A Powerful Learning Tool
Reviewers are a powerful learning tool.27 total reviews
Comment from suneagle
A good essay, Marijke. Very encouraging words to your fellow members. As I mention below, you should use semicolons judiciously.
This essay is to encourage [newcomers] (and the not-so [newcomers]) to FanStory to learn from those who take the time to review your work[,] especially those who give you constructive criticism.
Read the comments for what they are worth; take from them what you can.
(You are overusing semicolons. They should be used occasionally for effect, not habitually. In this instance a conjunction would be better:
Read the comments for what they are worth, and take from them what you can.)
The reviewer responded with advice and encouragement[:] thus started my learning curve.
Be a like sponge; soak it up and learn from them.
(Be a like sponge, soak it up and learn from them.)
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reply by the author on 13-Mar-2010
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A good essay, Marijke. Very encouraging words to your fellow members. As I mention below, you should use semicolons judiciously.
This essay is to encourage [newcomers] (and the not-so [newcomers]) to FanStory to learn from those who take the time to review your work[,] especially those who give you constructive criticism.
Read the comments for what they are worth; take from them what you can.
(You are overusing semicolons. They should be used occasionally for effect, not habitually. In this instance a conjunction would be better:
Read the comments for what they are worth, and take from them what you can.)
The reviewer responded with advice and encouragement[:] thus started my learning curve.
Be a like sponge; soak it up and learn from them.
(Be a like sponge, soak it up and learn from them.)
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 13-Mar-2010
reply by the author on 13-Mar-2010
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Thanks again, Les, for your encouraging and constructive review. I must admit I do not always get this punctuation right. When I run the work through the spell checker in word, it often comes up with the semicolons. They still throw me.
But, as I said in my essay, I am learning the finer points, and you have certainly one of the reviewers whose advice I respect. I have made the changes, as suggested, and will be more selective in future writings to use the semicolons more conservatively. Thanks again, Les, and warmest regards, Marijke
Comment from Lou67
Hi, nicely written with a friendly tone. Helpful and definitely encouraging. Flows well and is easy to read as a consequence.
reply by the author on 13-Mar-2010
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Hi, nicely written with a friendly tone. Helpful and definitely encouraging. Flows well and is easy to read as a consequence.
Comment Written 13-Mar-2010
reply by the author on 13-Mar-2010
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Thank you Lou, for your kind and generous review and rating. I am pleased it is helpful and encouraging. Warmest regards, Marijke
Comment from eagle1
I like this piece very much. I am new to this site and have been trying my hand at reviewing but unfortunately, or is it fortunately, I have not been able to find anything in the things I have read so far to add much in the way of things to improve the works. I have however discovered some very extraordinary works which without any need for correcting was brilliant work in itself. Your piece, in particular was quite amazing as it told me much about how reviewing is and how you go about it. Not only that but it showed me that people do honestly want to learn to improve. I have reviewed on other sites and got some very positive feedback from them, others have taken offence, but to learn, once must take on board all manner of review. I will when reviewing make sure I give honest feedback and when it is required critiquing to help improve the works. Thank you for your write as it also shows much responsibility toward the readers and writers around you.
reply by the author on 13-Mar-2010
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I like this piece very much. I am new to this site and have been trying my hand at reviewing but unfortunately, or is it fortunately, I have not been able to find anything in the things I have read so far to add much in the way of things to improve the works. I have however discovered some very extraordinary works which without any need for correcting was brilliant work in itself. Your piece, in particular was quite amazing as it told me much about how reviewing is and how you go about it. Not only that but it showed me that people do honestly want to learn to improve. I have reviewed on other sites and got some very positive feedback from them, others have taken offence, but to learn, once must take on board all manner of review. I will when reviewing make sure I give honest feedback and when it is required critiquing to help improve the works. Thank you for your write as it also shows much responsibility toward the readers and writers around you.
Comment Written 13-Mar-2010
reply by the author on 13-Mar-2010
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Thank you very much, eagle1, for your comprehensive and well written review of my piece on reviewing. I felt I needed to share this, as I have gained so much from this site. I am pleased you found it helpful. I hope you enjoy your time with FanStory, it is a great forum.
Warmest regards, Marijke
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You are most welcome and thank you.
Comment from nora arjuna
Take it in your stride. Step back, and
hi marijke, did you miss something at the end?
this is a very nice and clearly written essay. regardless of whether one is new or a long time member, there is always something to learn. like you, i started everything about writing right at this place, and still learning things everyday.
on reviewing, i think i'm quite generous and seldom give less than 5 stars, even if there are some minor adjustments needed. i know how hard it is to produce a chapter or a story. some appreciation should go into that aspect.
reply by the author on 13-Mar-2010
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Take it in your stride. Step back, and
hi marijke, did you miss something at the end?
this is a very nice and clearly written essay. regardless of whether one is new or a long time member, there is always something to learn. like you, i started everything about writing right at this place, and still learning things everyday.
on reviewing, i think i'm quite generous and seldom give less than 5 stars, even if there are some minor adjustments needed. i know how hard it is to produce a chapter or a story. some appreciation should go into that aspect.
