How This Critter Crits
Viewing comments for Prologue "How This Critter Crits"GROWTH? ADULATION? HURRY -- CHOOSE!
170 total reviews
Comment from nora arjuna
Jay, I got my printer ready, and started to scroll through. I was surprised to find this is shorter than usual. Were you talking about me somewhere? Lol.
It's good that you have explained your stand on reviewing. Since this is a prologue, it's basically for us to know what you intend to do here. Will be looking forward to the real 'flesh and bones'.
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
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Jay, I got my printer ready, and started to scroll through. I was surprised to find this is shorter than usual. Were you talking about me somewhere? Lol.
It's good that you have explained your stand on reviewing. Since this is a prologue, it's basically for us to know what you intend to do here. Will be looking forward to the real 'flesh and bones'.
Comment Written 31-Aug-2006
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
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They are coming, arjuna. And, yes, you were in my mind on that part. But (believe it or not) the former you. Your writing appears to have progressed beyond my understanding, and I don't understand it. Your writing reminds me of a novel I read years ago entitled, "Martin Eden," by Jack London. It's his autobiography, but you'll have to read the book to understand what I mean. It's free, incidentally, on one of those on line classics sites. I don't remember which one, but there're a lot of them and you should be able to find it. Arjuna, thank you for your warm and kind review. And, keep looking for more stuff from me.
Love ya, girl... Jay
Comment from Bellydanser
My my. Exposing your critter backside for all to kick, eh? hehe From a strictly "critical" point of view, your writing is superb, as always. Thought-provoking, well stated, and if I was paying enough attention to detail - nit free. I'm out of effervescent sixes. ;)
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
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My my. Exposing your critter backside for all to kick, eh? hehe From a strictly "critical" point of view, your writing is superb, as always. Thought-provoking, well stated, and if I was paying enough attention to detail - nit free. I'm out of effervescent sixes. ;)
Comment Written 31-Aug-2006
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
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Blessings, Bellydanser and you can danse on the lines of my crits anytime. Just responding is six enough. Stay tuned. More fun, I hope, ahead.
Jay
Comment from Cairn Destop
Wow. Not sure how the old hedgehog should reply to this one. Am sure you have seen the red and greens on your screen, so I'll not point them out a second time as most seem intentional. I must have lucked out as I haven't seen your material before and you haven't seen mine. You do at least try establishing some benchmark for whatever commentary you offer, which is better than most reviewers. May I suggest working those stories in the workshop. They don't pay much, but the people there genuinely want whatever help is given.
So welcome to the site and may you find this place both entertaining and educational.
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
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Wow. Not sure how the old hedgehog should reply to this one. Am sure you have seen the red and greens on your screen, so I'll not point them out a second time as most seem intentional. I must have lucked out as I haven't seen your material before and you haven't seen mine. You do at least try establishing some benchmark for whatever commentary you offer, which is better than most reviewers. May I suggest working those stories in the workshop. They don't pay much, but the people there genuinely want whatever help is given.
So welcome to the site and may you find this place both entertaining and educational.
Comment Written 31-Aug-2006
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
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Thank you so much, Cairn. Your crit is wonderful and encouraging. I appreciate it more than you know, coming as it does, from an obviously seasoned Critter as you. Stay tuned y'old hedehog. We'll have some fun with this.
Jay
Comment from Sallyo
I found this an interesting piece, and well-written to boot. Your critter-self is not like Piers Anthony's crit-ticks, obviously, but a kindly and humany critter who really wants to help writers improve. As one who has lately taken the pledge myself, I applaud your efforts, O Critter... Go forth and Crit!
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
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I found this an interesting piece, and well-written to boot. Your critter-self is not like Piers Anthony's crit-ticks, obviously, but a kindly and humany critter who really wants to help writers improve. As one who has lately taken the pledge myself, I applaud your efforts, O Critter... Go forth and Crit!
Comment Written 31-Aug-2006
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
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Oh, Sallyo, from the responses I got from you and others, I am quaking in my boots. I'm like the rookie ball player who announces to the press that he will break the homerun record this year, then first time at bat points to the center field fence (Babe Ruth style), and with the first pitch closes his eyes and swings a mighty swing and miraculously sends the ball far over that same fence. Now... Now, bigmouth... You've done. You've got one big, scary season ahead of you. All I can say, now, shhhh, to you personally, is to hang in there with me and wait for the chapters that follow. I hope they are fun and helpful. Thanks again, Sallyo, as I sally forth. The season beacons...
