On things
Some thoughts46 total reviews
Comment from estory
I think you are spot on with many of your observations about Fanstory. My own opinion after being a member for many years, is that it really isn't a writer's club. Most people on here have limited knowledge of literature and I think what they are about is getting some social media grafitification by receiving five star reviews on little one and two lines that they churn out everyday and then sit back and try and say they are no. 1 or 2 on the site. Some are taking the critiques at heart and making improvements, some just go vitriolic over a 4 star review. The rating system on this site always was a joke. Nobody gives 4 star reviews anymore. But in the end, for us amatuers, it is a platform to get your stuff read in some measure. none of the major publishers will touch unknown writers. You either go Amazon and self publish, in which case your book sits in the ether limbo, or post on the internet and have some measure of limited readers. It is what it is. you are one of the serious ones, I wish you would read some more of my stuff, I value your opinion. You know something of the craft, and put the serious work in. I myself have always valued quality of quantity, but the member dollar system here doesn't favor that. estory
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2023
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I think you are spot on with many of your observations about Fanstory. My own opinion after being a member for many years, is that it really isn't a writer's club. Most people on here have limited knowledge of literature and I think what they are about is getting some social media grafitification by receiving five star reviews on little one and two lines that they churn out everyday and then sit back and try and say they are no. 1 or 2 on the site. Some are taking the critiques at heart and making improvements, some just go vitriolic over a 4 star review. The rating system on this site always was a joke. Nobody gives 4 star reviews anymore. But in the end, for us amatuers, it is a platform to get your stuff read in some measure. none of the major publishers will touch unknown writers. You either go Amazon and self publish, in which case your book sits in the ether limbo, or post on the internet and have some measure of limited readers. It is what it is. you are one of the serious ones, I wish you would read some more of my stuff, I value your opinion. You know something of the craft, and put the serious work in. I myself have always valued quality of quantity, but the member dollar system here doesn't favor that. estory
Comment Written 09-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2023
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I think when I first joined it was different and there was much more of a collaborative feel to things.
I'm lucky enough to have been published traditionally (I'm a bit of a snob that way! lol).
I'm not around much these days but I'll try to read some more of your stuff when I can
G
Comment from Ulla
Ah, the elusive committee. Do they even exist? But as you've obtained 11 feathers, they surely must do. Lol.
That aside, thank you so much, Gareth, for this informative update. I most certainly agree with you most of the way.
Now, as I see it, this is a learning site, and have I learned!! Not least from someone as yourself. I've been lucky to have a few mentors along the way. Writing a meaningful and constructive critique can be a daunting thing for someone who have never tried it before. Ulla:)))
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2023
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Ah, the elusive committee. Do they even exist? But as you've obtained 11 feathers, they surely must do. Lol.
That aside, thank you so much, Gareth, for this informative update. I most certainly agree with you most of the way.
Now, as I see it, this is a learning site, and have I learned!! Not least from someone as yourself. I've been lucky to have a few mentors along the way. Writing a meaningful and constructive critique can be a daunting thing for someone who have never tried it before. Ulla:)))
Comment Written 09-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2023
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It's only a learning site if folk are open to it and, sadly, these days fewer and fewer folk appear to be. Some new folk come in wanting that, don't get it and then clear off. I'm on another site and a few of those guys were on here and that's the reason they gave for quitting... and they were very good. It's a shame
G
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Would you mind to PM me the name of that writing site? I would like to have a look.
Comment from Ben Colder
Well, that seems to sum it up. From ratings to faceless committee members. I must admit, you hardly missed a thing. Now, to continue on with what Tom has been doing for the past twenty years.
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2023
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Well, that seems to sum it up. From ratings to faceless committee members. I must admit, you hardly missed a thing. Now, to continue on with what Tom has been doing for the past twenty years.
Comment Written 09-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2023
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The irony of being reviewed by someone who has me muted is not lost on me either....
