A literary site
what this site is15 total reviews
Comment from marion
Hi Alvin
I am sorry I am so behind, the farm has been keeping me busy as is trying to meet a deadline for a competition here in NZ. I always enjoy reading FS critique. In fact I love it. Your essay made one well aware of some of the discrepancies of the site. Thank goodness I don't take them to heart -- otherwise I don't think I would be here! I think every one has their own personal reason to be on the site. Me, I want two things. Corrections for my writing, and the feeling as to joy of the story - this is to give me an indicator of which ones to enter in competitions here in NZ or to expand on. I agree fully with you about the five star rating. I rate a lot of five stars because most of those I 'fan' are at professional level. When I get the chance to use the "What's new" section, I tend to give more threes, fours and fives. I never rarely use my full allocation of sixes. Thank you for such clarity of thought in your essay, hopefully enough of us get to read it and we can take note! Marion.
reply by the author on 20-May-2009
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Hi Alvin
I am sorry I am so behind, the farm has been keeping me busy as is trying to meet a deadline for a competition here in NZ. I always enjoy reading FS critique. In fact I love it. Your essay made one well aware of some of the discrepancies of the site. Thank goodness I don't take them to heart -- otherwise I don't think I would be here! I think every one has their own personal reason to be on the site. Me, I want two things. Corrections for my writing, and the feeling as to joy of the story - this is to give me an indicator of which ones to enter in competitions here in NZ or to expand on. I agree fully with you about the five star rating. I rate a lot of five stars because most of those I 'fan' are at professional level. When I get the chance to use the "What's new" section, I tend to give more threes, fours and fives. I never rarely use my full allocation of sixes. Thank you for such clarity of thought in your essay, hopefully enough of us get to read it and we can take note! Marion.
Comment Written 20-May-2009
reply by the author on 20-May-2009
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Thank you very much. I was disheartened and you cheered me. Thanks for a good review.
Comment from c_lucas
If FanStory was a large room for writers, a good sign for over the doorway is, "Please discard your ego before entering." I have learned from you and others by setting my ego aside.
reply by the author on 18-May-2009
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If FanStory was a large room for writers, a good sign for over the doorway is, "Please discard your ego before entering." I have learned from you and others by setting my ego aside.
Comment Written 18-May-2009
reply by the author on 18-May-2009
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At least that's better than "Beware all ye who enter here!" Thanks for a great a review and totally understanding what I wanted to convey.
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You're welcome, Alvin. Charlie
Comment from adewpearl
I agree, of course, Al, that reviewers must be responsible and not gloss over errors - but I must say I do not place nearly the emphasis as you do on the educational level or professional status of those whose reviews I hold in highest esteem. I think the people who make me feel the happiest when I get a good review from them are those whose writing I love the most - to be honored by someone I consider talented means the most to me. I really pay no attention to what bios say about graduate school teaching, etc. I am also thrilled when sincere people, some of them housewives and accountants, I'm sure, tell me about how my poems have connected with their memories or experience. Again, I just don't give a fig who has awarded them a degree.
I do my best to point out errors and weaknesses, but I've only given a handful of 3's ever - to me, 3 means this is a piece of crap. Perhaps not the way the site explains it, but from common practice - I care about the comments, not the number of stars. I am more than happy to give a thoughtful poem 5 even if it has a couple of SPAG errors - I point them out, but don't dock a star - I find writers are far more open to my comments and suggestions than when they feel defensive about being docked. But as we've said before, we agree to disagree. That also holds true with adherence to form. Modern art would never have come into being nor would modern literature if we were all adhering strictly to the rules and regulations of centuries ago. You write post modernist haiku even. Enough of my comments already! LOL Brooke
reply by the author on 18-May-2009
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I agree, of course, Al, that reviewers must be responsible and not gloss over errors - but I must say I do not place nearly the emphasis as you do on the educational level or professional status of those whose reviews I hold in highest esteem. I think the people who make me feel the happiest when I get a good review from them are those whose writing I love the most - to be honored by someone I consider talented means the most to me. I really pay no attention to what bios say about graduate school teaching, etc. I am also thrilled when sincere people, some of them housewives and accountants, I'm sure, tell me about how my poems have connected with their memories or experience. Again, I just don't give a fig who has awarded them a degree.
