Rewriting Another's Work
A suggestion on reviewing16 total reviews
Comment from lola29
Alvin, thank you for challenging--rather than rebuking--us to become more insigtful and respectful reviewers. When I receive a review with optimistic intent, I'm more inclined to accept their viewpoint and explore other possibilities. Optimism buoys one's passion for creativity vs. cynicism which only serves to reveal the shallowness of the reviewer's knowledge.
We should also learn to be aware of those who purport to be 'specialist' in a particlar area, because sometimes they weave around themselves blatant contradictions.
Alvin, I consider you to be one of this site's most knowledgeable and proficient reviewers.
reply by the author on 11-May-2010
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Alvin, thank you for challenging--rather than rebuking--us to become more insigtful and respectful reviewers. When I receive a review with optimistic intent, I'm more inclined to accept their viewpoint and explore other possibilities. Optimism buoys one's passion for creativity vs. cynicism which only serves to reveal the shallowness of the reviewer's knowledge.
We should also learn to be aware of those who purport to be 'specialist' in a particlar area, because sometimes they weave around themselves blatant contradictions.
Alvin, I consider you to be one of this site's most knowledgeable and proficient reviewers.
Comment Written 11-May-2010
reply by the author on 11-May-2010
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Thank you for the compliment. I greatly appreciate it. Yes, constructive criticism works much better.
Comment from Blue Danube
Hello Alvin:
I agree with you in that nobody but the author knows best what he or she is intending to convey but still believe a professional reviewer (I'm NOT one...for sure) may have something to offer by suggesting a different word or phrase.
Much enjoyed reading this essay and found it extremely enlightening and easy to comprehend.
Best to you,
Blue
reply by the author on 11-May-2010
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Hello Alvin:
I agree with you in that nobody but the author knows best what he or she is intending to convey but still believe a professional reviewer (I'm NOT one...for sure) may have something to offer by suggesting a different word or phrase.
Much enjoyed reading this essay and found it extremely enlightening and easy to comprehend.
Best to you,
Blue
Comment Written 11-May-2010
reply by the author on 11-May-2010
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Yes, as long as the reviewer makes clear it is a suggestion and only that, I have no problem with that.
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I'm with you.
Blue
Comment from rama devi
HI Alvin, this is a very well articulated essay and I am sure a valuable thing for all reviewers to consider. I would like to mention my own two cents on this subject...that while it is important not to rewrite another person's work, when reviewing writing of non-professional authors (the majority of people on FS fall into that category) it can be helpful to suggest alternative ways of wording something in order to help the person spark new ideas as well as giving them something to compare the original line to.
i often make suggestions regarding spacing, or the phrasing in a line. when I do, sometimes I offer alternative options for them to consider or compare---this is not because I think they should substitute my words for their own, but it helps to illustrate what is possible.
When I have been offered similar suggestions from reviewers regarding a phrase in my own work, if I like their suggestion and choose to use it, I have never felt this make it that author's work---it just means I liked their idea better than my original line---and the choice to use it is my own.
I do not think suggesting words or alternative sentence construction is "dangerous". A suggestion is merely that--a suggestion. Not a demand or a command.
Anyway, I do hear what you are saying and respect it, but I think it is a bit dramatic to say there is a trend on FS for rewriting other people's work. I have not noticed it, if there is.
This is spag free and well written.
Warmly, rd
reply by the author on 11-May-2010
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HI Alvin, this is a very well articulated essay and I am sure a valuable thing for all reviewers to consider. I would like to mention my own two cents on this subject...that while it is important not to rewrite another person's work, when reviewing writing of non-professional authors (the majority of people on FS fall into that category) it can be helpful to suggest alternative ways of wording something in order to help the person spark new ideas as well as giving them something to compare the original line to.
i often make suggestions regarding spacing, or the phrasing in a line. when I do, sometimes I offer alternative options for them to consider or compare---this is not because I think they should substitute my words for their own, but it helps to illustrate what is possible.
When I have been offered similar suggestions from reviewers regarding a phrase in my own work, if I like their suggestion and choose to use it, I have never felt this make it that author's work---it just means I liked their idea better than my original line---and the choice to use it is my own.
