A Powerful Learning Tool
Reviewers are a powerful learning tool.27 total reviews
Comment from vandawalker
How helpful! I just joined, and wish I had had this advice from the beginning. Thank you so much.
Just something to look at;
-But again, realise (REALIZE)
-There are professional reviewers[,]TAKE OUT and published writers
-But again, realise (REALIZE)
Thank you for your valuable help.
reply by the author on 15-Mar-2010
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How helpful! I just joined, and wish I had had this advice from the beginning. Thank you so much.
Just something to look at;
-But again, realise (REALIZE)
-There are professional reviewers[,]TAKE OUT and published writers
-But again, realise (REALIZE)
Thank you for your valuable help.
Comment Written 15-Mar-2010
reply by the author on 15-Mar-2010
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Hi Vanda, thank you for your review and comments. This is written in Australian English (should have put that in Author Notes I guess) and we spell realise. Also spell many word with ou whereas you spell with o only. Welcome to the site, hope to come across your work. Warmest regards, Marijke
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So sorry about that. Your comment will make me more aware of this spelling. Thank you.
Comment from winsome
I am glad to see this opinion put into writing and written so well. Personally, I am thrilled when someone comments and tells me how to improve puncuation and flow. It is always a learning experience and one I am grateful for.
reply by the author on 15-Mar-2010
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I am glad to see this opinion put into writing and written so well. Personally, I am thrilled when someone comments and tells me how to improve puncuation and flow. It is always a learning experience and one I am grateful for.
Comment Written 15-Mar-2010
reply by the author on 15-Mar-2010
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Hi winsome, yes, and me too. It is not my strongest point, and I have improved beyond compare through the kind advice of reviewers. Thanks for your review and rating. Warmest regards, Marijke
Comment from AnnaLinda
Marijke,
You have written a very comprehensive and
encouraging piece on what this site and the
people/reviewers have to offer us.
I enjoyed reading it and I saw no errors. You
have given us a balanced look at the review
process and exchange.
" But again, realise that your writing is more than a technical piece, be it a novel, short story or poem. See what you can learn from the advice given. Don't take ratings to heart, but read the comments."
Thank you for sharing this with us and I also thank you
for your input and friendship here on the site.
Linda
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2010
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Marijke,
You have written a very comprehensive and
encouraging piece on what this site and the
people/reviewers have to offer us.
I enjoyed reading it and I saw no errors. You
have given us a balanced look at the review
process and exchange.
" But again, realise that your writing is more than a technical piece, be it a novel, short story or poem. See what you can learn from the advice given. Don't take ratings to heart, but read the comments."
Thank you for sharing this with us and I also thank you
for your input and friendship here on the site.
Linda
Comment Written 14-Mar-2010
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2010
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Hi Linda. thank you for your review and generous rating, and with your kind words. You are one of the people on this site who is inspirational to me, and I value your friendship. Warmest regards and hugs, Marijke
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You are welcome and thank you so much...
same here.
Linda
Comment from tati
You've made wonderful descriptions with words that flow so smoothly, so heartfelt and powerful too about "A Powerful Learning Tool", Marijke. I agree with you wholeheartedly. In all honesty, I think to review is much much more difficult than to write. In writing, you convey your own thoughts, while in reviewing, you comment on what others' thoughts. Several days ago I got one star from a reviewer, saying: /i'm sorry, but i just don't get this. i read it several times and the humor escapes me. i don't get the point you're trying to make. if this is the case with me, perhaps it will be the case with others./ While from other reviewer I got a very encouraging review for the same writing: /ROFL OMG that IS very funny indeed!!! I mean comparing Isaiah to Asterix and simply adding a /-us behind the name. Thanks for sharing this funny tale with us! Good luck in the contest!/
In my reply, I thanked him/her for his/her gracious review. Later I knew that the previous day he/she got one star for his/her writing. Being in Fanstory since January 2009 - for the first time I got one star from a reviewer - I didn't feel hurt, I just told myself to ignore it and continue writing.
Thank you for posting this enjoyable to read essay, Marijke. Warmest wishes,
Tati, March 14, 2010
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2010
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You've made wonderful descriptions with words that flow so smoothly, so heartfelt and powerful too about "A Powerful Learning Tool", Marijke. I agree with you wholeheartedly. In all honesty, I think to review is much much more difficult than to write. In writing, you convey your own thoughts, while in reviewing, you comment on what others' thoughts. Several days ago I got one star from a reviewer, saying: /i'm sorry, but i just don't get this. i read it several times and the humor escapes me. i don't get the point you're trying to make. if this is the case with me, perhaps it will be the case with others./ While from other reviewer I got a very encouraging review for the same writing: /ROFL OMG that IS very funny indeed!!! I mean comparing Isaiah to Asterix and simply adding a /-us behind the name. Thanks for sharing this funny tale with us! Good luck in the contest!/
In my reply, I thanked him/her for his/her gracious review. Later I knew that the previous day he/she got one star for his/her writing. Being in Fanstory since January 2009 - for the first time I got one star from a reviewer - I didn't feel hurt, I just told myself to ignore it and continue writing.
