By Sankey
I decided it was time to put all these tribute poems, rants, raves and even some complimentary things together in one volume specifically for the Fanstory family.
You will find good, bad, ugly and even some nice things about Fanstory in this book.
So, read on and commiserate, enjoy or even get a laugh sometimes.
INDEX
Ch 1. Why Is Your Scoring So Boring?
Ch 2. I'm Free Of Free. - If it ain't worth it, skip it!
Ch 3. Reviewing Dunce. - Some of us must live on FS.
Ch 4. Shout It Out. - Blockages in the system.
Ch 5. Why Can't "Tiew" Review? - About Firewalls and stuff on FS.
Ch 6. Pullitzers or Fitzers - Amateurs versus professionals on FS.
Ch 7. Up In The Clouds - The Know-alls.
Ch 8. Reviews Not Getting Their Dues - Reasonable Rewarding.
Ch 9. A Matter Of Time - The Balance Between Writing and Reviewing.
Ch 10. A Wonderful Surprise - A Feature missed, returns.
Ch 11. The Book Case Monster- Whether to Store or Read.
Ch 12. The Fanstory Boffins - The Committee.
Ch 13. Pride In Our Creation- Rewards Equalling How A Writer Feels.
Ch 14. Ron No Con - About a great writer.
Ch 15. Mikey I Likey - A tribute to another great FS Friend.
Ch 16. Cut and Paste A Waste.
Ch 17. Mary - Another Tribute to a new FS Friend.
Ch 18. What a Difference You've Made - Tribute to a great Fs'er.
Ch 19. Reviewing Denied.
Ch 20. Anything Goes.
Ch 21. A Lot Of Us Do It!
Ch 22. Money Down The Dunny.
Ch 23. I'm Skipping Low Rewarders.
Ch 24. My Gift To You.
Ch 25. Up On The Mountain
Ch 26. Something Is Missing.
Ch 27. Book Balloons Get No Swoons.
| Author Notes | These were originally spread around in other of my books. It was felt they were better in their own collection, seeing they are really specific to things and people of Fanstory. |
By Sankey
| Author Notes |
I honestly believe too many writers do not understand how the scoring works on Fanstory. That said I realize I may be considered too easy as I have never given less than a five for anything I have reviewed. I rather help newer writers and even if I find a whole host of what I call "Spagaramas" ....I still won't "mark you down." Please note: Pronunciation of "dues" rhymes with reviews in the Southern Hemisphere, being an Australian writer.
The word "insipid" in my dear old Oxford Dictionary is listed as "Dull, flavourless, lifeless." I love honest caring, helpful reviews, and count amongst my friends on Fs some great helpers over my more than 3 years here. By the way, I tried 3 times to get rid of the FS "A" thing next to my Copyright notice. Spagarama is �?�© 2015 G.C.Moore |
By Sankey
I'm sick and tired of reviewing for free.
I may as well go and climb up a tree.
I like what a writer once said to me
if there's no reward just skip it! Whee!!
I understand where people are poor
They can't afford to reward
Every Tom, Dick, and Thor.
But, as someone said once,
There's that appear to be broke
But then, all of a sudden
Their big winning's a joke.
It makes it so hard,
When great stories abound,
But there's no incentive
The eyes' pavement to pound.
Maybe a good tale
Will get a quick read
But as for reviewing
I won't feel the need.
©G.C.Moore 2015
| Author Notes | Yeah, I know another whinging/whining (for Uncle Sam readers) poem. I did when I wrote this...no more...have heaps of member dollars but I still think no fair. |
By Sankey
| Author Notes | Had a picture on here but now gone, sorry from Fanart Review. This is yet another of my rants. Keep seeing pretty well the same ones winning Reviewer of the Month constantly!! |
By Sankey
Poor old Fanstory needs a kick up its arse,
My server's speed's fine
Its responses are sparse!
So come on Tom,
Get the Cascara out,
Fanstory's too slow
And of that there's no doubt!
©G.C.Moore 2015
| Author Notes |
Someone said this is more of a rant. Option not given, sorry. I have discovered since I wrote this that here in Australia a good time to stay clear of posting on FS is around our tea or supper times. Seems Tom is doing maintenance in the middle of the USA night, which works out around our tea/supper time. Sigh! This could be the reason for the need of the Cascara hehe.