I do my best to point out errors and weaknesses, but I've only given a handful of 3's ever - to me, 3 means this is a piece of crap. Perhaps not the way the site explains it, but from common practice - I care about the comments, not the number of stars. I am more than happy to give a thoughtful poem 5 even if it has a couple of SPAG errors - I point them out, but don't dock a star - I find writers are far more open to my comments and suggestions than when they feel defensive about being docked. But as we've said before, we agree to disagree. That also holds true with adherence to form. Modern art would never have come into being nor would modern literature if we were all adhering strictly to the rules and regulations of centuries ago. You write post modernist haiku even. Enough of my comments already! LOL Brooke
Comment Written 17-May-2009
reply by the author on 18-May-2009
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Well, we do agree to disagree. When I speak of people who have taught creative writing on the grad school level, I am thinking of fine poets in their own right as well (e.g. Mrs. KT.) I don't consider three a bad grade, as long as it is accompanied by enough suggestions to make the poem much, much better. I actually prefer that the site not have the star system at all. Thanks for the interchange; I always enjoy our interchanges.
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I would love to get rid of stars and everyone only go by comments - the comments are the only meaningful thing to me.
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I concur.
Comment from cheyennewy
Hi Al....I couldn't agree more. If it were not for some good mentors when I started to write seriously I wouldn't be here today. There is still much to learn and I thought that why we join on line poetry sites...to hone our craft...well said....chey
reply by the author on 17-May-2009
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Hi Al....I couldn't agree more. If it were not for some good mentors when I started to write seriously I wouldn't be here today. There is still much to learn and I thought that why we join on line poetry sites...to hone our craft...well said....chey
Comment Written 17-May-2009
reply by the author on 17-May-2009
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Thank you, though some don't feel that way. Some feel it is to be amusing. I had a harsh review from someone who though he was being amusing (it has since been removed by the administration) who thought it was funny to make fun of an advocate for the marginalized to be beaten so badly that he had to have eight stitches in his head. At least I survived; Matthew Shephard didn't. Thank you for all your kindness to me over the years and for this review.
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You are very welcome, my friend. Wyoming was very saddend by the murder of Matthew...so senseless. I'm glad the site took your reviewer to task...it was no laughing matter to me....chey
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Yes, but he is leading in the contest (as of today--the last day), and they will not throw him off the site, although I asked. Please keep this to yourself (and if any of you administrators read this, I will put you through legal hell.)
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My lips are sealed!! chey
Comment from honeytree
I enjoyed what you have written. Honest reviews and also encouraging ones as human beings, will make one work harder towards their understanding, of what is written.
Encouragement will always help a person. Sometimes the academic can be good , but not all the time as being to
academic,may not be as creative then others who write really from within. We must not discourage writers particularly the young people, as their whole life could be based on their creativity. We must note that everyone one of uas has an unique style.
Great writing as the writing was very informative.
Honeytree.
reply by the author on 17-May-2009
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I enjoyed what you have written. Honest reviews and also encouraging ones as human beings, will make one work harder towards their understanding, of what is written.
Encouragement will always help a person. Sometimes the academic can be good , but not all the time as being to
academic,may not be as creative then others who write really from within. We must not discourage writers particularly the young people, as their whole life could be based on their creativity. We must note that everyone one of uas has an unique style.
Great writing as the writing was very informative.
Honeytree.
Comment Written 17-May-2009
reply by the author on 17-May-2009
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Yes, I always try to say something good at the beginning of the review and at the end. I save the middle for mild constructive criticism, unless its accuracy is terribly off. Thanks for a good review.
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Iam glad you enjoyed the review. I enjoyed reading your work. Honeytree.
Comment from Bryana
Dear Alvin, this piece is wonderful for all of us.
There's a lot to learn from it.
