Fixing Us First
Essay19 total reviews
Comment from nordicgirl
Congratulations on this win. You bring up a point that many of us non vocal members consider. We are broken, not the site. Exceptional and well written essay. I will take it to heart. Well done!! NG
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Congratulations on this win. You bring up a point that many of us non vocal members consider. We are broken, not the site. Exceptional and well written essay. I will take it to heart. Well done!! NG
Comment Written 13-Dec-2014
Comment from amanda98653
I love this essay. It's a meaningful, creative approach to the topic.
"It is my feeling that the most critical area for improvement is within the membership itself."-- agreed.
"Well, honestly, I made mistakes and I should have been disqualified. If it is a 5-7-5 contest and one enters a 5-7-6, shouldn't one be disqualified?"-- I've heard people complaining about this before. They should be happy that the committee is willing to take time to look through the entries carefully (instead of focusing on bullshits).
"Speaking of contests, gee whiz, isn't it a terrible thing how boring the prompts are"-- I know right!!! It's cool that members are able to create prompts, but the site should alter/renew their ideas too. It's also easier for people to cheat when the old prompts keep coming back.
"go over it line by line critiqueing it and offerring improvements"-- "critiqueing" should be critiquing. "Offerring" should be offering.
Overall, this is an exceptional essay. You have your own style, and your works are original. You're a true writer.
Hugs
Amanda
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I love this essay. It's a meaningful, creative approach to the topic.
"It is my feeling that the most critical area for improvement is within the membership itself."-- agreed.
"Well, honestly, I made mistakes and I should have been disqualified. If it is a 5-7-5 contest and one enters a 5-7-6, shouldn't one be disqualified?"-- I've heard people complaining about this before. They should be happy that the committee is willing to take time to look through the entries carefully (instead of focusing on bullshits).
"Speaking of contests, gee whiz, isn't it a terrible thing how boring the prompts are"-- I know right!!! It's cool that members are able to create prompts, but the site should alter/renew their ideas too. It's also easier for people to cheat when the old prompts keep coming back.
"go over it line by line critiqueing it and offerring improvements"-- "critiqueing" should be critiquing. "Offerring" should be offering.
Overall, this is an exceptional essay. You have your own style, and your works are original. You're a true writer.
Hugs
Amanda
Comment Written 13-Dec-2014
Comment from Saucey
I'm not in the position to criticize but I found if you are different in style you want win any contest or any fans either especially if its not like the normal poems posted. I had someone give me 4 stars because mine was different they was not used to the style or presentation (which was couplet free verse) and it did not read poetically in their opinion like the other nominees which was stories mine was a tribute to something not someone that I love. So instead of reviewing they were comparing. Actual post I've received 6 Stars. Confused the hell I out of me since I never thought I would be nominated for anything on this site anyway I tried to fit in but I recognize that I will not be accepted and write on.
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I'm not in the position to criticize but I found if you are different in style you want win any contest or any fans either especially if its not like the normal poems posted. I had someone give me 4 stars because mine was different they was not used to the style or presentation (which was couplet free verse) and it did not read poetically in their opinion like the other nominees which was stories mine was a tribute to something not someone that I love. So instead of reviewing they were comparing. Actual post I've received 6 Stars. Confused the hell I out of me since I never thought I would be nominated for anything on this site anyway I tried to fit in but I recognize that I will not be accepted and write on.
Comment Written 12-Dec-2014
Comment from Selina Stambi
Is it fair to receive fifty cents to review a two thousand word novel chapter when a ten-line poem pays the same thing? That is a real issue. Let's get the nonsense off the table so we can get to that.... has this been discussed? I hope there is some solution to this. No wonder prose gets relatively few reviews, right?
Hello Mikey,
A very worthy win, friend. I just LOVE your soapbox rants!
Keep campaigning, sir!
As for the New and UN-improved Fanstory ... oh boy!
Sonali
attention (-) its membership
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Is it fair to receive fifty cents to review a two thousand word novel chapter when a ten-line poem pays the same thing? That is a real issue. Let's get the nonsense off the table so we can get to that.... has this been discussed? I hope there is some solution to this. No wonder prose gets relatively few reviews, right?
Hello Mikey,
A very worthy win, friend. I just LOVE your soapbox rants!
Keep campaigning, sir!
As for the New and UN-improved Fanstory ... oh boy!
Sonali
attention (-) its membership
Comment Written 09-Dec-2014
Comment from kittykatnoel
I've read through your essay several times and can not find any mistakes. I agree that it would be an appreciated change for the higher word counts to have higher payouts. I think as a reviewer I would like to be rewarded for reading, cutting and pasting multiple mistakes and taking the time to edit longer pieces. At the same time when a poem has only a hand full of syllables it is very difficult to review and edit based on the piece itself, the criteria and author's notes help in this case.
Thank you for your essay, I will keep it in mind while writing and reading.