Cascara is a pretty severe laxative. Sadly the picture I had from Fan Art Review has now gone, sorry. |
By Sankey
We've both paid our due,
But both can't review.
©G.C.Moore 2015
| Author Notes |
This came about not just because of a competition but also due to the enormous frustration with Tom's over-protective firewall system. My wife and I both had accounts on here, but we could not both review anybody else's work together because of some archaic 'protection' Tom has in operation to stop authors reviewing and earning Member Dollars and points for their own work. Makes sense coz I guess there is dishonesty all over the place. Now you know why Tootsie55 account exists no more.
As I come by to do some chapter re-alignment, it is possible this "firewall" thing may have been corrected. I hope so! Sadly the great picture I had on here from Fanart Review is now gone. |
By Sankey
Is here* a place of encouragement
For amateur writers and poets?
Or the epitome or depths
Of discouragement
From "would be" professionals
And "know-it's"
Do many drown
In fantasy and fiction?
Pooh pooh those who
Are just "themselves?"
Why should there be such
An addiction?
To put plain old "truth"
On the shelves.
Not all of us look for Pullitzers,
We mainly just do it
For fun.
We write as we are 'cos
It fits us,
Not pretending to be
The "Great One."
There are those who succeed
With the numbers,
Yet others are so sharp
With words.
Why should we all be forced
to lumber?
To fictionalize self
Is absurd.
© G.C.Moore 2014
| Author Notes |
Sometimes it just gets a bit frustrating around here will all the wannabes. Thanks to a dear friend in here, perhaps now passed on, for the idea for this poem.
Sadly another Fanart pic has disappeared. |
By Sankey
Some writers spend so long
In Fantasy world
They can't really cope
When some truth is unfurled.
Reviewers want novels and "grovels" to rate,
If just a diary of facts
They rather just wait.
I'm amazed at "professionals"
Who claim "always right!"
To encourage the amateur,
To them just too trite!
©2014 G.C.Moore
| Author Notes |
Couldn't help it sorry folks. As a long time friend on FS said there are not many of these but just enough to make it irritating. "Grovels" in this instance has been turned into a Noun ok! I love the many wonderful helpers and encouragers I have in FS. God Bless you all! I think another Fasnart pic has gone, sorry.
|
By Sankey
Why do some writers refuse
To make a response to reviews?
Did reviewers choose
To call work bad news?
Not say what was wanted
Or couldn't be daunted?
Just simply denied them their dues.
©G.C.Moore 2015
| Author Notes |
Last line can be taken either way hehe. From either point of view or opinion. Remember an Aussie is writing this..if pronunciation confuses the reader. You know like noos and doos Amerian pronunciation versus "news and dues" in Aussieland.
Sadly a picture from Fanart Review is now gone. |
By Sankey
I'm trying to write
my new book, you see.
But these FS Messages
Just keep bugging me.
All the great writers
In FS you see
Make choosing which way,
The quandary for me.
I never set out
just looking for points
And lots of sitting
Is messing my joints.
Some times you get 'bookcased'
Some times you get read.
Sometimes such excitement,
I can't get to bed.
My new book awaits,
So patience my friends
I need to "get cracking"
Until my book ends.
Although it's not likely
To happen that way
I better get to it
Despite what I say.
©G.C.Moore 2015
| Author Notes | We have come a long way since I wrote this poem. Things have changed a lot for both myself and my wife. As we return to this, my autobiography is now finished and awaiting publishing. In days gone by there was so much fantastic writing in FS, it was very hard to get back to my own! I hope this encourages more of you "non-reviewers" out there. Thanks to VMarguarite for Eager Reader. That's me for sure. So pleased to see a Fanart pic is still on! |
By Sankey
I had a nice surprise today.
A dear old friend, so long away,
Has graced our FS worksheet, again, please stay!
Not since the beta of this new format,
has this dear friend stood on our doormat,
Just waiting ever patiently, our edits to save,
To help us complete our rant or our rave.
