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 livelylinda
So who are you, really?? Dean Cook or Dean Kuch? I am so confused. This article doesn't sound at all like Dean Kuch but the picture looks like something Dean Kuch would have posted. And, you haven't been a Newbie for . . . how long? I once reviewed a 'love poem'. I told the writer that it sounded like a 13 year old girl with a young girl's gushing crush had written it. She wrote back and snapped at me that she was 14 years old and her grandmother liked the poem. Very indignant was she. I returned with: that is your grandmother's job - to encourage you and be supportive. One of a writer's first rules is to write about something you know and that a l4 year old girl does not yet understand the workings of adult romance. But, she seemed to think she was quite a grown-up. I reviewed another females poem which was just horrid. It did not look like nor read like a poem. It read like something a first grader would write, one with poor reading and writing skills. Her author's notes demonstrated her lack of any basic writing skills. I suggested that she first conquer the art of writing a grammatically correct sentence before attempting to write good poetry. Was I wrong? I gave good suggestions. Anyway, whoever you are, nice writing. Linda
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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So who are you, really?? Dean Cook or Dean Kuch? I am so confused. This article doesn't sound at all like Dean Kuch but the picture looks like something Dean Kuch would have posted. And, you haven't been a Newbie for . . . how long? I once reviewed a 'love poem'. I told the writer that it sounded like a 13 year old girl with a young girl's gushing crush had written it. She wrote back and snapped at me that she was 14 years old and her grandmother liked the poem. Very indignant was she. I returned with: that is your grandmother's job - to encourage you and be supportive. One of a writer's first rules is to write about something you know and that a l4 year old girl does not yet understand the workings of adult romance. But, she seemed to think she was quite a grown-up. I reviewed another females poem which was just horrid. It did not look like nor read like a poem. It read like something a first grader would write, one with poor reading and writing skills. Her author's notes demonstrated her lack of any basic writing skills. I suggested that she first conquer the art of writing a grammatically correct sentence before attempting to write good poetry. Was I wrong? I gave good suggestions. Anyway, whoever you are, nice writing. Linda
Comment Written 02-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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Hah, as Popeye the Sailor Man once put it so eloquently, "I yam what I yam and that's all that I yam..." I write whatever comes to mind on any particular day. I wrote this particular piece in response to a review from a newbie (who had not posted a damned thing of her own, by the way) who'd deemed my work more than worthy of their very generous three-star rating. She offered no suggestions for improvement no constructive suggestions nor explanations as to why she docked it three stars. In fact, she had nothing but nice things to say about the poem, which just left me scratching my aching head and saying, WTF!??
Comment from Deniz22
Good one Dean. I say with embarrassed red-face, I simply destroyed another's work in my first critique on FS. After all, I was only "helping" with my superior knowledge. I tried to apologize later, but she (rightfully) blocked me. I think she went by Crackerberries... anyway, good job here friend.
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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Good one Dean. I say with embarrassed red-face, I simply destroyed another's work in my first critique on FS. After all, I was only "helping" with my superior knowledge. I tried to apologize later, but she (rightfully) blocked me. I think she went by Crackerberries... anyway, good job here friend.
Comment Written 02-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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It happens, Dennis. I can't say with all certainty what I did in my first review. It was sometime in April of 2013, I recall that much. I think it was Gungalo (Pam), a poet here who passed away last year, and she kindly took me under her wing and showed me the ropes. I really miss her and her guidance as they pertained to all things poetry. Thanks very much for the sixer and great feedback. I do appreciate it as always. :) ~Dean
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I remember Gungalo and how respected she was here on FS. You had a good mentor indeed.
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Yes, she was a great lady for sure. :)
Comment from Just2Write
You hit the nail on the head Dean. It's a fine line between critique and criticism. Criticism rarely accomplishes anything, other than to satiate the mean streak in someone's mind. It takes more effort to find something good and compliment it, and more effort still to offer a suggestion to a piece of writing. Let's hope everyone here is here to grow. Rose.
I can't offer a suggestion as to why, but your poem doesn't display right on my screen - your profile info is displaying right on top of the poem. Rose.
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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You hit the nail on the head Dean. It's a fine line between critique and criticism. Criticism rarely accomplishes anything, other than to satiate the mean streak in someone's mind. It takes more effort to find something good and compliment it, and more effort still to offer a suggestion to a piece of writing. Let's hope everyone here is here to grow. Rose.
I can't offer a suggestion as to why, but your poem doesn't display right on my screen - your profile info is displaying right on top of the poem. Rose.
Comment Written 02-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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Go figure, Rose. You must be using the "New & Improved" Fanstory version of the site, right? I avoid it like the plague, only jumping over when I absolutely must. Far too many bugs there for my taste personally.
Thanks very much for your comments.~Dean
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Yep - I'm on the new one because I use graphics from FanArt Review. Doing so makes you switch (mid-posting) from classic to 'new' You're right - there's lots of bugs in the new version - but mostly, I can work through them. I had to log-off and log-on to get your page to display correctly. Rose.
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That is really odd, Rose. Perhaps I should let Tom know? Thank you for making me aware of it. ~Dean
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Naw - I think my computer is not up-to-date. Some things just come out weird. I logged out and then back again, and the problem went away. R.
Comment from Louise Michelle
Hi Dean,
What a terrific poem to remind folks to be gentle in their critiques. I love the image (you king of graphics), but I think I need new eyeglasses because I didn't see any blood, lol. I loved your whimsical last line, plus I enjoyed reading the definition in the last graphic.
Hugs,
Lou
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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Hi Dean,
What a terrific poem to remind folks to be gentle in their critiques. I love the image (you king of graphics), but I think I need new eyeglasses because I didn't see any blood, lol. I loved your whimsical last line, plus I enjoyed reading the definition in the last graphic.
