How This Critter Crits
Viewing comments for Prologue "How This Critter Crits"GROWTH? ADULATION? HURRY -- CHOOSE!
170 total reviews
Comment from In Memoriam
Yay Jay. The mechanics are flawless and you have them down pat. You cover all your bases and get the point accross. I'm more interested in what else you are planning to do with this though seeing as it's only a prologue.
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
  |
Yay Jay. The mechanics are flawless and you have them down pat. You cover all your bases and get the point accross. I'm more interested in what else you are planning to do with this though seeing as it's only a prologue.
Comment Written 31-Aug-2006
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
-
Yes, that is an interesting thought, Julia... What IS he going to do with it now? I hope not to disappoint you. Keep your eyes pealed (or peeled, take your pick) for the next edition. We'll all try to have fun with it.
Jay
Comment from Mylhibug
An enjoyable read that shows me that you may not have very many friends among the abysmal writers. Oh well.
Nicely written explanation of the benefit of receiving a review from you or anyone else. You do care, I can tell, which is always nice.
Now about your writing...
Excellent work, and have a grand day!
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
|
An enjoyable read that shows me that you may not have very many friends among the abysmal writers. Oh well.
Nicely written explanation of the benefit of receiving a review from you or anyone else. You do care, I can tell, which is always nice.
Now about your writing...
Excellent work, and have a grand day!
Comment Written 31-Aug-2006
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
-
Thank you for your kind words. I do care (It seems strange saying this, because I already replied to your crit, but it's apparently floating out in cyber-Fan-space. So, when it lands, don't tell me I said it so much better the first time.)... Anyway, I do care. As I see it, we exist in an almost perfect symbiotic relationship as long as we don't let P-O-W-E-R slip beside us and whisper G-E-N-I-U-S-!! in our ears. Humor helps here. Hang around and see what's comin' 'round the bend.
Jay
Comment from Diny
Yes I too have been a victim od those ego inflatted writers, and the non English speaking ones. I have tried to be helpful and felt as if dragged over coals for my honesty- Tell YOU what... I will gladly read your writing and comment honestly If you would do the same for mine... I would glady tell you I feel you man, I am envious of your success YES success with your writing and WIll tell you to use the site to its full adbvantage... FREE adveryisment for your published works and marketing every time you comment to others... OH if it is available on Amazon .com that is.... Look into that
ALso many who have joined just give up because of so called site politics- PLEASE do not do that for honest and proffessional reviewers such as yourself are very cherished by the few of us wanting to improve and needing detailed reviews and crits! CRITTER crit on....
DINY
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
|
Yes I too have been a victim od those ego inflatted writers, and the non English speaking ones. I have tried to be helpful and felt as if dragged over coals for my honesty- Tell YOU what... I will gladly read your writing and comment honestly If you would do the same for mine... I would glady tell you I feel you man, I am envious of your success YES success with your writing and WIll tell you to use the site to its full adbvantage... FREE adveryisment for your published works and marketing every time you comment to others... OH if it is available on Amazon .com that is.... Look into that
ALso many who have joined just give up because of so called site politics- PLEASE do not do that for honest and proffessional reviewers such as yourself are very cherished by the few of us wanting to improve and needing detailed reviews and crits! CRITTER crit on....
DINY
Comment Written 31-Aug-2006
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
-
I'm not going anywhere, Diny. (Your name looked familiar to me and I checked it out in "Community." I critted the chapter from your novel yesterday. Remember? Does that make you change your mind? LOL.)
Here it is in a nutshell, Diny: I love FanStory. I love what I can do here, for myself and others. It is a mega-big-ogolopoly (don't scramble for your dictionary -- it ain't there) and there are going to be abuses by some of its members. To know that in advance is important. Learn leverage, jujitsu -- use their weight and balance against them. Meanwhile, continue on; do what you do best, write and help others write. It's a blessed life -- not unlike how working with the developmentally disabled helps you become the person you want to become and them become the people they deserve to be. Bless you, Diny... and thank you for your vote of confidence.
