Help Yourself
Beating the system?42 total reviews
Comment from Spiritual Echo
even with a trophy or special acknowledgement, FS can't really define what makes a good writer.
It really comes down to who will pay the admission price.
I actually love your posts and think your acronym suits both you and your writing style.
Take that to the bank...LOL.
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2014
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even with a trophy or special acknowledgement, FS can't really define what makes a good writer.
It really comes down to who will pay the admission price.
I actually love your posts and think your acronym suits both you and your writing style.
Take that to the bank...LOL.
Comment Written 21-Jan-2014
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2014
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So true. Quantity over quality when I look at some times in the top ten. At least, your writing is worth reading.
Comment from jmdg1954
There are a number of issues on this site that could use tweaking and a better system of checks and balances. But like in many areas of life, no matter how hard you try to better a system, there are always those that appear to be one step ahead.
Like in baseball. The steroid and PED use and random drug testing etc... When one drug is in the forefront and subsequently banned from the game, there are probably 2-3 more new ones in the pipeline. The criminals are always a step ahead of the good guys.
No, in not saying there is criminal action here. God no. There always seems to be a way (no matter how small) to circumvent the system or its controls...
I am for better control in many areas on the site. What can we do???
John
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2014
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There are a number of issues on this site that could use tweaking and a better system of checks and balances. But like in many areas of life, no matter how hard you try to better a system, there are always those that appear to be one step ahead.
Like in baseball. The steroid and PED use and random drug testing etc... When one drug is in the forefront and subsequently banned from the game, there are probably 2-3 more new ones in the pipeline. The criminals are always a step ahead of the good guys.
No, in not saying there is criminal action here. God no. There always seems to be a way (no matter how small) to circumvent the system or its controls...
I am for better control in many areas on the site. What can we do???
John
Comment Written 21-Jan-2014
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2014
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Lancelott wrote an essay criticizing the prompts and gave a suggestion for improvement--all members e-mail Tom for a change.
Comment from barkingdog
I don't quite get all of this, Shari. I guess since I don't do the contests or visit the booths, I'm clueless as to all of these little 'cheats' that people try.
To me it's a clique of participants anyway. :) e
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2014
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I don't quite get all of this, Shari. I guess since I don't do the contests or visit the booths, I'm clueless as to all of these little 'cheats' that people try.
To me it's a clique of participants anyway. :) e
Comment Written 21-Jan-2014
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2014
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Wonder if you're right about that. I chance a contest maybe three times a year. I actually won two. So there is hope.
Comment from Tonulak
Dear Shari,
There's nothing wrong with winning, being honest or trying to level the playing field. I'm proud of you that you have the guts to speak your mind--Ted
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2014
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Dear Shari,
There's nothing wrong with winning, being honest or trying to level the playing field. I'm proud of you that you have the guts to speak your mind--Ted
Comment Written 21-Jan-2014
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2014
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Guess that's how I got my nickname Spitfire back in grade school.
Comment from Glasstruth
Always wondered who the blind entries are. Sometimes if it's a writer I'm familiar with then I can spot who's who. Checking out the profile page of favorites is a good tip. Will do that next time. Thanks! Les
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2014
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Always wondered who the blind entries are. Sometimes if it's a writer I'm familiar with then I can spot who's who. Checking out the profile page of favorites is a good tip. Will do that next time. Thanks! Les
Comment Written 21-Jan-2014
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2014
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In truth, we should vote for the quality. Some have won that are average to put it nicely and don't follow the rules of the form.
It's a gambler's paradise. LOL
Comment from Eigle Rull
You are one of those kind of people who love to investigate things - I can tell. I'd be willing to bet on the accuracy of your thoughts.
I was at first putting up two chapters at a time. I noticed that people were reading the second chapter and not the first. It is irritating because the reviews miss important info. Then, you get questions about things that have been covered, showing that it was never read in the first place.
I hope I'm not off base with this but your post brought the situation to mind.
Always with respect,
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2014
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You are one of those kind of people who love to investigate things - I can tell. I'd be willing to bet on the accuracy of your thoughts.
I was at first putting up two chapters at a time. I noticed that people were reading the second chapter and not the first. It is irritating because the reviews miss important info. Then, you get questions about things that have been covered, showing that it was never read in the first place.
I hope I'm not off base with this but your post brought the situation to mind.
Always with respect,
Comment Written 20-Jan-2014
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2014
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Actually, you brought to mind another gripe-- those who post two at a time. I'll read one and that's it. Too many others waiting in line. (If writing a book, are you linking the chapters so the reader can go back and catch up?)
