Contests--My Two Cents Worth
my take on recent posts46 total reviews
Comment from nancy_e_davis
Oh, that needed saying. Kudos to those who can pay to boost their ego's. I think it is so strange that we have so many over
achievers on this site. Really competitive people who think they should always win. Good Job. I agree. Nancy
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2014
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Oh, that needed saying. Kudos to those who can pay to boost their ego's. I think it is so strange that we have so many over
achievers on this site. Really competitive people who think they should always win. Good Job. I agree. Nancy
Comment Written 22-Jan-2014
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2014
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For every member, there's a different reason they signed on. I hope that everyone finds their niche and gets the kind of support and guidance they're looking for. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Comment from 4hisglory
Thanks for your 2 cents worth. I also am here to learn how to be a better writer, and when I win a contest, I want it to be because I wrote a good piece period. A win isn't a win unless it's earned.
I don't have the time to write a lot and also do enough reviews to get my stories to the front page. So, I seem to do more reviewing than writing, unfortunately, cause I don't have the money to spend either. I just want to get all the feedback I can to help me write better. Some day when I don't have to work two jobs I'll have more time to write.
I think you expressed yourself very well. Never apologize for a job well done, and like you say, never look down on the ones still struggling, just help them.
Blessings, LaVonne
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2014
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Thanks for your 2 cents worth. I also am here to learn how to be a better writer, and when I win a contest, I want it to be because I wrote a good piece period. A win isn't a win unless it's earned.
I don't have the time to write a lot and also do enough reviews to get my stories to the front page. So, I seem to do more reviewing than writing, unfortunately, cause I don't have the money to spend either. I just want to get all the feedback I can to help me write better. Some day when I don't have to work two jobs I'll have more time to write.
I think you expressed yourself very well. Never apologize for a job well done, and like you say, never look down on the ones still struggling, just help them.
Blessings, LaVonne
Comment Written 22-Jan-2014
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2014
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I have learned as much from reading the authors I admire as from writing myself. Sometimes I find myself drifting into a style I learned from someone else. It's all good. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Comment from Pilot2Pen
This is an excellent essay. I'm fairly new to Fan Story but I think it is pretty simple to win. First, write something really good that will excite/entertain/motivate/awe people who will read it. Second, enter the contest. Third, vote for the one you think is best. I am batting zero with wins and I think some of my entries have been pretty darn good. Then I read the winning entries and I am always impressed. I haven't been that good a picking the winners for my votes, but that is because the completion and quality of work are really high. In my mind, sometimes it's a coin flip among two or more entries.
My only comment to those who lose and then whine is, "Get a life!" Winning is nice but doing your best is far more important. That's a lesson my mother taught me sixty years ago and it has stood me in good stead ever since.
Thanks for letting me pitch in my two cents. Ken
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2014
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This is an excellent essay. I'm fairly new to Fan Story but I think it is pretty simple to win. First, write something really good that will excite/entertain/motivate/awe people who will read it. Second, enter the contest. Third, vote for the one you think is best. I am batting zero with wins and I think some of my entries have been pretty darn good. Then I read the winning entries and I am always impressed. I haven't been that good a picking the winners for my votes, but that is because the completion and quality of work are really high. In my mind, sometimes it's a coin flip among two or more entries.
My only comment to those who lose and then whine is, "Get a life!" Winning is nice but doing your best is far more important. That's a lesson my mother taught me sixty years ago and it has stood me in good stead ever since.
Thanks for letting me pitch in my two cents. Ken
Comment Written 22-Jan-2014
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2014
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Thanks for doing so, reading and reviewing. If I look back to my early days and read my old posts I can see where the investment here and the generous lessons of other members helped me improve my writing. It's all good.
Comment from Carrie Carson
Oh, my, I guess I'm not too coherent about FS usage or abuse...though I have puzzled as to why so often the best written piece doesn't win. I think there are people in collusion.
No spag to me in this. Well paced and logical sequence of addressing the issues. I would congratulations on being suspended once, it proves your mettle and that you stick to your guns as we say in Arizona.
I'm glad this does pay more than two cents to review. :) Carrie
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2014
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Oh, my, I guess I'm not too coherent about FS usage or abuse...though I have puzzled as to why so often the best written piece doesn't win. I think there are people in collusion.
No spag to me in this. Well paced and logical sequence of addressing the issues. I would congratulations on being suspended once, it proves your mettle and that you stick to your guns as we say in Arizona.
I'm glad this does pay more than two cents to review. :) Carrie
Comment Written 22-Jan-2014
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2014
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Thanks, Carrie. I have been suspended four or five times, but believe I may have finally learned my lesson. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Comment from Joy Graham
Hi Spiritual Echo! I enjoyed reading your essay. This topic fascinates me. When I first joined the rant going around was about how horrible newbies were and that they should all be damned and not allowed to play with the big kids. Imagine how I felt as a newbie to the site. I stuck around and put it down as a bunch of divas strutting like peacocks. I have had ups and downs on this site but have endured and just like to post and see what happens. I get criticism on this site but win the occasional poetry contest in the real world. I'll keep going at my own pace and I know there will always be rants that will have everyone jumping on the band wagon to join in. Not this gal, I'll just be in my studio quietly writing :)
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2014
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Hi Spiritual Echo! I enjoyed reading your essay. This topic fascinates me. When I first joined the rant going around was about how horrible newbies were and that they should all be damned and not allowed to play with the big kids. Imagine how I felt as a newbie to the site. I stuck around and put it down as a bunch of divas strutting like peacocks. I have had ups and downs on this site but have endured and just like to post and see what happens. I get criticism on this site but win the occasional poetry contest in the real world. I'll keep going at my own pace and I know there will always be rants that will have everyone jumping on the band wagon to join in. Not this gal, I'll just be in my studio quietly writing :)
Comment Written 22-Jan-2014
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2014
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You have a studio? Luck gal. I have a writers garret. There will always be ranting and posturing, but this wasn't meant to join that fracas, just some basic info that might prove helpful. Thanks for reading and reviewing.
