Dear ...
A letter to my three new 'fans'28 total reviews
Comment from Bill Schott
This is a great heads up for this scam to either feed into your ego or hack into our accounts. Most likely an attempt to make a business connection based on sales gimmicks.
reply by the author on 23-Sep-2024
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This is a great heads up for this scam to either feed into your ego or hack into our accounts. Most likely an attempt to make a business connection based on sales gimmicks.
Comment Written 23-Sep-2024
reply by the author on 23-Sep-2024
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Yes, undoubtedly trying to help us lighten our wallets with promises that will never eventuate. Thanks for reviewing.
Wendy
Comment from Rachelle Allen
I must lack your creativity and talent, Wendy; these quadruplets have not contacted me, and I am crushed! Some people get all the luck, I guess.
This is fascinating. I don't believe I've ever seen this happen on here before. It will be equally fascinating to see if Tom actually does anything about it. I'll stay tuned.
Thanks for the head's up!
xoxoxo
reply by the author on 21-Sep-2024
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I must lack your creativity and talent, Wendy; these quadruplets have not contacted me, and I am crushed! Some people get all the luck, I guess.
This is fascinating. I don't believe I've ever seen this happen on here before. It will be equally fascinating to see if Tom actually does anything about it. I'll stay tuned.
Thanks for the head's up!
xoxoxo
Comment Written 20-Sep-2024
reply by the author on 21-Sep-2024
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I haven't seen it before in nearly four years here. Very blatant, very opportunistic, very "scammy". Perhaps you should feel honoured not to have received any. They have obviously taken me for a gullible idiot! Thanks so much for reviewing.
Wendy
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So in that case, we need to add "stupid" to their ever-burgeoning list of shortfalls, because "nice" is NOT synonymous with "gullible." You definitely took them to school in a big way!! Xo
Comment from Colorado Owl
Very interesting! Although I haven't had this experience, thank you for exposing this abuse of FanStory. I try to always find art to accompany my writings, primarily because my work needs as much help as possible!
reply by the author on 20-Sep-2024
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Very interesting! Although I haven't had this experience, thank you for exposing this abuse of FanStory. I try to always find art to accompany my writings, primarily because my work needs as much help as possible!
Comment Written 20-Sep-2024
reply by the author on 20-Sep-2024
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Thank you. I think they were scammers who wanted people to pay for their illustrations - which would probably never arrive or else be inappropriate. Many others have also received messages soliciting for work. It's a shame. Thanks so much for reviewing.
Wendy
Comment from Father Flaps
Hi Wendy,
Thanks for the heads-up. I've never received a review like the ones who offered you their digital services. And it does sound like they're buttering you up before they stick you in the oven. Actually, I'm wondering if they joined Fanstory... not to write at all... but because they'd have easy access to a group of (perhaps) gullible writers. Let's hope your warning keeps the membership from being taken in. I appreciate your decision to notify Tom of this venture.
Hugs,
Kimbob
reply by the author on 20-Sep-2024
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Hi Wendy,
Thanks for the heads-up. I've never received a review like the ones who offered you their digital services. And it does sound like they're buttering you up before they stick you in the oven. Actually, I'm wondering if they joined Fanstory... not to write at all... but because they'd have easy access to a group of (perhaps) gullible writers. Let's hope your warning keeps the membership from being taken in. I appreciate your decision to notify Tom of this venture.
Hugs,
Kimbob
Comment Written 20-Sep-2024
reply by the author on 20-Sep-2024
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Thank you very much. Great review.
Yes, I believe they joined for that purpose alone. Scammers are everywhere!
Wendy
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Thank you very much. Great review.
Yes, I believe they joined for that purpose alone. Scammers are everywhere!
Wendy
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
How upsetting, I never received this kind of review but I don't always use certificates so I must be passing under their radar. I think you did the right thing by letting Tom know. We don't welcome self-serving self promoting reviews.
What I have received are many genetic reviews that are clearly copied again and again. I don't like that and I usually respond with a simple ... "thank you".
Well done, Wendy. It's good to know.
Ps. I also have received a few requests to read contest votes, another, "no, no"
reply by the author on 20-Sep-2024
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How upsetting, I never received this kind of review but I don't always use certificates so I must be passing under their radar. I think you did the right thing by letting Tom know. We don't welcome self-serving self promoting reviews.
What I have received are many genetic reviews that are clearly copied again and again. I don't like that and I usually respond with a simple ... "thank you".
