Non-Fiction
Viewing comments for Chapter 6 "Unique with Room for Improvement"All non-fiction
32 total reviews
Comment from bichonfrisegirl
Hi Mikey,
I really enjoyed reading this. It's so well written and you make some very valid points. Congrats on your well deserved win!
FanStory is a great place to learn the art of writing. One could go to school for years and not learn as much as one can learn here in a mere six months on this site. There are so many members willing to give great support, encouragement and suggestions for improvement.
We've all, at one time, been newbies to the site. I laughed at your recollection of four-starring Brooke. :) I guess we've all done that as newbies.
I had no idea that ties for POM, BOM and SOM by member voters were ultimately decided on by the administrator. WHAT??!! That defeats the whole purpose of the members voting. If there's a tie, I think that both writers should be given equal credit. I agree, it is a great honor just to be nominated.
Yes, there's a few things that go on here that are somewhat irksome. If one doesn't like it though, they do have the option of leaving the site. I agree wholeheartedly with "Let's all leave each other alone" and "you don't have to review something you don't care for".
I love that you also touched on 'quantity' vs. 'quality' of writing and the status ratings, and that we can engage with like-minded folk and avoid those of different interests (some great advice here!).
Re being too wordy ... I think you did just fine! You said everything that you wanted to say, and you said it so very well! Bravo!
Connie
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2018
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Hi Mikey,
I really enjoyed reading this. It's so well written and you make some very valid points. Congrats on your well deserved win!
FanStory is a great place to learn the art of writing. One could go to school for years and not learn as much as one can learn here in a mere six months on this site. There are so many members willing to give great support, encouragement and suggestions for improvement.
We've all, at one time, been newbies to the site. I laughed at your recollection of four-starring Brooke. :) I guess we've all done that as newbies.
I had no idea that ties for POM, BOM and SOM by member voters were ultimately decided on by the administrator. WHAT??!! That defeats the whole purpose of the members voting. If there's a tie, I think that both writers should be given equal credit. I agree, it is a great honor just to be nominated.
Yes, there's a few things that go on here that are somewhat irksome. If one doesn't like it though, they do have the option of leaving the site. I agree wholeheartedly with "Let's all leave each other alone" and "you don't have to review something you don't care for".
I love that you also touched on 'quantity' vs. 'quality' of writing and the status ratings, and that we can engage with like-minded folk and avoid those of different interests (some great advice here!).
Re being too wordy ... I think you did just fine! You said everything that you wanted to say, and you said it so very well! Bravo!
Connie
Comment Written 21-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 22-Jul-2018
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Wow. What a great review. Wonderful insights and comments, Connie. I know I should adopt your attitude and just let things go. I'm usually okay if it's directed at me, but when it's a friend, I go a little crazy. Thanks so much. mike :))
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You're very welcome, Mike. No doubt, you must have some very appreciative friends. :)
Comment from Liz O'Neill
One of my favorite of your points is: "Why review something you don't care for? Why make it a point to attack someone's point of view because you don't agree?" This is well put. You've made some good suggestions and brought out some important points here. Well written. I voted for you.
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2018
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One of my favorite of your points is: "Why review something you don't care for? Why make it a point to attack someone's point of view because you don't agree?" This is well put. You've made some good suggestions and brought out some important points here. Well written. I voted for you.
Comment Written 16-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2018
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We agree totally on that point, Liz. I think if the folks with like interests just hung out together and let others do the same, it would work out great. Thanks for the vote! Wow. So appreciated. :)) mike
Comment from judiverse
Hi, Michael. This is great, six-star stuff. You make so many excellent points and cover a whole range of issues. Glad that you point out the good and bad. I think you have an excellent thought about writers new to the site. They often distinguish themselves by giving low ratings without providing a reason for them. Thirty-day breaking-in period is a great suggestion. Sometimes these newcomers are so easy to spot, and they put off members that they should be making friends with. I've experienced a few instances when I've received a low rating because the reviewer disagreed with my point of view, and I know that's happened to others. For the most part, I believe we are a pretty tolerant group with a few exceptions. You make a good point about the poets. More of them deserve trophies to recognize their work. I like the awarding of Honorable Mentions, too. I've been the recipient of a few, and it makes me feel that my writing has been acknowledged. You really cover the FS situation in excellent detail, and your assessment and suggestions are worth considering. Best of luck. judi
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2018
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Hi, Michael. This is great, six-star stuff. You make so many excellent points and cover a whole range of issues. Glad that you point out the good and bad. I think you have an excellent thought about writers new to the site. They often distinguish themselves by giving low ratings without providing a reason for them. Thirty-day breaking-in period is a great suggestion. Sometimes these newcomers are so easy to spot, and they put off members that they should be making friends with. I've experienced a few instances when I've received a low rating because the reviewer disagreed with my point of view, and I know that's happened to others. For the most part, I believe we are a pretty tolerant group with a few exceptions. You make a good point about the poets. More of them deserve trophies to recognize their work. I like the awarding of Honorable Mentions, too. I've been the recipient of a few, and it makes me feel that my writing has been acknowledged. You really cover the FS situation in excellent detail, and your assessment and suggestions are worth considering. Best of luck. judi
Comment Written 16-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2018
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A wonderful encouraging review, Judi. Sounds like we agree on most everything. Thanks a million, mike :))
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You're very welcome. Yours was certainly more in-depth than the other entries. Congratulations on your win, too. I left the site for a while last year, but I'm glad I came back. judi
Comment from BeasPeas
Hi Michael. I like what you have to say. Especially the suggestion about newbies giving only 5 stars for the first month till they get to know the "ropes." I still only give 5 stars. Some people give fewer stars and say, "If you make the corrections, I will up my rating." Whew! That's nervy. I may make suggestions, but leave it up to the writer to take them or not. It's not my composition, after all. Who am I to tell them what they want to say? People become good writers here by osmosis; reading others' good stuff.
