How This Critter Crits
Viewing comments for Prologue "How This Critter Crits"GROWTH? ADULATION? HURRY -- CHOOSE!
170 total reviews
Comment from Gloria ....
Excellent essay, Jay. I look forward to reading all the subsequent chapters. Actually, I'm interested in your Twitter book too.
I've received a good dollop of inexplicable low ratings on FanStory ranging from not liking my font colour to not knowing the syllable count of a word, to not having read my story/poem at all. Those ratings of course led me to realize there is more at play than simply reviewing or critiquing the writing. The game element is going on. We might labour under the illusion that writers are not human and therefore filled with human emotions, some of them, not so honourable.
It always reminds me of feminism in the early nineties. Camille Paglia came out with her book Sexual Personae. She argued (perhaps too successfully) that human nature has an inherently "dangerous Dionysian or chthonic aspect, especially in regard to sexuality". She'd made the mistake of calling herself a feminist which indeed she is, (without first bowing down to the ruling queens of feminism) and she pissed off the old guard -- Gloria Steinem, Susan Sontag, Germaine Greer, etc who had no intention of relinquishing their throne to this young upstart whom they believed had not paid her dues to the feminist movement.
So, Gloria called her significant contacts in the publishing world to do her best to quash Camille, because Camille had more correctly identified the enemy of female equality to some subterranean human nature as opposed to willful oppression by men. She was about to eliminate the early feminists raison d'etre and embrace a much needed bigger paradigm that included men as comrades and friends. Gloria was deliberately keeping a "sister" down because of envy which is totally anti-feminism.
My point in raising all this? Competition is the way of the world and FanStory is a good place to begin sharpening your quill for its inevitability. It's particularly important for young authors to learn publishing won't be smooth sailing and no one is going to be laying down the red carpet, in a highly competitive field, to celebrate their brilliance, if their writing indeed happens to be brilliant, which it most often is not. Moreover, there is good sense in the adage, when in Rome do as the Romans do, but never lose yourself in the throng.
This is a terrific appointment of ethical reviewing, Jay. You have reminded us to keep our "ego" and strong emotions under cognitive management so we don't chuck on a three star review for dubious reasons we have no intention of explaining. Is it enough to justify a low star rating with, "I don't like you because your mother wears army boots?" Perhaps, and it sure beats coming up with a specious reason. LOL.
You are wonderful Majestic Mr. Squires.
Gloria
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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Excellent essay, Jay. I look forward to reading all the subsequent chapters. Actually, I'm interested in your Twitter book too.
I've received a good dollop of inexplicable low ratings on FanStory ranging from not liking my font colour to not knowing the syllable count of a word, to not having read my story/poem at all. Those ratings of course led me to realize there is more at play than simply reviewing or critiquing the writing. The game element is going on. We might labour under the illusion that writers are not human and therefore filled with human emotions, some of them, not so honourable.
It always reminds me of feminism in the early nineties. Camille Paglia came out with her book Sexual Personae. She argued (perhaps too successfully) that human nature has an inherently "dangerous Dionysian or chthonic aspect, especially in regard to sexuality". She'd made the mistake of calling herself a feminist which indeed she is, (without first bowing down to the ruling queens of feminism) and she pissed off the old guard -- Gloria Steinem, Susan Sontag, Germaine Greer, etc who had no intention of relinquishing their throne to this young upstart whom they believed had not paid her dues to the feminist movement.
So, Gloria called her significant contacts in the publishing world to do her best to quash Camille, because Camille had more correctly identified the enemy of female equality to some subterranean human nature as opposed to willful oppression by men. She was about to eliminate the early feminists raison d'etre and embrace a much needed bigger paradigm that included men as comrades and friends. Gloria was deliberately keeping a "sister" down because of envy which is totally anti-feminism.
My point in raising all this? Competition is the way of the world and FanStory is a good place to begin sharpening your quill for its inevitability. It's particularly important for young authors to learn publishing won't be smooth sailing and no one is going to be laying down the red carpet, in a highly competitive field, to celebrate their brilliance, if their writing indeed happens to be brilliant, which it most often is not. Moreover, there is good sense in the adage, when in Rome do as the Romans do, but never lose yourself in the throng.
This is a terrific appointment of ethical reviewing, Jay. You have reminded us to keep our "ego" and strong emotions under cognitive management so we don't chuck on a three star review for dubious reasons we have no intention of explaining. Is it enough to justify a low star rating with, "I don't like you because your mother wears army boots?" Perhaps, and it sure beats coming up with a specious reason. LOL.
You are wonderful Majestic Mr. Squires.
