A Modest Proposal
A Letter to Fanstorians30 total reviews
Comment from Firefly54
Oh Heavens - the husband can fend for himself...
Didn't see any SPAG...
I have to say, perhaps some of us are better than others at finding SPAG, but I am amazed recently how much I find although there have been a lot of reviews, and sometimes very obvious mistakes too.
I don't mark down for minor spag if I know that writer is usually fairly careful or always corrects errors. If I find SPAG that has already been pointed out by another reviewer and not corrected, then I mark down, because I think its a waste of reviewers time pointing out errors if the writer is going to ignore them. If there is a more important error I obviously mark down, and always offer to reread and possibly rerate if the work is edited. Only problem with your idea is that most won't go back and review if they've already read and voted. I see what you mean though, and for that reason I'm always more lenient when I review the work of other contestants...
reply by the author on 30-Mar-2009
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Oh Heavens - the husband can fend for himself...
Didn't see any SPAG...
I have to say, perhaps some of us are better than others at finding SPAG, but I am amazed recently how much I find although there have been a lot of reviews, and sometimes very obvious mistakes too.
I don't mark down for minor spag if I know that writer is usually fairly careful or always corrects errors. If I find SPAG that has already been pointed out by another reviewer and not corrected, then I mark down, because I think its a waste of reviewers time pointing out errors if the writer is going to ignore them. If there is a more important error I obviously mark down, and always offer to reread and possibly rerate if the work is edited. Only problem with your idea is that most won't go back and review if they've already read and voted. I see what you mean though, and for that reason I'm always more lenient when I review the work of other contestants...
Comment Written 30-Mar-2009
reply by the author on 30-Mar-2009
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Hello! Thank you for your thoughts and observations. I like the idea of contestants = no vote coupled with offerings being identified by title or a number only. diane
Comment from Marjorie D.
You've stated your case with such charm and logic that I don't see how anyone could disagree with you, Diane. I'm definitely getting on your band wagon, if you've got room for one more. I'd never thought about the problem of reviewing a fellow contestant's entry. I've done that, but with the hope that it's a help. You certainly do make a good point by saying a well-supported lower rating, might be seen as sabotage. I won't do that anymore. Good points one and all, and you left me with a smile besides. My thought at the end was: ... and please remember to feed your cats...and your husband -- in that order. LOL
XO
Marjorie
reply by the author on 30-Mar-2009
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You've stated your case with such charm and logic that I don't see how anyone could disagree with you, Diane. I'm definitely getting on your band wagon, if you've got room for one more. I'd never thought about the problem of reviewing a fellow contestant's entry. I've done that, but with the hope that it's a help. You certainly do make a good point by saying a well-supported lower rating, might be seen as sabotage. I won't do that anymore. Good points one and all, and you left me with a smile besides. My thought at the end was: ... and please remember to feed your cats...and your husband -- in that order. LOL
XO
Marjorie
Comment Written 30-Mar-2009
reply by the author on 30-Mar-2009
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Marjorie! There is always room for you on my bandwagon...or any wagon! So many folks have shared some very good ideas. Personally, I am of the opinion that if a contestant = no vote AND anonymity of offering - known to site and writer only. (And the husband made dinner tonite!!!!) diane
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(And the husband made dinner tonite!!!!) -- He's a keeper! LOL
Comment from Alcuin
I'm not sure whether to review this piece in respect of its structure and marshalling of ideas, or to consider the subject matter and give my 0.02 Euros worth.
The structure is of course fine and you present a good argument, so full marks there.
I have to say though, when reading through the pieces for a competition, especially for prose, I find it difficult to remember which one I wanted to vote for. The marks I give the entries as I read them helps remind me which is which and so, when I've read them all, I know which to vote for. I never read anyone else's reviews and don't allow the opinions of others to affect my own.
reply by the author on 30-Mar-2009
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I'm not sure whether to review this piece in respect of its structure and marshalling of ideas, or to consider the subject matter and give my 0.02 Euros worth.
The structure is of course fine and you present a good argument, so full marks there.
I have to say though, when reading through the pieces for a competition, especially for prose, I find it difficult to remember which one I wanted to vote for. The marks I give the entries as I read them helps remind me which is which and so, when I've read them all, I know which to vote for. I never read anyone else's reviews and don't allow the opinions of others to affect my own.
Comment Written 30-Mar-2009
reply by the author on 30-Mar-2009
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Hello Alcuin!