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I've read through your essay several times and can not find any mistakes. I agree that it would be an appreciated change for the higher word counts to have higher payouts. I think as a reviewer I would like to be rewarded for reading, cutting and pasting multiple mistakes and taking the time to edit longer pieces. At the same time when a poem has only a hand full of syllables it is very difficult to review and edit based on the piece itself, the criteria and author's notes help in this case.
Thank you for your essay, I will keep it in mind while writing and reading.
Comment Written 09-Dec-2014
Comment from JM
I admit there is always room for improvement, including our attitude. I like your comment about giving a positive great review but failing to point out obvious errors. I am glad you chose to talk about self improvement.
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I admit there is always room for improvement, including our attitude. I like your comment about giving a positive great review but failing to point out obvious errors. I am glad you chose to talk about self improvement.
Comment Written 09-Dec-2014
Comment from Dawn Munro
"Is (there) room for improvement?..." << you used the wrong (their).
Okay, here's the deal - I am in 95% agreement with your content, and 100% impressed with the no nonsense approach you've taken - makes for a riveting read.
However, I am compelled to comment on content because there's at least one thing said herein that I find needs correction - I (underline "I") most OFTEN give great reviews, and there's a completely altruistic reason for that - actually three:
1) I have limited time available to me to be onsite, and I am selfish/stingy with my time so in the three years I've been here (or close) I've managed to find those writers I ENJOY reading - it's my time, and I am an avid reader - have been since childhood. It stands to reason, therefore, that MOST of what I read is going to be HIGHLY praiseworthy - when it isn't, I either skip it, or if I truly feel it's worth the effort, I'll painstakingly offer my suggestions for improvement - WHEN I feel qualified.
2) I have made my views on this subject widely known, and frankly, I'm sick of repeating them, but here's the gist - I do not support the star rating system at all. There are no qualifications required before one reviews, and therefore, no reason a writer's work should potentially be kept from gaining more reviews with additional exposure (the front page) - everyone gets a five or a six from me (but remember, I keep my conscience clear, too, because the work I read is almost exclusively excellent or better - in my opinion (& that brings us to #3) -
that's ALL a review is, really - some other writer's opinion - I want it to be one I feel can help me hone my skill - yup, selfish again, it could be said. but then when you spend your hard-earned dollar at the grocery store, for example, don't you look for value for your money? *smile*
I have one other comment on content you might find interesting/useful information or 'food for thought' -
My other nit (and I'm addressing content so vigorously because this contest is addressing issues that affect my membership) is this: I rarely enter prompts so I rarely vote in them. That's NOT the only reason I rarely vote, however - here are the other reasons:
a) see above - my time is limited, and I would never vote without reading ALL the entries
b) (even more importantly) I lost enthusiasm for prompts when several other members told me that some members email each other to solicit votes. What's the point, if you might be cheated of a deserved win?
So yes, I agree, most of the problems on site could be solved by we, the members - but it's important to recognize that not everyone is in the same circumstance (or mindset) - for example - some folks are still raising families and have full-time jobs. Obviously they're immediately at a disadvantage with respect to rankings (another thing I pay little attention to) and even managing to accrue a helpful fan base.
FanStory is an INCREDIBLY valuable tool, in my opinion, but it does have it's drawbacks - you're right - most of them are the members themselves.
Well done, and I hope you understand my reason for dwelling so heavily upon your content and not as much on your writing itself - honestly - it doesn't need much more from me than to say what I have - well done! :0) Good luck in the contest.
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"Is (there) room for improvement?..." << you used the wrong (their).
Okay, here's the deal - I am in 95% agreement with your content, and 100% impressed with the no nonsense approach you've taken - makes for a riveting read.
However, I am compelled to comment on content because there's at least one thing said herein that I find needs correction - I (underline "I") most OFTEN give great reviews, and there's a completely altruistic reason for that - actually three:
1) I have limited time available to me to be onsite, and I am selfish/stingy with my time so in the three years I've been here (or close) I've managed to find those writers I ENJOY reading - it's my time, and I am an avid reader - have been since childhood. It stands to reason, therefore, that MOST of what I read is going to be HIGHLY praiseworthy - when it isn't, I either skip it, or if I truly feel it's worth the effort, I'll painstakingly offer my suggestions for improvement - WHEN I feel qualified.
2) I have made my views on this subject widely known, and frankly, I'm sick of repeating them, but here's the gist - I do not support the star rating system at all. There are no qualifications required before one reviews, and therefore, no reason a writer's work should potentially be kept from gaining more reviews with additional exposure (the front page) - everyone gets a five or a six from me (but remember, I keep my conscience clear, too, because the work I read is almost exclusively excellent or better - in my opinion (& that brings us to #3) -
that's ALL a review is, really - some other writer's opinion - I want it to be one I feel can help me hone my skill - yup, selfish again, it could be said. but then when you spend your hard-earned dollar at the grocery store, for example, don't you look for value for your money? *smile*
I have one other comment on content you might find interesting/useful information or 'food for thought' -
My other nit (and I'm addressing content so vigorously because this contest is addressing issues that affect my membership) is this: I rarely enter prompts so I rarely vote in them. That's NOT the only reason I rarely vote, however - here are the other reasons:
a) see above - my time is limited, and I would never vote without reading ALL the entries
b) (even more importantly) I lost enthusiasm for prompts when several other members told me that some members email each other to solicit votes. What's the point, if you might be cheated of a deserved win?