Gloria
Comment Written 16-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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Like the Romans, I'd be lost in a thong. Heh-heh. Thank you so much Gloria. Not just for the kind words but for the thumbnail history of a fringe element of the feminist movement. You are one of the "no fluff, no nonsense, and when appropriate take no survivors" writers here. And I have no idea why I threw in that last part, but you are the real deal, Gloria, and I'd like you a lot more if you'd not call me Mr. Squires. LOL, thanks again.
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Deal! You are now, Jay. :)
Comment from Shirley McLain
I like to give six stars occasionally because it feels good for me to give it and you to receive it. The more you write the more you learn and grow. I love Fanstory. You did a great job.
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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I like to give six stars occasionally because it feels good for me to give it and you to receive it. The more you write the more you learn and grow. I love Fanstory. You did a great job.
Comment Written 16-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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Thank you, Shirley. I'm really happy to make you feel good. In fact you can feel just as good as you want when you read my posts. I know you made me feel good. You are appreciated, Shirley.
Comment from Green Lake Girl
Well, it's a good thing you found FS. Like you, I often wondered what I could've accomplished if I'd started writing earlier in life. (Heavy sigh.)
For the record, your reviews are always spirited, kind and helpful. You usually take the time to give a thorough review, which is so time consuming. I often just focus on the content of the poem/story. Quite frankly, if you can't tell a story, what's the point? Occasionally I will do the whole "find the SPAGs thing" while reviewing, which is tedious. Perhaps I'm lazy.
Ah, yes, we all get by with a little help from our friends, don't we? Reviewing is always very interesting on this site. There's endless conversations about the stars. Since I've been on the site, really only five and six star ratings are used. Once in a blue moon someone will toss out a four star rating. No matter the stars, I'm "in it" for the comments and suggestions. My A#1 concern: "Is the story any good?"
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jay. What you wrote in 2006 is still relevant today.
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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Well, it's a good thing you found FS. Like you, I often wondered what I could've accomplished if I'd started writing earlier in life. (Heavy sigh.)
For the record, your reviews are always spirited, kind and helpful. You usually take the time to give a thorough review, which is so time consuming. I often just focus on the content of the poem/story. Quite frankly, if you can't tell a story, what's the point? Occasionally I will do the whole "find the SPAGs thing" while reviewing, which is tedious. Perhaps I'm lazy.
Ah, yes, we all get by with a little help from our friends, don't we? Reviewing is always very interesting on this site. There's endless conversations about the stars. Since I've been on the site, really only five and six star ratings are used. Once in a blue moon someone will toss out a four star rating. No matter the stars, I'm "in it" for the comments and suggestions. My A#1 concern: "Is the story any good?"
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Jay. What you wrote in 2006 is still relevant today.
Comment Written 16-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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Thanks, Marietta, especially about your kind words of the relevance of that post. I read them over several times to see if they still flew, and most, after some grammar corrections (I've gotten better than I was 9 years ago), stay airborne. Glad you're aboard for this. It should be some fun.
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So, you were nine when you wrote the original post in 2006? Eighteen years old now, huh? Hubba, Hubba, baby!
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Hubba, Hubba? Now, there's an age teller if I ever heard one. What can I tell you. A prodigy at nine, I still couldn't read the posts with a "mature" rating. But now, at eighteen, ain't nuttin' I can't read.
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Well, Mr. Eighteen-Year-Old, so happens there's voting going on right now for the Butterfly contest--all erotica. Better get to it. And, just for the record, "Hubba-Hubba" was WAY before my time--I heard my parents say it. LOL
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And your parents probably heard it from that upperclass upstart, Jay Squires. I'll check out the Butterfly.
Comment from Drew Delaney
I don't remember reading this essay in 2006; however, I remember those days. Some of the 3's were time consuming, weren't they? I remember doing the same, spending time trying to make sense of sentences, and helping them improve, with a simple, Thank you, if that.
I have come to realize that time is too precious. Although, I would like to help, the energy spent is not appreciated in too many cases, therefore I stopped.
I remember you being called a critter, but I thought you were too good for me to crit. Things haven't really changed. But I try. LOL
Have a great week. Drew
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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I don't remember reading this essay in 2006; however, I remember those days. Some of the 3's were time consuming, weren't they? I remember doing the same, spending time trying to make sense of sentences, and helping them improve, with a simple, Thank you, if that.
I have come to realize that time is too precious. Although, I would like to help, the energy spent is not appreciated in too many cases, therefore I stopped.
I remember you being called a critter, but I thought you were too good for me to crit. Things haven't really changed. But I try. LOL
Have a great week. Drew
Comment Written 16-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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Oh, Drew, I make so many stupid errors when I write and not all of them are grammar. I get some marvelous ideas and suggestions from writers here. I'm never, ever, EVER too good. Thanks again, Drew. See ya around the corner.