What jumped out at me most was this: "It appears ties are decided by the administrator. Nothing causes more ill will than to tie for one of those honors only to lose based on an arbitrary choice. The membership has VOTED. OUR choice should stand, even a tie." OMGoodness--this is horrendous. I am so disappointed to hear this. When I lived in CA, I belonged to an art group. I was asked to help count votes. Two beautiful paintings were in a tie for first place, but there weren't enough blue ribbons. What did officers do? They flipped a coin for the winner. I totally lost respect for the association and left, but made known the reason why. Friends who are still in that group tell me the policy has stopped. There is no more "coin toss" award giving.
As for me on FanStory, I'm happy here. It's not perfect, but I feel fortunate to have it. Just to be with like-minded people who love to write is a reward in itself.
Marilyn
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2018
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Hi Michael. I like what you have to say. Especially the suggestion about newbies giving only 5 stars for the first month till they get to know the "ropes." I still only give 5 stars. Some people give fewer stars and say, "If you make the corrections, I will up my rating." Whew! That's nervy. I may make suggestions, but leave it up to the writer to take them or not. It's not my composition, after all. Who am I to tell them what they want to say? People become good writers here by osmosis; reading others' good stuff.
What jumped out at me most was this: "It appears ties are decided by the administrator. Nothing causes more ill will than to tie for one of those honors only to lose based on an arbitrary choice. The membership has VOTED. OUR choice should stand, even a tie." OMGoodness--this is horrendous. I am so disappointed to hear this. When I lived in CA, I belonged to an art group. I was asked to help count votes. Two beautiful paintings were in a tie for first place, but there weren't enough blue ribbons. What did officers do? They flipped a coin for the winner. I totally lost respect for the association and left, but made known the reason why. Friends who are still in that group tell me the policy has stopped. There is no more "coin toss" award giving.
As for me on FanStory, I'm happy here. It's not perfect, but I feel fortunate to have it. Just to be with like-minded people who love to write is a reward in itself.
Marilyn
Comment Written 16-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2018
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We agree totally on many points, Marilyn. I most agree with your conclusion though: Like-minded people who love to write. That IS the best reward here. Thanks so much. mike :))
Comment from humpwhistle
Mikey, I agree with much of what you have to say. But I agree with 'wordy'. And I think you have a tendency to straddle. I know your intent is to be fair, but are you being fair to yourself? I wish you'd boil this piece down by half. I think you'd find the nub.
Best of luck.
Peace, Lee
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2018
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Mikey, I agree with much of what you have to say. But I agree with 'wordy'. And I think you have a tendency to straddle. I know your intent is to be fair, but are you being fair to yourself? I wish you'd boil this piece down by half. I think you'd find the nub.
Best of luck.
Peace, Lee
Comment Written 16-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2018
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Perhaps I do straddle. I am happy on the whole here though, so I don't want to give the impression I'm not. I agree with cutting down on the words and give the same advice myself as learned from you. I do so at home with the work I'm editing. Yes, I should here too. Thanks very much, mike
Comment from Meia (MESAYERS)
Bloody fantastic, well written and funny, intelligent and light-hearted with some very important points and concerns raised. I shouldn't say this but you have my vote! Kindest regards and well done Meia :)
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2018
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Bloody fantastic, well written and funny, intelligent and light-hearted with some very important points and concerns raised. I shouldn't say this but you have my vote! Kindest regards and well done Meia :)
Comment Written 16-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 19-Jul-2018
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Aww, thanks so much, Meia. You're the best! mike, :))
Comment from flylikeaneagle
Hey Mikey: I remember when you were on everything. You won
again and again. Yeah! Congrats to you. I also thought that your
time travel story was so worth reading and I couldn't wait until
I read another episode. Did you publish it???