Well done, Wendy. It's good to know.
Ps. I also have received a few requests to read contest votes, another, "no, no"
Comment Written 20-Sep-2024
reply by the author on 20-Sep-2024
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Thank you Gypsy. These (four) have neither read or reviewed anyone. Many have received the same message, and I believe these four joined FS just to get access to writers. It's a scam. I dare say an agreement would be entered into, money paid, and "illustrations" and "artwork" would never arrive or be inappropriate and unusable.
And yes, I fully agree about generic reviews, and requests to vote. I would add that people should acknowledge reviews appropriately, not just give a rubber stamp response, the same to everyone. I do take the time to think about each piece, sometimes ask a question or respectfully offer a suggestion, only to receive a rubber stamp generic response with my question or suggestion ignored. Annoying.
Anyway I greatly appreciate your review!
Wendy
Comment from joann r romei
I'm glad you posted this, they are all probably the same person, and you should reach out to Tom. I don't post pictures with my work, I should learn how to do that. Good luck.
reply by the author on 19-Sep-2024
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I'm glad you posted this, they are all probably the same person, and you should reach out to Tom. I don't post pictures with my work, I should learn how to do that. Good luck.
Comment Written 19-Sep-2024
reply by the author on 19-Sep-2024
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Thank you Joann. Yes, I decided to report it to Tom, especially after getting a fourth one yesterday. Others have received the same message, same words. It's a scam. They will ask for money in advance and then the "illustrations" would either be inappropriate or non-existent. Sad that even here we need to watch out for scammers!
Wendy
Comment from F. William Lester
Wow! I was a little taken aback by your post until I read your question at the end. I can understand your concern. Were these requests "out of the blue"? You think they may be scams? That is scary. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on your perspective, I haven't encountered any requests like these, but then I don't have the following that you do. Thanks, I'll keep an eye out and let you know if I receive anything like this. It's a shame they didn't take the time to read your work. They missed out on some great reading. Be well (and careful). Frank
reply by the author on 18-Sep-2024
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Wow! I was a little taken aback by your post until I read your question at the end. I can understand your concern. Were these requests "out of the blue"? You think they may be scams? That is scary. Fortunately, or unfortunately depending on your perspective, I haven't encountered any requests like these, but then I don't have the following that you do. Thanks, I'll keep an eye out and let you know if I receive anything like this. It's a shame they didn't take the time to read your work. They missed out on some great reading. Be well (and careful). Frank
Comment Written 18-Sep-2024
reply by the author on 18-Sep-2024
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Thank you so much for reviewing this piece (and yes, it was a bit sarcastic!) Yes, these were all out of the blue (and a fourth very similar one arrived this morning!)
I am 99.9 percent sure they are scams, looking to flatter vulnerable people and entice them to part with their money. The "illustrations" would be either inappropriate or not forthcoming. It was very clear that none of these four has read a single thing from my portfolio. If you get anything, send a message to Tom, the site manager. It seems quite a few people are receiving them. Best wishes, and take care. Thank you again.
Wendy
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You're welcome, Wendy, and thanks for the suggestions. Have a great day, Frank.
Comment from LJbutterfly
Wendy, I am so glad you posted this letter. Just yesterday I received an identical message from Lyla Rowan. This was my first message of this sort since I've been on FanStory. My first reaction was to look at her profile and discovered she just joined this month and has the FREE standard membership, which means she cannot post OR write reviews. The standard membership is a 'read only' membership. This was my brief response to her in case she was just a scammer looking for money.
9/17/24
Hi Lyla,
I see you are a new member of FanStory and I welcome you. This is a site where writers help writers to achieve their writing goals. I'm not sure which of my stories you have read. Some are fiction and some non-fiction. I would love you to write a quick review, on my most recent post, to let me know what most appealed to you. I will, of course reciprocate once you've settled in and posted on either FanStory, or FanArtReview. Thank you for contacting me. I look forward to reviewing your work.
Blessings, LJButterfly
reply by the author on 18-Sep-2024
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Wendy, I am so glad you posted this letter. Just yesterday I received an identical message from Lyla Rowan. This was my first message of this sort since I've been on FanStory. My first reaction was to look at her profile and discovered she just joined this month and has the FREE standard membership, which means she cannot post OR write reviews. The standard membership is a 'read only' membership. This was my brief response to her in case she was just a scammer looking for money.
