A Picture's Worth a Thousand Poems
Viewing comments for Chapter 34 "Ode to Newbies"A compilation of pictapoems from my portfolio
58 total reviews
Comment from robina1978
Nice photos that complement your poem very well. It is very good that you wrote this for the Newbies and us. I can relate to this. It also is not just the Newbies that are critical.
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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Nice photos that complement your poem very well. It is very good that you wrote this for the Newbies and us. I can relate to this. It also is not just the Newbies that are critical.
Comment Written 02-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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Thank you for your comments, Ine. Have a nice week. :)
Comment from alf collier
Dean, as a newbie, could I say thank you. I have felt a few cruel blows but try to pass them off. However, deep down it hurts a little when it happens. I almost left the site, but am pleased now that I stayed because I have learned so much, alf
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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Dean, as a newbie, could I say thank you. I have felt a few cruel blows but try to pass them off. However, deep down it hurts a little when it happens. I almost left the site, but am pleased now that I stayed because I have learned so much, alf
Comment Written 02-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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That's exactly what I'm referring to, Alf. We can temper harshness in critiquing with some thoughtful suggestions as well, if we have any to offer. However, so many new members will slap you with a three star rating without ever taking the time to inform you about why they felt the piece should be rated as such. The most frustrating are the ones filled with nothing but praise, then --BOOM! -- you're hit with a three star rating. All you can do is scratch you're head and say, "What the hell just happened here?"
All the best to you, my friend. :)
~Dean
Comment from Patrick G Cox
Hi Dean,
I agree with everything you've written, especially the bit concerning 'giving a pass' when you really disagree or don't like something. On the whole I think many do, but every now and then we get someone who goes for the jugular. I take the view if I can't say something constructive, don't.
Patrick
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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Hi Dean,
I agree with everything you've written, especially the bit concerning 'giving a pass' when you really disagree or don't like something. On the whole I think many do, but every now and then we get someone who goes for the jugular. I take the view if I can't say something constructive, don't.
Patrick
Comment Written 02-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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I'm with you there one hundred percent, Patrick. I'd rather just pass on a story or poem rather than tear someone's work to pieces. That does no one any good, and it may even discourage the author enough to quit writing altogether. I certainly wouldn't want that on my conscience.
Thanks very much for your supportive comments and most generous rating. As always, they are appreciated. :)
~Dean
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Unfortunately, most of those who tear a work apart think they're doing the writer a favour by pointing out how bad it is (in their opinion). Many I find are those who have done a 'creative writing' module as a part of their degree studies - and when you read their writing (if they've posted any) you often find they can't write anything creative themselves.
I hope you have a chance to read the Count's latest offering ...
Patrick
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I couldn't agree with you more, Patrick. I'm not sure if I've read that or not, I'll have to check to see. I review so many it is hard to recall sometimes, LOL.
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Haven't seen a comment from you, so you either 'passed' or haven't got there. Cheers, and enjoy the screams ...
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I'll check it out. ;)
Comment from giraffmang
Hi Dean,
Another well written piece.
I believe this is aimed at Newbies and as I am one, I have a slightly different perspective on some of this than most of the other reviewers here. Some say giving 5 is the norm, and that the site should explain this to newbies. however, this is not the site classification for awarding ratings. A 5 means no revisions necessary, and excellent piece of work. If a piece of work is not this then does it deserve 5 stars? There are guidelines in place but it seems to be that some writers want to re-write this or have done so unofficially.
If people pass on a lot of writing because it is 'too difficult' a review to give how is that helpful to the poor sod who wrote it, getting fluff reviews and thinking it is good. How do they improve?
Some newbies may come in very highly qualified and well read. It may be the case that writers have become 'comfortable' on the site with their position and gotten used to producing work that is not excellent but being told it is. I don't know that this is the case but I feel it may be in some cases.
Name recognition is a massive problem on the site too. Some writers pump out sub-standard work (in regard to themselves) and it gets voted for. or receives high reviews just the same. This is especially true in competitions (which are not really blind).
I, for one stick to the site guidelines. I understand the frustration of the unexplained rating after a glowing review. I have had many of these myself.
However, just because someone has been on the site for a while does not automatically give an 'elder statesman' position. That needs to be earned too. I recently had a 'top' writer telling me to take a line out of my story which 20 other people loved (including other top writers and reviewers). When I asked about this they became very sarcastic about my story and accused me of being 'ego-driven'. They then proceeded to say that their review was worth so much more than the others and that I would understand this. understand what. That's just rude. They implied that there is a kind of 'cabal' who all help each other out @at the top' and that I should fall in line.