Jay
-
YES< I too was fasenated by your write, crit etc... and looked you up- I should be in bed right now- but was drawn to the page while reading your latest and the responses to it! BRAVO- I am sure you will be in the top ten before years end! I believe I will have to keep an eye out for your reviews and look froward to learning and growing under your toutaledge...Crit ON...Diny
Comment from janeis200
That was very interesting as I am keen to know how people approach their crittering.
As someone who has just discovered fan story this month I as first struggled with how to review. I felt intimidated reviewing some of the highest ranked authors especially if I didnt like their postings. Was I good enough to comment? No I dont care. If I dont like something I say no matter who they are. Surely my opinion is as valid as anyone else. I love the site and reading work from such a range of people with different techniques and abilities.
I have really appreciated your posting which was insightful well written and probably most important it made me smile.
All the best you critter. Jane
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
|
That was very interesting as I am keen to know how people approach their crittering.
As someone who has just discovered fan story this month I as first struggled with how to review. I felt intimidated reviewing some of the highest ranked authors especially if I didnt like their postings. Was I good enough to comment? No I dont care. If I dont like something I say no matter who they are. Surely my opinion is as valid as anyone else. I love the site and reading work from such a range of people with different techniques and abilities.
I have really appreciated your posting which was insightful well written and probably most important it made me smile.
All the best you critter. Jane
Comment Written 31-Aug-2006
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
-
Jane, you are a beauty for all the kind things you said. And, I didn't even say you have a big Critter butt -- because you didn't mention my warts! Only been here a month? After 3 months you'll feel 200, Jane. Sorry, it didn't make sense; I just needed to work it in. Keep your ears and eyes open for future installments of this. I hope you find them helpful.
Jay
Comment from carlylyn
Gee, I am fresh out of six stars, so I will give you a five for this and comment glowingly, spewing praise all over your work.
I found this to be a refreshing write on a subject that is highly subjective and depending on education level, knowledge of the English language, and some other minor details, such as ability to type, needed to be addressed.
That being said, i liked this witty piece very much and found myself chuckling here and there.
It's all good.
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
|
Gee, I am fresh out of six stars, so I will give you a five for this and comment glowingly, spewing praise all over your work.
I found this to be a refreshing write on a subject that is highly subjective and depending on education level, knowledge of the English language, and some other minor details, such as ability to type, needed to be addressed.
That being said, i liked this witty piece very much and found myself chuckling here and there.
It's all good.
Comment Written 31-Aug-2006
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
-
Bless you, carlylyn, and Double Bless you with a genuflect thrown in for good measure, for your wonderful, wonderful review -- especially letting me know that it needed to be addressed. Did I say it already... Bless you!
Jay
Comment from Adora Bayles
Jay, you have written a very good tongue-in-cheek humorous article! You had me laughing out loud! I've had a few "2" encounters as a crit and one even told me he was writing a best seller! About one sentence in five had a subject and a predicate, the rest of the story bristled with vague sentence fragments.
Adora
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
|
Jay, you have written a very good tongue-in-cheek humorous article! You had me laughing out loud! I've had a few "2" encounters as a crit and one even told me he was writing a best seller! About one sentence in five had a subject and a predicate, the rest of the story bristled with vague sentence fragments.
Adora
Comment Written 31-Aug-2006
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
-
You should know, Adora, how I honor your crits. Yes it was tongue in cheek -- it's where I keep it when it's not wagging. I hope something good comes from the series. Keep tuned, my dear... I'm going to try to have some fun with it.
Jay
-
Jay, I can assure you, I will have just as much fun with your work as you do. I'm glad you came aboard. Two more chapters of Golden Siblings going up tomorrow! Enjoy!
Adora
Comment from mslink1
lol, Jaysquires, bring it on, lol. gotta love it. Get that "GOTTA" that "ain't" even a word, is it?
I enjoyed this a lot. Each has their own methods of writing and critiquing. I think because of the many methods of 'choice' used here at FS, sometimes too much emphasis is put on the star ratings, my opinion.
No, my stories are not going to be worded as yours or anyone else's, that's why, my style is just that, "my style " as feeble as it may seem to others and vice versa.
I'm too old to be intimidated my "stars." lol, Mary
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
|
lol, Jaysquires, bring it on, lol. gotta love it. Get that "GOTTA" that "ain't" even a word, is it?