I do not think suggesting words or alternative sentence construction is "dangerous". A suggestion is merely that--a suggestion. Not a demand or a command.
Anyway, I do hear what you are saying and respect it, but I think it is a bit dramatic to say there is a trend on FS for rewriting other people's work. I have not noticed it, if there is.
This is spag free and well written.
Warmly, rd
Comment Written 11-May-2010
reply by the author on 11-May-2010
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Obviously different members have different experiences. I can only tell you about the professional world of reviewing and its feeling about rewording. However, if you view it as a didactic tool, I can understand that, but I think that needs to be made clear. The issue of plagiarism also comes into play if an author uses a large part of a reviewer's suggestions. It's quite a complicated issue.
Comment from miss joyce
I have to agree, Alvin with you. I am a ranked reviewer and as a premier member of FS, I walk ever so lightly when critique is involved. I instinctively know that lack of comprehension can frustrate an accomplished writer and refram from the opp. to review. Re-write should come from outside FS if needed. This is a fair way, I think, of addressing this issue.
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reply by the author on 11-May-2010
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I have to agree, Alvin with you. I am a ranked reviewer and as a premier member of FS, I walk ever so lightly when critique is involved. I instinctively know that lack of comprehension can frustrate an accomplished writer and refram from the opp. to review. Re-write should come from outside FS if needed. This is a fair way, I think, of addressing this issue.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 11-May-2010
reply by the author on 11-May-2010
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Thank you for a good review.
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Your most welcome!
Comment from Halfree
I have recently joined FanStory and made the mistake of suggesting changes to an Author's work. Then a review came back to me about things I should leave out in a story I wrote, "Star Dancers". Didn't sit well with me. I will follow your advice. Very glad to have read "Rewriting." Made a difference in how I review. Just got a well deserved slap on the hand...OUCH!
reply by the author on 11-May-2010
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I have recently joined FanStory and made the mistake of suggesting changes to an Author's work. Then a review came back to me about things I should leave out in a story I wrote, "Star Dancers". Didn't sit well with me. I will follow your advice. Very glad to have read "Rewriting." Made a difference in how I review. Just got a well deserved slap on the hand...OUCH!
Comment Written 11-May-2010
reply by the author on 11-May-2010
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I didn't mean to criticize. As I said, I was not singling any one person out. I was just frustrated and needed to express it. Thanks for an exceptional review.
Comment from Ronni
I agree with you 100% on this Alvin. I am glad someone
like you has brought this to the forefront with your
input and clarifications. Sadly some reviewers who have
excessively criticized and re-wrote almost a writer's
work, are not frequent or regular writers and contributors
on this site; or are perhaps too professional to be on
here and deem it their duty to be take criticisms to the
extreme. This irony has discouraged a lot of good writers
on here, and some have likewise left because of it.
I don't know what the solution is. Reviewers should
at least follow the site rules and suggestions for reviewing. Thank you again, for giving due attention
to this unfortunate kind of negative reviewing.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 11-May-2010
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I agree with you 100% on this Alvin. I am glad someone
like you has brought this to the forefront with your
input and clarifications. Sadly some reviewers who have
excessively criticized and re-wrote almost a writer's
work, are not frequent or regular writers and contributors
on this site; or are perhaps too professional to be on
here and deem it their duty to be take criticisms to the
extreme. This irony has discouraged a lot of good writers
on here, and some have likewise left because of it.
I don't know what the solution is. Reviewers should
at least follow the site rules and suggestions for reviewing. Thank you again, for giving due attention
to this unfortunate kind of negative reviewing.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 11-May-2010
reply by the author on 11-May-2010
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True professional reviewers (unless they are naturally mean and nasty people) do not write negative, but helpful, reviews. Thanks for a good review.
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I agree again, and you have always given
such helpful and constructive reviews, which
I have always appreciated and learned from.
You are a true professional in every respect, especially reviewing. And likewise
a true gentleman too. You are a treat and
inspiration I truly admire. Thanks again.
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Thank you for the compliment.