I agree with you wholeheartedly. But when you enter a contest, and you vote for others' writings in that same contest, have you never felt that if you rate someone's work with a low rating, that your rating could possibly be construed as less than honorable...especially if no one else has noticed any errors in terms of technical elements? That is where I have problems. Take Care and Thank you for your comments and review! diane
Comment from mmichelle97219
It is an interesting proposal. For me I always review contest entries like other entries. and anything I have given less than a five to never enter my consideration for a vote. You should chek out the forums. This particular topic is debated there often. It is a good piece of prose.
michelle
reply by the author on 30-Mar-2009
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It is an interesting proposal. For me I always review contest entries like other entries. and anything I have given less than a five to never enter my consideration for a vote. You should chek out the forums. This particular topic is debated there often. It is a good piece of prose.
michelle
Comment Written 30-Mar-2009
reply by the author on 30-Mar-2009
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Forums? We have forums? Two years I have been on this site, and I only learned of the forums now??? Too funny! I will definitely have to check those out! diane
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clickthe community link at the top of the page and you will find your way. see you there
michelle
Comment from dportwood
I enjoyed your letter and agree on all counts. I don't get too up-tight until I see a winner who has not complied with all of the contest rules. Sometimes I review contest entries and alert the writer to errors, ommissions, or other problems. Anyway, thanks for writing.
Duane
reply by the author on 30-Mar-2009
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I enjoyed your letter and agree on all counts. I don't get too up-tight until I see a winner who has not complied with all of the contest rules. Sometimes I review contest entries and alert the writer to errors, ommissions, or other problems. Anyway, thanks for writing.
Duane
Comment Written 30-Mar-2009
reply by the author on 30-Mar-2009
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Hello Duane!
I agree. I also do what you have noted. But when I have submitted an offering, and I find errors in others' work, it is difficult to assess without feeling that the assessment can be viewed negatively. Anonymity sounds good to me! Thank you! diane
Comment from jadedgemini2
I agree with you whole heartedly! If I enter a contest, or even think I'm going to enter one, I don't review other pieces from that said contest. I feel it's not right and can be misjudged; just as you said. I also agree with your views on reviewing a piece and finding errors that no one else has seemed to have pointed out. I just reviewed a piece that is labeled as ' Recognized All Time Best' and is rated six stars, but missed several punctuation problems and didn't even capitalize the first word of a sentence........how insane is that!!! Don't get me wrong, the piece was good; but had errors which should have been easily seen, and corrected. But seeing that they weren't, I don't think it deserved a six.
I don't know how others feel, but I think your right; something should be done; or at least have some common courtesy.
Excellent comments which I hope are viewed the same by others!!!!!!!!
Jaded:)
Don't forget to feed your husband ever now and again, at least he can feed the cats. *LOL*
reply by the author on 30-Mar-2009
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I agree with you whole heartedly! If I enter a contest, or even think I'm going to enter one, I don't review other pieces from that said contest. I feel it's not right and can be misjudged; just as you said. I also agree with your views on reviewing a piece and finding errors that no one else has seemed to have pointed out. I just reviewed a piece that is labeled as ' Recognized All Time Best' and is rated six stars, but missed several punctuation problems and didn't even capitalize the first word of a sentence........how insane is that!!! Don't get me wrong, the piece was good; but had errors which should have been easily seen, and corrected. But seeing that they weren't, I don't think it deserved a six.
I don't know how others feel, but I think your right; something should be done; or at least have some common courtesy.
Excellent comments which I hope are viewed the same by others!!!!!!!!
Jaded:)
Don't forget to feed your husband ever now and again, at least he can feed the cats. *LOL*
Comment Written 30-Mar-2009
reply by the author on 30-Mar-2009
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Hello Jaded!
Sometimes I believe people look for the emotive quality of a work and bypass the technical aspects. But both aspects need to be evaluated. If not, it's like serving a meal and forgetting the main course! Hopefully, this will spark some recognition and understanding...Oh...and all have been fed this evening! :>) Take Care...diane
Comment from Bryana
When I saw the title of your work I knew that coming from you it had to be modest, not indecent! LOL
I absolutely agree with you. The problems you mention are the reason why I'm afraid to enter contests. I've entered two and ended in second place, it was fine, the first place deserved it, on the other hand I've seen people win contests with so many errors and I wonder how it happened. Maybe they had so many friends that overlooked the mistakes? I wonder.
