Can't Imagine Why I'm Annoyed
Rant29 total reviews
Comment from sibhus
Ba, ha, ha, awesome. I believe I know who you are speaking of, and yes he's just the most recent one of many. I like to think of them as the Christian Coalation, who are responsable for running off many a good writer that happen to use a four-letter word. It's sad that they are so hateful and so right that they drive off anyone with an imagination. I have to agree with you on so many points that you have written about. What the heck it's only a matter of time before they burn themselves out.
reply by the author on 02-Aug-2013
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Ba, ha, ha, awesome. I believe I know who you are speaking of, and yes he's just the most recent one of many. I like to think of them as the Christian Coalation, who are responsable for running off many a good writer that happen to use a four-letter word. It's sad that they are so hateful and so right that they drive off anyone with an imagination. I have to agree with you on so many points that you have written about. What the heck it's only a matter of time before they burn themselves out.
Comment Written 02-Aug-2013
reply by the author on 02-Aug-2013
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You'd think so. One can only hope, but I've switched yo plan 2, laughing and ignoring the focus of my irritation.
Comment from Cumbrianlass
I enjoyed reading this last night over dinner. LOL! Ingrid, I know exactly who you mean. Part of the problem, of course, is that English isn't his first language.
He's not as we are. I shall leave it at that.
I understand your POV completely. I bloody hate being preached at on any level, so I have to be careful I don't start preaching at you.
What I will say is, just write your stuff, take the good from this site, and bugger the rest.
I don't go near their religious blurbs, personally. Don't care how much they're offering for me to nibble on their weird and bizarre offerings. I think religious zealots actually make great villains in books, because of their off-the-wall faith and their absolute intolerance to others smacks of something dark.
No matter where you go, and I really don't have to tell you this, because I know you're way more street-smart than I am, but whenever there's a group of humans given the opportunity to express themselves, you're gonna get some sugar, and you're gonna get some shite.
LOL!
I do love your rants, though. Maybe I live vicariously through people like you who dig out their wooden spoon once in a while and either stir it or smack with it!
You're a writer, and a good one. He isn't, and he isn't.
Love Av
xx
reply by the author on 02-Aug-2013
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I enjoyed reading this last night over dinner. LOL! Ingrid, I know exactly who you mean. Part of the problem, of course, is that English isn't his first language.
He's not as we are. I shall leave it at that.
I understand your POV completely. I bloody hate being preached at on any level, so I have to be careful I don't start preaching at you.
What I will say is, just write your stuff, take the good from this site, and bugger the rest.
I don't go near their religious blurbs, personally. Don't care how much they're offering for me to nibble on their weird and bizarre offerings. I think religious zealots actually make great villains in books, because of their off-the-wall faith and their absolute intolerance to others smacks of something dark.
No matter where you go, and I really don't have to tell you this, because I know you're way more street-smart than I am, but whenever there's a group of humans given the opportunity to express themselves, you're gonna get some sugar, and you're gonna get some shite.
LOL!
I do love your rants, though. Maybe I live vicariously through people like you who dig out their wooden spoon once in a while and either stir it or smack with it!
You're a writer, and a good one. He isn't, and he isn't.
Love Av
xx
Comment Written 02-Aug-2013
reply by the author on 02-Aug-2013
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I have to have an occasional rant. It reminds me that I'm still alive.
I also suspected this was not his first language and actually spent an hour editing an essay (I really did, despite the fact I didn't agree with a thing he said) for him and sent it. No response. Now when I checked, he hasn't responded to a single review. And God love us greedy little point seekers, he actually got mostly fives and even a few sixes. That's what sent me over the edge. I was trying to instill a little guilt of some very good writers who kow-towed to some vague unspoken rule of paying people back for FS $$$$. Irritated the shit out of me.
Now add to that that this guy has made in to 25th position on the reviewing ranks which obviously was only to amass the money to spew....and how he spewed.
