How This Critter Crits
Viewing comments for Chapter 2 "Macro/Micro Critting"GROWTH? ADULATION? HURRY -- CHOOSE!
127 total reviews
Comment from Fridayauthor
Very soundly written with a lot of logic and common sense. The orderly method in determining what house to "visit" and what piece to review is an interesting comparison.
It reminds me of years ago, when many a Sunday afternoon was consumed in model homes. Lots of dreaming at the time; under budgeted dreams, I fear.
I try especially to review in depth where I see messy writing. It's difficult not to get carried away.
Nice piece.
reply by the author on 26-Apr-2015
  |
Very soundly written with a lot of logic and common sense. The orderly method in determining what house to "visit" and what piece to review is an interesting comparison.
It reminds me of years ago, when many a Sunday afternoon was consumed in model homes. Lots of dreaming at the time; under budgeted dreams, I fear.
I try especially to review in depth where I see messy writing. It's difficult not to get carried away.
Nice piece.
Comment Written 26-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 26-Apr-2015
-
Thanks for reading, Ray. You'll notice this was posted several years ago. It always gets a lot of readers. I say nothing profound, but try to find interesting ways of saying it, and I'm in no hurry. Appreciate you, friend.
Comment from Margaret Snowdon
Ha ha - loved this chapter, Jay - I can just see
you and your lovely wife cruising around, with
shades on and cartons of drinks - so funny in
places. You can keep your "open house" visits -
something we don't have over here. - If a
house is up for sale or rent, one has to
make an appointment through the Estate
Agent first, before being welcomed to call.
friggin(') click on
check out it's thickness - its
Margaret
reply by the author on 26-Apr-2015
|
Ha ha - loved this chapter, Jay - I can just see
you and your lovely wife cruising around, with
shades on and cartons of drinks - so funny in
places. You can keep your "open house" visits -
something we don't have over here. - If a
house is up for sale or rent, one has to
make an appointment through the Estate
Agent first, before being welcomed to call.
friggin(') click on
check out it's thickness - its
Margaret
Comment Written 26-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 26-Apr-2015
-
I so appreciate your kindness, Margaret and your keen eye. Both offenders have been corrected.
Comment from Spiritual Echo
You know, that while you brighten up an essay that while I honestly don't know how you turned into a book, in a playful manner you raise some very interesting points.
If my funds get low, I have been known to crit all 24 featured poems and stories for the cash--that's it--no altruism, just cash. Now why I do it, is not nearly so important as the question, do I do a good job?
The answer is yes. I don't throw out fluff reviews. I also know that the feature section is prime, purchased real estate. Some misguided crits assume if the work is at the top of the page, it must be good. As you know, not necessarily so, but if I do find something that absolutely stinks, I skip. I know the writer THINKS it's good enough for the investment and who am I to rattle their ego. HOWEVER, it galls me to no end if I check ratings and see six-star reviews for junk, by good writers. How could they? And then I figure they are trying to reward the writer for the heavy-duty FS bucks. It has to be that, isn't it.
The other excellent point you make about dropping into a novel mid-way. I'll do that, but if it's good, I'll often go back to the beginning and give the whole book a shot.
But here's the thing, even writers I admire will write about things that make me fall asleep, in genres or using a style that I don't enjoy. It's not an insult to not follow every post a person you've fanned writes, but some surely think so.
When I get caught in one of those situations, I suffer. Most recently I was roped into a 80K book by someone I like very much, but I hate simple little love stories in a formula that I can anticipate from the first chapter. I do no service to those authors, because as you say, it goes against my grain, my mood and my mind set.
I'm enjoying this series and all it reveals about my California stud muffin. Essays and bios that unravel the mind of an admired writer do keep me wanting more.
reply by the author on 26-Apr-2015
|
You know, that while you brighten up an essay that while I honestly don't know how you turned into a book, in a playful manner you raise some very interesting points.
If my funds get low, I have been known to crit all 24 featured poems and stories for the cash--that's it--no altruism, just cash. Now why I do it, is not nearly so important as the question, do I do a good job?
