Rants, Raves and Tributes
Viewing comments for Chapter 6 "Pullitzers or Fitzers"Fanstory Praises, Woes & Go's.
31 total reviews
Comment from ProSongwriter
Hello Geoff ...
I imagine this has received quite a variety of responses. But I must agree with you. Some folks want to write for the pure enjoyment of it ... no aspirations for fortune or fame. Others have the ultimate desire for the fortune and fame. It is sad that in too many cases, they two con always be respectful of the other's approach. To fulfill one's own needs or pleasure in writing does not dictate the same technical requirements as those seeking professional/public success with their writing.
For those who write simply for fun and pleasure, perhaps they should say so right up front in their author's notes. That might minimize some of the differences between the two groups. But, it is unfortunate that one would have to do so.
Your points are well-taken, as they are stated with some degree of bluntness yet in a respectful manner. Very well done, mate!
God Bless ...
Alan
reply by the author on 22-Mar-2015
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Hello Geoff ...
I imagine this has received quite a variety of responses. But I must agree with you. Some folks want to write for the pure enjoyment of it ... no aspirations for fortune or fame. Others have the ultimate desire for the fortune and fame. It is sad that in too many cases, they two con always be respectful of the other's approach. To fulfill one's own needs or pleasure in writing does not dictate the same technical requirements as those seeking professional/public success with their writing.
For those who write simply for fun and pleasure, perhaps they should say so right up front in their author's notes. That might minimize some of the differences between the two groups. But, it is unfortunate that one would have to do so.
Your points are well-taken, as they are stated with some degree of bluntness yet in a respectful manner. Very well done, mate!
God Bless ...
Alan
Comment Written 21-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 22-Mar-2015
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Thanks for the idea and I might add that note in my wife's Trip stories as that is her wish, not necessarily to be published.
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You are welcome. I hope to start reading your wife's travel journal at the beginning of next month. I have it noted as such on my calender. i think some of the grieving will be assuage by then and I will be able to offer coherent reviews. looking forward to it!
Best to you and your wife. God Bless ...
Alan
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I just added a new stipulation as to the reason for the stories.
Comment from Jay Squires
Hey, Geoff. You know, FanStory has to be a visiting place or a home for a huge array of folks. I have trouble reviewing poetry, so I try to review more of it. I feel comfortable with prose, primarily fiction, because that's what I feel I write best. No matter what my genre, some here are going to be better at it than I, and some not as accomplished. It's a fact. I've been writing for 55 years. Am I supposed to write my best stuff or lower others expectations of me. You see what I'm saying. I hope I don't look down on those who are less experienced than I, but on the other hand, when a person posts something here, does he/she not want me to use the best of my experience to help him/her improve the post? I don't know how to review any differently than I do, except with the expectation that the other person truly wants to improve.
If a person truly writes only for the fun of it and not only doesn't want to be critiqued on his writing then he should I FEEL so state it at the top. "YOU'RE WASTING YOUR TIME CORRECTING MY GRAMMAR AND SPELLING, BECAUSE I'M NOT INTERESTED IN THAT SERVICE." Then the reader can read it, enjoy it or not enjoy it, and I suppose (since the review can't post without a star level) give it the stars SOLELY based on the level of enjoyment. Personally, if I read such a note before a post, I would simply not read it, but that's just me.
You see the dilemma the theme for your post causes, Geoff. I'm not speaking of you but only directing myself to your post's concerns.
You have, though, hit the crux of a lot of readers and writers here. I'm glad you posted it.
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2015
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Hey, Geoff. You know, FanStory has to be a visiting place or a home for a huge array of folks. I have trouble reviewing poetry, so I try to review more of it. I feel comfortable with prose, primarily fiction, because that's what I feel I write best. No matter what my genre, some here are going to be better at it than I, and some not as accomplished. It's a fact. I've been writing for 55 years. Am I supposed to write my best stuff or lower others expectations of me. You see what I'm saying. I hope I don't look down on those who are less experienced than I, but on the other hand, when a person posts something here, does he/she not want me to use the best of my experience to help him/her improve the post? I don't know how to review any differently than I do, except with the expectation that the other person truly wants to improve.
