How This Critter Crits
Viewing comments for Chapter 1 "WHY This Critter Crits"GROWTH? ADULATION? HURRY -- CHOOSE!
127 total reviews
Comment from Adri7enne
"Everything is grist for the writer's mill." or something to that effect. Fanstorians like to read about someone who shares some of their experiences. You're right in that this could be a long parentheses between the first to third chapters. How you do go on, Jay. But you're entertaining, so I'll forgive you. The second part of it was fun. The first bit, I wondered when you'd get into it. But that's just me, chaffing at the bit to get out. It's sunny and feels like spring out there. Mostly fun, Jay.
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
  |
"Everything is grist for the writer's mill." or something to that effect. Fanstorians like to read about someone who shares some of their experiences. You're right in that this could be a long parentheses between the first to third chapters. How you do go on, Jay. But you're entertaining, so I'll forgive you. The second part of it was fun. The first bit, I wondered when you'd get into it. But that's just me, chaffing at the bit to get out. It's sunny and feels like spring out there. Mostly fun, Jay.
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
-
THank you, Adrienne. You hit the nail on the head. It took me a while to get my traction. Glad you're staying with me on this.
Comment from Tomes Johnston
This is yet another interesting addition to the series from the author. I didn't ask you why you called it critter. I thought that it was obvious and I agree with you that it is a nice pls on words and funny. Well done yet again.
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
 |
This is yet another interesting addition to the series from the author. I didn't ask you why you called it critter. I thought that it was obvious and I agree with you that it is a nice pls on words and funny. Well done yet again.
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
-
Thanks, once again, Tomes for the 6 stars. Glad to have you with me.
-
No problem
Comment from Antoine Charlemaine
Good grief! What a rave! I loved it. I think, in a round-about, sort of indirect, yet pointed manner, you are poking a little fun at 'the system' we all must indulge in, should we have any semblance at all of craving flattery for our paltry efforts. I truly believe that all writers (myself included) must be the most conceited creatures on the planet. Unfortunately, I tend to believe that the very notion of 'reviewing' can only feed and develop that most devious of emotions.
This is a wonderful summary: 'For your part, I am going to assume that with your creative offering, you are announcing to each and every critter out here: "This is the absolute best, most highly polished, work I can offer at this moment. Please help me find ways to make it better." We only grow, as writers and critters, by stretching out of, and beyond, the creative skin in which each of us resides at every individual moment in time. We exist in a true symbiotic relationship. We feed off, and at the same time nourish, each other. And what each of us deserves is what is true and genuine in the other.'
I think this reveals much about your true nature, Jay. I believe you are a genuine, unassuming fellow who understand human nature, with all its hideous short-fallings and complexities. I think you are a guy I would love to be around. You are a great role model and an inspiration to all your readers. Thank you for sharing yourself in this way.
Ant
(I was looking for something to pick on, just to keep you from getting an over-inflated ego, but found not a thing, alas. I therefore trust your head is sufficiently swollen...)
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
|
Good grief! What a rave! I loved it. I think, in a round-about, sort of indirect, yet pointed manner, you are poking a little fun at 'the system' we all must indulge in, should we have any semblance at all of craving flattery for our paltry efforts. I truly believe that all writers (myself included) must be the most conceited creatures on the planet. Unfortunately, I tend to believe that the very notion of 'reviewing' can only feed and develop that most devious of emotions.
This is a wonderful summary: 'For your part, I am going to assume that with your creative offering, you are announcing to each and every critter out here: "This is the absolute best, most highly polished, work I can offer at this moment. Please help me find ways to make it better." We only grow, as writers and critters, by stretching out of, and beyond, the creative skin in which each of us resides at every individual moment in time. We exist in a true symbiotic relationship. We feed off, and at the same time nourish, each other. And what each of us deserves is what is true and genuine in the other.'
I think this reveals much about your true nature, Jay. I believe you are a genuine, unassuming fellow who understand human nature, with all its hideous short-fallings and complexities. I think you are a guy I would love to be around. You are a great role model and an inspiration to all your readers. Thank you for sharing yourself in this way.
Ant
(I was looking for something to pick on, just to keep you from getting an over-inflated ego, but found not a thing, alas. I therefore trust your head is sufficiently swollen...)
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
-
Hahaha, you are funny and so so kind, my friend. I'm happy to have you with me on this venture. Trust me, you would not want to be around me in real time. I am a boring person. Even to myself. My children have threatened an intervention if I don't shut off my computer (they mean "Word" and FanStory). Face-to-face conversations terrify me. And I haven't a clue about human nature. But I love my FanStory friends. Thanks, Ant, for reading and enjoying this.