This is my fifth year. I'm learning. I help ladies with errands and fun
times. Several of these ladies were suicidal and need a friend. Now, a
youth lost her boyfriend to suicide. I'm helping her heal. Her parents
say a day at a time. God's timing on this. Don't write as often as you do.
I walk dogs and pray.
I think there are talented writers on this site. I don't always like the contests.
I'm glad clubs are on this site. Yes, I still like free verse as you do. I miss Brooke, adewpearl. I'll fly in again. Congrats on a wonderful write, Mikey.
flylikeaneagle - nancy
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
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Hey Mikey: I remember when you were on everything. You won
again and again. Yeah! Congrats to you. I also thought that your
time travel story was so worth reading and I couldn't wait until
I read another episode. Did you publish it???
This is my fifth year. I'm learning. I help ladies with errands and fun
times. Several of these ladies were suicidal and need a friend. Now, a
youth lost her boyfriend to suicide. I'm helping her heal. Her parents
say a day at a time. God's timing on this. Don't write as often as you do.
I walk dogs and pray.
I think there are talented writers on this site. I don't always like the contests.
I'm glad clubs are on this site. Yes, I still like free verse as you do. I miss Brooke, adewpearl. I'll fly in again. Congrats on a wonderful write, Mikey.
flylikeaneagle - nancy
Comment Written 15-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
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Hi there, Nancy. I'm always pleased to hear from you. Wow, you made my week by remembering my story. Vision and Sound. Yes, I need to get back to that. It's been a while. You're an inspiration. You remind me of my favorite hymn, "And they'll know we are Christians by our love, by our love ..." Love that song. Very YOU! Thanks a million. mike :))
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Hey Mikey: I wrote three NaNoWriMo's in one year. Now, I've been reading other novels. Scott King has a book, :"The Five Day Novel," which I plan on learning from to rewrite my novels. They will be combined into one larger novel. Second Chances is part of this concept. The Minnesota writers led by Erica Vetsch wrote seven novels in one, "Seven Brides for Seven Texans." I told Erica that my novel is set in Colorado at a horse ranch. There is so much to learn.
I could see your Visions and Sound being a hot seller. Jay Squires put his novel on Amazon. (I'm sure you know that... FYI.)))
I'm going to see my daughters in Colorado soon. Monica works as a therapist with youth with autism. Annie is going to college soon. This is a fun trip and plenty of research ideas. God bless.
flylikeaneagle - nancy
Sending love back at ya, Mikey. See you in a free verse soon.
Comment from Bill Schott
This is a very well thought out essay (even if it wasn't) and covers many issues that are most likely on peoples' minds. It is really wordy, but the content is interesting and allows the reader to follow the reasoning through to the end. Your last paragraph is what I would probably say in response to the prompt.
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
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This is a very well thought out essay (even if it wasn't) and covers many issues that are most likely on peoples' minds. It is really wordy, but the content is interesting and allows the reader to follow the reasoning through to the end. Your last paragraph is what I would probably say in response to the prompt.
Comment Written 15-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
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Appreciate the kind words. I probably should've just entered the last paragraph. :)) mike
Comment from Nanny 6
Awesome critique, wordy person! Lol, you stated well your opinion without offense. You also encouraged me to be brave and continue here, because this site is truly beneficial to those of us who love the craft of writing. Thank you for sharing. Your 4 star review for Brooke was comical... got a kick out of that...She was awesome and helpful on here.
Judy
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
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Awesome critique, wordy person! Lol, you stated well your opinion without offense. You also encouraged me to be brave and continue here, because this site is truly beneficial to those of us who love the craft of writing. Thank you for sharing. Your 4 star review for Brooke was comical... got a kick out of that...She was awesome and helpful on here.
Judy
Comment Written 15-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
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True story. I was sooooo new then and TERRIFIED. Then I found out we're all just regular people. HA! Yes, be brave, plenty of cool people here to back you up against the occasional not so nice fool. Thanks so much. What a great review. Big smiles. mike
Comment from meeshu
a very concise capsulization of the FS experience, Michael. I read a lot of work here and a lot from pages 4&5. I am still new and can remember NOT being read because I couldn't afford to promote. I have one solid rule that should be written into the bi-laws: I NEVER rate on content. I will argue politics all day long but it has zero affect on ranking. guess I should have written my own essay...........meeshu
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
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a very concise capsulization of the FS experience, Michael. I read a lot of work here and a lot from pages 4&5. I am still new and can remember NOT being read because I couldn't afford to promote. I have one solid rule that should be written into the bi-laws: I NEVER rate on content. I will argue politics all day long but it has zero affect on ranking. guess I should have written my own essay...........meeshu
Comment Written 15-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
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I have that same rule, Meeshu, and it's a good one. WRITING, yes? Thanks so much. Appreciated. mike