If a person truly writes only for the fun of it and not only doesn't want to be critiqued on his writing then he should I FEEL so state it at the top. "YOU'RE WASTING YOUR TIME CORRECTING MY GRAMMAR AND SPELLING, BECAUSE I'M NOT INTERESTED IN THAT SERVICE." Then the reader can read it, enjoy it or not enjoy it, and I suppose (since the review can't post without a star level) give it the stars SOLELY based on the level of enjoyment. Personally, if I read such a note before a post, I would simply not read it, but that's just me.
You see the dilemma the theme for your post causes, Geoff. I'm not speaking of you but only directing myself to your post's concerns.
You have, though, hit the crux of a lot of readers and writers here. I'm glad you posted it.
Comment Written 21-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2015
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Thanks mate. I hope you don't think it was a review of yours generated the rant. I am used to your style mate. Thanks for coming by and as always your (very detailed as usual) input is appreciated.
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No, no! I didn't figure you had my bio pic on your wall and were throwing verbal darts at it. No, but I just wanted to make my position clear. We always got along famously.
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Alan another writer and good friend made the point that we should indicate our reason for writing something to maybe warn reviewers the kind of feed back we want. I thought that worth looking into.
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Certainly worth trying. But pay close attention to the number and types of reviews you get.
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Well if you go back and look at Louise's stories and look in author notes you will see I have made the stipulation re the purpose of the writing.
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I've forgotten her FS handle.
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You mean my wife... Tootsie55
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I checked it out. Only one question: it doesn't say whether she expects grammatical errors or other suggestions pointed out, or whether she wants them.
This might where we are at cross purposes:
To me, Fan Story is a site for writers who want to improve as artists. If the writer doesn't have any desire to have his or her writing improved, and if he says that right up front, God Bless him, but I won't want to use up my precious time (and I am limited as are all here) reviewing his post.
I have patiently reviewed people's posts many times when there were a "ton" of grammatical mistakes. It takes time to do it, but I assume they want to improve.
I always deduct a star for any SPAGs more than 4. BUT, I let them know I will return their star as soon as they let me know the corrections have been made.
Most do. But if I find a person who merely thanks me, but doesn't make the corrections then I assume he doesn't want to improve and I won't read his posts again.
I hope that explains where I'm coming from, Geoff regarding yours and your wife's writings.
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Hey mate go ahead with the spelling and grammar can't remember if you is in Uncle Sam if so what do most of Uncle Sam (except in Boston) know about spelling and grammar sorry couldn't help it. Especially in Redneck and Coon ass country.
Comment from rspoet
Your poem hits truth and the heart at the same time. Write for fun, that's what I say. I do. If it gives you pleasure, it will give most others pleasure. There are always people you can never please. Usually, they are not worth pleasing anyway.
Your poem, Pullitzers or Fitzers, is an excellent poem. I like the rhymes, especially the "fiction/addiction.
The poem flows well from beginning to end, has some nice alliteration, and has a very good ending with "to fictionalize self/is absurd."
Great picture, we should all smile like that.
Excellent. Keep Writing!
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2015
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Your poem hits truth and the heart at the same time. Write for fun, that's what I say. I do. If it gives you pleasure, it will give most others pleasure. There are always people you can never please. Usually, they are not worth pleasing anyway.
Your poem, Pullitzers or Fitzers, is an excellent poem. I like the rhymes, especially the "fiction/addiction.
The poem flows well from beginning to end, has some nice alliteration, and has a very good ending with "to fictionalize self/is absurd."
Great picture, we should all smile like that.
Excellent. Keep Writing!
Comment Written 21-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2015
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thanks friend. Not sure if we met before will check your stuff out as I have time.
Comment from Patrick G Cox
Hi Sankey,
Your poem addresses something I have often pondered here, and I still don't have an answer. Maybe because it's a 'human thing'?
Anyway, I write to enjoy the creative energy, and take the attitude with reviewing that if I can't say something constructive, I will say nothing. Likewise, if I can offer no suggestion for improvement, I don't.