-
You're a boring person? Of course you are...that's why you write! Let's face it - face to face conversations can be SO dull...that's why people read! You are a gift to humanity...never forget it.
Comment from Jacqueline M Franklin
Hi, Jay
= Good for you for posting this gain.
= I'm sure it will be quite helpful to many.
<> A Smile Is A Frown Turned Upside-down (*>*)
<> Cheers <> Jax / Jackie
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Hi, Jay...
Anyway you color it, the need to write/review/critter does become overwhelming in the greater scheme of things.
If one can't take the critique from a 'critter' or 'reviewer' than they best find a different hobby or occupation. One can't learn if they can't take helpful feedback.
RUDE, however, when I have received one of those, I always respond with, 'Thanks but no thanks, perhaps you would prefer NOT reading me any more.'
I love you tongue-in-cheek approach in this.
Cheers & Blessings
Keep Smilin'... Jax (*:*)
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
|
Hi, Jay
= Good for you for posting this gain.
= I'm sure it will be quite helpful to many.
<> A Smile Is A Frown Turned Upside-down (*>*)
<> Cheers <> Jax / Jackie
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`
Hi, Jay...
Anyway you color it, the need to write/review/critter does become overwhelming in the greater scheme of things.
If one can't take the critique from a 'critter' or 'reviewer' than they best find a different hobby or occupation. One can't learn if they can't take helpful feedback.
RUDE, however, when I have received one of those, I always respond with, 'Thanks but no thanks, perhaps you would prefer NOT reading me any more.'
I love you tongue-in-cheek approach in this.
Cheers & Blessings
Keep Smilin'... Jax (*:*)
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
-
You are a one-of-a-kind, Jax. Thanks for reviewing. When I get a rude response, I always say, 'Thanks but no thanks, perhaps you would prefer reading my friend Jax Franklin!' I confuses and slows them down. LOL, just keep doing what you do.
-
LOL!!! Feed me to the wolves. (*<*)
I've been very lucky and have had very few bad reviews. Sadly, the ones that like to pick you apart, when you read them, their stuff is so boring OR SPAG is awful.
If I spend two hours on a review and get a good response back, AND I see them implement my advice, I'll go the extra mile and help them. I firmly believe one should give back. I had MANY good people help me with my writing, so it is only fair I pass that knowledge on. Always, I tell them my review isn't meant with any disrespect, and to loose or use as they see fit.
IF, I get a flip response, I never read them again. If they read me and are negative, you can bet I tell them to take a hike -- with a smile of course. (*<*)
We all had a beginning. There are a few more seasoned reviewers that tend to forget they didn't start out having all the answers. One can always learn something new.
After all that, if they give me a hard time, I tell them, my buddy, Jay Squires will be glad to give them a helping 'critter!!' LOL--LOL--LOL!!
Comment from jpduck
'You've been very patient, so now I'll at least approach the point'
Maybe this should be '... start moving in the direction of an approach towards the initial comments in the first paragraph of a prelude leading up to ...'
I'm only kidding; I love your discursive way of beating wittily about the bush -- most entertaining.
Incidentally, you have provided a wonderful example (for me) of the truly subjective nature of the meanings of words. You have learned an entirely false view of the meaning of 'review' as the result of your experience with a delusional message board. On the other hand, I have an equally invalid hatred of the use of the abbreviation 'crit'. This came about because, amongst the group of lovely people who were members of the writing group which I no longer belong to, were three people who were constantly vying with each other to be regarded as the only true professional writer in the group. Among their ways of trying to convince us all of this was their habit of referring to the written 'feedback' which we would provide each other as 'crits'. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh!
Adrian
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
|
'You've been very patient, so now I'll at least approach the point'
Maybe this should be '... start moving in the direction of an approach towards the initial comments in the first paragraph of a prelude leading up to ...'
I'm only kidding; I love your discursive way of beating wittily about the bush -- most entertaining.
Incidentally, you have provided a wonderful example (for me) of the truly subjective nature of the meanings of words. You have learned an entirely false view of the meaning of 'review' as the result of your experience with a delusional message board. On the other hand, I have an equally invalid hatred of the use of the abbreviation 'crit'. This came about because, amongst the group of lovely people who were members of the writing group which I no longer belong to, were three people who were constantly vying with each other to be regarded as the only true professional writer in the group. Among their ways of trying to convince us all of this was their habit of referring to the written 'feedback' which we would provide each other as 'crits'. Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaagh!
Adrian
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
-
Ha! Adrian, I give you permission to quietly substitute "review" for "crit" in any of my posts. Would you believe (I'm counting on you to believe) before I wrote the preface to this I had never heard of "crit" or "critter". I was kinda proud of it. It caught on with FanStorians and became a sort of catchword around here for some time. Then I started reading it elsewhere. Just a point of interest.
