How This Critter Crits
Viewing comments for Chapter 1 "WHY This Critter Crits"GROWTH? ADULATION? HURRY -- CHOOSE!
127 total reviews
Comment from smbau
Liked the content of story. Loved the quotes "And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man." And
"This is the absolute best, most highly polished, work I can offer at this moment. Please help me find ways to make it better."
In a nut shell, I derive from your story that, I should observe more than grammar edits. Include author's plot, settings, character development, descriptive abilities, use of imagery, suspense elements in a story, use of language and intended message of the story as I best as I understand it. It is with hope that readers of review determine if their message was delivered as intended or not, then make adjustment as needed.
Optional suggestions:
"...the first time at bat[ ] he points..." vs "...the first time at bat, he points..."
"Thanks to your idiot..." vs "Thanks for your idiot..."
"...variants of work[ ] of genius..." vs "...variants of works of genius..."
"...his posting[ ] which blistered..." vs "... his posting, which blistered..."
reply by the author on 27-Jul-2017
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Liked the content of story. Loved the quotes "And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man." And
"This is the absolute best, most highly polished, work I can offer at this moment. Please help me find ways to make it better."
In a nut shell, I derive from your story that, I should observe more than grammar edits. Include author's plot, settings, character development, descriptive abilities, use of imagery, suspense elements in a story, use of language and intended message of the story as I best as I understand it. It is with hope that readers of review determine if their message was delivered as intended or not, then make adjustment as needed.
Optional suggestions:
"...the first time at bat[ ] he points..." vs "...the first time at bat, he points..."
"Thanks to your idiot..." vs "Thanks for your idiot..."
"...variants of work[ ] of genius..." vs "...variants of works of genius..."
"...his posting[ ] which blistered..." vs "... his posting, which blistered..."
Comment Written 26-Jul-2017
reply by the author on 27-Jul-2017
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You are probably right about the commas, particularly after the introductory clause. I'll have to check the others in their context of the sentence to see if I should change according to your recommendation. Thank you for taking the time to crit this in detail.
Comment from Sanku
An interesting piece especially for people like me who are innocent of what 's happening in a publishing world.
i am surprised at the existance of 'review group'. They quite meaningless.
how is someone expected to buy a book then?
reply by the author on 27-Jul-2017
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An interesting piece especially for people like me who are innocent of what 's happening in a publishing world.
i am surprised at the existance of 'review group'. They quite meaningless.
how is someone expected to buy a book then?
Comment Written 26-Jul-2017
reply by the author on 27-Jul-2017
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Thank you, Sanku for your kindness and your generous rating. Hope you catch the future posts.
Comment from Janilou
Um, not sure how the heck to review this. However I can say that I do agree with you on the entire review/reviewer scenario.
I am currently posting a book on FanStory chapter by chapter. I do not have the time to review much myself, or promote heavily, so I am lucky to get six reviews per chapter. Out of those six reviews, usually three or maybe four are fluff reviews and of those, I am usually about 99% certain that at least three of them didn't even read it. IF I am very lucky, I get one or two (jackpot!) REAL reviews. Those reviewers spend time going through each chapter with a fine-tooth comb, and the fact they spend the time to do so is such an honor. Those are the only reviews I truly love. Sure it's very nice when people say nice things about my writing, but seriously, I would give it all up just to be sure I get one REAL review per chapter.
So write on, and I look forward to reading your next installment. :-)
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2017
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Um, not sure how the heck to review this. However I can say that I do agree with you on the entire review/reviewer scenario.
I am currently posting a book on FanStory chapter by chapter. I do not have the time to review much myself, or promote heavily, so I am lucky to get six reviews per chapter. Out of those six reviews, usually three or maybe four are fluff reviews and of those, I am usually about 99% certain that at least three of them didn't even read it. IF I am very lucky, I get one or two (jackpot!) REAL reviews. Those reviewers spend time going through each chapter with a fine-tooth comb, and the fact they spend the time to do so is such an honor. Those are the only reviews I truly love. Sure it's very nice when people say nice things about my writing, but seriously, I would give it all up just to be sure I get one REAL review per chapter.