But, I'm not the least bit annoyed any longer. I've shifted into a new gear, created a game in my head to see how much money he'll dish out so he can climb to the trophy status...he's only got ten other writers to knock out before he hits the top five.
On his profile he says his interest include linguistics....lol....one of the phrases he kept repeating was 'tongue satisfaction' LOL...see...I'm moving into sarcastic disdain.
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Tongue satisfaction? The mind boggles. :D
Comment from Louise Michelle
Hi Spiritual Echo,
Spitfire sent me to read your posting and so here I am. You have written a well constructed essay and I can sense a lot of controlled anger in your well chosen words.
I found it's best not to engage anyone who is pompous or worse. I tend to over estimate people's intelligence and that can really get a person in hot water. I'm just grateful we have the option to mute and ignore.
Well done,
Lou
reply by the author on 02-Aug-2013
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Hi Spiritual Echo,
Spitfire sent me to read your posting and so here I am. You have written a well constructed essay and I can sense a lot of controlled anger in your well chosen words.
I found it's best not to engage anyone who is pompous or worse. I tend to over estimate people's intelligence and that can really get a person in hot water. I'm just grateful we have the option to mute and ignore.
Well done,
Lou
Comment Written 02-Aug-2013
reply by the author on 02-Aug-2013
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Well thanks for stopping by. I actually am open to all points of view, even the extremists and when I first tumbled across this writers post I actually invested an hour and did a full edit for him, thinking he was writing in a second language--and well he might be, as he didn't respond to a single review. However, he did write enough reviews to get him ranked as #25 so he's using a lot of pumps and pts. to get him there. He I systematically buying his way in the rankings and now is rated as #15. Now, I'm all for self-promotion, but this is ridiculous. He doesn't have basic literary skills and for what purpose--a trophy? It is an offence to so many writers who are struggling to improve their writing.
With any luck he'll peter out.
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The ranking system is definitely flawed. It does promote delusions of grandeur around here, lol.
Comment from MelReyn
YES. Just YES.
I'm guilty of taking the money and running. I felt dirty afterwards, but at least I can console myself in that I did not give a five and I was as honest as I could be while still being nice. (That's my thing--nicely honest, whatever that means.)
I wish that the reviews from professionals on here carried more weight. Or something. It's beyond frustrating that an author, who I get a headache trying to read, is ranked in the top 20. But, I've learned that quantity is the what really counts around here, not quality .
Your rant was awesome. You opened my eyes to the fact that 'outsiders' will be judging us as a whole by what's on the front page (and by what's highly rated). I never really thought about that aspect of it. UGH.
Anyway, thank you. ;)
reply by the author on 02-Aug-2013
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YES. Just YES.
I'm guilty of taking the money and running. I felt dirty afterwards, but at least I can console myself in that I did not give a five and I was as honest as I could be while still being nice. (That's my thing--nicely honest, whatever that means.)
I wish that the reviews from professionals on here carried more weight. Or something. It's beyond frustrating that an author, who I get a headache trying to read, is ranked in the top 20. But, I've learned that quantity is the what really counts around here, not quality .
Your rant was awesome. You opened my eyes to the fact that 'outsiders' will be judging us as a whole by what's on the front page (and by what's highly rated). I never really thought about that aspect of it. UGH.
Anyway, thank you. ;)
Comment Written 02-Aug-2013
reply by the author on 02-Aug-2013
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He's spending about $60 bucks for each post to push it up there. The irony is he probably 'earned' a lot of that loot as he is ranked as #25 reviewer. Isn't that funny? If you read his ratings, he doesn't answer one which has to make you wonder about his respect for the reviewing. But, he's buying himself into the top ten daily with his outrageously bad writing--forget the subject--if he had something to say with any conviction or intellect--it wouldn't matter to me what side or issue he took. The only way to slow down his course is NOT to review him as it is quantity but also the number of reviews a post gets that drives them forward on the ratings.