Thanks, Adrian, as usual for your fine take on my post.
Comment from Dashjianta
You know, I must be paranoid, because there's always part of me that thinks 'you're just being nice so I'll be nice back' when I get positive reviews from reviewers I haven't got to know. That's why I treasure people like you, because I know (hope. see--paranoid.) that you'll always be honest with me.
You write well as always, in an engaging tone that flows and includes the reader rather than patronising or talking down to them.
Sounds like there was quite a fallout when the poor newbie didn't realise there were unspoken rules and just came out and said what she thought. Big kick up the publisher's backside for encouraging/allowing it though.
I found a SPAG, because I'm ebil:
in this case,all sincere, all true.
--spaces missing either side of the comma after 'case'.
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
|
You know, I must be paranoid, because there's always part of me that thinks 'you're just being nice so I'll be nice back' when I get positive reviews from reviewers I haven't got to know. That's why I treasure people like you, because I know (hope. see--paranoid.) that you'll always be honest with me.
You write well as always, in an engaging tone that flows and includes the reader rather than patronising or talking down to them.
Sounds like there was quite a fallout when the poor newbie didn't realise there were unspoken rules and just came out and said what she thought. Big kick up the publisher's backside for encouraging/allowing it though.
I found a SPAG, because I'm ebil:
in this case,all sincere, all true.
--spaces missing either side of the comma after 'case'.
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
-
If that's all you can find, Alex, I feel blessed. I'm also blessed just knowing you're following me, even occasionally dragging your paranoia. Took care of the comma, thanks. Only one though.
Comment from Phyllis Stewart
Interesting. You should have published for free on createspace, amazon's own do-it-yourself company. It's up to you to market if you choose, but they do a great job on the paper books and offer a smooth transition to kindle versions as well. I get royalty checks every month or so, so I know people are buying my books, sparsely, but it's cool just to know someone is reading them. Of course, my goal was not to make money... just to write the books and have copies to hold in my hands and say, "I wrote this."
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
|
Interesting. You should have published for free on createspace, amazon's own do-it-yourself company. It's up to you to market if you choose, but they do a great job on the paper books and offer a smooth transition to kindle versions as well. I get royalty checks every month or so, so I know people are buying my books, sparsely, but it's cool just to know someone is reading them. Of course, my goal was not to make money... just to write the books and have copies to hold in my hands and say, "I wrote this."
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
-
I didn't know Amazon owned createspace. I'll investigate that. I use them for my e-books, but didn't know about the other. This year I got a notification of earnings from Amazon (for tax purposes). For $80 + in royalties, but have never gotten a check from them. I think it has to be over $100 before they pay. Anyway, thanks for the crit and the kind advise.
Comment from Gloria ....
Growth or Adulation? Is it too much to ask for both? That's my favourite Tony Stark (Iron Man) quote, seriously paraphrased and shortened.
I tell ya, Jay, I had to laugh about your idiot finger and season in hell after that. I had an idiot finger once. It was an E.T. finger. I bought it at the dollar store and it had a battery that lit up the end. I took that thing with me everywhere and had a blast dragging it out at board meetings, the gas station and yes even the check out at the grocery store. Everyone thought I was nuts, they still do, but I've graduated to whoopee cushions and let me tell you, they're nowhere nearly as portable as the idiot finger.
This whole chapter is hilarious, Jay. I love your story about Amazon.com. I've written a few reviews there and you nailed it, syrupy adjectives and action packed verbs from the totally objective review erm critter. For a second there I thought your novel was The Death of a Writer, then I see I was wrong. Ooops. I like the real title and damn straight we're here to help each other sell books. Darn upstarts. You needed to tell him "I'm smarter than You're". Honestly.
And what does honest mean anyway? Most times it's just a euphemism for opinion. Opinions aren't hardly honest unless you know a whole lot about yourself, which is a lot more than most of us really care to know about ourselves -- darn idiot finger.
"This is the absolute best, most highly polished, work I can offer at this moment. Please help me find ways to make it better."
At the risk of being hypocritical that is a remarkably honest statement. I prefer the word forthright though. It makes more sense in my anally retentive world.
Love this book, Jay. You have such interesting topics and ideas. You know who writes terrific reviews besides you? The Rolling Stone Magazine. Mind you they aren't critters, they are pet rocks.
Extremely entertaining, informative and well-organized write, Jay. You are such great fun.
Gloria
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
|
Growth or Adulation? Is it too much to ask for both? That's my favourite Tony Stark (Iron Man) quote, seriously paraphrased and shortened.