The answer is yes. I don't throw out fluff reviews. I also know that the feature section is prime, purchased real estate. Some misguided crits assume if the work is at the top of the page, it must be good. As you know, not necessarily so, but if I do find something that absolutely stinks, I skip. I know the writer THINKS it's good enough for the investment and who am I to rattle their ego. HOWEVER, it galls me to no end if I check ratings and see six-star reviews for junk, by good writers. How could they? And then I figure they are trying to reward the writer for the heavy-duty FS bucks. It has to be that, isn't it.
The other excellent point you make about dropping into a novel mid-way. I'll do that, but if it's good, I'll often go back to the beginning and give the whole book a shot.
But here's the thing, even writers I admire will write about things that make me fall asleep, in genres or using a style that I don't enjoy. It's not an insult to not follow every post a person you've fanned writes, but some surely think so.
When I get caught in one of those situations, I suffer. Most recently I was roped into a 80K book by someone I like very much, but I hate simple little love stories in a formula that I can anticipate from the first chapter. I do no service to those authors, because as you say, it goes against my grain, my mood and my mind set.
I'm enjoying this series and all it reveals about my California stud muffin. Essays and bios that unravel the mind of an admired writer do keep me wanting more.
Comment Written 26-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 26-Apr-2015
-
You pump me up, Ingrid. It's so gratifying to see you've read my chapter so closely and then used it as a springboard for your own thoughts on critting. And some cogent thoughts they are! And then, gratification atop gratification--stud muffin! LOL, you're the best!
Comment from Donovan
This made me laugh and I was entertained. Now why am I compelled to write more? If the first sentence and the stars do not give you more than a thousand words, then I am at a loss how many words it would take. As I indicated earlier, we are on the opposite sides of the FanStory review continuum. I seldom do more than the minimum because, though it would be nice to reward people, like yourself, for taking the time to give excellent insight, I don't. I seldom say anything negative, always avoid comment on SPAG's, and just try to talk a little, two lines on the substance. I find that religious writings, although I have strong religious convictions, are the banalest. I certainly am not going to comment on their faith and convictions and though I seldom agree with their theology, that would be an exercise in futility. Not big on the "more mature" writings so I have little to say on those. I have read so much poetry about flowers growing and not growing, compared to life, death, marriage and every emotion know to man and some that I have never heard, for which I am eternally grateful. What else, oh, this is about you, not me. Hmm, that's tough. Let's see. Sincerely, you write better than well, always do give it noticeable best effort and have to be considered one of the most professional writers on this site. Sunday afternoon comes soon for you and I will leave you with your Starbucks, wife...I am with her on the Diet Coke...free to give the realtors and homeowners visions of their wildest dreams only to be dashed to oblivion as you drive off laughing and giggling as you look for your next prey.
reply by the author on 26-Apr-2015
 |
This made me laugh and I was entertained. Now why am I compelled to write more? If the first sentence and the stars do not give you more than a thousand words, then I am at a loss how many words it would take. As I indicated earlier, we are on the opposite sides of the FanStory review continuum. I seldom do more than the minimum because, though it would be nice to reward people, like yourself, for taking the time to give excellent insight, I don't. I seldom say anything negative, always avoid comment on SPAG's, and just try to talk a little, two lines on the substance. I find that religious writings, although I have strong religious convictions, are the banalest. I certainly am not going to comment on their faith and convictions and though I seldom agree with their theology, that would be an exercise in futility. Not big on the "more mature" writings so I have little to say on those. I have read so much poetry about flowers growing and not growing, compared to life, death, marriage and every emotion know to man and some that I have never heard, for which I am eternally grateful. What else, oh, this is about you, not me. Hmm, that's tough. Let's see. Sincerely, you write better than well, always do give it noticeable best effort and have to be considered one of the most professional writers on this site. Sunday afternoon comes soon for you and I will leave you with your Starbucks, wife...I am with her on the Diet Coke...free to give the realtors and homeowners visions of their wildest dreams only to be dashed to oblivion as you drive off laughing and giggling as you look for your next prey.
