How This Critter Crits
Viewing comments for Chapter 2 "Macro/Micro Critting"GROWTH? ADULATION? HURRY -- CHOOSE!
127 total reviews
Comment from thee-name
Excellent chapter. Seen no mistakes. This writing was very interesting.
Take me away from Roseanna, the beverages, the car with all its comfort features and remove me entirely from my neighborhood, (knowing I'll be back to join my lovely wife before the front door opens.)
reply by the author on 30-Apr-2015
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Excellent chapter. Seen no mistakes. This writing was very interesting.
Take me away from Roseanna, the beverages, the car with all its comfort features and remove me entirely from my neighborhood, (knowing I'll be back to join my lovely wife before the front door opens.)
Comment Written 30-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 30-Apr-2015
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Thank you, thee-name. Appreciated.
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thank youa
Comment from Dean Kuch
Heck, where I live you have to drive fifteen miles or more to see a McDonald's, and more than an hour to go to a Starbucks. One of the many benefits of living way out in the boon-docks I suppose, Jay...lol.
" Plywood covers one window, like a patch over an eye. The stucco is leprous."......I liked the personification you used to convey the condition of this particular home, Jay. Kinda creepy...geesh!
I agree it's essential to be not only well rested when critting, but in the right frame of mind as well. If you're angry or upset about something, those emotions will often spill over into your reviewing process, especially if you've received a review you feel is overly critical, or just plain ridiculous. But we're not supposed to defend our work to our fellow members here in any way. So on those days I feel as if I could rip someone's head off with my bare hands (which isn't as often as one might think), I avoid this site altogether. Those are the days I generally do my writing, not critting.
"So, let's say the selection I have chosen to look at (to decide whether or not I'll crit) is chapter seventeen of a crime/thriller novel. By now, most characters are well developed, a few are killed off, and the story line has taken many twists and turns. What, then, should the writer expect of me as a critter? And what expectations should I--what expectations should we, fellow critters--have of the writer?"......This is precisely the reason I stick to short stories and the like. How can I expect people to follow a novel here of great heft, yet give others the attention they so well deserve? I rarely read novels either, but there are a few I've grown fond of. With writing, dealing with publishers and family obligations, I don't feel right trying to invest my time in a full length novel. It's nothing against novels or the writers who choose to write them. I just know I'll be hard pressed to finish it, and that simply isn't fair to the author.
Well done, Jay. Some very good advice.
Now, off I go to "crit" some more... ;) ~Dean
reply by the author on 29-Apr-2015
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Heck, where I live you have to drive fifteen miles or more to see a McDonald's, and more than an hour to go to a Starbucks. One of the many benefits of living way out in the boon-docks I suppose, Jay...lol.
" Plywood covers one window, like a patch over an eye. The stucco is leprous."......I liked the personification you used to convey the condition of this particular home, Jay. Kinda creepy...geesh!
I agree it's essential to be not only well rested when critting, but in the right frame of mind as well. If you're angry or upset about something, those emotions will often spill over into your reviewing process, especially if you've received a review you feel is overly critical, or just plain ridiculous. But we're not supposed to defend our work to our fellow members here in any way. So on those days I feel as if I could rip someone's head off with my bare hands (which isn't as often as one might think), I avoid this site altogether. Those are the days I generally do my writing, not critting.
"So, let's say the selection I have chosen to look at (to decide whether or not I'll crit) is chapter seventeen of a crime/thriller novel. By now, most characters are well developed, a few are killed off, and the story line has taken many twists and turns. What, then, should the writer expect of me as a critter? And what expectations should I--what expectations should we, fellow critters--have of the writer?"......This is precisely the reason I stick to short stories and the like. How can I expect people to follow a novel here of great heft, yet give others the attention they so well deserve? I rarely read novels either, but there are a few I've grown fond of. With writing, dealing with publishers and family obligations, I don't feel right trying to invest my time in a full length novel. It's nothing against novels or the writers who choose to write them. I just know I'll be hard pressed to finish it, and that simply isn't fair to the author.
Well done, Jay. Some very good advice.
Now, off I go to "crit" some more... ;) ~Dean
Comment Written 29-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 29-Apr-2015
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Thanks Dean! I really feel privileged to have you read my post. You seem to be on the same wavelength. Hope to see you at some more segments.
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I hope so too. And you're welcome, Jay. :)
~Dean
Comment from Cogitator
You and I unquestionably would have a great time schmoozing. Your intelligence and wit shine through your words like an otter frolicking in the river. Great job!!! John
reply by the author on 29-Apr-2015
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You and I unquestionably would have a great time schmoozing. Your intelligence and wit shine through your words like an otter frolicking in the river. Great job!!! John
Comment Written 29-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 29-Apr-2015
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John, it's so good to have you here, reading my post. I'm glad you found it useful. Thanks for your kindness and generous rating.
