True Blue Aussie
Dinky-di32 total reviews
Comment from Gloria ....
A very fun poem in fine metre illustrating the minor differences in spelling between American English and the Queen's English.
Some of the more subtle differences such as defence/defense in addition to neighbour/neighbor can elicit an unwarranted lower rating.
I quite enjoyed this, as you have poetically applied the call for exaggeration too. :))
Gloria
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2022
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A very fun poem in fine metre illustrating the minor differences in spelling between American English and the Queen's English.
Some of the more subtle differences such as defence/defense in addition to neighbour/neighbor can elicit an unwarranted lower rating.
I quite enjoyed this, as you have poetically applied the call for exaggeration too. :))
Gloria
Comment Written 30-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2022
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Thanks so much. I really appreciate your review. Yes, you are right, and "practise" (verb) and "practice" (noun) as well. There are in fact quite a number of spelling variations ("metre/meter", and all the compounds). There are really very few who subtract stars and are arrogant about "errors". Most reviewers are respectful and tolerant of those of us who are "different".
Wendy
Comment from WalkerMan
FanStory is an international writers' site with over a thousand members from all over the world. Because it was founded in the United States over twenty years ago, its official language is American English; yet a significant number of members are located where British spelling, word usage, local idioms, and some aspects of punctuation (such as quotation marks) differ from their U.S. counterparts -- England (of course), Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, Wales, and others once part of the British Empire.
By now, many of these differences ought to be obvious to U.S. members, such as British "colour" versus American "color" -- neither of which is "wrong" if used consistently by an author from one culture or the other. Also, as long as potentially unfamiliar word usage and idioms are explained in the author's Notes, there should be no grounds for quarrel.
Because spelling checkers are programmed for either American or British English, but not both simultaneously, they will flag words with the other culture's spelling. Readers need to be tolerant of that unavoidable circumstance, rather than fault the writer over the difference.
Accordingly, this post should not have become necessary. Considering the impolite criticism which prompted this post, I commend you for remaining calm and responding with this well-written poem and its Notes. It is certainly a justifiable "pet peeve" contender.
Superb, and aptly illustrated.
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2022
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FanStory is an international writers' site with over a thousand members from all over the world. Because it was founded in the United States over twenty years ago, its official language is American English; yet a significant number of members are located where British spelling, word usage, local idioms, and some aspects of punctuation (such as quotation marks) differ from their U.S. counterparts -- England (of course), Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland, Wales, and others once part of the British Empire.
By now, many of these differences ought to be obvious to U.S. members, such as British "colour" versus American "color" -- neither of which is "wrong" if used consistently by an author from one culture or the other. Also, as long as potentially unfamiliar word usage and idioms are explained in the author's Notes, there should be no grounds for quarrel.
Because spelling checkers are programmed for either American or British English, but not both simultaneously, they will flag words with the other culture's spelling. Readers need to be tolerant of that unavoidable circumstance, rather than fault the writer over the difference.
Accordingly, this post should not have become necessary. Considering the impolite criticism which prompted this post, I commend you for remaining calm and responding with this well-written poem and its Notes. It is certainly a justifiable "pet peeve" contender.
Superb, and aptly illustrated.
Comment Written 30-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2022
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Thank you so much Mike. The vast majority are gracious, respectful, and friendly, and I appreciate that. The others probably don't realise that non-US people have a bit of trouble with American ways of expressing things at times! I am greatly encouraged by your super review, and very thankful for the six stars. That's an honour always.
Wendy
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You are most welcome, Wendy.
Reviewing is supposed to be about how well an author expresses the message he or she is trying to convey, which involves grammar, punctuation, overall understandability, creativity (and, with poetry, rhyme and meter, when applicable) -- NOT politics or agreement with the writer's views. When that is not the case, it is violating the site rules intended to assure that reviewing helps us all to improve our skills.
Though we are told not to argue with disagreers, your relatively mild (and somewhat humorous) poetic "rant" justifiably addresses the issue.
Whatever happens in the "Pet Peeve" contest, I hope your post has a positive influence on reviewing. :)) -- Mike
Comment from Bill Schott
This is a fun and important rebuttal to be made against anyone whose reviewing contains unimportant aspects of language such as the King's English versus the Americanized version. Good on ya.
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2022
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This is a fun and important rebuttal to be made against anyone whose reviewing contains unimportant aspects of language such as the King's English versus the Americanized version. Good on ya.
Comment Written 30-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2022
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Thanks Bill. The majority of reviewers are lovely, gracious and respectful of differences. There's just a few who aren't. Love your last line.
Wendy
Comment from Tina Crute
If you can't be YOU in your own words, then when can you be? I have gotten marked down for others' personal views that have nothing to do with poetry.
I think the picture is spot-on great for this poem. I took it to mean that you are peeved but let it roll off quickly. That's a good way to be! I like that we are different. Keep being you, because you're pretty great at this poetry thing!
Tina
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2022
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If you can't be YOU in your own words, then when can you be? I have gotten marked down for others' personal views that have nothing to do with poetry.
I think the picture is spot-on great for this poem. I took it to mean that you are peeved but let it roll off quickly. That's a good way to be! I like that we are different. Keep being you, because you're pretty great at this poetry thing!
Tina
Comment Written 30-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2022
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Yes, you are right. A moment of being peeved when I get intolerance or lack of respect in their arrogant words but it quickly rolls away. Yes, the bigger issue is when some-one marks you down because they don't like what you say, not because of how it is written. It is a writing site, after all. You may like to read a piece I wrote recently for the "I voted" contest. It was disqualified because I entered it as non-fiction, whereas it was meant to be fiction. Don't bother reviewing as it has expired. But it examines that very issue you mentioned.