Comment Written 26-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 26-Apr-2015
-
Donovan, you are going in my folder for "thumb's up" award recipients for when I get a new supply in. It isn't for the 6 stars, which doesn't hurt, but the evidence of your taking such pains at getting to the meat of my post. Thank you so much, my friend.
Comment from barbara.wilkey
This is cute and I have never been to an open house event. It sounds fun. We bought our house eight years ago and it was an older house; built 1972. MY husband swears they were built sturdier back then. Anyway, I am wanting to remodel the kitchen. I am betting open houses would give me some ideas. I did enjoy reading your post. I feel the same about reviewing.
reply by the author on 26-Apr-2015
|
This is cute and I have never been to an open house event. It sounds fun. We bought our house eight years ago and it was an older house; built 1972. MY husband swears they were built sturdier back then. Anyway, I am wanting to remodel the kitchen. I am betting open houses would give me some ideas. I did enjoy reading your post. I feel the same about reviewing.
Comment Written 26-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 26-Apr-2015
-
Ha! Your husband fell for that "built sturdier" delusion, too! If you don't know jack about home repairs, get a new home and by a complete warranty.
Comment from Bill Schott
This is fun to read and a unique comparison of activities that you enjoy. These instances of reviewing are universal then, and not just me. Taking a chance on poetry based on the theme and value, deciding on whether to praise or critique boldly, or what to do about entering a novel in the middle are all common issues, I think.
reply by the author on 26-Apr-2015
|
This is fun to read and a unique comparison of activities that you enjoy. These instances of reviewing are universal then, and not just me. Taking a chance on poetry based on the theme and value, deciding on whether to praise or critique boldly, or what to do about entering a novel in the middle are all common issues, I think.
Comment Written 26-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 26-Apr-2015
-
If it's not universal, I can't for the life of me find it. I merely take the trivial and wrap it in humor. Humor is to flat-lined mentality like bacon wrapped around a wiener before frying. So good to have you on this adventure, Bill. Thanks for your kindness.
Comment from royowen
It's funny, I know you still have to "think on your feet" so I know I can't be judgemental in my assessments, am I biased in crits, Yep. Am I tempted by some "R" rated excerpts Yep. Because of what I believe, I have to guard against temptation, I genuinely try not to judge, but i am essentially a child, a sophisticated child, but nevertheless a child, so it's awkward for me to make choices. I consider you to be fair minded, compassionate, but not a fool, so I relate to everything you say. I am a slow reader, so episodic novels take a lot of time for Me! Loved this episode Jay, entertaining and empathetic, well written, if you find my crit a stream of conscienceless it's because it is! well done,blessings, Roy.
reply by the author on 26-Apr-2015
|
It's funny, I know you still have to "think on your feet" so I know I can't be judgemental in my assessments, am I biased in crits, Yep. Am I tempted by some "R" rated excerpts Yep. Because of what I believe, I have to guard against temptation, I genuinely try not to judge, but i am essentially a child, a sophisticated child, but nevertheless a child, so it's awkward for me to make choices. I consider you to be fair minded, compassionate, but not a fool, so I relate to everything you say. I am a slow reader, so episodic novels take a lot of time for Me! Loved this episode Jay, entertaining and empathetic, well written, if you find my crit a stream of conscienceless it's because it is! well done,blessings, Roy.
Comment Written 26-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 26-Apr-2015
-
Thank you, Roy. Heaven help me, but I think I understand what you're saying. To be honest with you I didn't think you would be able to enjoy "Bent" I am posting along with this. It is pretty raw, and while your past, you admitted, was less than savory, I thought at your present level of spirituality you would find it offensive. But, I see you've been keeping up with it. Thanks for reading this, Roy. Bless you, my friend.
-
Never offensive, that is judgemental, merely tempting, Jay, thanks for integrity, Roy.
Comment from krprice
Another piece of excellent writing. I never thought of comparing critting to house hunting. I guess one would look at the houses next to the one you're interested in. Been decades since we've been house hunting nor plan to do so for a long time. In fact, I hate the thought of moving since we've got a four bedroom, tri level house full of things.