Thank you for posting this enjoyable to read essay, Marijke. Warmest wishes,
Tati, March 14, 2010
Comment Written 14-Mar-2010
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2010
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Hi, Tati, thanks for reading and your feedback. Yes, one star would be a little daunting! Two has been my lowest, whilst two others gave me a six! My theory is, if you don't understand a topic, don't review! Simple really. Thanks again, Tati, for sharing your experience, and your encouraging review. Warmest regards, my friend. Marijke
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You're welcome, Marijke. I'm thankful to God to have the opportunity to read fabulous writing like yours in this wonderful site. With warm wishes,
tati
Comment from Belinda
I almost always give you a five (?) because I feel your writing is very good and I have no suggestions to give. I also know that you have done your best and produced your perfect 'baby'. But that does not mean you cannot improve. Deep in your heart you'll know how to progress with your writing, how to choose a better subject, how to write it more fluently and more impressively than last time. You alone will know it, I'm certain. This essay is worth a five too, honestly!
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2010
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I almost always give you a five (?) because I feel your writing is very good and I have no suggestions to give. I also know that you have done your best and produced your perfect 'baby'. But that does not mean you cannot improve. Deep in your heart you'll know how to progress with your writing, how to choose a better subject, how to write it more fluently and more impressively than last time. You alone will know it, I'm certain. This essay is worth a five too, honestly!
Comment Written 14-Mar-2010
reply by the author on 14-Mar-2010
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Thanks Belinda, and I appreciate your rating for this piece and other works you have rated. I am pleased you usually give me a five as you believe it is deserved. I think I usually give you a five too, because, you too ,deserve it. My intention with this essay was to make newcomers aware that rating does not mean their work is perfect. They can always improve. Thanks again, Belinda, I love your reviews. Warmest regards, Marijke
Comment from patwannabe
lola, I thought you did very well with this and covered it sufficiently. I don't know of anything right off hand that could have been added.
I did answer a statement from a newbie when she said that she would start reviewing when she knew more about it (and not just start swinging rating numbers--paraphrased). I told her I appreciated that. So many DO just start swinging.
I think this was needed. I hope many are seeing it. Good job, pat
reply by the author on 13-Mar-2010
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lola, I thought you did very well with this and covered it sufficiently. I don't know of anything right off hand that could have been added.
I did answer a statement from a newbie when she said that she would start reviewing when she knew more about it (and not just start swinging rating numbers--paraphrased). I told her I appreciated that. So many DO just start swinging.
I think this was needed. I hope many are seeing it. Good job, pat
Comment Written 13-Mar-2010
reply by the author on 13-Mar-2010
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Hi Pat, Marijke here (not lola - although I am flattered, she is a very talented lady!)
Hi Pat, thanks for your review and comments, it has certainly sparked some discussions and opinions from various readers and reviewers, but all positive.
Warmest regards
Marijke (lol - a)
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I'm so sorry. I'm on vacation in Florida and I must have left my brain in Maryland. Don't know where I got lola because I do, I do, know who you are. lol-a (good twist) pat
Comment from patmedium
This piece is fascinating because of the insight it gives into the mind of a Tazmanian devil. This work is instructive in that it tells us what dangers to be aware of and what to avouid. However, it does not warn against a certain noisy little animal with sharp teeth! (I sincerely hope you can take this review in your stride, Marijke, because I haven't even started it yet!)
Seriously, friend, I wish I had found this one in my early days here! You explain it all very clearly and concisely. Thankyou. Pat. ;-D
reply by the author on 13-Mar-2010
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This piece is fascinating because of the insight it gives into the mind of a Tazmanian devil. This work is instructive in that it tells us what dangers to be aware of and what to avouid. However, it does not warn against a certain noisy little animal with sharp teeth! (I sincerely hope you can take this review in your stride, Marijke, because I haven't even started it yet!)
Seriously, friend, I wish I had found this one in my early days here! You explain it all very clearly and concisely. Thankyou. Pat. ;-D
Comment Written 13-Mar-2010
reply by the author on 13-Mar-2010
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Thank you Pat (GGGRRRRR), this Tassie Devil appreciates your comments and yes, it took me some time to realise how to receive reviews and use them to my advantage. Also to grow some thicker fur (sorry, skin). Love your review. Warmest regards, Marijke
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It was an interesting essay, well laid out. Pat. Blessings, Marijke.