Patrick
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2015
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Hi Sankey,
Your poem addresses something I have often pondered here, and I still don't have an answer. Maybe because it's a 'human thing'?
Anyway, I write to enjoy the creative energy, and take the attitude with reviewing that if I can't say something constructive, I will say nothing. Likewise, if I can offer no suggestion for improvement, I don't.
Patrick
Comment Written 21-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2015
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Thanks mate. I do enjoy reading even fictional stories. I know your dickensian era tale is based on quite a lot of fact. Thanks for coming by. I guess you know from Face book I am on Tootsie's laptop as mine seems to have died.
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I've just got my own laptop back - a cable connecting the hard drive to everything else was apparently defective ...
Patrick
Comment from Sis Cat
This is a fun poem with a well written message about a subject that many on FanStory may identify with. I appreciate the directness and honesty of your poem. Yes, some of us do FS just for fun and we do not aspire for Pulitzers. Thank you for sharing.
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2015
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This is a fun poem with a well written message about a subject that many on FanStory may identify with. I appreciate the directness and honesty of your poem. Yes, some of us do FS just for fun and we do not aspire for Pulitzers. Thank you for sharing.
Comment Written 21-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2015
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Thanks mate. appreciate you coming by. Not sure if I miss-spelt Pullitzer hehe.
Comment from Gloria ....
Dear Sankey, love the picture of the little girl, she is beautiful.
Sadly there are a certain few who lower a star rating for no reason other than a write didn't appeal to their interest or is contrary to their opinion of how things MUST be done. I've had the most ridiculous reasons cited for lowering me, and by now I just chuckle about it. But, I've also had the opposite and even more puzzling reaction to a review I'd written. I'd given a six star rating to a poet, saying I'm not really familiar with the form, but love what you've done. They wrote back with a snarky reply that read: "As if YOU'D know if something was good or not." Uh, okay but dear author, I shall make sure to steer clear of your port in future. But, go figure eh? Contemptuous city and without a cause.
But, other than a few mishaps I'd made when new to the site, it is for this reason that I always give a five star review even if a write has SPaG or other flaws. After three years here that seems the most intelligent, kind and responsible way to rate. Because of the diversity in skill level and reasons for being on the site, there is no need to lower ratings because the rankings all shake out pretty fairly in the end. One day I will write an essay about my reasons for rating as I do.
But, for the most part there are really good and skilled people around, whose hearts and minds are in the right place.
So keep sharing your wonderful stories and rants and we'll keep enjoying them. :)
Gloria
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2015
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Dear Sankey, love the picture of the little girl, she is beautiful.
Sadly there are a certain few who lower a star rating for no reason other than a write didn't appeal to their interest or is contrary to their opinion of how things MUST be done. I've had the most ridiculous reasons cited for lowering me, and by now I just chuckle about it. But, I've also had the opposite and even more puzzling reaction to a review I'd written. I'd given a six star rating to a poet, saying I'm not really familiar with the form, but love what you've done. They wrote back with a snarky reply that read: "As if YOU'D know if something was good or not." Uh, okay but dear author, I shall make sure to steer clear of your port in future. But, go figure eh? Contemptuous city and without a cause.
But, other than a few mishaps I'd made when new to the site, it is for this reason that I always give a five star review even if a write has SPaG or other flaws. After three years here that seems the most intelligent, kind and responsible way to rate. Because of the diversity in skill level and reasons for being on the site, there is no need to lower ratings because the rankings all shake out pretty fairly in the end. One day I will write an essay about my reasons for rating as I do.
But, for the most part there are really good and skilled people around, whose hearts and minds are in the right place.
So keep sharing your wonderful stories and rants and we'll keep enjoying them. :)
Gloria
Comment Written 21-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2015
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Thanks Gloria. I know you and me and at least Mikey (Michael Cahill) possibly a few more fanstorians are on the same page. can't remember if you have read my wife's (Tootsie55) stories about our trips across Australia and some other parts. A review I got or she got for one of the chapters engendered this rant. cheers.