Comment from nancy_e_davis
I am sooo happy you did this. I would have added the number of people who write a 2 center and then a low paying post after that. It seems to be an epidemic. I feel they are trying write more posts to get a trophy. How does that make them an accomplished writer or poet? Some mornings most of my messages are 2 centers. How would others make money to post if everyone did this? I pass up any 2 center I find in my messages. This site used to have quality writing. Too much junk now. That is my 2 cents worth. Nancy:)
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2023
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I am sooo happy you did this. I would have added the number of people who write a 2 center and then a low paying post after that. It seems to be an epidemic. I feel they are trying write more posts to get a trophy. How does that make them an accomplished writer or poet? Some mornings most of my messages are 2 centers. How would others make money to post if everyone did this? I pass up any 2 center I find in my messages. This site used to have quality writing. Too much junk now. That is my 2 cents worth. Nancy:)
Comment Written 09-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2023
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I wonder how many folk realise the need for promotion. A lot of new folk don't grasp it straight away. And they don't want to review to earn money to promote.
The other thing I ponder about is why people think other folk will read & review for that when they won't.
many thanks for your thoughts, Nancy.
G
Comment from Bill Schott
It is always good to get a lecture now and again from someone who's been around the block and has seen the good and bad of it. I am always susceptible to flattery and believe all good things reviewers write. As everyone does, I think, I take negative criticism poorly. However, after re-reading what was panned, should they be right, I will repair and accept the greater vantage point opinion.
I have only rejected help once, when it was thrust upon me from someone whose writing is good, but whose approach was both smug and dismissive. That person is likely at the point where you were when believing your own press. Wisdom from on high seems to have to be accepted without question.
I remain here because it is an outlet for me now that I am moving in smaller circles, and mostly in my own house.
The site is a moving train with regulars and newcomers all the time, each with either empty baskets or cups running over. (Note to self: work on metaphors).
I could blather on, but realize no one listens to blah blah blah blah blah...
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2023
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It is always good to get a lecture now and again from someone who's been around the block and has seen the good and bad of it. I am always susceptible to flattery and believe all good things reviewers write. As everyone does, I think, I take negative criticism poorly. However, after re-reading what was panned, should they be right, I will repair and accept the greater vantage point opinion.
I have only rejected help once, when it was thrust upon me from someone whose writing is good, but whose approach was both smug and dismissive. That person is likely at the point where you were when believing your own press. Wisdom from on high seems to have to be accepted without question.
I remain here because it is an outlet for me now that I am moving in smaller circles, and mostly in my own house.
The site is a moving train with regulars and newcomers all the time, each with either empty baskets or cups running over. (Note to self: work on metaphors).
I could blather on, but realize no one listens to blah blah blah blah blah...
Comment Written 09-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2023
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Many thanks for your thoughts on this. Bill.
We all like flattery but you take the rough with the smooth. lol I used to get a guy who was so condescending that I couldn't really appreciate what he was saying due to the attitude.
I always take what i can use and ignore the rest. lol
much appreciated. G
Comment from Mintybee
There was a lot of good advice here, laid out in an easy-to-follow format. The rating system has bothered me, too. If I think something is worth 4 stars, but it's gotten a few 5 stars, I will often pass on reviewing because I worry about offending someone. I've had people tell me my rating is wrong, or ask me to change it. It's intimidating. I appreciated your thoughts on the committee as well. I've never tried for a Seal of Quality. Congrats on having 11 of them!
Mintybee
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2023
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There was a lot of good advice here, laid out in an easy-to-follow format. The rating system has bothered me, too. If I think something is worth 4 stars, but it's gotten a few 5 stars, I will often pass on reviewing because I worry about offending someone. I've had people tell me my rating is wrong, or ask me to change it. It's intimidating. I appreciated your thoughts on the committee as well. I've never tried for a Seal of Quality. Congrats on having 11 of them!
Mintybee
Comment Written 09-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2023
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Yeah, some folk believe they should have 5 stars all the time. A lot of work isn't even worth 4 stars and a lot seldom worth 6 (my own included). It can be intimidating but I just avoid those people.
Much appreciated. G
Comment from Tom Horonzy
As the cartoon stated, "He's smarter than the average bear." So are you.
Your perspective is spot on. Sad;y, so few readers will peruse what you have written regarding the subject spoken of herein. It should be required reading.
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2023
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As the cartoon stated, "He's smarter than the average bear." So are you.
Your perspective is spot on. Sad;y, so few readers will peruse what you have written regarding the subject spoken of herein. It should be required reading.
