The Honor of FanStory Reviewing
Thoughts and tips from a FS reviewer.22 total reviews
Comment from poetwatch
Sally forgive me for reading your post late, I too have a sight problem. I like your way of thinking as well as what you penned. We all must be truthful and sometimes it hurts to give a four, but if one sees something special in that writer/poet, it is best to speak true and gentle, for many are hurt and quit before they start.
reply by the author on 19-Jan-2019
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Sally forgive me for reading your post late, I too have a sight problem. I like your way of thinking as well as what you penned. We all must be truthful and sometimes it hurts to give a four, but if one sees something special in that writer/poet, it is best to speak true and gentle, for many are hurt and quit before they start.
Comment Written 19-Jan-2019
reply by the author on 19-Jan-2019
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Thank you, dear poetwatch. I know, for whatever reason, a four has ventured into offensive territory. If you receive correction and learn from it, it?s the best gift. I am deeply honored by the six. Thank you so much!
All my best,
Sal
Comment from TheStoryMan
Thank you for these helpful tips on how to be a better reviewer. I try to be helpful and not discourage a fellow writer. I avoid the political posts as well, these tend to cause arguments and division. We don't need that in every venue. Thank you for posting this.
reply by the author on 18-Jan-2019
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Thank you for these helpful tips on how to be a better reviewer. I try to be helpful and not discourage a fellow writer. I avoid the political posts as well, these tend to cause arguments and division. We don't need that in every venue. Thank you for posting this.
Comment Written 18-Jan-2019
reply by the author on 18-Jan-2019
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Thank you so much for the excellent review and insight. I appreciate your comments and glad to hear I was helpful, even in the smallest measure.
All my best to you and yours,
Sally :+)
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You're welcome. Reviewing isn't always easy for me as I don't want to discourage anyone.
Comment from giraffmang
Some good advice you're given here, although I don't think it's necessarily that important for folk to have posted something before other folk listen to them.
You have to be careful with so-called 'experts' as well as frequently they aren't right. There's no substitute for doing your own homework and checking for yourself. Learn the rules and don't rely on programmes or others to do it for you is always the best way to go.
Yep, there is no need for rudeness. Honesty should always go hand in hand with tact.
I did have to laugh at some of the names you mention here as I know some of them really don't give good advice out when it comes to nuts & bolts and technicalities.
And, it is to those writer's I dedicate this article - writers is just a plural so no apostrophe necessary.
reply by the author on 18-Jan-2019
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Some good advice you're given here, although I don't think it's necessarily that important for folk to have posted something before other folk listen to them.
You have to be careful with so-called 'experts' as well as frequently they aren't right. There's no substitute for doing your own homework and checking for yourself. Learn the rules and don't rely on programmes or others to do it for you is always the best way to go.
Yep, there is no need for rudeness. Honesty should always go hand in hand with tact.
I did have to laugh at some of the names you mention here as I know some of them really don't give good advice out when it comes to nuts & bolts and technicalities.
And, it is to those writer's I dedicate this article - writers is just a plural so no apostrophe necessary.
Comment Written 18-Jan-2019
reply by the author on 18-Jan-2019
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Thank you for the excellent review and insight. I appreciate the honesty and experience in all your comments, as well. Thanks for catching my plural error. I will tend to that right now!
All my best,
Sally :+)
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Good stuff and happy writing this year.
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You, too! Sal ;+)
Comment from Connie Frazier
Thanks for these thoughtful words and sage advice on reviewing here on FanStory. My first review on this site was from you and the way you welcomed and encouraged me meant so much. I won't forget that kindness. I appreciate your tips here and will try to incorporate them in my reviewing.
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
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Thanks for these thoughtful words and sage advice on reviewing here on FanStory. My first review on this site was from you and the way you welcomed and encouraged me meant so much. I won't forget that kindness. I appreciate your tips here and will try to incorporate them in my reviewing.
Comment Written 17-Jan-2019
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
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Thank you so much Connie for the excellent review and kind comments. What an honor for me to be the first one to review your work! You are welcome in every way. It?s a joy to see you do so well and advance in the poetry rankings. Am I you only prose friend? I am winning a few over that said they would only review poetry. Changes minds one review at a time!
All my best,
Sal
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You have been my only fan until this week when Mastery became a fan also. I am a fan of a handful of people whose poetry I've enjoyed. My guess is that a lot of people don't want to get notifications of new poetry posted? Dunno. I just appreciate a venue for writing. I belong to a poetry group that meets once per month in person and this gets me through the rest of the month :)
Comment from Sugarray77
Sally, thank you so much for this very appropriate write on reviewing. I enjoyed reading your take on reviewing, what you think of when you offere suggestions, and keeping everything upbeat and encouraging. Well done.
Melissa
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
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Sally, thank you so much for this very appropriate write on reviewing. I enjoyed reading your take on reviewing, what you think of when you offere suggestions, and keeping everything upbeat and encouraging. Well done.
Melissa
Comment Written 17-Jan-2019
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
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Thank you so much Melissa. I am glad to get the feedback from reviewers I value as my own personal life savers... You. I appreciate you so much.
All my best,
Sal
Comment from Gert sherwood
Smiles Sally Law for your very good thoughts about reviewing and how nice to write down of those that you read and comment on your writings (Thank You.) I liked your thoughts a tips
I agree with #4
4) Be honest. Don't just blow through the writing to get your bonus goodies and blow out the other door. Take the time to read it and be honest in your evaluations. A writer who wants to be taken seriously, or published, will appreciate it. Gert
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
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Smiles Sally Law for your very good thoughts about reviewing and how nice to write down of those that you read and comment on your writings (Thank You.) I liked your thoughts a tips
I agree with #4
4) Be honest. Don't just blow through the writing to get your bonus goodies and blow out the other door. Take the time to read it and be honest in your evaluations. A writer who wants to be taken seriously, or published, will appreciate it. Gert
Comment Written 17-Jan-2019
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
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Thank you so much for the excellent review and insight. I am always glad to hear the specific things that resonated with you and others. I appreciate your honesty so much.