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More than 60, more like well over a hundred. I work hard to earn around 40 pumps for each of my 'Asthore' chapters because I want to get reviews and visibility.
So if you do the math, 40 pumps is 120 plus the 10 dollar listing certificate. I review new works and win pumps, so I'd say I spend around 110 dollars to post at the 1.20 level.
The higher up you get, the more pumps you have to use to get a couple cents added. I posted at around 1.30 and took 50 pumps, and I think that 1.40 takes somewhere around 75-80. I'm guessing that means he probably needs around 90 pumps to get to 150, (guessing low) plus the ten...so that's..... 280 'dollars' per post that pays 1.50. He's done three like that. O_o
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Your math is better than mine. It's an outrageous amount. But, if you really believe in your story I can appreciate getting it up high. This is something entirely different, as you know.
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I do. ;) And my math isn't precise. I was thinking that I didn't take into account the pumps he most likely won. I'd say it's safe to say 250. But the point is, he should be able to list it highly, otherwise no one could. The issue is, he shouldn't be able to buy his rank in this manner as well. The ranking system becomes meaningless. I do believe Edward Baldwin said in his profile...'Stars and Rank mean nothing.' He was right. (As usual.)
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Ah, and I love sir Edwards writing, but he promotes heavily as well.
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Ah, and I love Sir Edward's writing, but he promotes heavily as well.
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Ah, and I love Sir Edward's writing, but he promotes heavily as well.
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:) He does, and I'd much rather see his writing on the front page than.... erhm the alternative. As I said, there is nothing wrong with promoting. How else to get your work viewed?
The problem is ranking system. But reviewers don't help fix it, awarding unmerited fives to keep from retaliation. (GUILTY. I'll admit that I'm guilty. After a couple snippy replies and some 'revenge' reviews I joined the crowd of yes men.)
That's why I think there should be some kind of ranking system for reviewers as well. The ones that are obviously just saying "good job, now show me the money" should be worth just one point and the ones who take more time should be worth two and professionals three and so on.
SIgh. Never gonna happen. I've entered into the old song and dance here. I've been around long enough to see it several times now.
Your point with this rant is well taken though. It's not fair, nor seemly to have poor writing ranked highly.
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The sad part is that reviewers are ranked by quantity, but how would you decide any other way here?
I'll wait until our apostle runs out of steam, but I will check the ratings to see who gave hime those five and believe it or not even some sixes.
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I saw some sixes and I just shook my head.
I guess there is no real practical way to rank reviewers. I saw a lady on here talking about a level system that you can work your way up that she was part of back in the day. Higher level reviews were worth more. She said it was much more fair.
When it comes down to it, I'll renew my subscription when it's up. ;)
Comment from Janilou
Don't hold back, tell us what you really think! ;-) Just kidding. This is good, and probably long overdue. Of course, the ones who should listen won't, but as you pointed out, eventually they will drift away from this site, like deadwood on a flooded river.
Well written essay and I certainly didn't find any spag.
Jan
reply by the author on 02-Aug-2013
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Don't hold back, tell us what you really think! ;-) Just kidding. This is good, and probably long overdue. Of course, the ones who should listen won't, but as you pointed out, eventually they will drift away from this site, like deadwood on a flooded river.
Well written essay and I certainly didn't find any spag.
Jan
Comment Written 02-Aug-2013
reply by the author on 02-Aug-2013
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Yes, I started getting very irritated when someone with limited writing ability started buying his way to the top using God and the devotion of many members who are afraid to do anything but say halleluyah when the word God crops up--even in very bad essays. In the meantime there are very talented writers who can't afford to promote their work at $50 or more a pop, that remain unnoticed.
I don't even mind real zealots, but their argument has to make sense and reflect something more than using God for self-promotion. Yeah, you could say I was ticked off.