Our thanks to Tom for returning our friend,
To help all our trials and traumas to end.
much easier transferring corrections and adds
To give us more time to create lots more fads.
| Author Notes | Many of you may not remember a time when we did not have this spiffy Reviewing folder. We had it for a bit, then it disappeared. This poem is pretty ancient. Thanks, Tom for bringing back the Notes folder. (Pictured.)I loved it back then and I love it again. |
By Sankey
The "*P C's" are rife,
and as they say,
Things, today don't
Mean the same,
They did another day.
One time B.C. meant Before Christ,
'Mongst other "interruptions"
I here submit my own mad thought
A brand new brief corruption
In FS we get pushed for time
Many great 'tomes' to view
That's when The 'Book Case Monster'
Starts coming into view.
It's when your poem
Or other work is put aside to say
"I don't have time, right now, to read
Maybe another day"
Sometimes, perchance,
we all know this,
temptation is too great!
They 'scape the "Book Case Monster",
As to read, we just can't wait!
| Author Notes |
PC's are the political correctors
'Interruption' is a favourite slang perversion on "Interpretation" Seems another Fanart picture has "done a bunk!" |
By Sankey
| Author Notes |
I thought "Peek a Boo" had gone, but good to see it back, again!
'boffins' are defined as experts or specialists in the Macquarie Dictionary. Hope I don't get booted for this. I mentioned the idea to one other of my regular writers in here, I hope they read it. This is an ancient poem I thought could get another go after seeing a bit of a "whinge" (Aust) or "whine" (USA) from a great friend of mine in FS. |
By Sankey
I love readin' and writin'
The good ol' FS way.
And as for reviewin'
I like when they pay.
It ain't fair for readers
Who take time of day
To review great long writes
Without any pay.
It's like what a feller said
Just other day:
"The pride in some's writin'
Must equal their pay."
| Author Notes | I really enjoy some great writers in FS particularly those who write stories of interest to me. I like reading poetry as well and I would not expect the same sort of reviewing rewards on a short poem as I would on some of the longer chapters of stories. As an aside, though, it is also unfair for FS to require a longwinded review for a small poem or measley reward. It's not that I clamour for big rewards as I have plenty of Member Dollars (later learned to be Funny or Phoney Money.) I guess it is just about as the poem says - fairness. I try to be fair on my reviewers as much as I can with reasonable rewards. Note: I am not looking for more points as this has already reached its peak level of awards...just running it again to help some newer members. |
By Sankey
I love to read Ron Craig's dramas.
Pre-edit, more like Spagaramas.
Sometimes his sentences
take on 'apprentences'
Sagas or Minis,
now when will they finish?
In more recent times,
Instilled in the crimes,
There comes the odd error
amongst all his terror.
But he's still a good read,
Once he gets on his steed.
Galloping off at great speed,
Writing just what we need.
| Author Notes |
This poem is purely a dig and only refers to Ron's work pre-editing. I have bought a couple of his books and they are great to read, even after their time in FS.
I got this from Ron, who I miss in here, dearly. Not sure I agree. But maybe this puts paid to my whinge about his long sentences hehe. The course encourages expanding sentences. I quote "The course, narrated by a PhD professor in English literature on DVD, encourages expanding sentences, by adding modifying phrases, to increase depth, answer the reader's anticipated questions and be more engaging." Quote ends. Ron Craig has got to have been one of my favourite FS authors. I still have a few favourites in here, but Ron has his own unique style. I am sorry he is no longer with us in this place. The term Spagarama© is my own term. Should Register it as a Trademark, hehe. Hope the old FS furphy doesn't come up, on it An old Fanart pic once again, gone! |
By Sankey
A good friend on FS was Mikey
Made lots of suggestions I likey
We all wanted improvement
In this FS movement
And Mikey's were best here
By Krikey!
He's not a 'Redneck'
But assuredly Yankee
Upset his pets
He'll most likely
Get cranky
Disparage 'The Bard'
He might take it hard
If you look really hard
The Bard's In
His Yard
Read what he writes
You won't get no frights
There's many a poem
Where he'll
Most likely 'roem*'
He'll go off in a paddock
But won't find no Haddock
Some verses are 'quirky'
Not usually jerky
But he'll serve no turkey
To you.