Perhaps some of the reviews people get are a backlash for things like this. I think you would be surprised who it was too. There was a small exchange between us. Later on I took the higher ground and contacted them but this view is still prevalent and they have not reviewed a single piece of my work since, or really responded when I have reviewed theirs. So I guess that means I'm 'out'
I agree that there has to be mutual respect but that it definitely goes both ways. If a writer disagrees with the review it is fine to say so, I think but in sensible ways. The reviewer is not always right, even if they think they are.
All the best as always, Dean
G
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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Hi Dean,
Another well written piece.
I believe this is aimed at Newbies and as I am one, I have a slightly different perspective on some of this than most of the other reviewers here. Some say giving 5 is the norm, and that the site should explain this to newbies. however, this is not the site classification for awarding ratings. A 5 means no revisions necessary, and excellent piece of work. If a piece of work is not this then does it deserve 5 stars? There are guidelines in place but it seems to be that some writers want to re-write this or have done so unofficially.
If people pass on a lot of writing because it is 'too difficult' a review to give how is that helpful to the poor sod who wrote it, getting fluff reviews and thinking it is good. How do they improve?
Some newbies may come in very highly qualified and well read. It may be the case that writers have become 'comfortable' on the site with their position and gotten used to producing work that is not excellent but being told it is. I don't know that this is the case but I feel it may be in some cases.
Name recognition is a massive problem on the site too. Some writers pump out sub-standard work (in regard to themselves) and it gets voted for. or receives high reviews just the same. This is especially true in competitions (which are not really blind).
I, for one stick to the site guidelines. I understand the frustration of the unexplained rating after a glowing review. I have had many of these myself.
However, just because someone has been on the site for a while does not automatically give an 'elder statesman' position. That needs to be earned too. I recently had a 'top' writer telling me to take a line out of my story which 20 other people loved (including other top writers and reviewers). When I asked about this they became very sarcastic about my story and accused me of being 'ego-driven'. They then proceeded to say that their review was worth so much more than the others and that I would understand this. understand what. That's just rude. They implied that there is a kind of 'cabal' who all help each other out @at the top' and that I should fall in line.
Perhaps some of the reviews people get are a backlash for things like this. I think you would be surprised who it was too. There was a small exchange between us. Later on I took the higher ground and contacted them but this view is still prevalent and they have not reviewed a single piece of my work since, or really responded when I have reviewed theirs. So I guess that means I'm 'out'
I agree that there has to be mutual respect but that it definitely goes both ways. If a writer disagrees with the review it is fine to say so, I think but in sensible ways. The reviewer is not always right, even if they think they are.
All the best as always, Dean
G
Comment Written 02-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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No, if a work needs many corrections (not one or two!) and lots of suggestions for improvement, then it should in no way receive a five star rating. However, if less than five stars is awarded the site also states that you should offer constructive comments to help improve the work. How would you respond when you receive a review like this which I received...
"This an excellent piece of work, simply perfection in every imaginable sense of the word. The flow of the piece is flawlessly written, and the topic is both chilling and inspirational, in a morbid sort of way. Horror is not my bag, but I find I'm intrigued with your writing skills. Maybe something a little lighthearted and a bit more uplifting is in store for you in the future. Your presentations are second to none, at least based upon what I have seen. Keep up the great work in keeping us all entertained." --- ***
Yes...three stars is what this reviewer awarded me. When I checked her profile, she had nothing of her own posted. Zero -- zilch -- nada! That's the sort of reviews I'm referring to, and I don't know about you, Gareth, but it happens to me far too often.
I appreciate you sharing your thoughts with me about the piece. As always, it is appreciated. ~Dean
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That is just ridiculous. I haven't come up against anything that bad. That is pretty appalling.
I do try to be constructive in my reviews and I do give out fours. You yourself gave me a four for my entry into the Bounty Hunter contest a while ago and it was spot on, thoroughly deserved (overuse of the word 'HAD'). You even pointed out that most reviewers wouldn't mention it, and none had up until that point which was a massive help.
I also received a one star for the same piece prompting my One Star Shocker story. That one received great reviews about 60 I think and not one person thought to tell me that I broken the rules by leaving a picture on the piece when voting began!
I can understand the frustrations with unwarranted reviews, as well as baffling ones. I got marked down because I wrote a poem about death and someone was uncomfortable with the theme.