Comment from Adri7enne
Made me chuckle. Very direct, no nonsense, 'this is how I see it' post. And I agree. It's a business. Getting to the top here is a matter of time management and economics. But, there has to be a deep-seated desire to write. Else, why bother. If you've got something to say, it's good to have an audience. Well done, S. The payout wasn't an issue. I enjoyed the read.
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2014
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Made me chuckle. Very direct, no nonsense, 'this is how I see it' post. And I agree. It's a business. Getting to the top here is a matter of time management and economics. But, there has to be a deep-seated desire to write. Else, why bother. If you've got something to say, it's good to have an audience. Well done, S. The payout wasn't an issue. I enjoyed the read.
Comment Written 22-Jan-2014
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2014
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Thanks so much for the read and review. You are right. Without the passion and some discipline, nothing will happen.
Comment from sweetwoodjax
this is very well written, spiritual echo. a few years ago I went up against chey for the number five spot, craving that trophy since I couldn't win any site contest. I finished at number six in short story and poetry. I have to be happy with that and accept it gracefully. two people blessed me with memberships so that is the only reason I can still post. I have to accept whatever ranking I get.
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2014
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this is very well written, spiritual echo. a few years ago I went up against chey for the number five spot, craving that trophy since I couldn't win any site contest. I finished at number six in short story and poetry. I have to be happy with that and accept it gracefully. two people blessed me with memberships so that is the only reason I can still post. I have to accept whatever ranking I get.
Comment Written 22-Jan-2014
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2014
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No you don't have to 'accept' a ranking because someone was gracious enough to help sponsor membership. You're a very good writer and your dues have been paid. Hey, troll the front page before you post and collect enough to allow you a certificate, then just go for it, Girl.
Comment from kiwisteveh
Bravo! I applaud nearly every word of what you say. I haven't been around the site as long as you, but it doesn't take that long to work out what is going on.
BTW this piece is well organised with no SPAGS that I can spot and conveys a clear and well-stated message.
Steve
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2014
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Bravo! I applaud nearly every word of what you say. I haven't been around the site as long as you, but it doesn't take that long to work out what is going on.
BTW this piece is well organised with no SPAGS that I can spot and conveys a clear and well-stated message.
Steve
Comment Written 22-Jan-2014
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2014
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Party time--NO SPAG? Bring out the booze.
Thanks so very much for the visit, read and review.
Comment from barleygirl
WOW! This is an amazing "welcome back" after taking a break from FanStory for a few months. My first 4 months or so, I did get "mentally" tangled up in the contest drama, altho I never posted about it or ranted to anyone. But after my time-out, I got my head straight about why I'm here, doing this. Not to make this about me, instead of you . . . but just to validate your many good points in this essay. It does seem like the same people always win on this website, which can be demoralizing for us beginners. But now my focus isn't about comparing writers & writing. Thank you for the perspectives of a winner.
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2014
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WOW! This is an amazing "welcome back" after taking a break from FanStory for a few months. My first 4 months or so, I did get "mentally" tangled up in the contest drama, altho I never posted about it or ranted to anyone. But after my time-out, I got my head straight about why I'm here, doing this. Not to make this about me, instead of you . . . but just to validate your many good points in this essay. It does seem like the same people always win on this website, which can be demoralizing for us beginners. But now my focus isn't about comparing writers & writing. Thank you for the perspectives of a winner.
Comment Written 22-Jan-2014
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2014
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Review enough to earn the FS $ that every story or poem you have stays on the active list (attach certificate) you'll get a lot more feedback and some great ideas.
This site means different things for different people. Just write your heart out.
Comment from vapros
I hear your message. The key to success here, if any, is not quality, but promotion. It seems a little bass-ackwards, from a literary point of view, but this is not a non-profit venture. The prompts are a crapshoot, and there are some pretty surprising winners, but it is one of the few incentives to write. So we compete, after a fashion.
v
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2014
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I hear your message. The key to success here, if any, is not quality, but promotion. It seems a little bass-ackwards, from a literary point of view, but this is not a non-profit venture. The prompts are a crapshoot, and there are some pretty surprising winners, but it is one of the few incentives to write. So we compete, after a fashion.
v
Comment Written 22-Jan-2014
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2014
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In a way, it's true of all writing opportunities for amateur writers. There are very few contests anywhere that do not impose a writing fee for every contest entry.
I recently entered two contest, each sponsored by a very accredited backer (part of a government subsidized radio and TV station) and the cost was $25 per entry, with no feed-back whatsoever.
I like the prompts and they set my mind rolling, but this site is heavily weighted towards poetry and that's not my thing.
Thanks for reading and reviewing.