Comment from livelylinda
Jay: well, you made me giggle. Then I noticed that your language skills are better than most. You told a story to which I can relate. This book chapter is a strong five. I save sixers for those poems/stories/essays which "knock my socks off". After reading this, I found my socks to still be covering my feet. (That is actual a lie . . . I live in Florida and rarely wear socks.)
I once reviewed and gave a 3 rating to a young lady who should aim at other adventures 'cause she hadn't a clue about how to write anything. Her angry response to me was, "Well, my grandmother likes it!". I informed her that was the job of a grandmother . . . I am a grandmother so I know this to be true. I reviewed a love poem recently which was immature and sounded like it was written by a 13 year old puppy love-sick little girl. She angrily responded with the information that she was 14, not 13! I instructed her, as any good mom would, that she was way too young and inexperienced to know about and to be able to write about real adult love. (Hell, we adults have yet to figure it out, how can a 14 year old?) I reviewed a poem by a young woman a while ago and found massive amounts of misspellings/punctuation errors/incomplete sentences, etc. I wondered if she ever went to school or listened to anything in her English classes. I suggested, with no ill intent, that she consider taking some English classes to refresh her knowledge about basic writing skills BEFORE attempting poetry. Her response was hostile. The sad part of this story is that she had no clue about how poorly she wrote anything! O.K., I'm rambling. Good luck with your plans for the next quarterly report. livelylinda
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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Jay: well, you made me giggle. Then I noticed that your language skills are better than most. You told a story to which I can relate. This book chapter is a strong five. I save sixers for those poems/stories/essays which "knock my socks off". After reading this, I found my socks to still be covering my feet. (That is actual a lie . . . I live in Florida and rarely wear socks.)
I once reviewed and gave a 3 rating to a young lady who should aim at other adventures 'cause she hadn't a clue about how to write anything. Her angry response to me was, "Well, my grandmother likes it!". I informed her that was the job of a grandmother . . . I am a grandmother so I know this to be true. I reviewed a love poem recently which was immature and sounded like it was written by a 13 year old puppy love-sick little girl. She angrily responded with the information that she was 14, not 13! I instructed her, as any good mom would, that she was way too young and inexperienced to know about and to be able to write about real adult love. (Hell, we adults have yet to figure it out, how can a 14 year old?) I reviewed a poem by a young woman a while ago and found massive amounts of misspellings/punctuation errors/incomplete sentences, etc. I wondered if she ever went to school or listened to anything in her English classes. I suggested, with no ill intent, that she consider taking some English classes to refresh her knowledge about basic writing skills BEFORE attempting poetry. Her response was hostile. The sad part of this story is that she had no clue about how poorly she wrote anything! O.K., I'm rambling. Good luck with your plans for the next quarterly report. livelylinda
Comment Written 16-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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Thank you, Linda. You are very kind to write such a long crit. And I like rambling in responses; it's so like conversation. There are definitely all kinds here, and some of the nicest are the ones who have been writing for many years and still yearn to learn.
And as long as you keep reading my posts and respond with helpful advise, you can keep your socks on any time. Again, Thanks.
Comment from rjpurdy
This is a terrific piece Jay. It gives me a little insight into the man I have wondered so much about. I like the light hearted nature with a touch of sarcasm. It fits you well.
Your passion for writing, and your skill at doing it, inspire me. In the short period I have been with FS it is you my friend whom I look to for a decent crit. You have improved my ability as a writter, and fellow critter. Rod
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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This is a terrific piece Jay. It gives me a little insight into the man I have wondered so much about. I like the light hearted nature with a touch of sarcasm. It fits you well.
Your passion for writing, and your skill at doing it, inspire me. In the short period I have been with FS it is you my friend whom I look to for a decent crit. You have improved my ability as a writter, and fellow critter. Rod
Comment Written 16-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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Oh, Rod, thank you for your continued generous support. There are ten more chapters to this, so we'll see if your ardor flags by the time we're finished. Bless you, friend.
Comment from Connie P
As always, I enjoyed this revived post. Everyone has that "reviewing" learning curve, or so it seems. I'll take an honest critique over an obvious skim and take the money review any day. Thanks for the humorous yet informative post.
Connie
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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As always, I enjoyed this revived post. Everyone has that "reviewing" learning curve, or so it seems. I'll take an honest critique over an obvious skim and take the money review any day. Thanks for the humorous yet informative post.
Connie
Comment Written 16-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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Thank you, Connie, for your kind words. I hope you plan to stay aboard and read the rest of the ten chapters.
Comment from Spiritual Echo
I have to admit, sometimes going back into my portfolio to the beginning is fun and also makes me groan and appreciate how critters like you have made a difference. But this post goes back nine years. I have to wonder if you edited this before posting the second time--oh please tell me it is so!