There is also the reviewers who simply repeat your own work back at you.
I looked at the ratings for the site again earlier today. There is a jump from below average (3 stars) to good - minor revisions (4 stars).
I said before in a piece that maybe there needs to be a real newbie pack of sorts which outlines everything including coded of conduct and so on, but I find that it is not just newbies either.
There are great writers out there who are not great reviewers and vice versa. finding who they are takes time. It is rare it seems to be both, and that is where some problems occur that I can see.
There needs to be recognition of one's ego in all of this and whether this is what drives writing or reviewing or the will to generally help.
I hope to develop into a more than adequate reviewer as well as a writer, and this site can do that I think, once you 'get settled in'.
G
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Yes, it certainly can, Gareth. I review professionally on a part-time basis for Amazon.com. I receive some perks, such as free Prime membership, but not much else. Whenever a new horror/thriller hits their site, I'm emailed and asked to read the story (which they provide free of charge through my Kindle Fire), and then give them my review. To retain my free Prime status, I must do at least ten reviews per year, so I have lots and lots of practice. I also get to read new horror and thrillers, sometimes before they are even available to the general public.
Hey. It keeps me busy. :)
~Dean
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That is cool. I have always found your reviews helpful and constructive, as you know.
Wish I got free stuff to read. I love reading.
All the best
G
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It helps to be a reader if you wanna be a writer. At least that's how I feel. :)
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I definitely think so. The more the better. I mix my reading up. One genre then the other. Same with my favourite authors. Try to incorporate and mix in my writing too.
It's my favourite hobby, after my daughter, of course! She gives me inspiration for my children's stories. I take her ideas and run with them!
Comment from DR DIP
YOUR BEST YET! thanks for posting to all those anal grammar poet nazis out there that when you go to see their expertise of the written work on their profile page; ALAS they haven't posted one thing!! surprise surprise!
nice one Deano thanks for sharing!
as always dipster
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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YOUR BEST YET! thanks for posting to all those anal grammar poet nazis out there that when you go to see their expertise of the written work on their profile page; ALAS they haven't posted one thing!! surprise surprise!
nice one Deano thanks for sharing!
as always dipster
Comment Written 02-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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Yeah, don't that just burn your whiskers, Dip? They have the audacity to tell you how badly your work sucks but not the balls to post anything of their own. Go figure, right? Newbies...you can't live with 'em, and you can't kill 'em. It's far too messy.
Thanks for the sixer as well as the fantastically funny comments. I appreciate it as always!
~Dean
Comment from Gloria ....
Goodness that's an old monitor in the picture eh? Love it! Looks like good kick-boxing material.
There should be a tutorial for new members where they are told five is the norm even if there are mistakes in the work. And if the newbies give out too many four stars or less it'll go through the grape vine faster than wine and they won't be making friends any time soon.
Seems the management doesn't want to tell new members this factoid though. So, if no one takes you under their wing when you first start you're in for a rough take-off.
It works both ways though. Just the other day I saw an olbie give a newbie a three star rating because the newbie had accidentally posted their very first post on the site to poetry rather than prose where it belonged, which is actually detrimental to the newbie because poetry pays less. Humans! Who can ever understand them. :)
But, I thoroughly enjoyed your poem Dean and I ain't even gonna comment on meter or any of that stuff, cuz I know how Poe you are.
Great commentary.
Gloria
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2015
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Goodness that's an old monitor in the picture eh? Love it! Looks like good kick-boxing material.
There should be a tutorial for new members where they are told five is the norm even if there are mistakes in the work. And if the newbies give out too many four stars or less it'll go through the grape vine faster than wine and they won't be making friends any time soon.
Seems the management doesn't want to tell new members this factoid though. So, if no one takes you under their wing when you first start you're in for a rough take-off.
It works both ways though. Just the other day I saw an olbie give a newbie a three star rating because the newbie had accidentally posted their very first post on the site to poetry rather than prose where it belonged, which is actually detrimental to the newbie because poetry pays less. Humans! Who can ever understand them. :)
But, I thoroughly enjoyed your poem Dean and I ain't even gonna comment on meter or any of that stuff, cuz I know how Poe you are.
Great commentary.
Gloria
Comment Written 01-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2015
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Hah, thanks, Gloria, I appreciate the no meter comments thing. I get beat up over that quite a bit already.
As far as what that "oldbie" did, that's just flat out stupid to dock someone two or three stars because they placed it in the wrong friggin' category. Like they've never, ever -- in their entire lives -- made such a mistake. Yeah, right...