So write on, and I look forward to reading your next installment. :-)
Comment Written 25-Jul-2017
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2017
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Janilou ... Your name rings a bell. I've reviewed your work, I believe, though it would have been over a year ago. I just jumped back to your profile. We started FS about the same time. Yes. I remember you somehow. Do you mind if I fan you? I want to read a few of your posts and not just stumble over them. Meanwhile, thank you for your kindness in reading mine.
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By all means. :-)
Comment from bhogg
I know I should do my duty and attempt to offer sage, if not pithy advice. I don't have any, because I got into your post and just held on for the ride. Well written, gets a six from me and equally important, (I hope), a big smile. Bill
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2017
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I know I should do my duty and attempt to offer sage, if not pithy advice. I don't have any, because I got into your post and just held on for the ride. Well written, gets a six from me and equally important, (I hope), a big smile. Bill
Comment Written 25-Jul-2017
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2017
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You couldn't have given me a more complimentary kindness than by saying you were pulled along by the momentum of my post ... and forgot about critting. Bless you, Bill, and in case you don't know, you are reading this thanks to the glow of my smile. A lot of light and heat emitted. Thanks for the super chartreuse Cross!
Comment from Lilol
Is this how the critter crits or why the critter crits for I'm just a little confused on this. This is, in fact, a fine piece of work but very confusing. I think that you should edit this though you haven't since 2006 and also nice. I'm only giving 3 stars because you need to improve this but will change my opinion when you do.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2017
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Is this how the critter crits or why the critter crits for I'm just a little confused on this. This is, in fact, a fine piece of work but very confusing. I think that you should edit this though you haven't since 2006 and also nice. I'm only giving 3 stars because you need to improve this but will change my opinion when you do.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 25-Jul-2017
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2017
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The overall theme of the book is How this Critter Crits, hence the title. This first chapter takes a bit of a detour since it was preempted by a FanStorian question: Why Crit and Critter? Why not the conventional Review and Reviewer? Since this chapter's intent was to answer that question through a longish story taken from my experience with a group of fellow writers of one publisher, I changed the title to Why This Critter Crits.
I'm not going to edit the chapter to show my reasoning since I feel it was amply implied in the post. I'm sorry for your confusion, Lilol, but I'm comfortable with the three-star rating. Enjoy the rest of your day.
Jay
Comment from Ulla
Hi Jay, it's another great chapter and I read it with interest. I'm not that much into Amazon other than I buy books there. I would like to publish one day, don't we all? but still not sure how to get about it. I read this well written chapter with interest. All the best.Ulla:))
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2017
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Hi Jay, it's another great chapter and I read it with interest. I'm not that much into Amazon other than I buy books there. I would like to publish one day, don't we all? but still not sure how to get about it. I read this well written chapter with interest. All the best.Ulla:))
Comment Written 25-Jul-2017
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2017
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Thank you, Ulla. I'm thrilled you got something out of it. Publishing on Amazon is as simple as Googling the question. In fact, I believe Amazon has a tutorial/video explaining how to do it. The hard part is marketing your book.
Comment from Dean Kuch
Hey, why not "Critter/Crits," that's how I would've answered the reviewer you mentioned, Jay. Of course, it's responses like that which are a lot of the reason I seem to rub people the wrong way without really intending to...just by being honest ...
"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 thought this was very well stated, Jay.
I don't for a second believe that anyone who posts here says before posting: "Well, I'm sure I coulda done much better. But this is what they're going to get."
No, no, no...NO! Why post something at all if you're going to approach it with that sort of attitude?
All of us here give our best because our best is all we know how to give. It may not be the best to you, or to someone else. But if we really desire to be good at what we do then it's at least the best we can muster at the time.
If we don't believe that then it should be back to the drawing board once more.
Great chapter, Jay!