'It must be', the adoring fan mumbles as she reads the author's notation to resist the urge to move ahead to chapter two. She wipes her brow and sighs. 'Well that's a relief! Imagine if the author started at this level of perfection.'
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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I have to admit, sometimes going back into my portfolio to the beginning is fun and also makes me groan and appreciate how critters like you have made a difference. But this post goes back nine years. I have to wonder if you edited this before posting the second time--oh please tell me it is so!
'It must be', the adoring fan mumbles as she reads the author's notation to resist the urge to move ahead to chapter two. She wipes her brow and sighs. 'Well that's a relief! Imagine if the author started at this level of perfection.'
Comment Written 16-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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Oh, you bet I edited this. I went to Word's find/replace and put in probably 30 items that are my weaknesses. Some key words that might indicate passive voice, then "thats" and "was" and "were", to make sure of my ellipses and EM dashes. Overall, I trimmed about 200 words, and I'll bet Alex (Dashjianta) and Margaret Snowdon will discover several SPAGs each. But then I get even when I read their posts.
Thank you, Ingrid. So happy to have you aboard this one. Ten more chapters to go.
Comment from kriver
Hi Jay,
I really enjoyed reading this write.
Since you have been on fan story
before and really know how things
work here.
How about writing something on
How to get the most out of your fan story dollars and certs. What to buy what not to buy. The quantity of each one in order to get the work on the 1st reviewer page.
I think this is an excellent write.
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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Hi Jay,
I really enjoyed reading this write.
Since you have been on fan story
before and really know how things
work here.
How about writing something on
How to get the most out of your fan story dollars and certs. What to buy what not to buy. The quantity of each one in order to get the work on the 1st reviewer page.
I think this is an excellent write.
Comment Written 16-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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Thank you, kriver. I don't know that I can give you the information you want. I always buy a certificate so the post will stay on the first page for 4 days (at the cost of $9.95) and I use whatever pumps it takes to position the post midway up the first page. That generally is about 20 pumps. That comes to a cost of about 60 bucks, plus the certificate. So a total of about 70 member dollars. Also, I throw in a Leprechaun for $2.95, which is a real bargain because it stays on for the full four days, giving bonus money to the critter. And that's it. Requires a lot of critting.
As always, I appreciate your loyalty to my posts. Stay well.
Comment from Adri7enne
You've chosen a subject that's bound to interest Fanstorians. We're all comparing experiences. We've all been there.
My biggest problem with critiquing is how low the bar has come down and how the top writers are not necessarily the best writers, but they really think they are. If you critique their grammar and syntax, they seen to thing they're above all that; the rules don't apply to them anymore. You get muted for offering correction's. Reviewing is not nearly as satisfying as it used to be. The standards are now so low, I hardly dare give anyone less than 5. It's just not worth the hassle. Yet, these very defensive writers are the very ones who decry the low standards now accepted as the norm. It's a losing battle.
Still, it's interesting to see how you decided to cope with it, and how the 'critter' came about. Well done, Jay.
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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You've chosen a subject that's bound to interest Fanstorians. We're all comparing experiences. We've all been there.
My biggest problem with critiquing is how low the bar has come down and how the top writers are not necessarily the best writers, but they really think they are. If you critique their grammar and syntax, they seen to thing they're above all that; the rules don't apply to them anymore. You get muted for offering correction's. Reviewing is not nearly as satisfying as it used to be. The standards are now so low, I hardly dare give anyone less than 5. It's just not worth the hassle. Yet, these very defensive writers are the very ones who decry the low standards now accepted as the norm. It's a losing battle.
Still, it's interesting to see how you decided to cope with it, and how the 'critter' came about. Well done, Jay.
Comment Written 16-Apr-2015
reply by the author on 16-Apr-2015
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Thank you, Adrienne. It's never easy. I do what I do because I hope I have something to offer other writers, and I am so blessed at what others have given me back. I let the writer know I generally deduct stars only for SPAG, unless it's a real mess. As soon as a person has four SPAG (and I think that's generous) I deduct one star, rarely more. As soon as they notify me they've made the corrections I return their star. If you set the bar and go by it regardless of who you're critting. (but give them the opportunity of earning it back) you can't go wrong. May hardest part is to do that when a)a person has just given me a six or b)it is a friend or a writer you thoroughly respect and you know it was just a fluke. If that happens though, I just laugh and tell them I have to be consistent, but will return their star.
If the writer can't live with those standards, then he'll just have to mute me or, like one writer who asked me please to never review his stuff again. I've had both happen.
Anyway, Adrienne, thanks for reading this and for your commentary.