Comment from N.K. Wagner
You're right, Ingrid. There are some writers here who compose beautifully spiritual work. There are others who are seriously challenged in the technical area of the written word. Since I only post via reviewing, I find that I post less frequently with these sidewalk preachers buying the top posting slots. I respect their fervor, but I don't have to read it. Well done. :) nancy
reply by the author on 02-Aug-2013
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You're right, Ingrid. There are some writers here who compose beautifully spiritual work. There are others who are seriously challenged in the technical area of the written word. Since I only post via reviewing, I find that I post less frequently with these sidewalk preachers buying the top posting slots. I respect their fervor, but I don't have to read it. Well done. :) nancy
Comment Written 02-Aug-2013
reply by the author on 02-Aug-2013
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Check out Altcreator on the front page...oh dear...two diatribes fell of...what a shame...I don't even mind fervent zealots if they can strong a sentence together, but this guy is crawling up the ratings with dollar bills and incomprehensible English.
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I gave up on his religious rants. There's one on the poetry side, too. I prefer to steer clear. Only ignoring them will make them put the charge card away. :) nancy
Comment from marijmd
While I do not know whom you are writing about, I do appreciate the post. I was unaware how religious the site was when I joined, and while I have met a great many writers that have helped me to grow, I have been bible quoted and finger wagged at for the subject matter of my novel. I appreciate you sharing, Thanks! Maria
reply by the author on 02-Aug-2013
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While I do not know whom you are writing about, I do appreciate the post. I was unaware how religious the site was when I joined, and while I have met a great many writers that have helped me to grow, I have been bible quoted and finger wagged at for the subject matter of my novel. I appreciate you sharing, Thanks! Maria
Comment Written 02-Aug-2013
reply by the author on 02-Aug-2013
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Don't worry about it. If you don't pray for forgiveness eventually they stop visiting.
Comment from JBCaine
Echo-
I have an idea who you are talking about, but don't know for sure. Haven't been spending a lot of time here this year.
I miss Capt Jack, also. Heading to Montana tomorrow to hunt him down. (Actually just going to a wedding there but...)
So.... I honestly don't think that you and I would see eye to eye on most topics political, social, or religious, but whenever I'm on, I read your stuff if it's on the front page because I like your style. You're an interesting writer whose work I have enjoyed here on FS.
I happen to be a rural Idaho boy, somehow transplanted to the most "enlightened" part of California. I don't happen to agree with most of my neighbors, coworkers, or best friends regarding their enlightened views of life. I don't really care that they believe themselves to be more enlightened than I, and I don't care what their race, sexual preference, political views, or religion (or lack thereof) may be. Those who are decent well-mannered people will be part of my world, and the rest, I ignore.
Let me give one more example. Politically, I am probably just a bit right of center, but not much. On most social issues, I'm probably just left of center, but again, not much. I absolutely cannot abide Rush Dimbulb, and feel exactly the same way about Rachel Madcow. Both appear to me to be super biased hypocrites. So you know what I do?
I just change the channel when they come on.
Why read (or listen to) something you already know you're going to despise?
Sorry, Kid, I love ya, but my take here is that you read the guy because you're looking for a fight. Probably, as is usually the case, I'm wrong.
Anyway, just a thought. Best to you, and I hope you don't have a major thrombo reading this person's junk whatever it is.
JBCaine-
reply by the author on 01-Aug-2013
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Echo-
I have an idea who you are talking about, but don't know for sure. Haven't been spending a lot of time here this year.
I miss Capt Jack, also. Heading to Montana tomorrow to hunt him down. (Actually just going to a wedding there but...)
So.... I honestly don't think that you and I would see eye to eye on most topics political, social, or religious, but whenever I'm on, I read your stuff if it's on the front page because I like your style. You're an interesting writer whose work I have enjoyed here on FS.
I happen to be a rural Idaho boy, somehow transplanted to the most "enlightened" part of California. I don't happen to agree with most of my neighbors, coworkers, or best friends regarding their enlightened views of life. I don't really care that they believe themselves to be more enlightened than I, and I don't care what their race, sexual preference, political views, or religion (or lack thereof) may be. Those who are decent well-mannered people will be part of my world, and the rest, I ignore.