Karlene
reply by the author on 26-Apr-2015
|
Another piece of excellent writing. I never thought of comparing critting to house hunting. I guess one would look at the houses next to the one you're interested in. Been decades since we've been house hunting nor plan to do so for a long time. In fact, I hate the thought of moving since we've got a four bedroom, tri level house full of things.
Karlene
Comment Written 26-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 26-Apr-2015
-
Thank you, Karlene. I appreciate your kind words. Even back when I wrote this, at my stage of near-retirement we couldn't afford to move. So it was all fantasy and grist for the creative mill. Again, thank you. A Tri-level?!!!!! How I envy you.
Comment from Adri7enne
How you do carry on, Jay! LOL! I can just see you and your beloved wife with your drinks, cruizing the neighbourhoods. The realtors must have loved you! I sold real estate for many years. I've met you guys plenty of times. LOL! There were times I groaned at your arrival, but also, you were a nice distraction when things got slow and I needed a review on my house staging. I even ended up selling a house to a looky-loo now and again. LOL!
In reviewing, I also give a prose piece a quick perusal, read the first few lines to see if I'm going to have to offer suggestions for grammar and syntax or suffer through long, detailed descriptions that lead nowhere. Some stories don't have much of a plot, but if the author is entertaining, with a nice light touch, (like you) then it's still a fun project. I enjoy a glimpse into an original mind, regardless of where it's going at times. Depends on the time factor, as you say.
I consider this a bit of a spoof, where you dance around, hoping to entertain as much as teach your style of reviewing. It's fun, Jay. Made me think and compare how I process the reviewing.
I'm not posting much these days, so I only read those pieces I'm likely to enjoy - just the work of the people I've fanned. No pressure. I had fun with this one.
reply by the author on 26-Apr-2015
|
How you do carry on, Jay! LOL! I can just see you and your beloved wife with your drinks, cruizing the neighbourhoods. The realtors must have loved you! I sold real estate for many years. I've met you guys plenty of times. LOL! There were times I groaned at your arrival, but also, you were a nice distraction when things got slow and I needed a review on my house staging. I even ended up selling a house to a looky-loo now and again. LOL!
In reviewing, I also give a prose piece a quick perusal, read the first few lines to see if I'm going to have to offer suggestions for grammar and syntax or suffer through long, detailed descriptions that lead nowhere. Some stories don't have much of a plot, but if the author is entertaining, with a nice light touch, (like you) then it's still a fun project. I enjoy a glimpse into an original mind, regardless of where it's going at times. Depends on the time factor, as you say.
I consider this a bit of a spoof, where you dance around, hoping to entertain as much as teach your style of reviewing. It's fun, Jay. Made me think and compare how I process the reviewing.
I'm not posting much these days, so I only read those pieces I'm likely to enjoy - just the work of the people I've fanned. No pressure. I had fun with this one.
Comment Written 26-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 26-Apr-2015
-
You don't have time to write 'cause you're FREAKIN' GARDENING! LOL, you found your bliss, my dear; you stay with it. And, if you don't mind getting dirt on your keys, I don't mind your coming in from your plot of paradise to crit one of my posts. Thanks so much for the six stars!
-
Sure I'm FREAKIN' GARDENING! There's life after Fanstory. LOL! It gets harder every year to juggle everything, doesn't it? But I hope to always find time to review my favorite authors.
Comment from petalangela
Oh jay you always get it so right I love you astute and open attitude.
I caught myself going for the kill. That is to say the rewards. I pulled myself up short immediately I realised it
It is not fair to my fellow members to abuse their efforts and cheapen them in this way. So I will no longer crit if I do not have time and or patience or profit use there efforts just for gain
reply by the author on 26-Apr-2015
|
Oh jay you always get it so right I love you astute and open attitude.
I caught myself going for the kill. That is to say the rewards. I pulled myself up short immediately I realised it
It is not fair to my fellow members to abuse their efforts and cheapen them in this way. So I will no longer crit if I do not have time and or patience or profit use there efforts just for gain
Comment Written 26-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 26-Apr-2015
-
Bless you, Angela. You are so kind and generous with your encouragement. It's important to me. And those writers you spend that extra moment with ... you never know how close they might have been from chucking the whole thing in and going back to watching TV.