all site contests everyone does have as much of a chance as anyone else to win the ROM, but it requires slowing down and spending a LOT of time with each piece under review.
Excellent piece, Mav and how right you are there is something on FanStory for everyone and it does take a little time to find it all with a little help from our friends.
Best of luck to you in the contest. :)
Ange
Comment Written 12-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
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This is a wonderful review and filled with great ideas to add as well. The ROM and reviewing is an area on to itself. In fact, your review spawned the idea for my next contest, "Review Reviewing".
I concur point by point with all you say. One of the keys to posting is getting under the gun a bit and pushing one's self. For me it's a necessity to be honest. When I was going for the two trophies back in the day. I reached a point where I could write endlessly without a drop off in quality. Not saying I was any great writer, but whatever level I was at didn't drop off no matter how many thousands of words I wrote a day. I could've posted four times a day if need be. Of course, being wordy has never left me ... obviously.
Anyway, wonderful detailed response, Ange. Much appreciated.
Mav
Comment from Brigitte Elko
Too wordy? Not. This commentary is an excellent description of the site and there is nothing I can offer to better this presentation. I for one, am delighted to read your posts. I for one, have never discussed other members. I for one, am here to learn from reviews. My craft is lacking, I know that, that is why I have found this site beneficial. Thank you for writing this! I have been supported 100% and I believe I have been supportive 100%. This review is probably not helpful but since I agree with everything stated in the post, there is nothing to say to improve it.
Blessings my friend.
Brigitte
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
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Too wordy? Not. This commentary is an excellent description of the site and there is nothing I can offer to better this presentation. I for one, am delighted to read your posts. I for one, have never discussed other members. I for one, am here to learn from reviews. My craft is lacking, I know that, that is why I have found this site beneficial. Thank you for writing this! I have been supported 100% and I believe I have been supportive 100%. This review is probably not helpful but since I agree with everything stated in the post, there is nothing to say to improve it.
Blessings my friend.
Brigitte
Comment Written 12-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
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A review like this is ALWAYS helpful. It's wonderful to hear that I'm understood and on point. You're craft is NOT lacking by the way. We can all learn and improve and it's the best attitude to have when you feel like you need to. A wonderful uplifting review. Nice to hear from you. I'm not very active lately, but I'm still around. I haven't seen you for a while, so good to see you back. mike
Comment from giraffmang
Hi Michael,
very good opinion piece here. the issues you state are clear and easily followed, as they should be. The site can be a tremendous source of knowledge and the learning curve can be huge. You were one of the first people to review me when I started and gave me the advice about cutting out words... lol there's a kicker and a half.
Jealousy does occur, but it's quite easy to rise above the nonsense. I've tried a few other sites and FS is by far the most user friendly and I get a lot of it myself. For how much longer I'm not sure but for now, it's a good place to be.
ranked writer make mention of there ranking in any way - their.
The time has come to award the top TEN poets with trophies - I while back I suggested to Tom that those who finished in positions 6 through 10 be awarded a certificate if not a trophy. that went nowhere. lol
I don't want to over load - overload could be a single word here.
All the best
G
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
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Hi Michael,
very good opinion piece here. the issues you state are clear and easily followed, as they should be. The site can be a tremendous source of knowledge and the learning curve can be huge. You were one of the first people to review me when I started and gave me the advice about cutting out words... lol there's a kicker and a half.
Jealousy does occur, but it's quite easy to rise above the nonsense. I've tried a few other sites and FS is by far the most user friendly and I get a lot of it myself. For how much longer I'm not sure but for now, it's a good place to be.
ranked writer make mention of there ranking in any way - their.
The time has come to award the top TEN poets with trophies - I while back I suggested to Tom that those who finished in positions 6 through 10 be awarded a certificate if not a trophy. that went nowhere. lol
I don't want to over load - overload could be a single word here.
All the best
G
Comment Written 12-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
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I always laugh at any advice I give considering I don't follow it myself. LOL
I DO know what I should do and once in a while I buckle down and try to do it. But it's more fun to go hog wild and just write everything that occurs to me. Great review as are all of yours. My next contest is "Review Reviewing". Enter mind and I'll enter yours. :)) mike
lol, deal. G
Comment from RFL
You make excellent points about this site. I am a newbie as call those of us new to FanStory. Maybe that is why I have not experienced the gossip and back stabbing you describe. Or, maybe, I am just not talented enough for anyone to feel threatened by me. I will tell you that you have been very welcoming to me and have provided encouragement with your reviews and messages. Thank you. I have experienced the kind of envy and destructive behavior you describe in my professional academic world. It's awful. The behavior won't go away. We just have to know who we are and be caring and ethical. Those who put others down do it because they really aren't happy with themselves. My very best to you. RFL (Rona).
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
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You make excellent points about this site. I am a newbie as call those of us new to FanStory. Maybe that is why I have not experienced the gossip and back stabbing you describe. Or, maybe, I am just not talented enough for anyone to feel threatened by me. I will tell you that you have been very welcoming to me and have provided encouragement with your reviews and messages. Thank you. I have experienced the kind of envy and destructive behavior you describe in my professional academic world. It's awful. The behavior won't go away. We just have to know who we are and be caring and ethical. Those who put others down do it because they really aren't happy with themselves. My very best to you. RFL (Rona).
Comment Written 12-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
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Great advice, Rona. The main thing is to realize there are way many more of us to support each other. You're right too, it is everywhere. It was surprising to me to find it in a conclave of artists, but envy is envy I suppose. You're plenty talented, so I'm sure you'll see the envy. But I think you'll handle it just fine. What a wonderful review. Thanks a million, mike
Comment from country ranch writer
Well you have managed to say a whopping mouthful my friend. You have covered so many points on here that we all felt needed to be addressed but were afraid to for fear of repercussions of others with the clout.
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
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Well you have managed to say a whopping mouthful my friend. You have covered so many points on here that we all felt needed to be addressed but were afraid to for fear of repercussions of others with the clout.
Comment Written 12-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
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Well, I'm not at a loss for words. LOL I think those of us that have been around for a while agree on most of this. We've got each other and that's the main thing. The others can do what they will, but they can't do anything about that. Thanks so much my friend. mike
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I think I am back for awhile so you all will get tired of me and my westerns and moonshiners till I think of another thing I am comfortable writing about.
Comment from kathleenspalding
Working on it - LOL! Good post, Michael. I agree - and I did the same thing with my first review - a 4 to Mastery over typos. My logic - it needed edits, ergo, a 4. He set me straight, and was very gracious when he found out I was a newbie. Now it's 5's for all, in anticipation they will correct the nits I point out. Saves time going back to re-read & upgrade to a 5. ;-)
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
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Working on it - LOL! Good post, Michael. I agree - and I did the same thing with my first review - a 4 to Mastery over typos. My logic - it needed edits, ergo, a 4. He set me straight, and was very gracious when he found out I was a newbie. Now it's 5's for all, in anticipation they will correct the nits I point out. Saves time going back to re-read & upgrade to a 5. ;-)
Comment Written 12-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
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Well, ya know that Bob needs to work on that story tellin' and all! LOL Great story. Thanks so much. mike
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:-D You're welcome