~Dean
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2017
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Hey, why not "Critter/Crits," that's how I would've answered the reviewer you mentioned, Jay. Of course, it's responses like that which are a lot of the reason I seem to rub people the wrong way without really intending to...just by being honest ...
"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 thought this was very well stated, Jay.
I don't for a second believe that anyone who posts here says before posting: "Well, I'm sure I coulda done much better. But this is what they're going to get."
No, no, no...NO! Why post something at all if you're going to approach it with that sort of attitude?
All of us here give our best because our best is all we know how to give. It may not be the best to you, or to someone else. But if we really desire to be good at what we do then it's at least the best we can muster at the time.
If we don't believe that then it should be back to the drawing board once more.
Great chapter, Jay!
~Dean
Comment Written 25-Jul-2017
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2017
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Bless you, Dean. I expected you would be of my mind when it comes to the reason behind subscribing to FanStory. There are lots of reasons writers join, but only one that can jumpstart a writing career. If you don't post here with the idea of improving your writing, you are deceiving yourself--and you deserve the hurt feelings that a solid dose of honesty will provide you.
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I agree, Jay. I didn't used to but I've wizened up since I first joined the site.
Nice writing, my friend.
~Dean
Comment from kiwigirl2821
I'm at a loss Jay on how to critique something that I don't think needs anything. I believe you got your point across and your warnings too. I'm going to continue to read this one as for me, an aspiring prose writer and not only a poet, I think I'll need to pull on my big girl panties and choke back my opinions when I'm critiqued. Thanks for a great read! xoxo Kiwi
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2017
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I'm at a loss Jay on how to critique something that I don't think needs anything. I believe you got your point across and your warnings too. I'm going to continue to read this one as for me, an aspiring prose writer and not only a poet, I think I'll need to pull on my big girl panties and choke back my opinions when I'm critiqued. Thanks for a great read! xoxo Kiwi
Comment Written 24-Jul-2017
reply by the author on 25-Jul-2017
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Love it, Kiwi. With your attitude, you are guaranteeing yourself a head-start over those thin-skinned writers who want to have only their self-praise echoed back to them. Thank you for your kind words.
Comment from Curly Girly
Hi, Jay. This is a fun read.
What you say about those 'reviewing groups' on Amazon is true. I too have been there and done that. I too gave a 3 star only to have it come back like a boomerang. Amazon says they do not allow reciprocal reviews, but you know...Who would have any? On the other hand, I know that Amazon can and has sometimes deleted ALL of some people's reviews. I heard of somebody losing over 100 reviews--Az simply wiped their slate clean. End of story. If a person buys your book or receives a 'free AMAZON download or an AMAZON gift voucher' and the reader actually READS or PAGES THROUGH the book--those reviews should be safe. Others--beware! There was a trend for some authors to 'buy' reviews from India (they have LIKE shops)--it's a scam. A class of 100 people open the book on the same page and then leave great reviews. Amazon is onto that kind of bogus rubbish--authors who risk that stand a good chance of being excommunicated from AZ forever. AZ can trace everything. AZ & FB are closely linked--information is exchanged / sold to one another.
It's a very good question. And while I can't promise you a good answer, I can promise you a rather long one. = Yeah, lol!
Is this book on Amazon? The Dead of Winter
Nicole
reply by the author on 24-Jul-2017
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Hi, Jay. This is a fun read.
What you say about those 'reviewing groups' on Amazon is true. I too have been there and done that. I too gave a 3 star only to have it come back like a boomerang. Amazon says they do not allow reciprocal reviews, but you know...Who would have any? On the other hand, I know that Amazon can and has sometimes deleted ALL of some people's reviews. I heard of somebody losing over 100 reviews--Az simply wiped their slate clean. End of story. If a person buys your book or receives a 'free AMAZON download or an AMAZON gift voucher' and the reader actually READS or PAGES THROUGH the book--those reviews should be safe. Others--beware! There was a trend for some authors to 'buy' reviews from India (they have LIKE shops)--it's a scam. A class of 100 people open the book on the same page and then leave great reviews. Amazon is onto that kind of bogus rubbish--authors who risk that stand a good chance of being excommunicated from AZ forever. AZ can trace everything. AZ & FB are closely linked--information is exchanged / sold to one another.