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I've always pasted two chapters at a time to keep the reader going on the story. When I caught onto the game of skipping chapters, I rethought my strategy. Now, I put up two at a time, but I overlap them. When I think it has been fully read, I'll put up more. I always put up the final chapter by it's self. (spelling?) I'm catching on, little by little to the games.
Always with respect,
Comment from GregoryCody
Haha I agree. Winning is fun but I just want mine o at least be read. That's why I try to put a "loud" title. I doubt they are read. Sometimes I'm astonished at what wins. They are just luck a lot. I get so annoyed at times I just want to write some winners and ask if they think their piece was any good. Oh well. I just want mine read for sure when I enter those. :)
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2014
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Haha I agree. Winning is fun but I just want mine o at least be read. That's why I try to put a "loud" title. I doubt they are read. Sometimes I'm astonished at what wins. They are just luck a lot. I get so annoyed at times I just want to write some winners and ask if they think their piece was any good. Oh well. I just want mine read for sure when I enter those. :)
Comment Written 20-Jan-2014
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2014
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Yes. I took a chance on a recent one and lost by one, but at least I received thirteen reviews, one being a six. I posted a PM to encourage fans to read it now the contest is done. It still pays, I believe. So far, no fish on my hook. Sigh.
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Which one was it
Comment from Dan Diego
I joined FS to use the contests as a measure. Can my stories compete with those of other writers? I was going to use a few wins to bolster my confidence to submit to real publications. In most cases, I felt I simply lost to better submissions. In some cases, I felt like I got out-fanned or out-promoted. In a few cases, I wondered if members (or even the site committee) even read my submission. Consequently, the contests have hurt my confidence. Your post adds a new wrinkle to the argument over contest ethics. I like your cynicism. The site needs you, Shari.
reply by the author on 20-Jan-2014
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I joined FS to use the contests as a measure. Can my stories compete with those of other writers? I was going to use a few wins to bolster my confidence to submit to real publications. In most cases, I felt I simply lost to better submissions. In some cases, I felt like I got out-fanned or out-promoted. In a few cases, I wondered if members (or even the site committee) even read my submission. Consequently, the contests have hurt my confidence. Your post adds a new wrinkle to the argument over contest ethics. I like your cynicism. The site needs you, Shari.
Comment Written 20-Jan-2014
reply by the author on 20-Jan-2014
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I've seen entries win that were mundane and could have written by a six year old. Your best bet is to enter the FS sponsored competitions, although one wonders if the judges play favorites since the times are attached to the entries. I seldom vote. I mean, who has time to read fifteen long works? Thanks a bunch for your last comment. I appreciate that.
Comment from purrfect tale
When I review, the first things I read are those posts from my message box. After that, I often go through the list of people following me who I don't follow and read the latest from their portfolio. That sometimes has me reading blind contest entries, but since I'm going to their portfolio, I know the author. Don't know a way around this. But it's never influenced my vote.
reply by the author on 20-Jan-2014
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When I review, the first things I read are those posts from my message box. After that, I often go through the list of people following me who I don't follow and read the latest from their portfolio. That sometimes has me reading blind contest entries, but since I'm going to their portfolio, I know the author. Don't know a way around this. But it's never influenced my vote.
Comment Written 20-Jan-2014
reply by the author on 20-Jan-2014
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Of course not. You're purrfect. LOL. A fan PM'd me to check his blind entry out. I did, but read all entries. I checked someone else and she turned out to be the winner. I told him, and he fumed a bit, but still reviews.
Comment from InterestingRon
Hi Shary,
Yep, contests are a minefield.
I know that certain members, in contact by private emails, request a vote from their friends. Making Blind Contests stupid.
I usually enter non-blind ones, but winning is damn hard! I won far more with the Blinds!
You just can't win. LOL
Ron xx
reply by the author on 20-Jan-2014
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Hi Shary,
Yep, contests are a minefield.
I know that certain members, in contact by private emails, request a vote from their friends. Making Blind Contests stupid.
I usually enter non-blind ones, but winning is damn hard! I won far more with the Blinds!
You just can't win. LOL
Ron xx
Comment Written 20-Jan-2014
reply by the author on 20-Jan-2014
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Someone got caught in the cheating game and was banned from the site. I don't know for how long. No names mentioned. I hate malicious gossip.
Hugs,
Shari