Comment Written 13-Mar-2010
reply by the author on 13-Mar-2010
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Hi Nora, I fixed that last paragraph. I deleted it, but for some reason it stayed there. Gone now. I always appreciate your reviews and advice, and certainly did not mean to imply if a reviewer finds some minor points, that a five is not relevant. It is when a reviewer give a five, and then (not often) they tear the piece up with negatives. To me, that is not right. But to give fives, and point out a couple of small spags, is good. It gives the writer encouragement, knowing that is all that could be faulted. Thanks for your review, Nora, always greatly appreciated. Warmest regards and hugs, my friend, Marijke
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you're welcome, and yes, i knew what you meant. :)
Comment from Rama Rao
It is a fine essay.
I couldn't agree with you more. Some of the reviewers are very helpful, and I've learnt a lot from them.
I hope the reviewers read your essay and take note of the excellent points you made.
It has been my good fortune most of my reviewers have helped me to hone my writing skills.
Thanks for sharing your ideas.
reply by the author on 13-Mar-2010
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It is a fine essay.
I couldn't agree with you more. Some of the reviewers are very helpful, and I've learnt a lot from them.
I hope the reviewers read your essay and take note of the excellent points you made.
It has been my good fortune most of my reviewers have helped me to hone my writing skills.
Thanks for sharing your ideas.
Comment Written 13-Mar-2010
reply by the author on 13-Mar-2010
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Hi Ramarao, and thank you for your reading and feedback. I agree with you, I learn from most reviewers. Even those who are always positive, it lifts my spirit, and I try harder. Thanks again, my very talented writing friend. I also learn through reading the works of others, like yours. Warmest regards, Marijke
Comment from Angelite
Well I am happy to give you a five star rating for an excellent piece filled with truthful and newly learned information.
I also have only been on Fanstory for a short amount of time and have discovered, same as you, that some comments can be quite negative and vindictive.
I have found on many of these, a quick look into a profile will tell me if their review is worth the energy to get upset with it or not.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this topic of reviewing.
Angel
reply by the author on 13-Mar-2010
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Well I am happy to give you a five star rating for an excellent piece filled with truthful and newly learned information.
I also have only been on Fanstory for a short amount of time and have discovered, same as you, that some comments can be quite negative and vindictive.
I have found on many of these, a quick look into a profile will tell me if their review is worth the energy to get upset with it or not.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this topic of reviewing.
Angel
Comment Written 13-Mar-2010
reply by the author on 13-Mar-2010
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Thank you Angelite. I don't believe any review is worth getting upset with. I, too, look at the writer, and their background. Some are very inexperienced, and probably do not mean any harm. Those who are experienced, I take note. I appreciate your comments, Angel. Warmest regards, Marijke
Comment from missy98writer
Marijke,
It's hard to review other writers work. But I do what I feel I can to help a poet or writer. I'm no expert but I've written for over twenty years. I enjoyed your essay about reviewers. I recently gave your story 'Benji' a six because it was exceptionally written. It was polished with nothing to improve. Your writing is very descriptive and you know how to tell a story that entertains. The one thing I will point out is when a author tells and not shows. The one thing hammered into my head by masters classe I took at the Univrsity was to show and not tell. Its the action verbs you used. To show puts the reader in the action. Telling would be like this: Kelly walked down the street. - Boring, snooz fest. But you need to . . Show like this: The stars in the sky sparkled as Kelly sashayed down the narrow street. The sentence shows. We can see the night sky as Kelly sashayed down the narrow street.
Melissa.
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reply by the author on 13-Mar-2010
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Marijke,
It's hard to review other writers work. But I do what I feel I can to help a poet or writer. I'm no expert but I've written for over twenty years. I enjoyed your essay about reviewers. I recently gave your story 'Benji' a six because it was exceptionally written. It was polished with nothing to improve. Your writing is very descriptive and you know how to tell a story that entertains. The one thing I will point out is when a author tells and not shows. The one thing hammered into my head by masters classe I took at the Univrsity was to show and not tell. Its the action verbs you used. To show puts the reader in the action. Telling would be like this: Kelly walked down the street. - Boring, snooz fest. But you need to . . Show like this: The stars in the sky sparkled as Kelly sashayed down the narrow street. The sentence shows. We can see the night sky as Kelly sashayed down the narrow street.
Melissa.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 13-Mar-2010
reply by the author on 13-Mar-2010
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Hi Melissa, I agree, it is difficult to review other writers work. I like you do what I can to help them. But this piece is more about taking on board what feedback gives you, we can all learn. Your reviews are always uplifting and rewarding. I love them. I agree, the 'tell' instead of 'show'. I still often fall into this trap. As I said, I am still learning. It is through experienced writers like yourself that I learn so much. I appreciate your very warm and always constructive reviews. Warmest regards and hugs
Marijke