Comment from rjpurdy
An excellent piece of writing my friend. It's uncanny how closely my own relationship with my loved oned one reflects yours with Roseana. More importantly (to me)is the philosophy you employ when critting. I try to employ the same integrity and ask the same questions of myself in the hope of remaining in the upper class neighborhood. Light and fun Jay with philosophical undertones I greatly appreciate. Rod
reply by the author on 29-Apr-2015
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An excellent piece of writing my friend. It's uncanny how closely my own relationship with my loved oned one reflects yours with Roseana. More importantly (to me)is the philosophy you employ when critting. I try to employ the same integrity and ask the same questions of myself in the hope of remaining in the upper class neighborhood. Light and fun Jay with philosophical undertones I greatly appreciate. Rod
Comment Written 29-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 29-Apr-2015
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Thank you Rod. I especially enjoy the evidence of one not taking a jaunt across the surface of my post. You dug in and worked. Proud you're aboard.
Comment from mfowler
This amble through your weekends and FanStory habits was both amusing and interesting. I see that the inclusion of the house searches was a kind of metaphor for critting (hell, I'm using that word unprovoked) written work. While I can't say I'd see looking at houses I wasn't going to buy as fun, I do see that it could be with a Starbucks in one hand and a relaxed 'I love doing this' kind of attitude on the other. You look widely, checkout the landscape around, make judgements based on experience and move on. That is very much like the scanning you need to do before committing time to reading and reviewing respectfully and usefully on a site like this. I'm sure you have your filters (such as spiritual) which help you to decide what to pass and what to engage with. I've done that a thousand times and had no idea that I was macro-critting. Hell, it's a skill not just on Fanstory but also in life as a whole. You can probably think of a myriad of examples of things you macro-crit before engaging on a micro level.
Your chapter was engaging, funny, mildly intellectually challenging and foremost entertaining.
reply by the author on 29-Apr-2015
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This amble through your weekends and FanStory habits was both amusing and interesting. I see that the inclusion of the house searches was a kind of metaphor for critting (hell, I'm using that word unprovoked) written work. While I can't say I'd see looking at houses I wasn't going to buy as fun, I do see that it could be with a Starbucks in one hand and a relaxed 'I love doing this' kind of attitude on the other. You look widely, checkout the landscape around, make judgements based on experience and move on. That is very much like the scanning you need to do before committing time to reading and reviewing respectfully and usefully on a site like this. I'm sure you have your filters (such as spiritual) which help you to decide what to pass and what to engage with. I've done that a thousand times and had no idea that I was macro-critting. Hell, it's a skill not just on Fanstory but also in life as a whole. You can probably think of a myriad of examples of things you macro-crit before engaging on a micro level.
Your chapter was engaging, funny, mildly intellectually challenging and foremost entertaining.
Comment Written 29-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 29-Apr-2015
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Mfowler, I so appreciate the depth and perceptiveness of your crit that I want to give you a thumbs up. However, until the next load is dropped off at my doorstep, you'll have to rest in my folder. I believe with your name I'll use up the last of Mays thumbs up. But truly you deserve one.
Comment from bizzygirl
I have tears in my eyes from laughing so hard and my belly hurts. This is a well thought out, tongue in cheek style. The humor starts creeping in ever so gently then BAM you are trapped, sucked into a delightful crit of critting, if I may say so. It stands alone which is not what you'd expect from one chapter EH?
reply by the author on 29-Apr-2015
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I have tears in my eyes from laughing so hard and my belly hurts. This is a well thought out, tongue in cheek style. The humor starts creeping in ever so gently then BAM you are trapped, sucked into a delightful crit of critting, if I may say so. It stands alone which is not what you'd expect from one chapter EH?
Comment Written 29-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 29-Apr-2015
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You made my day, Bizzygirl! Thank you so much for your kindness. It is so gratifying to find words on the screen can affect another emotionally. I hope this means you'll be aboard for the entire 11 chapter series.