Let me give one more example. Politically, I am probably just a bit right of center, but not much. On most social issues, I'm probably just left of center, but again, not much. I absolutely cannot abide Rush Dimbulb, and feel exactly the same way about Rachel Madcow. Both appear to me to be super biased hypocrites. So you know what I do?
I just change the channel when they come on.
Why read (or listen to) something you already know you're going to despise?
Sorry, Kid, I love ya, but my take here is that you read the guy because you're looking for a fight. Probably, as is usually the case, I'm wrong.
Anyway, just a thought. Best to you, and I hope you don't have a major thrombo reading this person's junk whatever it is.
JBCaine-
Comment Written 01-Aug-2013
reply by the author on 01-Aug-2013
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I love the personal junk and feel that somehow mythical, but real people connect through fantasy, reality or dreams.
I don't need flash arguments to stir my stew. I could probably develop an aversion and don fighting equipment in real life and real time, but just like you, I change the channel and choose not to participate.
I'm glad you remember Erik, we had a bold and grand time on line, much to the amusement of our readers and a gracious and joyful duel between us. We understood our playground rules and our mutual respect was never in jeopardy.
I did read the guy and spent an hour on a tech review, not disputing his POV, but defending his right to spend money to promote it.
When the entire pay-as-you-play front page became flooded with his diatribe, written with,at best,grammar school skill, I began to feel soiled, as if judged by association.
My little puke should give the guy some substance. You watch, the minute he runs over his credit limit he'll disappear. Unlike his maniacal purges, God will likely not rain new credit cards upon his pious head.
Have a great time at the wedding. ingrid
Comment from Lylise
As a rule I don't review prose, though I do read it and always pay attention to your posts. This is the most elegant rant I have ever read. Your talent for the written word excels with this post.
I agree with everything you have said and feel the same way about just about every "featured" writer be it poetry or story.
This eloquent post deserves 7 billion stars. :) Extremely well done. Really a fine piece. I will be recommending this to those I know who will appreciate it. Lynda
reply by the author on 01-Aug-2013
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As a rule I don't review prose, though I do read it and always pay attention to your posts. This is the most elegant rant I have ever read. Your talent for the written word excels with this post.
I agree with everything you have said and feel the same way about just about every "featured" writer be it poetry or story.
This eloquent post deserves 7 billion stars. :) Extremely well done. Really a fine piece. I will be recommending this to those I know who will appreciate it. Lynda
Comment Written 01-Aug-2013
reply by the author on 01-Aug-2013
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Well, you are very kind. I think we both share a preference for our own genre and yes, I do read poetry, but develop hives when rose petals and bluebirds attach themselves to a post I read.
Your posts reveal an inner angst, joy and humility and I stay tuned.
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In other words.....we both rock! :) Really well done and thanks.
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You bet.
Comment from BethShelby
I do enjoy your occasional rants. I think having an opinion and expressing it strongly is a good thing. I'm not sure who you are talking about mostly because I seldom have time to read anything other than those that come to me by virtue of being their fan. There are a lot of writers on this site that I just don't get where they are coming from and therefore, don't read. I say if it makes you feel better, rant on.
reply by the author on 01-Aug-2013
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I do enjoy your occasional rants. I think having an opinion and expressing it strongly is a good thing. I'm not sure who you are talking about mostly because I seldom have time to read anything other than those that come to me by virtue of being their fan. There are a lot of writers on this site that I just don't get where they are coming from and therefore, don't read. I say if it makes you feel better, rant on.
Comment Written 01-Aug-2013
reply by the author on 01-Aug-2013
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You're right, it is occasional and rarely means much. I rarely go off on these tangents, but the bane of my existence is buying all the space on the home page and I almost feel like I need to quit so as not to be associated with an idiot or to have my writing put on the same stage.