Comment Written 09-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2023
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If only, Tom. lol Many thanks
G
Comment from Jesse James Doty
First of all, this is well written and I saw no spags or typos in this commentary about Fan story. Also, I would like to comment on a few of the points you have graciously made. The committee has been very good to you with 11 seals of quality to your name. So, you come from an advantage and it shows in your love of them. The words you chose to use work well and I love your views on competitions on FS. The idea that the poetry or story they write needs to be in a competition is so different from how I view competitions in general. I know I don't participate in them yet I believe they are not proof that a writer is any better than any other writer on this site. Thank you for allowing me to offer my viewpoint on this well-put-together piece.
Jesse
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2023
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First of all, this is well written and I saw no spags or typos in this commentary about Fan story. Also, I would like to comment on a few of the points you have graciously made. The committee has been very good to you with 11 seals of quality to your name. So, you come from an advantage and it shows in your love of them. The words you chose to use work well and I love your views on competitions on FS. The idea that the poetry or story they write needs to be in a competition is so different from how I view competitions in general. I know I don't participate in them yet I believe they are not proof that a writer is any better than any other writer on this site. Thank you for allowing me to offer my viewpoint on this well-put-together piece.
Jesse
Comment Written 09-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2023
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I've had run-ins with the committees as well. One suggested, years ago, I shouldn't use the word 'balaclava' because they didn't know what it meant... pretty hard to know other folks' education level! lol
I'm not a big fan of comparing folk to other writers either. It's way too subjective.
All the best
G
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I know what you mean. I'm happy you know these contests are subjective. I agree wholeheartedly with your conclusion.
Keep writing as I know you can.
Jesse
Comment from John Ciarmello
Hi, G!
Unfortunately, we tend to ignore the true meaning of putting ourselves on display and focus on our ego and all the work we put into a piece, and how dare the reviewers divert from MY true meaning.
I'm as guilty as some are of this kind of single-mindedness and have learned early on (through pieces like this) that once read on a podium, your work becomes a personal discussion of which you have no rights.
We live in a world where, if asked: What did they say? Well, you can bet your bippy that if it were a negative response, it would be meticulously quoted back in the Q&A, while if positive, it would come back vague and paraphrased. Humanities unfortunate reality? No question!
This is a wake-up piece, for sure! I hope all is well! Best JohnC
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2023
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Hi, G!
Unfortunately, we tend to ignore the true meaning of putting ourselves on display and focus on our ego and all the work we put into a piece, and how dare the reviewers divert from MY true meaning.
I'm as guilty as some are of this kind of single-mindedness and have learned early on (through pieces like this) that once read on a podium, your work becomes a personal discussion of which you have no rights.
We live in a world where, if asked: What did they say? Well, you can bet your bippy that if it were a negative response, it would be meticulously quoted back in the Q&A, while if positive, it would come back vague and paraphrased. Humanities unfortunate reality? No question!
This is a wake-up piece, for sure! I hope all is well! Best JohnC
Comment Written 09-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2023
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Good to hear from you, John. I'll have to try to pop over and read some of your recent work. I've been sporadic here at best recently!
All the best
G
Comment from Liz O'Neill
I totally agree with the misconceptions. However,I had some who have written nothig themselves create the strong image they believe their purpose on here is to demoralize worthy authors with a 4 or 3 stars. I estimate there is no one on here who as a teacher, I would ever grade their writing to be a C or D.
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2023
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I totally agree with the misconceptions. However,I had some who have written nothig themselves create the strong image they believe their purpose on here is to demoralize worthy authors with a 4 or 3 stars. I estimate there is no one on here who as a teacher, I would ever grade their writing to be a C or D.
Comment Written 09-Jun-2023
reply by the author on 10-Jun-2023
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I'm also a qualified teacher (among other things!) and there really is work on here which wouldn't even rate a 'D'. Some of it is very subjective though. But, yeah, some folk are just n asty, but then there's a process in place for that.
many thanks
G
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You said, "But, yeah, some folk are just n asty, but then there's a process in place for that."
What is the process? I've picked up pieces for people who were thinking of quitting writing.
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You report it to the site administration who will step in. Just us the contact tab. All of this is in the site guidelines I think
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Thank you, I will know what to tell devastated writers