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As you have made mine Jan. Some prose meant to be humous lacks, your really IS. Sincerely Rose
Comment from Sis Cat
Great read. I enjoyed your comparison of being a lookey-loo of houses to being a lookey-loo of FanStory posts. Your descriptions of the thought process of a prospective reviewer are apt. I do not review genres I am biased against because I am unable to do the writer justice. FanStory, however, introduced me to genres I never would have read. I enjoy this expansion of my knowledge. This read engaged my imagination and experience. It whetted my appetite for the next chapter and encouraged me to think more deeply about reviewing my motives for reviewing. Thank you for sharing.
reply by the author on 28-Apr-2015
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Great read. I enjoyed your comparison of being a lookey-loo of houses to being a lookey-loo of FanStory posts. Your descriptions of the thought process of a prospective reviewer are apt. I do not review genres I am biased against because I am unable to do the writer justice. FanStory, however, introduced me to genres I never would have read. I enjoy this expansion of my knowledge. This read engaged my imagination and experience. It whetted my appetite for the next chapter and encouraged me to think more deeply about reviewing my motives for reviewing. Thank you for sharing.
Comment Written 28-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 28-Apr-2015
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Thank you, Andre. It's always a thrill to have you aboard one of my posts. Your comments are astute and evidence a deeper read than most. I appreciate that.
Comment from Gloria ....
Your incredibly meticulous mind and attention to detail never ceases to amaze me, Jay, especially the gaudy pink and powder-blue fascia. I'm with you on the coffee -- Latte please.
What? Me, prejudicial? Erm I refuse to comment on the grounds it might incriminate me.
I find I have a limit to the number of novels I can follow with any kind of continuity, so I make the commitment and follow through on it. I will comment on a novel chapter as a reciprocal review, but find it very difficult to say much of any value, at least in my opinion.
Poetry has become easier for me to review somewhat intelligently on as I've become more familiar with all the forms, but at first I got myself into a bit of hot water, but just a bit. I'm still here ain't I?
I'll hold the question in mind until you post your next chapter. Seriously I DID NOT peek ahead. That just wouldn't be right when you asked us not to.
I'm enjoying this double story, Jay.
Gloria
reply by the author on 28-Apr-2015
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Your incredibly meticulous mind and attention to detail never ceases to amaze me, Jay, especially the gaudy pink and powder-blue fascia. I'm with you on the coffee -- Latte please.
What? Me, prejudicial? Erm I refuse to comment on the grounds it might incriminate me.
I find I have a limit to the number of novels I can follow with any kind of continuity, so I make the commitment and follow through on it. I will comment on a novel chapter as a reciprocal review, but find it very difficult to say much of any value, at least in my opinion.
Poetry has become easier for me to review somewhat intelligently on as I've become more familiar with all the forms, but at first I got myself into a bit of hot water, but just a bit. I'm still here ain't I?
I'll hold the question in mind until you post your next chapter. Seriously I DID NOT peek ahead. That just wouldn't be right when you asked us not to.
I'm enjoying this double story, Jay.
Gloria
Comment Written 28-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 28-Apr-2015
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Bless you, my dear, dear Gloria for your close-of-evening wit and also your evidence of more than a cursory reading of the text. Thank you. I think I'll post later this week if I earn enough member bucks. Filthy lucre!
Comment from justjo66
Sound advice. I have struggled with this part of FanStory from the beginning. I don't consider myself a person to properly judge anyone's work...including my own. I know what I like and try to be honest with everything I read. I think the system does often tend to lead to reviews based on the "money." However, I do appreciate when I get honest input on how to improve my work and would hope others would too.
Jo
reply by the author on 27-Apr-2015
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Sound advice. I have struggled with this part of FanStory from the beginning. I don't consider myself a person to properly judge anyone's work...including my own. I know what I like and try to be honest with everything I read. I think the system does often tend to lead to reviews based on the "money." However, I do appreciate when I get honest input on how to improve my work and would hope others would too.
Jo
Comment Written 27-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 27-Apr-2015
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Thanks for reading this, Jo, and for your kind words.
Comment from Green Lake Girl
I perused some reviews before reviewing this post myself. Stud muffin, eh? Didn't realize you had such a reputation on FS. So humble you are! :D
Foundation kicking and story kicking--lots of similarities. The variety of writing on FS never ceases to amaze me. And then you encounter the story with the foot high fence. What do you say about that?
This post was very entertaining, plus contained some good advice.
reply by the author on 27-Apr-2015
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I perused some reviews before reviewing this post myself. Stud muffin, eh? Didn't realize you had such a reputation on FS. So humble you are! :D
Foundation kicking and story kicking--lots of similarities. The variety of writing on FS never ceases to amaze me. And then you encounter the story with the foot high fence. What do you say about that?
This post was very entertaining, plus contained some good advice.
Comment Written 27-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 27-Apr-2015
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Well when you're comfortable with what you are, ya might as well flaunt it. LOL, glad to have you reading this.