I enjoyed this a lot. Each has their own methods of writing and critiquing. I think because of the many methods of 'choice' used here at FS, sometimes too much emphasis is put on the star ratings, my opinion.
No, my stories are not going to be worded as yours or anyone else's, that's why, my style is just that, "my style " as feeble as it may seem to others and vice versa.
I'm too old to be intimidated my "stars." lol, Mary
Comment Written 31-Aug-2006
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
-
Mary, I love you! Thank you for your vote of confidence. I am so glad it pleased you. I look up to writers like you. You validate me. Love it, love it, love you.
Jay
-
lol, I'll bump my husband off, if you'll marry me.
-
A done deal...
Jay
Comment from drivenbackward
An engaging read. I was glued to the screen to see what another person's perspective on this matter might be. Clean grammar. I'm sure you went over it many times. LOL. Well done.
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
|
An engaging read. I was glued to the screen to see what another person's perspective on this matter might be. Clean grammar. I'm sure you went over it many times. LOL. Well done.
Comment Written 31-Aug-2006
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
-
Yes, drivenbackward, I did go over it many times. I had a hunch a few seasoned Critters, as you are, might give it a look-see. I struck a couple of nerves with this piece and was down rated for it, but, thankfully, none for SPAG. Thanks for your kind crit. I do appreciate it.
Jay
Comment from ladykay
Hi jaysquires,
Haha... I saw the date of writing and the date of posting...cold feet in the land of fanstory?? Just kidding.
Forty years? Dont worry, there are many wonderful renowned writers who only started writing after fifty or so...I think one of them was Dorothy Sawyers. And didnt what's that guy's name ... the painter...you know who painted all those Tahitian beauties... who worked in the bank and then left it all to start painting (no idea what his wife thought of his penury for a while). Anyway you get the idea.
I'm very happy that you covered the writers who's first language is not English, and appreciate the way you feel about them. There are good poets say from India, like suresh kumar, who I think is very good.
Sorry this is your column. I'll be looking forward to more of this from you, fellow Critter!
Thanks for a thoughtful write.
ladykay
PS: wait. Paul Gaugin. The artist...how could I forget his name!
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
|
Hi jaysquires,
Haha... I saw the date of writing and the date of posting...cold feet in the land of fanstory?? Just kidding.
Forty years? Dont worry, there are many wonderful renowned writers who only started writing after fifty or so...I think one of them was Dorothy Sawyers. And didnt what's that guy's name ... the painter...you know who painted all those Tahitian beauties... who worked in the bank and then left it all to start painting (no idea what his wife thought of his penury for a while). Anyway you get the idea.
I'm very happy that you covered the writers who's first language is not English, and appreciate the way you feel about them. There are good poets say from India, like suresh kumar, who I think is very good.
Sorry this is your column. I'll be looking forward to more of this from you, fellow Critter!
Thanks for a thoughtful write.
ladykay
PS: wait. Paul Gaugin. The artist...how could I forget his name!
Comment Written 31-Aug-2006
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
-
Yes, I was going to tell you, "Paul Gaugin." I was going to scream it out to you, feeling good about myself. He died of syphlis. So much for late bloomers. Thank you very much, ladykay! Seriously... Thank you so very much for your kind and generous crit. It means a lot to me. Keep your eyes open for more to follow. Hope I don't disappoint.
Jay
Comment from simon_morris
I came back to the site and the box still will not show six stars. It does show for me on other people's sites and I do have four left. Let Tom know becasue maybe it is your site that is missing something.
Milt
Jay, you have outdone yourself with this beginning. I hope that the element you want to reach reads this. They are the only ones who are open to learning.
I love the narrative voice that you chose for this work. It is on-target: authoritative yet a little humble, wise but open to new learning.
We seem to be thinking in similar directions when it comes to critiquing and I hope I have the courage to be as honest as your statement.
I also like the fact that you aren't telling anyone else how to critique. You speak in the first person and whatever the others choose to do with your wisdom is their problem, not yours. That is a solid ground because if anyone says, "I don't do it that way," You can come back with, "Where in my writing did I say you should? You find it, point it out to me and I will remove it."