9/17/24
Hi Lyla,
I see you are a new member of FanStory and I welcome you. This is a site where writers help writers to achieve their writing goals. I'm not sure which of my stories you have read. Some are fiction and some non-fiction. I would love you to write a quick review, on my most recent post, to let me know what most appealed to you. I will, of course reciprocate once you've settled in and posted on either FanStory, or FanArtReview. Thank you for contacting me. I look forward to reviewing your work.
Blessings, LJButterfly
Comment Written 18-Sep-2024
reply by the author on 18-Sep-2024
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Thank you for reviewing. I appreciate it a lot. You were so polite to "Lyla"! I was just sarcastic in my post. I had a fourth this morning, under a different name. But it was clear to me they have not even read any of my work. Just trying to flatter vulnerable people into parting with their money for "illustrations" which may be irrelevant or inappropriate - or which may never eventuate. Definitely scammers. Annoying and frustrating. I have now reported them to Tom the site manager.
Best wishes and take care,
Wendy
Comment from Jim Wile
I've had the same solicitation for business, but only once. Seems like there should be some consequences for it from FanStory. Next thing you know, all the hybrid publishers are going to start doing this and soliciting for business. I hope it ends soon.
reply by the author on 18-Sep-2024
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I've had the same solicitation for business, but only once. Seems like there should be some consequences for it from FanStory. Next thing you know, all the hybrid publishers are going to start doing this and soliciting for business. I hope it ends soon.
Comment Written 18-Sep-2024
reply by the author on 18-Sep-2024
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Thank you so much for reviewing, Jim. I have shown the three messages to Tom the site manager, as they are almost certainly a scam to entice vulnerable people to part with their money. I had another similar approach this morning. Tom is looking into it. Others have received similar approaches. Some on this site would be quite vulnerable to such scams, unfortunately. Money would be paid into their account (doubtless, in advance) but the "illustrations" would either be inappropriate or would never arrive!Yes, I hope the book publishers don't start doing this! Thank you so much for reviewing. Take care.
Wendy
Wendy
Comment from karenina
Scam, Spam or both? Do each of these three have actual FS profiles? Do you select "No" when you post to that tricky question about do you want your posts available to the public? If you leave it at the default (which for some reason is YES" -- your work is out there on the world wide web and can be read by (and used to solicit offers such as this)-- from anywhere in the world. If you're not sure just Google your name and see if your FanStory posts are out there! (I did contact Tom and suggest he change the default to NO -- as I've heard from many who had NO IDEA their work from FanStory was available (and therefore vulnerable) to the general public. I HAVE had a few of these. The first "tell" is they comment on my "story" when I write poems 99.9 % of the time. I have NOT contacted Tom about these bogus solicitations, but thank you, Wendy, for posting this. Tom will receive a copy of anything like this from now on!
Karenina
reply by the author on 18-Sep-2024
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Scam, Spam or both? Do each of these three have actual FS profiles? Do you select "No" when you post to that tricky question about do you want your posts available to the public? If you leave it at the default (which for some reason is YES" -- your work is out there on the world wide web and can be read by (and used to solicit offers such as this)-- from anywhere in the world. If you're not sure just Google your name and see if your FanStory posts are out there! (I did contact Tom and suggest he change the default to NO -- as I've heard from many who had NO IDEA their work from FanStory was available (and therefore vulnerable) to the general public. I HAVE had a few of these. The first "tell" is they comment on my "story" when I write poems 99.9 % of the time. I have NOT contacted Tom about these bogus solicitations, but thank you, Wendy, for posting this. Tom will receive a copy of anything like this from now on!
Karenina
Comment Written 18-Sep-2024
reply by the author on 18-Sep-2024
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Thanks for the great review (very helpful) and the heads up re the availability of my work to the general public. Yes, mine was set on "public", so I have changed it. These three (four now, as I got another one this morning, almost the same) have "Standard" membership which someone else told me was free. It means people can read but not post or review. (But it is quite clear to me they haven't even read mine.) It's undoubtedly a scam. Vulnerable people who have been flattered will part with their money for "illustrations" which never eventuate. Quite a lot of people seem to have received them at various times. Thanks again.
Wendy
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Again. I did have a back and forth with To about this "setting" we almost all check automatically. The good news, if any, is that once you change it to private, by attrition even the works you had public will begin to slide away... I think I only have two or three left... (And I still think the "default" should be NO---AND that Tom could very well address this in the FORUM to we'd all know what the heck the setting does!
(End of mini rant-- He does pretty well without my advice...)