So yes, I agree, most of the problems on site could be solved by we, the members - but it's important to recognize that not everyone is in the same circumstance (or mindset) - for example - some folks are still raising families and have full-time jobs. Obviously they're immediately at a disadvantage with respect to rankings (another thing I pay little attention to) and even managing to accrue a helpful fan base.
FanStory is an INCREDIBLY valuable tool, in my opinion, but it does have it's drawbacks - you're right - most of them are the members themselves.
Well done, and I hope you understand my reason for dwelling so heavily upon your content and not as much on your writing itself - honestly - it doesn't need much more from me than to say what I have - well done! :0) Good luck in the contest.
Comment Written 08-Dec-2014
Comment from Jacqueline M Franklin
Hi,
You make good points about disqualifications rulings. If there is still time to fix it---give the writer a shot at it. I don't believe people deliberately make mistakes, they simply misread, or miscounted syllables, etc.
Nice commentary on improvements. Good luck in the contest.
Cheers & Blessings
Keep Smilin'... Jax (*,*)
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Hi,
You make good points about disqualifications rulings. If there is still time to fix it---give the writer a shot at it. I don't believe people deliberately make mistakes, they simply misread, or miscounted syllables, etc.
Nice commentary on improvements. Good luck in the contest.
Cheers & Blessings
Keep Smilin'... Jax (*,*)
Comment Written 08-Dec-2014
Comment from bob cullen
Dear writer, you have expressed your opinion with clarity and logic.
Your suggestions here are worthy of follow-up. Your essay is well written and I wish you success in the contest
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Dear writer, you have expressed your opinion with clarity and logic.
Your suggestions here are worthy of follow-up. Your essay is well written and I wish you success in the contest
Comment Written 08-Dec-2014
Comment from Dean Kuch
I'd know your style anywhere, 'M', and it has absolutely nothing to do with the photos you've used, nor the formatting style you've chosen in which to write this. No, it's something far more intangible -- a connection, perhaps, or a common passion you and I both share that you always display in each and everything that you write, simply because you love the art of writing. Whatever it is, and no matter what anyone else tells you, you stay the course and keep doing your thing, brother. If you do, you'll always do just fine.
Now, with that out of the way, let me say that while I still think this is the best damn site on the internet for writers to learn how to grow and improve their craft, it still has many flaws that could easily be corrected.
I agree, the disparity between what one gets paid to R&R poetry verses prose is grossly off-kilter. There has to be a way to compensate those more who will take the time to read someone's 1,500 word story for .67 cents, than a poem for the same amount. I'm not sure how it would be implemented, and the top ranked poets here would cry "FOUL!" faster than Linda Blair's head spun 'round in the Exorcist, but it still needs to happen.
I've had many who have told me my entry was so awesome, no way anyone could top it; simply worthy of each and every vote...and then been roundly spanked by your contest entry a time or two. Hey, it happens to all of us eventually, and some far more often than others.
I also agree wholeheartedly with your closing statement. Let's get ourselves "right" before we get all finger-pointy and stuff...
Best of luck in the contest. :}
~Dean
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I'd know your style anywhere, 'M', and it has absolutely nothing to do with the photos you've used, nor the formatting style you've chosen in which to write this. No, it's something far more intangible -- a connection, perhaps, or a common passion you and I both share that you always display in each and everything that you write, simply because you love the art of writing. Whatever it is, and no matter what anyone else tells you, you stay the course and keep doing your thing, brother. If you do, you'll always do just fine.
Now, with that out of the way, let me say that while I still think this is the best damn site on the internet for writers to learn how to grow and improve their craft, it still has many flaws that could easily be corrected.
I agree, the disparity between what one gets paid to R&R poetry verses prose is grossly off-kilter. There has to be a way to compensate those more who will take the time to read someone's 1,500 word story for .67 cents, than a poem for the same amount. I'm not sure how it would be implemented, and the top ranked poets here would cry "FOUL!" faster than Linda Blair's head spun 'round in the Exorcist, but it still needs to happen.
I've had many who have told me my entry was so awesome, no way anyone could top it; simply worthy of each and every vote...and then been roundly spanked by your contest entry a time or two. Hey, it happens to all of us eventually, and some far more often than others.
I also agree wholeheartedly with your closing statement. Let's get ourselves "right" before we get all finger-pointy and stuff...
Best of luck in the contest. :}
~Dean
Comment Written 08-Dec-2014