I tell ya, Jay, I had to laugh about your idiot finger and season in hell after that. I had an idiot finger once. It was an E.T. finger. I bought it at the dollar store and it had a battery that lit up the end. I took that thing with me everywhere and had a blast dragging it out at board meetings, the gas station and yes even the check out at the grocery store. Everyone thought I was nuts, they still do, but I've graduated to whoopee cushions and let me tell you, they're nowhere nearly as portable as the idiot finger.
This whole chapter is hilarious, Jay. I love your story about Amazon.com. I've written a few reviews there and you nailed it, syrupy adjectives and action packed verbs from the totally objective review erm critter. For a second there I thought your novel was The Death of a Writer, then I see I was wrong. Ooops. I like the real title and damn straight we're here to help each other sell books. Darn upstarts. You needed to tell him "I'm smarter than You're". Honestly.
And what does honest mean anyway? Most times it's just a euphemism for opinion. Opinions aren't hardly honest unless you know a whole lot about yourself, which is a lot more than most of us really care to know about ourselves -- darn idiot finger.
"This is the absolute best, most highly polished, work I can offer at this moment. Please help me find ways to make it better."
At the risk of being hypocritical that is a remarkably honest statement. I prefer the word forthright though. It makes more sense in my anally retentive world.
Love this book, Jay. You have such interesting topics and ideas. You know who writes terrific reviews besides you? The Rolling Stone Magazine. Mind you they aren't critters, they are pet rocks.
Extremely entertaining, informative and well-organized write, Jay. You are such great fun.
Gloria
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
-
Thank you Gloria. If you could bottle your energy up you'd make a million! I always appreciate your take on my posts. Very pertinent and humorous in their own right.
Comment from Donovan
I suppose, like most endeavors in life, we each have our own motive. I do not see these reviews in any shape of form as you do. FanStory is a system that only allows posting where a maximum numbers of reviews will be obtained when "money" is spent. You can earn it by reviewing or you can buy it. (Other than the membership fee,I have never bought points, my decision.) The site has its motivation, I mine, I just want to earn points to post...I give only fives and sixes...short reviews that sometimes have suggestions, most often do not. I try to avoid controversy, and most often write on non sequitur topics in the review. What I do believe and I am not exception, Its all about me!
So the man in the asylum was scratching himself. The doctor stopped by and asked why he was doing that? The man replied, "Because I happen to be the only person that knows where I itch."
I suspect you have an itch. I certainly do. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
|
I suppose, like most endeavors in life, we each have our own motive. I do not see these reviews in any shape of form as you do. FanStory is a system that only allows posting where a maximum numbers of reviews will be obtained when "money" is spent. You can earn it by reviewing or you can buy it. (Other than the membership fee,I have never bought points, my decision.) The site has its motivation, I mine, I just want to earn points to post...I give only fives and sixes...short reviews that sometimes have suggestions, most often do not. I try to avoid controversy, and most often write on non sequitur topics in the review. What I do believe and I am not exception, Its all about me!
So the man in the asylum was scratching himself. The doctor stopped by and asked why he was doing that? The man replied, "Because I happen to be the only person that knows where I itch."
I suspect you have an itch. I certainly do. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
-
VERY GOOD, Donovan. Thank you, my friend for answering my post with your own excellent explanations for why and how you review. I feel I know you much better and like what I know. LOVE your asylum quote. Fun-NEEE!
Comment from royowen
I think we all want to read good things about ourselves but the thing that's caused me to grow, is reflecting back, and seeing whether the " stinging" review had a point or not, I've found that I can receive a 100 positive reviews, and 1 poor one, guess where my mind focuses? Mind you some people, are just perverse, one reviewer has, with one exception, bagged everything I've written, even contest winners! And said to me we're brethren! I find it genuinely hard to believe you've ever received bad crits, Jay, but then it's like sweet and sour pork, most people like it, I don't! But I like your biscuits! Blessings, Roy.
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
|
I think we all want to read good things about ourselves but the thing that's caused me to grow, is reflecting back, and seeing whether the " stinging" review had a point or not, I've found that I can receive a 100 positive reviews, and 1 poor one, guess where my mind focuses? Mind you some people, are just perverse, one reviewer has, with one exception, bagged everything I've written, even contest winners! And said to me we're brethren! I find it genuinely hard to believe you've ever received bad crits, Jay, but then it's like sweet and sour pork, most people like it, I don't! But I like your biscuits! Blessings, Roy.
Comment Written 18-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 18-Apr-2015
-
I like your biscuits, too, Roy! It does make one wonder about the person who "bagged" your posts. I'm curious what makes him tick. I have encountered one person here who never gives higher than a 4. Go figure!
-
Could be the same one, no names! Well done,