I also joined the site years ago and the people, like you, have given me the confidence to write in English. Spanish being my first language many times I posted a poem in the two languages and several times I was attacked for writing in a language that didn't belong in the site. On the other hand many people thank me for writing the translation. I was also criticized beyond the limits for writing in my profile I had a son in show business. I wondered what it had to do with writing poetry.
I've learned a lot from you, my friend, I always treasure your comments in both, English and Spanish.
I love the site, I'm always learning, I love poetry. It's my opportunity to bare my soul.
Thank you so much Alvin for your essay on reviewing, I will print it as a reminder when I review.
Have a wonderful Sunday.
reply by the author on 17-May-2009
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Dear Alvin, this piece is wonderful for all of us.
There's a lot to learn from it.
I also joined the site years ago and the people, like you, have given me the confidence to write in English. Spanish being my first language many times I posted a poem in the two languages and several times I was attacked for writing in a language that didn't belong in the site. On the other hand many people thank me for writing the translation. I was also criticized beyond the limits for writing in my profile I had a son in show business. I wondered what it had to do with writing poetry.
I've learned a lot from you, my friend, I always treasure your comments in both, English and Spanish.
I love the site, I'm always learning, I love poetry. It's my opportunity to bare my soul.
Thank you so much Alvin for your essay on reviewing, I will print it as a reminder when I review.
Have a wonderful Sunday.
Comment Written 17-May-2009
reply by the author on 17-May-2009
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That is a high compliment--to print the essay and look at it when you review. It helps to serve me as a reminder about what reviewing is all about. Thanks for a great review.
Comment from Gert sherwood
Hello Alvin, Wonderful Essay I hop you get many members here on Fanstory to take time and read your essay with your knowledgeable advice.
You have shown us the real importance of what a person wants to achieve on this site.
Not to gain popularity, but learn the proper ways of writing a script, poems a story or novel.
Read the likes and dislikes and advice from a professional writers and reviwers ((such as you)).
The thing I know is very necessary never give up with revising your work, until your very kind reviewer tells you it's right.
( which I know you have done so many times with me.
and I really appreciate you doing so.
Gert
reply by the author on 17-May-2009
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Hello Alvin, Wonderful Essay I hop you get many members here on Fanstory to take time and read your essay with your knowledgeable advice.
You have shown us the real importance of what a person wants to achieve on this site.
Not to gain popularity, but learn the proper ways of writing a script, poems a story or novel.
Read the likes and dislikes and advice from a professional writers and reviwers ((such as you)).
The thing I know is very necessary never give up with revising your work, until your very kind reviewer tells you it's right.
( which I know you have done so many times with me.
and I really appreciate you doing so.
Gert
Comment Written 17-May-2009
reply by the author on 17-May-2009
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Thank you for your kind words; I greatly appreciate them. I am glad you are my (cyber) friend.
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You are so welcome Alvin
Gert
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You are so welcome Alvin
Gert
Comment from rama devi
Bravo!
Amen!
YES YES YES.
SO GRATEFUL YOU TOOK TIME TO ARTICULATE THIS, AND SO LUCIDLY.
VERY WELL WRITTEN AND HOPEFULLY, EFFECTIVE!
Oops - PRESSED CAPS LOCK INADVERTENTLY, BUT MAYBE that is good because I am THAT enthusiastic about your post.
Kudos.
Love and light, rd
reply by the author on 17-May-2009
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Bravo!
Amen!
YES YES YES.
SO GRATEFUL YOU TOOK TIME TO ARTICULATE THIS, AND SO LUCIDLY.
VERY WELL WRITTEN AND HOPEFULLY, EFFECTIVE!
Oops - PRESSED CAPS LOCK INADVERTENTLY, BUT MAYBE that is good because I am THAT enthusiastic about your post.
Kudos.
Love and light, rd
Comment Written 17-May-2009
reply by the author on 17-May-2009
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Thanks. I think you are one of the people who truly understand. Thanks for a good review.
Comment from Allezw2
Master ATE,
Nicely done. If I ding a author, I do explain why. If it is not too my liking, I decline to read it.
