Reviews from

I Say, This IS the Real World!

A Brilliant Treatise On Fanstorian Addiction

36 total reviews 
Comment from l.raven
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HI Michael, you make me smile...for I think so many on here feel just like you do...we say we are a family...but we truly are...I have had friends on here pass away...and it was as hurtful as if it were my own family...and yes we do learn on here...and if you just want to write...to write you can...and some folks just enjoy having their poems and stories read...and that is fine with me...why cents mean nothing to me...it is the person writing the poems...we are family...what could be better...why would we leave???? smiling big you...very nicely said...very well written...Luff Linda xxoo love friend

 Comment Written 18-Feb-2015

Comment from Dawn Munro
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OOOh, I love that ending, after such a dynamic write about our wonderful site!

I have only two suggestions. The first is to add "at some time or another" to this: "I'm sure we have all felt like we are..." Actually, me? Not really, and you always want to cover the bases, make that 'connection' with your reader, right? I've sure felt like the top of my head was going to blow off a couple of times though. LOL. (And hurt, especially as a newbie.)

The other is add a comma after "bland". *grin*.

(And wow, that seventh paragraph is so sweet!)

 Comment Written 18-Feb-2015

Comment from lancellot
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Very interesting and I share your reasons. I think many of us came here for one reason or the other and for most of us it grew into both. Improving is still number one. Well said.

 Comment Written 18-Feb-2015

Comment from Spitfire
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What a fine ending! I've noticed your writing skills have improved since since the first silly reads that were somewhat disjointed but displayed your quirky and wonderful personality. Best line for me in this is:we don't bring any of our physical limitations to the table. Good luck in the contest, mikey.

 Comment Written 18-Feb-2015

Comment from angelface2
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Hi, Mikey. this is about the best story I have read about why you are on FanStory.
I might have written it myself. It is so wonderful to have friends here that will interact with you when you write. I don't mind criticism, if it isn't on my writing, but I do mind when someone doesn't like my subject. This isn't about subject matter, it's about your writing! I loved reading your reason for being on here. Am I blathering?? Sometimes I tend to do that. Hugs. Miss Sally

 Comment Written 18-Feb-2015

Comment from bob cullen
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Mr Cahill, you have superbly summed up the feelings of a great number of Fanstorians, myself included.

Fanstory provides far more than an outlet for we writers. It is an editorial department, a source of schooling and often a point of inspiration. And in my case, it located a publisher, G & J Publishing. Few sales mind you, but the self-satisfying dream of seeing my own work in print form.

I have many reasons to thank Fanstory, but my greatest gratitude goes to my fellow Fanstorians who post works that motivate. Just as this one has.

A superb write, Mr Cahill




 Comment Written 18-Feb-2015

Comment from nelliesellie
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I love the picture. Fanstory gives me plenty of hugs. I write to become better, fanstory helps me. But the real benefit is the friends. I am not physically able to go out and do things with my friends. Fanstory allows me to bond with true friends while sharing a common interest. Great work.

 Comment Written 18-Feb-2015

Comment from Sasha
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I have read several very good entries to this contest and this, in my opinion, is a top contender. You hit the proverbial nail on the head with this one. We all are here to learn how to be better writers and are blessed to have so many talented people eager and willing to assist us in that endeavor. Like you, I prefer to live a solitary life, but have made more 'real' friends here than in my real life. Excellent work with this one and I sincerely wish you all the best in the contest.

 Comment Written 18-Feb-2015

Comment from RGstar
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Thought I would give you a look in, my friend as you always support my work.
Michael, I understand you. You put your heart soul and creativity into your work. You are innovative at times as you outgun yourself with creativity, so understandable that every ounce of good feedback counts.

My friend. You need not worry or take heart from those that seek power through the work of others. They are easily recognizable and when frustrating of FS I might have quashed them, which I received a warning for doing, yet like you say, I learnt to have confidence in my work ( partly owed to the community here)that even the winds of never, never, could dislodge me from believing.

I must say , I don't get much of the negativity nowadays. I think the reason being the way I reply. You cannot paint red with red, you need to paint it with pink. Use reverse psychology where you learn to be unfazed, thank them for their take on the matter but always have an underlined politeness in letting them know it is a matter of interpretation and there views are welcomed, yet by the end of your answer they are made to feel as small as insects, yet you as large as a house in being dignified and polite.Constructive criticism is always welcomed by me, even if it may sting a tad, for a writer cannot see all, but what I speak off is the malicious attacks which may be directed by the attacker's incompetence and personal demeanor stemming from personality or craving more respect from own work which eludes.

Some want to be noticed so they review with disdain as to cause a reaction, an engagement in words. Close them down as in the polite way I suggested.

You understand full well the attributes of this site, so understand, full well, the parasite that likes to draw blood. The antidote is in your hands.

I have never muted anybody and fear none yet have respect for all. There are two which continue to exude a narcissistic style of reviewing, Pyrho and Ekimm, though Ekim has become much better, even gave me a six, but from the voice of others, the first mention carries on his crusade, yet to each is own, and I mention names because I hide not and also made it known to them. I had a review from Pyrho latest. I don't review their work yet he continues to review mine,of which I am grateful but know what to expect.

My friend, you are one of the most innovative here,so you dismiss with courtesy they that have little respect until they realize the only way forward is with respect.

Buddy, I'm here whenever you need.
Best wishes,
RGstar


 Comment Written 18-Feb-2015

Comment from Dean Kuch
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

While I agree with 99.9% of the wonderful things you've stated about our Beloved FanStory here in your well written and genuinely heartfelt narrative, Mikey, I can think of a couple of good reasons for leaving and I am seriously considering doing just that.

For example, you can wear out your welcome anywhere, no matter how gracious or caring that place is you've stumbled onto. Sure, at first they find you wandering around while looking like a lost sheep, but soon they discover that perhaps you're a threat to their perceived superiority, and they stop interacting with you.

I loved Gungalow (Pam) dearly, and I miss her interactions with me in the worst way. She cared little about her lofty ranking here. She loved to teach, to nurture and coach, and she was so very good at it. So you passed her up in the make pretend rankings at FanStory -- she really could have cared less. What she did care about was helping others produce the best bang for their buck here that money could buy -- even if it is just "funny money" we're referring to. She taught me how to do animations in poetry, add additional photos, and I've in turn payed her generosity forward in helping others do the same. But now, there are so many contests restricting artistic creativity and expression. If you don't believe me, just look at a few of the contests and the ridiculous rules attached to them going on right now. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize why they're in place.

I stay here for people just like you, caring, like-minded people whom I consider to be my friends. I too yearn to be a better writer, and this site has undoubtedly enabled me in making my first dream of becoming a published author come true.

As far as "liking people", I prefer interacting with my old Chihuahua, Gidget, more than I do most people I know personally. She actually cares about what happens to me, and she always listens without much fuss. Too bad people can't be a lot like dogs in that respect.

Great essay, Mikey. Very well done. ~Dean Kuch

 Comment Written 18-Feb-2015