It's a very good question. And while I can't promise you a good answer, I can promise you a rather long one. = Yeah, lol!
Is this book on Amazon? The Dead of Winter
Nicole
Comment Written 24-Jul-2017
reply by the author on 24-Jul-2017
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The Dead of Winter? The last I checked it was there. (I just now checked again.) You can read the reviews I mentioned, but for cryin' out loud, DO NOT buy it! I'd be pissed. Everything I've done to try to get Amazon to remove it has failed. Thanks for reading the post.
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Oh, really? Well, if they won't remove it--edit it. Give it a rewrite and upload a new file. Second edition--plenty of them around.
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It's not an E-book. It's paperback.
Comment from dweigt
Great stuff! I like your casual, conversational style in this post. And we can all see the parallels you are drawing. Of course, on this site there isn't typically a monetary reward for our work, and we aren't selling to the general public.
You also point out a crucial difference between reviewing and critiquing, to my mind at least. In reviews, we are dealing with a final product with no expectation it will be revised based on our feedback. In critiques, we are generally dealing with work that still in progress and open to revision.
One minor punctuation question: You wrote (by the way, don't expect me to mention the publisher's name,* and though some of you may figure it out before I'm finished, please don't shout it out.) I'm not a punctuation expert, but I tentatively suggest the period should be outside the parenthesis here. My understanding, bolstered by a bit of googling, is that you should be able to remove everything included in the parenthesis and be left with a valid sentence. That would not be the case here.
Looking forward to the next part!
Keep writing!
reply by the author on 24-Jul-2017
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Great stuff! I like your casual, conversational style in this post. And we can all see the parallels you are drawing. Of course, on this site there isn't typically a monetary reward for our work, and we aren't selling to the general public.
You also point out a crucial difference between reviewing and critiquing, to my mind at least. In reviews, we are dealing with a final product with no expectation it will be revised based on our feedback. In critiques, we are generally dealing with work that still in progress and open to revision.
One minor punctuation question: You wrote (by the way, don't expect me to mention the publisher's name,* and though some of you may figure it out before I'm finished, please don't shout it out.) I'm not a punctuation expert, but I tentatively suggest the period should be outside the parenthesis here. My understanding, bolstered by a bit of googling, is that you should be able to remove everything included in the parenthesis and be left with a valid sentence. That would not be the case here.
Looking forward to the next part!
Keep writing!
Comment Written 24-Jul-2017
reply by the author on 24-Jul-2017
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Thank you for pointing out the parenthesis question. I'll check that out. You might very well be right on that. I appreciate your close read of this chapter, my friend. I'll let you know what I find out about the punctuation in question.
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OK, Dweight. I went back and re-wrote it the way I believe it should be written. See if it meets your understanding:
"The story has to do with all of us writers whose books were birthed by this particular publisher. (By the way, don't expect me to mention the publisher's name,* and though some of you may figure it out before I'm finished, please don't shout it out.)" The period was inside, as it should be, because it is a complete sentence. So I didn't change that, but I did capitalize the "By," for the same reason, i.e., it's a complete sentence. I also ADDED a period after "publisher," before the open parenthesis. Please let me know your understanding. I may have to do some googling myself.
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I was thinking "by the way" was a continuation, but you're right; it is the beginning of a new sentence. Adding the period after "publisher" clarified that. And with a full sentence, the period would go inside the parenthesis.
I think that is better. At least until the punctuation police tell me otherwise!
Dennis
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Some here would have you believe I was Chief of Police, a dubious honor, to be sure. Thanks, Dennis for taking the time to look again at it. I can't recognize you this month for a "thumbs up" but your name goes on next month's list. Ah, I see that Weigt is your last name, and "d" stands for Dennis?
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Correct.