How This Critter Crits
Viewing comments for Chapter 1 "WHY This Critter Crits"GROWTH? ADULATION? HURRY -- CHOOSE!
127 total reviews
Comment from Writingfundimension
Your story of the Amazon experience is fascinating. It may be even more timely than when you first published this post. Your point is a good one: Be true to yourself first. I would also suggest keeping in mind another saying: Walk a mile in my shoes. Between the two I think there's balance.
Very well written, Jay.
:) Bev
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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Your story of the Amazon experience is fascinating. It may be even more timely than when you first published this post. Your point is a good one: Be true to yourself first. I would also suggest keeping in mind another saying: Walk a mile in my shoes. Between the two I think there's balance.
Very well written, Jay.
:) Bev
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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Great point, Bev. Those two balance it out nicely. Thank you for your kind words and great rating.
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You're welcome, Jay. :)
Comment from boxergirl
Interesting post, Jay. I liked reading about your previous experience with your brothers and sisters from the publishing group. I was not surprised at the reaction that the young lady received for her honest critique. Looking forward to the next part of "How This Critter Crits." 8-)
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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Interesting post, Jay. I liked reading about your previous experience with your brothers and sisters from the publishing group. I was not surprised at the reaction that the young lady received for her honest critique. Looking forward to the next part of "How This Critter Crits." 8-)
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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Much appreciated, Karen. Thanks for coming. I'm looking forward having you return for the next segment.
Comment from c_lucas
There is as much honesty in reviewing as there is in political tirades. One must promote oneself. This is the name of the game. Honesty be hanged.
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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There is as much honesty in reviewing as there is in political tirades. One must promote oneself. This is the name of the game. Honesty be hanged.
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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Nothing wrong with self-promotion, but if one does not "have it" all the promotion in the world won't help. Just becomes annoying. What we have here, I feel, is a forum where--with the right attitude for growth--we can all help each other. You stick with those who help, eschew those who don't ... excoriate one or two just for the practice. That last one was gratis. I wanted to use "excoriate". Thanks, Charlie.
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You're welcome, Jay. Charlie
Comment from Margaret Snowdon
Using Crit is fine with me. I think the whole idea of
joining FS is to improve on our writing - helped and
encouraged by others. And as reviewers we should be
honest, but at the same time, sensitive to the writer's
feelings.
I find you such a genuine person and a great help to me.
I'm enjoying this immensely, Jay.
Margaret
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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Using Crit is fine with me. I think the whole idea of
joining FS is to improve on our writing - helped and
encouraged by others. And as reviewers we should be
honest, but at the same time, sensitive to the writer's
feelings.
I find you such a genuine person and a great help to me.
I'm enjoying this immensely, Jay.
Margaret
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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Thank you, Margaret. When I find a writer I can learn from I hold on tight. So you'll be dragging me as you run screaming.
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Your compliments will get you everywhere, my friend - ha ha. M
Comment from LIJ Red
Nothing is ever as simple as it looks. Your ideas should be required reading-like some of the negative reviews FS gets on Sitejabber, etc. A little study might help us decide to wash the brat, not fling him out with the bath. Tom is a crossing guard, we have all the road rage. Any, excellent expression of life in the ink lane.
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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Nothing is ever as simple as it looks. Your ideas should be required reading-like some of the negative reviews FS gets on Sitejabber, etc. A little study might help us decide to wash the brat, not fling him out with the bath. Tom is a crossing guard, we have all the road rage. Any, excellent expression of life in the ink lane.
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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Some great words, Red. Thanks. I'll have to look up Sitejabber. Never heard of it, but their intent seems in their name, doesn't it? Thanks for your positivity, Red.
Comment from Drew Delaney
A wonderfully crafted essay of how you became a Critter. We, as writers, have to be leery of scammers ready to pounce on our naivete. They seem to know what we want and take full advantage of our weak points.
You did a fine job of creating some humour to lighten up our objectives. It's a sad thing to want something so badly and be used, so to speak, by flattery and your own money.
I was disheartened when I got my book of children's poetry published by a publisher advertising on this site. Thank God, we don't have to go that route anymore. It cost me plenty of money - were not worth selling, and sat gathering up dust, and taking up needed space. What a lesson to learn.
Anyway, nice essay, Jay. I think I'll get lost in the woods today. Drew
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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A wonderfully crafted essay of how you became a Critter. We, as writers, have to be leery of scammers ready to pounce on our naivete. They seem to know what we want and take full advantage of our weak points.
You did a fine job of creating some humour to lighten up our objectives. It's a sad thing to want something so badly and be used, so to speak, by flattery and your own money.
I was disheartened when I got my book of children's poetry published by a publisher advertising on this site. Thank God, we don't have to go that route anymore. It cost me plenty of money - were not worth selling, and sat gathering up dust, and taking up needed space. What a lesson to learn.