Jay
Comment from DEEPTI GUPTA
I liked your talking to Fanstory readers in a unique style of yours. But what is this ' critiquer ' - do you mean - , Critic ' There are more things
I could not understand. I will write about them later .
All the best
Deepti
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reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
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I liked your talking to Fanstory readers in a unique style of yours. But what is this ' critiquer ' - do you mean - , Critic ' There are more things
I could not understand. I will write about them later .
All the best
Deepti
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 31-Aug-2006
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
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Thank you Deepti. I don't know how to answer your question, though. I thought the piece already did. I'll be happy to address anything else you didn't understand. You may PM me, or answer this. Good luck with your own writing, Deepti.
Jay
Comment from Doreen Dulally
It is a wonderful life after all! <<LOL
I read your story ....and you have based your oppinion on a few mnths here ..oooops spelling....you are a real author I gather? ...so is it fair to say you write for the money?
I wonder why these people paid their membership in the first place.
maybe because they can't afford to get on the authors ladder ...but like to write anyway
Finally there are those stalwart warriors who submit daily, who truly want to improve their writing and have a healthy approach to receiving criticism. Their only problem is they have not come close to mastering even the basics of the craft of writing. Still, their need to reach out to others, to find an audience for their souls' stirrings, can bring tears to this old man's eyes.
that's patronizing
I fall probably into both these catagories....so if you see any of my work ..feel free to skip...I'll lose no sleep over it....
I'm sorry but yes I am a little gripped....but I speak as a pretend writer
And bugger it because ...i got a pump and certificate ..for being horrible .....[sighs] yes now i feel bad
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
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It is a wonderful life after all! <<
I read your story ....and you have based your oppinion on a few mnths here ..oooops spelling....you are a real author I gather? ...so is it fair to say you write for the money?
I wonder why these people paid their membership in the first place.
maybe because they can't afford to get on the authors ladder ...but like to write anyway
Finally there are those stalwart warriors who submit daily, who truly want to improve their writing and have a healthy approach to receiving criticism. Their only problem is they have not come close to mastering even the basics of the craft of writing. Still, their need to reach out to others, to find an audience for their souls' stirrings, can bring tears to this old man's eyes.
that's patronizing
I fall probably into both these catagories....so if you see any of my work ..feel free to skip...I'll lose no sleep over it....
I'm sorry but yes I am a little gripped....but I speak as a pretend writer
And bugger it because ...i got a pump and certificate ..for being horrible .....[sighs] yes now i feel bad
Comment Written 31-Aug-2006
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
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Hi, Doreen ~
Well, I guess I can count myself lucky that you gave me a 5. Doreen, I'm truly sorry I hurt you. Truly... I hope you believe me. But, if it makes you feel any better, your zinger that I was patronizing struck home, mainly because that was probably the most sincere statement I made in the prologue; it grieves me that you feel I am making light of a catagory you feel you fall into. Let me say it one more time: I am humbly sorry.
Now, I can't guarantee I'll remember your name a month or two hence, but if I do I shall honor your request and skip past your submission. You might want to use the "squelch" function to disallow me from inadvertently critting your work.
Thank you for your honesty, Doreen, and the best to you in your writing.
Jay
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naaa i don't do an eye for an eye ....and I only squelch if i feel justified in doing so take care
Comment from Lady & Louis
Ha, this had a familiar feeling to it! I was most interested to read your developing feelings, or is that attitude, towards your critting (good word, btw, and who cares about the spell checker anyway? Its vocabulary is appalling) and breakdown of the stars. I was sitting nodding about the "abysmal" group. I've only encountered a few of those, and only bothered to review one. Mostly I can't be bothered with foul-mouthed semi-literates. There are enough of them on the streets, let alone here.
I didn't see any spags or odd bits of phrasing or anything else to crit in your crit! I shall now await in fear and trembling lest you turn your deadly beams on me...
Cheers
LM
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
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Ha, this had a familiar feeling to it! I was most interested to read your developing feelings, or is that attitude, towards your critting (good word, btw, and who cares about the spell checker anyway? Its vocabulary is appalling) and breakdown of the stars. I was sitting nodding about the "abysmal" group. I've only encountered a few of those, and only bothered to review one. Mostly I can't be bothered with foul-mouthed semi-literates. There are enough of them on the streets, let alone here.
I didn't see any spags or odd bits of phrasing or anything else to crit in your crit! I shall now await in fear and trembling lest you turn your deadly beams on me...
