How This Critter Crits
Viewing comments for Prologue "How This Critter Crits"GROWTH? ADULATION? HURRY -- CHOOSE!
170 total reviews
Comment from RPSaxena
Hello Jay Squires,
What a lovely and eye-opener piece of Non-Fiction this is!
You have very beautifully and transparently laid bare the shortcomings of most of the writers. Yes, of course, I am one of them.
Laudable Attempt & it deserves to be honored with Six Shiny STARS!
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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Hello Jay Squires,
What a lovely and eye-opener piece of Non-Fiction this is!
You have very beautifully and transparently laid bare the shortcomings of most of the writers. Yes, of course, I am one of them.
Laudable Attempt & it deserves to be honored with Six Shiny STARS!
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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Thank you, RP for such a delightful award. I'm just happy this chapter resonated with you. I hope the other nine meet your expectations.
Comment from Nosha17
I hadn't read your writings before as it seemed to be always in the middle of one of your books. I realised you have rejuvenated an earlier posting so I thought I would take a look. I am in part agreement with the way you go about reviewing. However, being soft-hearted and with a strong desire to encourage a budding writer, I don't downgrade a writer, unless he/she makes excessive errors of syntax and grammar. I never give less than 4 stars as 3 stars are demoralising. I have found the reactions to my reviews are never negative, I receive such great comments that it is very uplifting to think that I have given someone joy.
I was on occasion demoralizingly reviewed in the past, and I almost gave up writing; the criticism was not constructive and to be told that if I adjusted my poem according to their wishes I would be upgraded, was to me and any of my friends I consulted, the ultimate in condescension. Just my take on reviewing, you may or may not agree.
Now, to your essay. It is good to read a self analysis of your progression in the art of being a fanstorian. My attitudes have definitely changed and hopefully progressed. You have expressed your views well, used good syntax and grammar and with a good touch of humour it was most enjoyable. I found a few errors-I am a book editor/proof reader by profession:
Para 4, there should be a comma after So what,......
Para 7, I know how to be....... Para 8 Viva los Critters.
Para 9, I felt this sounded better: rating will be measured quantitatively rather than.......... Para 15, line 4, or gave their reasons for not making......... Well written essay. Look forward to the next part. Faye
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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I hadn't read your writings before as it seemed to be always in the middle of one of your books. I realised you have rejuvenated an earlier posting so I thought I would take a look. I am in part agreement with the way you go about reviewing. However, being soft-hearted and with a strong desire to encourage a budding writer, I don't downgrade a writer, unless he/she makes excessive errors of syntax and grammar. I never give less than 4 stars as 3 stars are demoralising. I have found the reactions to my reviews are never negative, I receive such great comments that it is very uplifting to think that I have given someone joy.
I was on occasion demoralizingly reviewed in the past, and I almost gave up writing; the criticism was not constructive and to be told that if I adjusted my poem according to their wishes I would be upgraded, was to me and any of my friends I consulted, the ultimate in condescension. Just my take on reviewing, you may or may not agree.
Now, to your essay. It is good to read a self analysis of your progression in the art of being a fanstorian. My attitudes have definitely changed and hopefully progressed. You have expressed your views well, used good syntax and grammar and with a good touch of humour it was most enjoyable. I found a few errors-I am a book editor/proof reader by profession:
Para 4, there should be a comma after So what,......
Para 7, I know how to be....... Para 8 Viva los Critters.
Para 9, I felt this sounded better: rating will be measured quantitatively rather than.......... Para 15, line 4, or gave their reasons for not making......... Well written essay. Look forward to the next part. Faye
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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Thank you for your detailed review. You found my Achilles Heel with the commas. I changed that one convinced you know the rules (never would've thought to put a comma there). I wish I understood the other three suggestions. I couldn't find "measured quantitatively in my "find/replace" function. Also, I didn't know what you suggesting on Para 7 and 8. I don't suppose you'd clarify those when you have a free moment?
Very few people complain, or get snitty, over a four I give them. I usually explain they will get their star back when they make the corrections, or tell me where I am wrong. And I never leave without saying something encouraging to them.
Thanks again, Faye!