Hugs,
Lou
Comment Written 02-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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Thanks, Lou. Hugs right back at 'cha! ;)
~Dean
Comment from Margaret Snowdon
Who is it that's not kind to newbies??
Come on - show yourself and I'll have
Dean write a real scary poem about you...
that will sort you out.
Well said, Dean - we shouldn't be unkind to anyone...
Margaret
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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Who is it that's not kind to newbies??
Come on - show yourself and I'll have
Dean write a real scary poem about you...
that will sort you out.
Well said, Dean - we shouldn't be unkind to anyone...
Margaret
Comment Written 02-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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Thanks, Margaret. "Do unto others"....the Golden Rule, right?
Much obliged! :)
~Dean
Comment from judiverse
You are a true Jekyll and Hyde character. Your poems and stories are filled with evil, but when it comes to reviewing, you are a true gentleman. The rhyme and flow in this are excellent. I don't know what it is about newcomers, but many of them do like to come on strong when they're reviewing and don't remember they need to give reasons if they bestow a low rating. Great advice about tempering their critiques with humility and gentleness. They should be able to find something good to say and offer suggestions in a positive way. Great work. judi
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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You are a true Jekyll and Hyde character. Your poems and stories are filled with evil, but when it comes to reviewing, you are a true gentleman. The rhyme and flow in this are excellent. I don't know what it is about newcomers, but many of them do like to come on strong when they're reviewing and don't remember they need to give reasons if they bestow a low rating. Great advice about tempering their critiques with humility and gentleness. They should be able to find something good to say and offer suggestions in a positive way. Great work. judi
Comment Written 02-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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Thanks, Judi, and those are my thoughts exactly.
Have you ever seen an interview of Stephen King? if you have, you might be amazed at how amicable, funny, clever and friendly he is. He's such a laid back individual, given his success. You wouldn't think of him to be the author of the sorts of horror-filled books and stories that he is... but he is.
That's a little like me. I'm the life of every party I attend, but I hate being the center of attention, if that makes any sense. A paradox of sorts, if you will -- heh-heh-heh...
Thanks so much again. ~Dean :}
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You're very welcome. I tremble when I see that heh-heh-heh. That means you must be plotting another scary one. judi
Comment from maggieadams
I agree with you, Dean...when I first came on here a year ago, I didn't have a clue how to navigate through the system...it was overwhelming. Your excellently rhymed piece with good rhythm speaks volumes....everyone is new at one time or another...
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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I agree with you, Dean...when I first came on here a year ago, I didn't have a clue how to navigate through the system...it was overwhelming. Your excellently rhymed piece with good rhythm speaks volumes....everyone is new at one time or another...
Comment Written 02-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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Thanks, Maggie. I appreciate your comments.
Comment from country ranch writer
Hum I will have to give it some thought, let me think a minute back to all the "HARASSMENT I WENT THROUGH FOR STANDING UP FOR EVERYONE.
I AM STILL AT THE BOTTOM OF THE LAKE AND CAN'T GET ABOVE WATER. I AM A BELIEVER LIKE YOU I THINK EVERYONE ON HER NEEDS TO BE KIND AND HELPFUL AND MOST OF ALL BE HONEST AND SHOW SOME ONE HOW THINGS MIGHT READ.
GREAT HOW I ENJOYED THIS, BECAUSE I KNOW IT CAME STRAIGHT FOR YOUR HEART!
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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Hum I will have to give it some thought, let me think a minute back to all the "HARASSMENT I WENT THROUGH FOR STANDING UP FOR EVERYONE.
I AM STILL AT THE BOTTOM OF THE LAKE AND CAN'T GET ABOVE WATER. I AM A BELIEVER LIKE YOU I THINK EVERYONE ON HER NEEDS TO BE KIND AND HELPFUL AND MOST OF ALL BE HONEST AND SHOW SOME ONE HOW THINGS MIGHT READ.
GREAT HOW I ENJOYED THIS, BECAUSE I KNOW IT CAME STRAIGHT FOR YOUR HEART!
Comment Written 02-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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Hey, thanks a million, CRW. And you're absolutely right, it did. I appreciate you taking time out to share your thoughts with me about the poem, and for the most generous rating as well.
Big Hugs!
<3 ~Dean
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ALWAYS MY FRIEND SCARY TIMES AEW LURKING
Comment from Sasha
I think you did a terrific job with this. You provide valuable advice that not only applies to how we treat the newbies, but advice we should apply to all reviews we give no matter how long the writer has been a member. Great work with this one.
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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I think you did a terrific job with this. You provide valuable advice that not only applies to how we treat the newbies, but advice we should apply to all reviews we give no matter how long the writer has been a member. Great work with this one.
Comment Written 02-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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Thanks, Smurph. I appreciate the fact that you thought so. :)
Comment from alexisleech
Your poem is spot on. Having said that, I think you should also write one about the 'newbies' who plough in with negative criticism and give a low rating but offer no suggestion for improvement. So often, when a cherished six is nullified by a three or four, I check the reviewer's profile to find that it's a newbie who either hasn't posted anything yet, or their work has received low ratings, so they're intent on passing it on. You, I'm sure, could write another brilliant poem about that!
Alexis x
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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Your poem is spot on. Having said that, I think you should also write one about the 'newbies' who plough in with negative criticism and give a low rating but offer no suggestion for improvement. So often, when a cherished six is nullified by a three or four, I check the reviewer's profile to find that it's a newbie who either hasn't posted anything yet, or their work has received low ratings, so they're intent on passing it on. You, I'm sure, could write another brilliant poem about that!
Alexis x
Comment Written 02-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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I could try, Alexis. Thanks very much for your comments. As always, I appreciate it.