Comment from Joan E.
I would say one in twenty respond graciously to my reviews that have a hint of "correction" in them. Some do not respond at all, some do no editing, some are argumentative. Thank you for your advise; it makes me want to continue what sometimes feels like a waste of time! Thank you also for your reminding us not to "take ratings to heart." I often do and need to keep them in better perspective, as you state. (I don't think a comma is needed after "novel" in paragraph eight, and perhaps the sentence should be joined to the next one with a comma, as in "...writing, but...." Then, the next "but" could be shifted to a "however." In the next paragraph, no comma after "reviewers.") I admired your tone of encouragement--just call me a "sponge!"
reply by the author on 13-Mar-2010
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I would say one in twenty respond graciously to my reviews that have a hint of "correction" in them. Some do not respond at all, some do no editing, some are argumentative. Thank you for your advise; it makes me want to continue what sometimes feels like a waste of time! Thank you also for your reminding us not to "take ratings to heart." I often do and need to keep them in better perspective, as you state. (I don't think a comma is needed after "novel" in paragraph eight, and perhaps the sentence should be joined to the next one with a comma, as in "...writing, but...." Then, the next "but" could be shifted to a "however." In the next paragraph, no comma after "reviewers.") I admired your tone of encouragement--just call me a "sponge!"
Comment Written 13-Mar-2010
reply by the author on 13-Mar-2010
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Hi Sponge, I am one of those as well. And thanks for the advice, as always, much appreciated. I will revisit the essay, and review those sentences. Thanks again, Joan, and warmest regards, Marijke
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From one "sponge" to another, thank you for your gracious response, as usual--hope the comma bits are helpful. -Joan
Comment from Sally Carter
Marijke, I so enjoyed this motivational and thoroughly sensible piece of writing! I wish there were more out there who feel the way you do - not just in terms of receiving suggestions with grace - but also in terms of GIVING helpful suggestions when reviewing. It is just so easy to say how much you liked something, paste a bit chunk of it beneath, and clear off with the dollars and points in the bank.
I confess I sometimes take the easy way out, specially if I know the writer (usually poets for me) is not receptive to ideas. However, your piece has reminded me what reviewing is all about, and I shall try to be more honest in future, come hell or high water!
With kind regards to you, and I hope your essay gets the support it deserves.
Yours, Sally
reply by the author on 13-Mar-2010
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Marijke, I so enjoyed this motivational and thoroughly sensible piece of writing! I wish there were more out there who feel the way you do - not just in terms of receiving suggestions with grace - but also in terms of GIVING helpful suggestions when reviewing. It is just so easy to say how much you liked something, paste a bit chunk of it beneath, and clear off with the dollars and points in the bank.
I confess I sometimes take the easy way out, specially if I know the writer (usually poets for me) is not receptive to ideas. However, your piece has reminded me what reviewing is all about, and I shall try to be more honest in future, come hell or high water!
With kind regards to you, and I hope your essay gets the support it deserves.
Yours, Sally
Comment Written 13-Mar-2010
reply by the author on 13-Mar-2010
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Hi Sally, sometimes it is difficult to give a good critique when the words in the poem is less than those you need for your review to be accepted. Those are the ones I 'cheat' on, so to speak, and pan out. You can only so so much about a Senryu or Haiku, for example. So we all do that at times.
I appreciate your comments and honesty.
Warmest regards, Marijke
Comment from bkrighter
I think you did a pretty good job in t his essay. I would make two additions. First, hard as it may be, utterly ignore rankings. A significant part of rank is based on how many reviews your work gets hence writers have averages of 8 or 9. Number of reviews sis based primarily on how much you invest in promoting the work. Yesterday, I invested about $80 (member), got m y poem listed as a featured work, received some 60 reviews and had my rank rise by 50+ places overnight.
Second, reward those who give helpful reviews by nominating them for the reviewing contest.
Steve
reply by the author on 13-Mar-2010
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I think you did a pretty good job in t his essay. I would make two additions. First, hard as it may be, utterly ignore rankings. A significant part of rank is based on how many reviews your work gets hence writers have averages of 8 or 9. Number of reviews sis based primarily on how much you invest in promoting the work. Yesterday, I invested about $80 (member), got m y poem listed as a featured work, received some 60 reviews and had my rank rise by 50+ places overnight.
Second, reward those who give helpful reviews by nominating them for the reviewing contest.
Steve
Comment Written 13-Mar-2010
reply by the author on 13-Mar-2010
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Hi Steve, yes, ranking is a different matter. I just won't spend that kind of money on my works. If I don't get that many reviews, so be it. I have never got my poem into a featured work, and if that is how much it takes, forget it. Your advice is right, ignore rankings and nominate reviewers for the reviewing contest.
Warmest regards, Marijke