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Hi, Jay, you're welcome. I don't use find and replace function, you didn't say it that way, you wrote in Para 9: rating will be arrived at......as opposed to-I think it sounds rather awkward, it sounds better to say: rating will be measured quantitatively rather than ............... Para 7 you missed out 'how' in I know how to be. Para 8, if you use Critters it should be Viva los/las Critters (la is singular)Sorry, I was not clearer.
Lately, there have been one or two reviewers who I and one or two others have had to mute, which is rather sad that some people seem to take delight in being spiteful. I am sure you are always helpful, I have seen your name mentioned and being thanked from time to time.
It sure isn't easy being a reviewer, but it is important. Glad to have read your commentary. Faye
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Thanks for taking the time to explain. I'll go back now and check it out. I think your paragraph numbering is off, though, unless you counted the date as a separate paragraph.
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Ok, you're welcome. I'll let you figure your numbering out, I've done my bit! Faye
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So good to have your keen eyes, Faye. I made all the changes except for adding the "how" after "I know". I did change the wording a tad to: "As a businessman, I realize to be successful you have to know how to keep score."
You are an asset to me. Once I get something this good for free, I don't let go. Lol, thanks, Faye.
Jay
Comment from justafan
Bless your heart! As my granny would say. You have paid your dues for sure. I want to grow up and be just like you. Talented, patient and still able to laugh at ones self. Wait. I am grown up. I just need your patience to get me where you are now. If not, then I will find you on that beach somewhere and bring the wine.
Well done Jay.
I await your crit.
Always,
Melissa (still justafan)
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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Bless your heart! As my granny would say. You have paid your dues for sure. I want to grow up and be just like you. Talented, patient and still able to laugh at ones self. Wait. I am grown up. I just need your patience to get me where you are now. If not, then I will find you on that beach somewhere and bring the wine.
Well done Jay.
I await your crit.
Always,
Melissa (still justafan)
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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Ah-ha! You bet I'll bring it on, Fez. I'm just happy you're waiting on the other end to read it. Tomorrow night I will post the last Mumph chapter as well.
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Fez?
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Fez, from "Feral from Malanda" got your message which was: "Oh, Melissa! I didn't recognize you as justafan right away. Thanks again for reading this post. You sound enthusiastic. That's good. Keep writing and posting and I'll keep reading them." Sorry, but I feel I'm gonna have many more mis-sent responses.
Comment from Walu Feral
G'day Jay.
I've been waiting for this.
" I also have suggested some on-line grammar sites." (What are those?)
Very nicely done and said, mate. I have to confess, that even after all the years I've been on here, I still don't have the heart to be harsh. Perhaps, because of my late start to writing... or perhaps I'm just soft in the heart... or just a chicken! lol.
Great job, Sir. I've got no darn sixes, sorry.
Cheers Fez
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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G'day Jay.
I've been waiting for this.
" I also have suggested some on-line grammar sites." (What are those?)
Very nicely done and said, mate. I have to confess, that even after all the years I've been on here, I still don't have the heart to be harsh. Perhaps, because of my late start to writing... or perhaps I'm just soft in the heart... or just a chicken! lol.
Great job, Sir. I've got no darn sixes, sorry.
Cheers Fez
Comment Written 17-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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I always enjoy getting a crit from you, my friend. You've been around the FanStory block a long time. I believe you were here back when I originally posted this. I do know you're in to poetry and that is my Achilles heel. I limp through nine-tenths of them.
Comment from Spitfire
A breezy conversational tone that invites the reader to settle back for a friendly chat, one-sided though it be. A "critter" is more user-friendly than "critiquer" (I just got that red squiggle line!) which sounds as if we actually have credentials to back up our ratings.
I like your description of kinds of writers on the site and the compassion you show for those who don't know our language.
"Mundane" is the word I would use to describe a majority of the poetry. But then, the writers probably wouldn't recognize the word. LOL I know. That text gets old too.
Looking forward to reading more of this bold and often humorous look at the problems encountered on your journey.
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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A breezy conversational tone that invites the reader to settle back for a friendly chat, one-sided though it be. A "critter" is more user-friendly than "critiquer" (I just got that red squiggle line!) which sounds as if we actually have credentials to back up our ratings.
I like your description of kinds of writers on the site and the compassion you show for those who don't know our language.
