Reviews from

A Perfect Microcosm of Society...

...in all its glory

12 total reviews 
Comment from Spiritual Echo
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I rarely review--it's too hard to read a lot, and rarely ever read poetry, but I'be read every one of your posts in the political forum and have come to both appreciate your essay writing skills and admire the sequential, orderly manner of presentation.

When you have a definite opinion on one side of an argument, you still make an effort to acknowledge reasons for disagreement. That's a substantial gift. one you likely take for granted as it seems to reflect how you approach life.

I was greatly helped on FS by members who took the time. In turn, I gave back, and there are countless writers on this site I've mentored, edited and helped them reach a higher bar. It's what makes this site a real jewel to people who take the oppotunity to take their writing seriously.

Conversely, I've had people chew me outt and tell me they like their work just the way it is, after I spent substantial time writing a meaningful review. I offended them by giving out a 4-star. Yes, I'm one of those people who writes real reviews.

You chose a unique perspective for this entry, and one that will make this entry stand out. I'd caution you to watch using words like human experience and microism too often. Only once, or perhaps twice, in the opening and in the final paragraph. They're highly identifiable--effective when used sparingly.

Good luck. Nice up-tempo tone and subject.

 Comment Written 17-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 17-Jul-2018
    Hi Ingrid, thanks so much for the wonderful six star review and the very kind words. I truly appreciate the encouragement. Thanks also for pointing out the overuse of certain words. You are so right. I should have been more careful. I am usually very diligent about that, but I guess I got a little lazy. Bill
Comment from Bill Schott
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I liked your fair and balanced assessment of the site. By the very fact that you've been on it for a dozen years, your insight is important for me to gauge my feelings as well.

 Comment Written 17-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 17-Jul-2018
    Bill, thanks so much for the kind review. Bill
Comment from BeasPeas
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

You have touched upon an important point--that is--FanStory is a microcosm of the larger society. We all want to express ourselves. The trick is not to fight about POV--just skip over those writes that antagonize. We all have strong beliefs, especially political and religious ones. This seems to be what you're talking about here. If some writes are bothersome, avoid them. Marilyn

 Comment Written 16-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 16-Jul-2018
    Marilyn, thanks very much for the kind review. Bill
Comment from giraffmang
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hi there,

An interesting perspective on the site and I think a unique take on the competition. The site works as a microcosm for the writing industry as well as on the larger scale you've broached here.

Well written and, crucially, clear train of thought.

Best of luck in the contest.
GMG

 Comment Written 15-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 15-Jul-2018
    HI Gman, thanks so much for the kind words and review. Bill
Comment from w.j.debi
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I find your essay well organized and your subject matter supported with concrete examples. I know I have learned a lot from those kind enough to take an extra moment and teach me since joining the site. True, none of us are perfect, but there is a lot of support on Fanstory.
Thank your for sharing your perspective and good luck in the contest.

 Comment Written 14-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 15-Jul-2018
    Debi, thanks very much for the kind words and review. Bill
Comment from Lady Jane
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I took an extended break and am just now returning to fan story (almost 10 years minus a brief reprise in 2014)... I appreciate the accepting of views and constructive criticism you speak of. I was one of the top poets here back in the day. Still, I had people butcher my work and just rant on how I wrote. I write for me, not for the masses. So, kudos to you for seeing past cliques and cliches and just doing what you love. That's what's important. Midst all the reviews and member dollars you will find, as you stated, that one person willing to help you stretch yourself and become a better writer for it. Good luck in the contest. And, kudos for not bashing the site as a whole :)
Janelle

 Comment Written 14-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 15-Jul-2018
    Janelle, welcome back to FanStory. Thanks so much for the wonderful review and very kind words. I wish you the best with your writing. Bill
Comment from Gloria ....
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

What a terrific op-ed about your understanding of FanStory and the many experiences you've had with the site and members over 12 years. You've been here for a while. And yes it is a family in all its multi-faceted glory.

Great job Bill and I wish you great luck in the contest.:)

gloria

 Comment Written 14-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 15-Jul-2018
    Hi Gloria, thanks so much for the wonderful review and very kind words. Bill
Comment from meeshu
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

a very good assessment of the FanStory experience, Banana. twelve years is a long time, you have probably seen it all. I broke in in March as a goof, but through my experience with several of the writers here, I have become a pretty good poet. I enjoyed reading your perspective..............meeshu

 Comment Written 14-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 15-Jul-2018
    Meeshu, thanks so much for the kind words and review. Yes, I have seen a lot. Bill
Comment from Phyllis Stewart
Excellent
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I agree with you that FanStory is a microcosm of humanity, just as any group would be. We may be even more aware of the feelings of others in the group due to the nature of the site: we write, and in writing, especially poetry, we express our emotions for all to see. I think this makes us all closer than most small groups would be.

 Comment Written 14-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 15-Jul-2018
    Phyllis, thanks very much for the kind review. Bill
Comment from Meia (MESAYERS)
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

We learn something about each other's personal lives, passions, and political and religious views, especially in the forums. Sometimes this leads to contentious encounters, just as we might have with those in our daily lives or even with family members. On occasion, these differences are too pronounced to reconcile, just as in those other facets of our life...
Like with most people, it is in times of crisis that Fanstorians typically rise to the occasion. When a member is undergoing trying personal circumstances, fellow members often flood them with support and well wishes. When a well-known member has a prolonged absence from the site, many times acquaintances on the site will check around to be sure the absent member is alright. 'I love that aspect and many of this site, one member at least that I know of died she was much too young and we were close. She was number one for a short time a few days before her death and I still think on that, she suffered an embolism and died the next day. Tragic but many were moved as I was. I still think of her, Luna, and wonder if others do. An amazing write I think I know to which gentleman you refer to as we have often created such 'dententes' both having very strong ideas about rhyme etc. I really enjoyed this a fine write and a great measured piece enjoyed very much. Kindest regards Meia x

 Comment Written 14-Jul-2018


reply by the author on 15-Jul-2018
    Meia, Thank so much for the very kind words and review. I appreciate the encouragement.

    That is so sad about Luna! I was away from the sight for about a year and didn't realize.

    Bill