Wendy
Comment from Fleedleflump
I can't bear the blowhards who are obsessed with exact rules and can't see that some things just vary, and they need to accept that. Of course, being an English bloke, I never have any difficulty with your usages! This was lots of fun to read :-)
Mike
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2022
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I can't bear the blowhards who are obsessed with exact rules and can't see that some things just vary, and they need to accept that. Of course, being an English bloke, I never have any difficulty with your usages! This was lots of fun to read :-)
Mike
Comment Written 30-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2022
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So glad you enjoyed it! I'm glad. Our spelling and sentence structure is based on the British system so we're on the same page. It's the lack of acceptance that the US spelling etc is the ONLY way that gets my goat. Having said that, most reviewers are gracious and respectful, and understanding of cultural differences.
Wendy
Comment from Paul McFarland
One of the things that has made my foray into FanStory so interesting is the different cultures that I have been introduced to. We have a different way of talking here in downeast Maine. Maybe I'll post a poem about this someday.
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2022
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One of the things that has made my foray into FanStory so interesting is the different cultures that I have been introduced to. We have a different way of talking here in downeast Maine. Maybe I'll post a poem about this someday.
Comment Written 30-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2022
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Oh yes, please do. That would be fun. Now which state of the US has the "right" way to talk? Maybe it's yours. Cultural differences are very enriching, I find.
Comment from Gert sherwood
Dinky-di
True Blue Aussie
Smiles to you Wendy G
I enjoyed reading your excellent rhyming poem
I had to laugh when I read---
Now "don't get your knickers in a knot" -
I'm just kidding, don't mind a jot
Most of my readers are friends, you see
And are learning to just let me be
Gert
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2022
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Dinky-di
True Blue Aussie
Smiles to you Wendy G
I enjoyed reading your excellent rhyming poem
I had to laugh when I read---
Now "don't get your knickers in a knot" -
I'm just kidding, don't mind a jot
Most of my readers are friends, you see
And are learning to just let me be
Gert
Comment Written 30-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2022
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Thank you Gert. I am so glad you enjoyed this lighthearted piece.
Wendy
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You are welcome
Wendy G
Comment from Sandra Nelms-Ludwig
A cute poem. I liked it and the rhyme scheme was fine with me. I seldom write rhyming poems. The visual fits perfectly. For me the font size could be bigger, but for others with better eyes it is probably okay. I accept you as you are. If I don't know a word or an expression I will ask. Good luck in the contest.
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2022
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A cute poem. I liked it and the rhyme scheme was fine with me. I seldom write rhyming poems. The visual fits perfectly. For me the font size could be bigger, but for others with better eyes it is probably okay. I accept you as you are. If I don't know a word or an expression I will ask. Good luck in the contest.
Comment Written 30-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2022
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Thanks so much for your super review, Sandra. Most people are kind and friendly like you, just get the occasional "know-all". Thanks for your good wishes too.
Wendy
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You are welcome.
Comment from GARY MACLEAN
Quit it. You don't lose stars with me anymore because of that "goofy" Aussie spelling (big smile) You are teaching me a lot about the differences between our two friendly countries. It has also helped me work with other Aussie writers on here.
I DO want to write about things that I think are wrong with an article, but I am becoming increasingly aware of the differences in styles across the world, thanks, to a great deal, to you for your complaining (another big smile) about every little thing I write. (Yet another big smile)
You made me giggle all through this piece because I know I have been through every one of the circumstances you listed with you at one point or another. I am thick headed, but I am learning.
At least it isn't Japanese or Chinese or something. Then I would be totally lost. Tolerance is indeed a requisite for this site but there are limits.
Fun read, even though I think you were poking at me, good stuff.
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2022
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Quit it. You don't lose stars with me anymore because of that "goofy" Aussie spelling (big smile) You are teaching me a lot about the differences between our two friendly countries. It has also helped me work with other Aussie writers on here.
I DO want to write about things that I think are wrong with an article, but I am becoming increasingly aware of the differences in styles across the world, thanks, to a great deal, to you for your complaining (another big smile) about every little thing I write. (Yet another big smile)
You made me giggle all through this piece because I know I have been through every one of the circumstances you listed with you at one point or another. I am thick headed, but I am learning.
At least it isn't Japanese or Chinese or something. Then I would be totally lost. Tolerance is indeed a requisite for this site but there are limits.
Fun read, even though I think you were poking at me, good stuff.
Comment Written 30-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2022
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Lol. Great review. Made me laugh throughout. No, not poking at you! You've become a great friend, and I value your eagle eye. You can catch an extra space (or a missed one) from a "metre" away! Probably at the beginning you were not up with our spelling, but that 's all in the past - what a quick learner you are! Lol. I greatly appreciate your friendship, and your review. Many thanks.
Wendy
Comment from lyenochka
Lol! Great rant, Wendy! Enjoyed your very articulate poem about how people can be so picky and insistent on being right without considering other systems of spelling/grammar which are equally right. And yes, that can spill over to a kind of pharisaical tendency to nitpick in area of moral conduct as well. Best wishes in the contest!
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2022
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Lol! Great rant, Wendy! Enjoyed your very articulate poem about how people can be so picky and insistent on being right without considering other systems of spelling/grammar which are equally right. And yes, that can spill over to a kind of pharisaical tendency to nitpick in area of moral conduct as well. Best wishes in the contest!
Comment Written 30-Jul-2022
reply by the author on 30-Jul-2022
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Thanks Helen. I believe when I wrote it I had just received two quite strident condemnations - but most people are wonderful and friendly. Thanks too for your good wishes.
Wendy