"Mundane" is the word I would use to describe a majority of the poetry. But then, the writers probably wouldn't recognize the word. LOL I know. That text gets old too.
Looking forward to reading more of this bold and often humorous look at the problems encountered on your journey.
Comment Written 17-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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I wrote a rather large reply to your crit, Spitfire, but in the middle of it I left to fan you (It said I already had) and when I returned all my comments were erased. Suffice it to say it was brilliant. I won't try to recapture it now. I just want to thank you for your kind words and generous rating.
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That's happened to me too, Jay. :-)
Comment from ElPoetry001
Excellent
I, with no worldly powers absolve you from the slings and arrows of those that type out a few uninspiring, incoherent words in a story or poem, and want to be immediately accepted as writers, and your correct characterizations of them.
A person who writes, after some real world experiences [you] is the person whose stories, I want to read. I can vicariously absorb the ass-kick, the firing, the rejection, the smirk after inspection, and my feeling that I need to point my finger in a meaningful direction.
Many people write with the idea that what they say is being sought by the reading public. Wrong.
Most people want to wear the badge, the six-stars, that are just a one time experience, and do not make them writers. Even when they gloss over the critique, and say they will wear the stars in a tiara. Someone actually wrote that. It could have been a guy.
I agree with your interesting story and observations: Some writers will forever write about their sadness, sorrow, no tomorrow, and the bad hand they drew. Wrong. Try writing a cowboy song.
Some critics are PPACS. Yes, an acronym so I can be cool. OK, Pedantic Pissy Ass Critics.
Immediately, it is the do-over format. Wrong.
For the critics of my stories and poems. I know that spelling and punctuation are important. A good story is essential. After that, do they like it or not. [I wave the points--I gave a story a five, while characterizing it as excellent--I got a reply from an angry person--using his most critical argument on his whine list--"If you said it was excellent, how could you just give me a 5?"
I just about quit Fan Story, but reconsidered, and dropped his name from any writing I would evaluate.
Thank you for taking the time to share you thoughts, mine are similar, and make me laugh when I read them again. Some of the would be writers know the price of everything and the value of nothing. Stars my ass.
I like your writing because it like having coffee with an intelligent person who is amused by the irony of the world, with those that herald themselves as writers, are usually, the most forgettable.
I should probably read your story again, but I would have to give you a 6-pack, and they arbitrarily capped the best story at a 5. I guess they want some would be writers to not get so far behind on points.
Signing off, I will check your other writings. I have a bit of education, enough to enjoy the metaphors, the nuances, and the straight skinny. Thanks
reply by the author on 17-Apr-2015
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Excellent
I, with no worldly powers absolve you from the slings and arrows of those that type out a few uninspiring, incoherent words in a story or poem, and want to be immediately accepted as writers, and your correct characterizations of them.
A person who writes, after some real world experiences [you] is the person whose stories, I want to read. I can vicariously absorb the ass-kick, the firing, the rejection, the smirk after inspection, and my feeling that I need to point my finger in a meaningful direction.
Many people write with the idea that what they say is being sought by the reading public. Wrong.
Most people want to wear the badge, the six-stars, that are just a one time experience, and do not make them writers. Even when they gloss over the critique, and say they will wear the stars in a tiara. Someone actually wrote that. It could have been a guy.
I agree with your interesting story and observations: Some writers will forever write about their sadness, sorrow, no tomorrow, and the bad hand they drew. Wrong. Try writing a cowboy song.
Some critics are PPACS. Yes, an acronym so I can be cool. OK, Pedantic Pissy Ass Critics.
Immediately, it is the do-over format. Wrong.
For the critics of my stories and poems. I know that spelling and punctuation are important. A good story is essential. After that, do they like it or not. [I wave the points--I gave a story a five, while characterizing it as excellent--I got a reply from an angry person--using his most critical argument on his whine list--"If you said it was excellent, how could you just give me a 5?"
I just about quit Fan Story, but reconsidered, and dropped his name from any writing I would evaluate.
Thank you for taking the time to share you thoughts, mine are similar, and make me laugh when I read them again. Some of the would be writers know the price of everything and the value of nothing. Stars my ass.
I like your writing because it like having coffee with an intelligent person who is amused by the irony of the world, with those that herald themselves as writers, are usually, the most forgettable.