Comment from seaglass
The picture of an innocent child represents this poem perfectly. There seems to be a number of references to harsh critics these days. When I run into them I place them in the timeout/no contact box. Great rhyme and structure in this poem.
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2015
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The picture of an innocent child represents this poem perfectly. There seems to be a number of references to harsh critics these days. When I run into them I place them in the timeout/no contact box. Great rhyme and structure in this poem.
Comment Written 21-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2015
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Thanks sis you and I and Mikey (who introduced you to me) and some others are definitely on the same track.
Comment from Tomes Johnston
This is a very poignant poem that the author has created with this piece of work. I have met a few of the people you are talking about in this poem. I wish I had six stars fir this hard-hitting and true piece. Well done.
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2015
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This is a very poignant poem that the author has created with this piece of work. I have met a few of the people you are talking about in this poem. I wish I had six stars fir this hard-hitting and true piece. Well done.
Comment Written 21-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2015
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Thanks mate. have not seen you around for a while. Hope all is ok.
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Everything is fine. I am just stretched between writing and studying for my degree.
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Ok good to see you around. Hope if you haven't done it you can have look ay my wife's trip stories on her account Tootsie55 sorry if this is a repeat.
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OK. I will have a look.
Comment from RonCraig
Hello Geoff,
I am your friend and understand why you have written this another piece in response to a "non constructive" review of your travels. I found the review that I think inspired this "...having something better to do..."
There are jerks everywhere and you have to put on a thicker skin my friend and realize there are bitter negative people on this site and we have all gotten reviews from them.
You are posting your travels to the public and in the beginning I made some suggestions on increasing the interest level, by expanding your thoughts and feelings about the activities you were engaged in. Giving us more of you two. Those comments were given in a constructive manor to help engage the reader into your adventure not just a presentation of facts.
You told me this was simply the recording of your travels as a diary but this site is for writers to expand their ability to engage an audience.
I am sorry for the jerks that cross our paths here but don't let them drag you down, mate.
Ron
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2015
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Hello Geoff,
I am your friend and understand why you have written this another piece in response to a "non constructive" review of your travels. I found the review that I think inspired this "...having something better to do..."
There are jerks everywhere and you have to put on a thicker skin my friend and realize there are bitter negative people on this site and we have all gotten reviews from them.
You are posting your travels to the public and in the beginning I made some suggestions on increasing the interest level, by expanding your thoughts and feelings about the activities you were engaged in. Giving us more of you two. Those comments were given in a constructive manor to help engage the reader into your adventure not just a presentation of facts.
You told me this was simply the recording of your travels as a diary but this site is for writers to expand their ability to engage an audience.
I am sorry for the jerks that cross our paths here but don't let them drag you down, mate.
Ron
Comment Written 21-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2015
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Thanks I also like reading the individual that stirred this rant outta me. However I think some don't understand the positions od disabled folks and what appeals to us as opposed to what appeals to others. as you know we allhave different strokes for different folks or blokes. Thanks mate. Get back to your great story soon.
Comment from Doc Holiday
I think most of us write for the pleasure of writing. I enjoy reading those pleasurable writes. Sometimes the more complicated and confusing verses are nothing more than goobly-goo to me. If I see something that I can relate to in a piece, I'll let the author know what it is without fear of hurting someone's feelings. I see your write here as a statement of your beliefs. I think you enjoy the writing also and not all of the spotlights and prizes that need to be received in order to feel good about yourself.
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2015
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I think most of us write for the pleasure of writing. I enjoy reading those pleasurable writes. Sometimes the more complicated and confusing verses are nothing more than goobly-goo to me. If I see something that I can relate to in a piece, I'll let the author know what it is without fear of hurting someone's feelings. I see your write here as a statement of your beliefs. I think you enjoy the writing also and not all of the spotlights and prizes that need to be received in order to feel good about yourself.
Comment Written 21-Mar-2015
reply by the author on 21-Mar-2015
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Thanks Doc I think we have met before. hope if you have not done so you will check out my wife's stories about our trips across Aussie land. Look for Tootsie55.