I don't and won't play stupid games with people, and I tell people they're an idiot if I think it to be so. It doesn't bother me one bit. I'm a love him or hate him kind of guy. If you give me four stars or less you'd better have a better reason than, "Well, I just don't care for spooky stories and dark poetry." Here's my answer; How 'bout you skip my work, pass on the the 1.33 I've used to promote it, and leave me the hell alone!
Thanks for the review. ;)
~Dean
Comment from Spitfire
I don't know why you label this satire. It seems more of a commentary. Satire implies to me you're saying the opposite of what you mean. (Maybe you are--but I don't think so. The advice is politely given. I saw never give less than a four to anyone. There's nothing wrong with needing improvement. Hope your message gets through to the right people.
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2015
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I don't know why you label this satire. It seems more of a commentary. Satire implies to me you're saying the opposite of what you mean. (Maybe you are--but I don't think so. The advice is politely given. I saw never give less than a four to anyone. There's nothing wrong with needing improvement. Hope your message gets through to the right people.
Comment Written 01-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2015
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Nope, nothing wrong with improvement at all, Shari. What I have a problem is the "newbie" review who strolls in, takes my 1.19 I'm promoting my poem or story with, then decides to award me three stars because they don't like horror stories. Uh, duh, sorry folks, but it's clearly listed at the top as to what genre the poem or story is. That pisses me off to no end, those futher muckers, heh-heh...
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In that case, you were just too nice about it. Idiots like that don't understand politeness. I hope when you get a review like that, you turn it over to Tom. He'll set them straight and threaten a warning.
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I've yet to do that. I got a one star for a person about a month ago who told me it was just a brain fart due to old age, they'd simply made a mistake. When I asked them to revise it if that was the case, they were very cruel and told me I'd just have to "live with it." I've got no use for people like that, and if I could find them...well, I won't go there, heh-heh... ;)
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Geez, that's a horror story in itself.
The Giant Brain Fart-- how's that name for a m(ass) murderer!
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I'll get to work on it right away, LOL... ;)
Comment from Ric Myworld
Dean, my friend, I don't think anyone could have said it better. It brings a smile to this relative beginner; whom a mere two years ago, barely knew a noun from a verb. I'm sure we've all had some critiques that nearly crushed our confidence to keep trying. I just hope they have been given enough encouraging words to keep trying. Thanks for your support of the Newbies. :-)
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2015
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Dean, my friend, I don't think anyone could have said it better. It brings a smile to this relative beginner; whom a mere two years ago, barely knew a noun from a verb. I'm sure we've all had some critiques that nearly crushed our confidence to keep trying. I just hope they have been given enough encouraging words to keep trying. Thanks for your support of the Newbies. :-)
Comment Written 01-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2015
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Thanks, Ric. I appreciate your viewpoint as always. ~Dean
Comment from krys123
Dean; this is a wonderful piece of work in a sound piece and critique of laying it on the line when it comes to newbies. I particularly hand them what I think what should be done or what I have learned to this point and pass it on and always hope that one would have taken the time to do it for me when I was a newbie. One can't expect a newbie to know all there is to know and this is the same as those who have been here for a while. The learning time as we all have. I like your satirical piece and it's a righteous one and well written by the way. Thank you for sharing and posting and may the good Lord be with you always Dean.
Alex
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2015
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Dean; this is a wonderful piece of work in a sound piece and critique of laying it on the line when it comes to newbies. I particularly hand them what I think what should be done or what I have learned to this point and pass it on and always hope that one would have taken the time to do it for me when I was a newbie. One can't expect a newbie to know all there is to know and this is the same as those who have been here for a while. The learning time as we all have. I like your satirical piece and it's a righteous one and well written by the way. Thank you for sharing and posting and may the good Lord be with you always Dean.
Alex
Comment Written 01-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2015
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Thanks, Alex. I appreciate your comments as always.
~Dean
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You are so sincerely welcome Dean.
Alex
Comment from JudyS
Hey Dean, Love this one. I've had a few newbies. You're so right, they just don't know any better. Hopefully they will learn as they go. Or pass me by. Excellent job, as always. Have a great week, Judy
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2015
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Hey Dean, Love this one. I've had a few newbies. You're so right, they just don't know any better. Hopefully they will learn as they go. Or pass me by. Excellent job, as always. Have a great week, Judy
Comment Written 01-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 01-Feb-2015
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Thanks, Judy. You do the same. ~Dean