All my best,
Sally
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Smiles Sally Law Gert
Comment from djeckert
You have a lot of good advice here Sally. Much of it could save some newbies some frustration. lol. I'm reminded of that contest for "ways to fix, or improve fanstory". I looked at a few entries and meant to look at more, one of these years I might actually speak to all of the ideas that swirl around in my head, in this. Im very grateful to you being out there and being an encourager/ supporter,/ Truth teller, it's the kind of thing ALL societies need much, much more of. God has been putting that upon my own heart.. to do more of that ...but sometimes it's a hard thing to do...but I'm trying. You are an inspiration dear. God Bless. ( heads up on a missing apostrophe in the word "writer's")
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
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You have a lot of good advice here Sally. Much of it could save some newbies some frustration. lol. I'm reminded of that contest for "ways to fix, or improve fanstory". I looked at a few entries and meant to look at more, one of these years I might actually speak to all of the ideas that swirl around in my head, in this. Im very grateful to you being out there and being an encourager/ supporter,/ Truth teller, it's the kind of thing ALL societies need much, much more of. God has been putting that upon my own heart.. to do more of that ...but sometimes it's a hard thing to do...but I'm trying. You are an inspiration dear. God Bless. ( heads up on a missing apostrophe in the word "writer's")
Comment Written 17-Jan-2019
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
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Thank you so much for the excellent review and insight. If I inspire and motivate at the same time, my work feels complete. Bless God to still be used of him at my age. I am Glad I you here with me at FanStory.
I fixed the typo. Thanks for catching that. There is always something with me ol? blind eyes these days,
All my best,
Sal
Comment from meeshu
very fine advice, Sal. I think we have a good mix of reviewers here. the 'technicians' are the most helpful to me, but I don't pretend to be one. I review the feel, sound and concepts of a poem. that's what matters to me, there are others that can tell you if you spell "TIPO" wrong. as for the ghosts who give me 3star ratings every month, they keep me grounded. they are like the "Standard Deviation" in Statistics. no one knows where it comes from but it is there........................meeshu
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
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very fine advice, Sal. I think we have a good mix of reviewers here. the 'technicians' are the most helpful to me, but I don't pretend to be one. I review the feel, sound and concepts of a poem. that's what matters to me, there are others that can tell you if you spell "TIPO" wrong. as for the ghosts who give me 3star ratings every month, they keep me grounded. they are like the "Standard Deviation" in Statistics. no one knows where it comes from but it is there........................meeshu
Comment Written 17-Jan-2019
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
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Thank you so much for the excellent review and insightful comments. I am glad you are so grounded, the key to humility. Boo ghost haunts me, but in a good way. He is very encouraging for someone who is supposed to be dead. It?s the cowardly reviewers that I don?t like.,forgive me, I just don?t. I,am not sure why those types are here except to remind us they are. I appreciate you so much. You are who you appear to be. Well,, throw in a just enough mystery...
All my best,
Sal
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the "Trolls" that give twos just for sport, I "Fan" them immediately. like shining a flashlight on a cockroach.
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Good idea. It wasn?t done to me recently, but two people in my fan base.
Comment from Joy Graham
Hi Sally,
I think I stopped reading with interest after you listed your favorite reviewers. I'm happy you have some great reviewers. I'm chest fallen that I am not on your list. Oh well. I will try my best to improve my failing people skills and carry on.
Joy xx
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
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Hi Sally,
I think I stopped reading with interest after you listed your favorite reviewers. I'm happy you have some great reviewers. I'm chest fallen that I am not on your list. Oh well. I will try my best to improve my failing people skills and carry on.
Joy xx
Comment Written 17-Jan-2019
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
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Oh dear Joy, those are the ones I have had go rounds with and some tough critiques to swallow. Not necessarily the easiest. I am new to you and you to me. I shared that in the context of reviewers who were interested enough in my success to tell me the truth for my own improvement and instruction. The majority I had fanned long ago. I wouldn?t hurt you for the world. You are faithful and incredibly kind to me. I hope we can continue as I am surely not giving up on you. I look forward to knowing you better.
All my best and rooting for your success,
Sal
Comment from Earl Corp
Thank you for the plug Sally.I don't know if I'm an expert, but I do try to give honest reviews. My poetry reviewing is very lacking but I try not to ding people for my personal issues with their poetry. I also appreciate the honest reviews that try to help me improve my writing, because I do want to be published. But I do like writing funny short stories about my time in the Army and my life with Anna. Keep on reviewingm it is appreciated.
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
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Thank you for the plug Sally.I don't know if I'm an expert, but I do try to give honest reviews. My poetry reviewing is very lacking but I try not to ding people for my personal issues with their poetry. I also appreciate the honest reviews that try to help me improve my writing, because I do want to be published. But I do like writing funny short stories about my time in the Army and my life with Anna. Keep on reviewingm it is appreciated.
Comment Written 17-Jan-2019
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2019
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Thank you so much for stopping by with an excellent review and comments. I meant what I said. I really appreciate all of you, my readers and reviewers. I enjoy writing, I write every day, or thinking about what I need to pen before it leaves by head.
All my best,
Sal