The professionals who take the time to participate at this site are few indeed. It is rare that any individual will receive a note from one of these people offering direction to improve their posting.
I am also certain that they have preferences among the authors submitting their work, and often decline to comment on most of the offerings that are presented here.
So most of us can say we like, or do not like, a piece. Some of us can say why and be objective.
To my mind, the rating system is perhaps used to, in effect, establish place among the participants where the number of postings has a greater bearing than exceptional quality of thought.
There really is no certain test save popularity. Critical acclaim cannot pay the bills unless there is monetary success.
So, for the hobbyist, such as I, a site such as this is just fine.
Fantasist
reply by the author on 17-May-2009
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Master ATE,
Nicely done. If I ding a author, I do explain why. If it is not too my liking, I decline to read it.
The professionals who take the time to participate at this site are few indeed. It is rare that any individual will receive a note from one of these people offering direction to improve their posting.
I am also certain that they have preferences among the authors submitting their work, and often decline to comment on most of the offerings that are presented here.
So most of us can say we like, or do not like, a piece. Some of us can say why and be objective.
To my mind, the rating system is perhaps used to, in effect, establish place among the participants where the number of postings has a greater bearing than exceptional quality of thought.
There really is no certain test save popularity. Critical acclaim cannot pay the bills unless there is monetary success.
So, for the hobbyist, such as I, a site such as this is just fine.
Fantasist
Comment Written 17-May-2009
reply by the author on 17-May-2009
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Yes, I always have in mind an audience when I write. I would write a pulp novel much differently from a college lecture. But I do like to eat. Thanks for a good review.
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You are quite welcome.
Comment from lola29
Stars/Smars!
There are a lot of "backstage" talents on this site who have an extraordinary ability to express immense creative and cognitive units of meaning; however, their formatting, tenses and grammar sometimes preclude them from advancing due to spiteful and arrogant reviews usually proffered by the same people.
I'm a fan of Sam Shephard, who was not a college graduate, but who nonetheless won a Pulitzer Prize for Drama. His astute imaginative perceptions coalesced brilliantly with his poitnant sentiments.
Sometimes to really appreciate beauty, we must find the best in others.
Regardless of the touting by the literary intelligentsia, we all should not be afraid to shoot for the moon because if we fall, we'll and among the stars.
I love what Barbra Streisand said, "The audience is the best judge of anything."
When the one star is bestowed upon tender your comments with compassionate support, not exaggerated hyperboles.
You never know, you may be reviewing a best selling author.
reply by the author on 17-May-2009
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Stars/Smars!
There are a lot of "backstage" talents on this site who have an extraordinary ability to express immense creative and cognitive units of meaning; however, their formatting, tenses and grammar sometimes preclude them from advancing due to spiteful and arrogant reviews usually proffered by the same people.
I'm a fan of Sam Shephard, who was not a college graduate, but who nonetheless won a Pulitzer Prize for Drama. His astute imaginative perceptions coalesced brilliantly with his poitnant sentiments.
Sometimes to really appreciate beauty, we must find the best in others.
Regardless of the touting by the literary intelligentsia, we all should not be afraid to shoot for the moon because if we fall, we'll and among the stars.
I love what Barbra Streisand said, "The audience is the best judge of anything."
When the one star is bestowed upon tender your comments with compassionate support, not exaggerated hyperboles.
You never know, you may be reviewing a best selling author.
Comment Written 17-May-2009
reply by the author on 17-May-2009
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Yes, I agree with you. I taught community college for years and those kids were often brighter than kids at rich colleges and universities. When I give one star, I go into long explanations of how I think the poem can be improved. However, there must be some standards for communication to be possible, so that is why, in my opinion, grammar, syntax, and punctuation are important, but not prominent. As far as audiences go, each audience is different; I don't think the people who would go to see Andrew Dice Clay would appreciate my aesthetic poetry. Thanks for a great review.
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Oh, I don't know, I think Donald Trump might read your poetry.
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why on earth would you say that?
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He's a fan of Andrew's. Please excuse my hyper attitude, I've had two mimosas.
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We need to get drunk together some time.