Anyway, nice essay, Jay. I think I'll get lost in the woods today. Drew
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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I still have two boxes of "The Dead of Winter", paid for by my own money. Make good door-stops, though. Have a good day in the woods, Drew, and thanks for taking a few minutes reading my post before you went.
Comment from Shirley McLain
I liked your chapter and I don't mind you using Crit. I also am in the camp that when you Crit. you have to be honest but not necessarily brutal. As writers we want to help sell books but we also want to learn our craft better. You did an excellent job explaining yourself.
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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I liked your chapter and I don't mind you using Crit. I also am in the camp that when you Crit. you have to be honest but not necessarily brutal. As writers we want to help sell books but we also want to learn our craft better. You did an excellent job explaining yourself.
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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Thank you, Shirley. It is a thin, dangerous road to walk. Once I critted a writer here not negatively, I felt, but direct and critically. She responded very kindly to me, thanking me for helping her see the light that she should not pursue writing any longer. Of course I felt horrible. I sent her a private message explaining my position, but apparently she was being sincere with me and had been wondering for a long time if writing was the true path for her. I noticed a few weeks later, she had left FanStory.
So one must be careful, but honest and sincerely helpful. I try to be and do this.
I'm so happy to have you with me.
Comment from chasennov
Pre-thematic bits and pieces How This Critter Crits WHY This Critter Crits.' Well Jay, you go right ahead and apply your one and the same yardstick to all crits. I think this is excellent stuff and look forward to your next instalment. Well done.
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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Pre-thematic bits and pieces How This Critter Crits WHY This Critter Crits.' Well Jay, you go right ahead and apply your one and the same yardstick to all crits. I think this is excellent stuff and look forward to your next instalment. Well done.
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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THank you, Chas. Glad to have you aboard.
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Nice to be aboard, Jay, just keep the cart steady.
Comment from nancy_e_davis
You sure tell the truth Jay. If our reviewers were honest I wonder where I would be in the ratings. I have worked my way up the ranks. It took three years and it took a lot of work. LOL I know reviews are bought and not earned but I don't feel like I bought mine.I don't pay the megga bucks to buy reviews. The committee said I am not a good enough poet to be published. Who do I believe, the reviews from my fans or the committee? Reviews can make or break a person but I would rather have the truth any day.I am truly confused and
have lost a lot of my enthusiasm for writing.This is good. Thought provoking. Nancy
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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You sure tell the truth Jay. If our reviewers were honest I wonder where I would be in the ratings. I have worked my way up the ranks. It took three years and it took a lot of work. LOL I know reviews are bought and not earned but I don't feel like I bought mine.I don't pay the megga bucks to buy reviews. The committee said I am not a good enough poet to be published. Who do I believe, the reviews from my fans or the committee? Reviews can make or break a person but I would rather have the truth any day.I am truly confused and
have lost a lot of my enthusiasm for writing.This is good. Thought provoking. Nancy
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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Enthusiasm comes and goes, but you have to keep plugging away throughout. Thanks for reading this and coming aboard, Nancy. Hope you stay the full trip.
Comment from kiwijenny
Thanks Jay for this...I feel like you do when you are sluiced with a bucket of icy water...heart attack aside...you mean you got published and the world didn't warp on its axis...you mean it halted like a sock on a clothesline...it just dangled...sigh
You know I dream of getting published ..having kids pouring.....yes
Pouring over my book with baited breath....what baited breath is I have no real idea....I think sardines come into it.
But at the end of the day, I think I and you must just be true to ourselves no matter what. I do this writing lark....think bird singing its heart out ...because we want to have to...whatever. I like writing. I like solving my creations problems...I like driving along in my car with a eureka grin on my face because an idea germinated wonderfully.
I guess I too crit...but it's writing practice for me....even the grocery list is that for me..
I am a self serving crit....think another bucket of ice is in order
Thanks for this
YOU MADE ME TH-INK.......I see an octopus grinning as it squirts and gets away...
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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Thanks Jay for this...I feel like you do when you are sluiced with a bucket of icy water...heart attack aside...you mean you got published and the world didn't warp on its axis...you mean it halted like a sock on a clothesline...it just dangled...sigh
You know I dream of getting published ..having kids pouring.....yes
Pouring over my book with baited breath....what baited breath is I have no real idea....I think sardines come into it.
But at the end of the day, I think I and you must just be true to ourselves no matter what. I do this writing lark....think bird singing its heart out ...because we want to have to...whatever. I like writing. I like solving my creations problems...I like driving along in my car with a eureka grin on my face because an idea germinated wonderfully.
I guess I too crit...but it's writing practice for me....even the grocery list is that for me..
I am a self serving crit....think another bucket of ice is in order
Thanks for this
YOU MADE ME TH-INK.......I see an octopus grinning as it squirts and gets away...
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
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You are too funny, Jenny. Like me you go chasing a metaphor. Thank you for reading this and glad you're gonna be here throughout. Heh-heh, I just caught the TH-INK --> octopus reference.