Cheers
LM
Comment Written 31-Aug-2006
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
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Thank you, LM, for your wonderfully kind crit. It is so nice to have shared experiences so I don't feel so all alone. Thanks, again...
Jay
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My pleasure!
La Maitresse
Comment from Lucid Mauth
I can understand the sentiment of this piece, as I have been at this for about two months now myself. Critting, as you put it, is tricky, especially when you cannot speak face to face. I thought you explained your experience and your reasoning clearly and with humor. And, I look forward to seeing where you go with this.
LM
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
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I can understand the sentiment of this piece, as I have been at this for about two months now myself. Critting, as you put it, is tricky, especially when you cannot speak face to face. I thought you explained your experience and your reasoning clearly and with humor. And, I look forward to seeing where you go with this.
LM
Comment Written 31-Aug-2006
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
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What generous things you are saying about this piece. I hope I can live up to the hype, LOL. I haven't written the second chapter yet. I should have it on in about 2 weeks.
Thanks again,
Jay
Comment from AlvinTEthington
You do your intended reader quite a favor by laying out the bases for your critiques. Part of this essay is quite humorous, and humor is often needed when one critiques a work. But for any professional critique, there is always tension between generally accepted standards laid out by the company in charge (fanstory.com, the publishing company, the group of editors and proofreaders) and a critic's own biases. That doesn't come out clearly in your essay. But your essay is well written, and does describe well at least much of my experience at fanstory.com. One note--I have found that spell checkers often have a very limited vocabulary, and often do not include words I use in my writings, which are sometimes only found in unabridged dictionaries, or, in extreme examples, only in the Oxford English Dictionary.
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
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You do your intended reader quite a favor by laying out the bases for your critiques. Part of this essay is quite humorous, and humor is often needed when one critiques a work. But for any professional critique, there is always tension between generally accepted standards laid out by the company in charge (fanstory.com, the publishing company, the group of editors and proofreaders) and a critic's own biases. That doesn't come out clearly in your essay. But your essay is well written, and does describe well at least much of my experience at fanstory.com. One note--I have found that spell checkers often have a very limited vocabulary, and often do not include words I use in my writings, which are sometimes only found in unabridged dictionaries, or, in extreme examples, only in the Oxford English Dictionary.
Comment Written 31-Aug-2006
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
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What a wonderfully well thought out crit, Alvin. What I attempted to lay out was the reason why I feel there is a need for uniformity, fairness and constancy in one's crits. Hopefully, what you are looking for will be part of the chapters to follow. I agree about the OED. It is the best. Do you own the set, or have it on CD? Anyway, thanks a lot for your wonderful review.
Jay
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When I taught college, I owned the OED. However, English is in such a state of rapid change right now (words coming in from all sorts of other languages, but mostly Arabic, and the computer jargon adding to the vocabulary constantly) that I prefer to find the most up-to-date copy I can, which usually means online or at a college library (I live in Claremont, California.)
Comment from Janilou
You are most welcome to 'crit' my work anytime you care to!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this tale of your discovery of FanStory and the delicate job of becoming a 'critter'.
You are so much braver than I am! Usually if I find something that I feel is totally dismal, I take the cowards way out and click on that wonderful little word..."skip"
Perhaps as I feel more confident that I am qualified to be able to offer constructive advice I will do so more often to those works only worthy in my tired eyes of a 2 star review!
Like you I am in awe of those writers here for whom English is their second language! I have the utmost respect for them. Their work is usually wonderful too!
Thanks for the enjoyable read!
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reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
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You are most welcome to 'crit' my work anytime you care to!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this tale of your discovery of FanStory and the delicate job of becoming a 'critter'.
You are so much braver than I am! Usually if I find something that I feel is totally dismal, I take the cowards way out and click on that wonderful little word..."skip"
Perhaps as I feel more confident that I am qualified to be able to offer constructive advice I will do so more often to those works only worthy in my tired eyes of a 2 star review!
Like you I am in awe of those writers here for whom English is their second language! I have the utmost respect for them. Their work is usually wonderful too!
Thanks for the enjoyable read!
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 31-Aug-2006
reply by the author on 31-Aug-2006
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You're saying some wonderful things about me, Janilou. Have I reviewed any of your stories or poems? Make sure you read the chapters to follow (I haven't written them yet) since they will attempt to set the standards for my critting. Thanks, once again, for your kindness.
Jay
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I will have to go back and look! Not sure if you have or not. LOL!
But I always welcome constructive critique, and I enjoyed reading your work here!