I should probably read your story again, but I would have to give you a 6-pack, and they arbitrarily capped the best story at a 5. I guess they want some would be writers to not get so far behind on points.
Signing off, I will check your other writings. I have a bit of education, enough to enjoy the metaphors, the nuances, and the straight skinny. Thanks
Comment Written 17-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 17-Apr-2015
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Your crit astounds me, makes me tear up and then spread into the silliest grin. Thank you so much, my dear new friend. I'm thrilled you enjoyed my offering and I hope you're present at the remaining ten chapters.
Comment from Writingfundimension
Interesting to get inside the brain of the head Critter on FanStory. To my knowledge, no one else has claimed that title, making you Numero Uno LoL.
I've never felt anywhere near the level of writer to properly critique the writing of others. Lately, I've taken to offering suggestions based on my experience in working with an editor, but it always feels like they should be the ones offering the advice.
It's great when folks like yourself feel comfortable in that position, as I and others receive the benefit of your insights, Jay.
:) Bev
reply by the author on 17-Apr-2015
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Interesting to get inside the brain of the head Critter on FanStory. To my knowledge, no one else has claimed that title, making you Numero Uno LoL.
I've never felt anywhere near the level of writer to properly critique the writing of others. Lately, I've taken to offering suggestions based on my experience in working with an editor, but it always feels like they should be the ones offering the advice.
It's great when folks like yourself feel comfortable in that position, as I and others receive the benefit of your insights, Jay.
:) Bev
Comment Written 17-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 17-Apr-2015
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As usual, Bev, you are as generous with your kind words as you are your rating. Thank you so much.
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You're very welcome, Jay. :)
Comment from krprice
This is an excellent essay. It explains where you are coming from and how to try to help a writer improve, that is, if a writer wants honest criticism and wants t improve.
Karlene
reply by the author on 17-Apr-2015
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This is an excellent essay. It explains where you are coming from and how to try to help a writer improve, that is, if a writer wants honest criticism and wants t improve.
Karlene
Comment Written 17-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 17-Apr-2015
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Hey! Good to have you back. I wanted to tell you I finally got the book you recommended. I've read it through twice and have popped all the words in the find/replace. Now that I've done that, I think I'll try it on one of my writings. Just kidding! It is really helpful. My biggest problem has been passive construction. To find the words that home in on that type of sentence was worth the cost of the book. So, thank you dear, Karlene. Thank you also for your kind words here and the rating.
Comment from Helena Frances
A round of applause, along with the golden sixth star!
This is so entertaining, and helpful. I've been at Fan Story less than three months, and
do not yet have a solid approach to reviewing yet. I simply pass on the writing that I can't say anything good about. (is that cheating?)
I'm bracing myself for a critique from you. I think I can take it.
reply by the author on 17-Apr-2015
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A round of applause, along with the golden sixth star!
This is so entertaining, and helpful. I've been at Fan Story less than three months, and
do not yet have a solid approach to reviewing yet. I simply pass on the writing that I can't say anything good about. (is that cheating?)
I'm bracing myself for a critique from you. I think I can take it.
Comment Written 17-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 17-Apr-2015
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First, thanks for the lovely chartreuse cross leading the army of stars. I appreciate that and your kind words. As a writer I find my writing only improves to the extent that I listen to the sincere suggestions others give it, and as importantly, read other writers' posts as deeply and lovingly as I can. My crits aren't always going to be correct or even helpful, but if they are enough to initiate a dialogue between the writer and myself, we both win. I have a feeling you take the craft of writing just as seriously. I think we'll get along famously.
Comment from N.K. Wagner
Your chapter made me laugh, Jay, and there's not a lot of funny out there at the moment, so thank you. Critter. Yes, I like that label in all its definitions. I'm looking forward to chapter two. :) Nancy
reply by the author on 17-Apr-2015
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Your chapter made me laugh, Jay, and there's not a lot of funny out there at the moment, so thank you. Critter. Yes, I like that label in all its definitions. I'm looking forward to chapter two. :) Nancy
Comment Written 16-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 17-Apr-2015
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Thank you, Nancy. I love warmth and brightness just before bedtime. I hope you find the rest of the chapters as satisfying. Bless you and have a nice evening.