Your essay is fabulous, so well written and it makes sense.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Love, Ana
reply by the author on 30-Mar-2009
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When I saw the title of your work I knew that coming from you it had to be modest, not indecent! LOL
I absolutely agree with you. The problems you mention are the reason why I'm afraid to enter contests. I've entered two and ended in second place, it was fine, the first place deserved it, on the other hand I've seen people win contests with so many errors and I wonder how it happened. Maybe they had so many friends that overlooked the mistakes? I wonder.
Your essay is fabulous, so well written and it makes sense.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Love, Ana
Comment Written 30-Mar-2009
reply by the author on 30-Mar-2009
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Hello Ana!
Well, I just know that when rating/ranking/voting all aspects of a piece needs to be evaluated. But in a contest situation, this can be extremely difficult to do especially if one is also a contestant and notes flaws, errors, etc. Anonymity seems to be the best way to go.
(And as far as the modesty is concerned...well...I almost added another activity regarding counting syllabes, but thought against it!!!) Take Care! diane
Comment from RaymondJohn
All good suggestions. I haven't tried this yet. I guess I'll have to put my two cents worth one of these days. Best wishes. Ray.
reply by the author on 30-Mar-2009
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All good suggestions. I haven't tried this yet. I guess I'll have to put my two cents worth one of these days. Best wishes. Ray.
Comment Written 30-Mar-2009
reply by the author on 30-Mar-2009
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Thanks so much for stopping by, Ray! Perhaps some changes will be made!
Thank you! diane
Comment from K-Patrick
You point out things that every contest entrant probably feels. The only fair way to have a contest is to list the stories in total anonymity. eBay changes the bidders ID to an alpha-numeric combination to keep ID secret. SO, if an entry was placed in a contest, the author ID is changed, the poem, story or script would not be available for viewing until the contest closes. Contest voters get a set amount of member dollars and points for reviewing (may increase reviews). Once voting is over the poem, story or script is posted under the author's known ID and the reviewing points/dollars revert back to what ever the author posted it for. (Even if a story is posted weeks before - it stays locked in contest booth until voting is over and then time starts for original post points/dollars)
But since that probably won't happen...
...I think the only thing to say here is review something as you would want it reviewed - ye ol' do unto others...
Mrs KT, this is written nicely and organized neatly. I understand your dilemma and think you did courageously well in your posting it.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
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You point out things that every contest entrant probably feels. The only fair way to have a contest is to list the stories in total anonymity. eBay changes the bidders ID to an alpha-numeric combination to keep ID secret. SO, if an entry was placed in a contest, the author ID is changed, the poem, story or script would not be available for viewing until the contest closes. Contest voters get a set amount of member dollars and points for reviewing (may increase reviews). Once voting is over the poem, story or script is posted under the author's known ID and the reviewing points/dollars revert back to what ever the author posted it for. (Even if a story is posted weeks before - it stays locked in contest booth until voting is over and then time starts for original post points/dollars)
But since that probably won't happen...
...I think the only thing to say here is review something as you would want it reviewed - ye ol' do unto others...
Mrs KT, this is written nicely and organized neatly. I understand your dilemma and think you did courageously well in your posting it.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 30-Mar-2009
Comment from adewpearl
You explain your problem clearly - I had not thought all that much about reviewing fellow contestants before except to worry that marking someone down might look like trying to sabotage that person. I have often helped a fellow contestant perfect his or her poem by pointing out errors before the poem hits the voting booth. I agree that there are times people win contests when their poems contain SPAG errrors or when they have missed the mark regarding format, syllable counts, rules of the contest, and I find that utterly disturbing. I'm not sure what can be done about that since it is the result of sloppy reviewing/voting or the result of friends voting for friends regardless of what they do or fail to do. You make some interesting points!! Brooke
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 30-Mar-2009
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You explain your problem clearly - I had not thought all that much about reviewing fellow contestants before except to worry that marking someone down might look like trying to sabotage that person. I have often helped a fellow contestant perfect his or her poem by pointing out errors before the poem hits the voting booth. I agree that there are times people win contests when their poems contain SPAG errrors or when they have missed the mark regarding format, syllable counts, rules of the contest, and I find that utterly disturbing. I'm not sure what can be done about that since it is the result of sloppy reviewing/voting or the result of friends voting for friends regardless of what they do or fail to do. You make some interesting points!! Brooke
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 30-Mar-2009
reply by the author on 30-Mar-2009
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Hello Brooke!
So glad you stopped by. We'll see where this goes. (This is supposed to be an essay; I have no idea how it ended up as poetry!!)
Take Care
diane