I would give this a six, but my six star line doesn't show today. I know I have some because I have only given 2 of them this month but the five is the top rating that I get from my clicker. Conspiracy theory would indicate that someone out there wants you to be kept down. Storm the bastille. Well, on the other hand, don't since it is now a huge farmer's market. You might get pelted with eggs if you storm it.
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
|
I came back to the site and the box still will not show six stars. It does show for me on other people's sites and I do have four left. Let Tom know becasue maybe it is your site that is missing something.
Milt
Jay, you have outdone yourself with this beginning. I hope that the element you want to reach reads this. They are the only ones who are open to learning.
I love the narrative voice that you chose for this work. It is on-target: authoritative yet a little humble, wise but open to new learning.
We seem to be thinking in similar directions when it comes to critiquing and I hope I have the courage to be as honest as your statement.
I also like the fact that you aren't telling anyone else how to critique. You speak in the first person and whatever the others choose to do with your wisdom is their problem, not yours. That is a solid ground because if anyone says, "I don't do it that way," You can come back with, "Where in my writing did I say you should? You find it, point it out to me and I will remove it."
I would give this a six, but my six star line doesn't show today. I know I have some because I have only given 2 of them this month but the five is the top rating that I get from my clicker. Conspiracy theory would indicate that someone out there wants you to be kept down. Storm the bastille. Well, on the other hand, don't since it is now a huge farmer's market. You might get pelted with eggs if you storm it.
Comment Written 31-Aug-2006
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
-
Bless you, Milt. I want you to know how important it is to get this vote of confidence from you. Yes, my intention is to make a statement, in this and in the succeeding chapters, that my crits are to be based on the criteria I lay out. If I see myself preaching then I'll take that as a personal warning that the personal power monster has risen and I hope to be able to push its head down before I push the send button on the crit. That's where humor comes in. I'm good at it. It tends to be self-effacing, and I suppose that's an indication, too that power's lurking somewhere in its midst. I decided to post this last night, instead of waiting until the 1st, when everyone gets a fresh load of 6s, because I got an answer to a crit yesterday that set my teeth on edge. It resulted in a back and forth vicious tirade which ended with my telling him I refused to duel with an unarmed combatent. I realized I need to get this out, and now! I need to make my position perfectly clear. Anyway, I need to get on with (I can't believe it!) 10 responses to this piece. Again, Milt, thank you for your confidence in me. I'm touched, really!
Jay
-
I just read the response after yours. After I pointed out several glaring mistakes in a crit that was filled with cliches, the writer went on to tell me why every one of her words are correct. She used cliches because it is the american way of saying those things. Every thing I mentioned, this loopy bimbo has an answer for. Why be honest? Take the points and run. Nah, can't do it.
Milt
-
I know you can't do it, Milt. I've spent a solid hour on a crit that I should have abandoned with advise to buy a grammar book, but didn't. She ended up thanking me profusely. Then, next day I draw her next chapter. Didn't skip it. Thought I would see how she improved. Bottom line -- she didn't learn anything from my previous crit. That tells me she is using me as a crutch. I was as thorough my second time through, but I came on strong about overuse of weak nouns and verbs, and inability to recognize the possessive. We'll see.
-
When you do that for a person, you are serving as an editor. They get the credit for the improvements and if you stop critting, they will curse you for abandoning them.
The way to tell if a writer is growing, before you crit a piece for them, go into their portfolio and look at their earliest pieces to see if there is any improvement over time. If there is not, you knwpo that is the lavel they choose to write but will take all the help they can get editing.
-
Thanks, Milt, for the advise. I don't know that I am prepared to go that far to determine whether or not a person had grown. I have a hard enough time going back to up-reate their crits after they make the corrections or defend not making them. I have made that offer to each person to whom I gave a 2 or a 3.
On the other matter, I'll email Tom about it. I hate to, though, since I have bothered him twice already. And, thank you for the 6.
Jay
-
Milt ~
Tom told me you had already given me a 6 earlier this month and you can only give one 6 per person per month. That sucks, doesn't it?
Jay
-
NO, that is fair. I didn't know that but I will keep it in mind. If you deserve more sixes, under ordinary circumstances, I agree with you but our dead story writers would all get multiple sixes from their gaggle of silly geese.