The thing with Michael Cahill
Is - he'll get you up on a hill
With wit and wisdom
Far beyond his years.
He's such a handsome chap
and always worth a clap
Coz his writings will be
music in your ears.
| Author Notes |
Putting this up one more time again now several years after his passing, and I believe probably tomorrow in USA would have been the late Michael Cahill's birthday as I got a notice today in Australia (always a day early on Facebook as Fb has no concept of time diffs..in memory of this great FS friend now gone home to Glory. Some newer members would have loved to know Michael Cahill I hope his account has been preserved in here. I was inspired to write this from Mikey's story about suggestions of improvement for this web site. I totally agree with all his suggestions. He was the other "trouble maker."
Thanks to helv2 from Fan Art for his photo Muskrat Home Improvement. By Krikey is a popular anachronism of a lesser acceptable exclamation popular in Australia at least, anyway. Apologies for the spelling. Have now added some more *roem (forgive the spelling ok) refers to Mikey and mine too...tendency to go off on tangents; Haddock* not sure if you have Haddock (breed of fish) in USA commonly in the UK I believe. Short extra note: In some of the rhyme readers from outside USA may not understand the name "Cahill" in most USA places is pronounced "K-Hill." If you do not know to whom this poem refers look for Michael Cahill's profile. We will miss you greatly dear friend. See you in Glory someday soon! |
By Sankey
| Author Notes | I wrote this for myself and one or two others who suffer the similar problems of folks always cutting and pasting reviews and not really offering any help. I appreciate all the helpful reviewers I have had in here and I do try and reciprocate by reviewing others who have done the same for me. It seems, yet again another Fanart offering is gone. |
By Sankey
I found a friend in Mary
I thought she was a bloke
London Bridge in her photo
Made me think she was "Brit" folk.
She's certainly a great writer
Gets us in with each pen stroke
I wish I had her gift for sure
I wouldn't be so broke.
| Author Notes |
I first came across Mary here in Fanstory. Notes in her profile pointed to HER being a HE. After a while we got it sorted. "Brit" folk means I thought she was in Britain. Under MTF 1955 formerly, no longer on FS.
Thanks to Ashbrooke 0706 for "freedom In Green." Glad to see still one or two Fanart selections are still up. |
By Sankey
Sis Evelyn, I want you to know what a blessing you have been not only to me but to many of us on Fan Story. Your wonderful spirit of caring, and persistence has really made a difference to a lot of us here.
Your stories have always "grabbed" us and we have been amazed at how much you put your trust in our Heavenly Father to get you through all the trials of life you have had.
I also thank you for your great testimony of God's love in your life, and I do most earnestly look forward to that day when we, who are your brothers and sisters in Christ will have the opportunity of meeting you in person.
I appreciate FS giving us the opportunity to express our love and appreciation for all you have done for each of us through this medium.
A favourite verse of mine I want to share is:
Proverbs ch 3: 5 and 6.
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart and lean not unto thine own understanding.
6 In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths.
Happy Birthday dear Sis, and we wish you many, many more.
Love in Him,
Geoff
| Author Notes | This wonderful lady was such a blessing to all of us on Fan Story. I am not sure if she still lives atm. Maybe Sis janey King will tell us. |
By Sankey
I once enjoyed many opportunities of reviewing a great writer here in Fanstory. Then one day they took offence at some comments I made in my review for some reason. Maybe it was a difference of opinion on religion or something.
However, because of a small thing I said that upset the particular person, they requested I no longer review their mostly really interesting writing, that I have enjoyed and supported for a long time.
I still get notifications of all their posts. Even though I unfanned them, I still get notices so I muted then and they still come.
I miss reading their stuff. Every time I get a notice I try and look but I am blocked from reading their offerings.
Tom could not help me sort it out. Maybe someone else out there has some idea how to stop the Notifications from this person who does not want me to even look at their work.
| Author Notes | Thanks to bd shutterspeed for "hangin' Tight" So pleased that yet another FanArt picture is still here. |
By Sankey
FS is for everyone. Not just the English or American folks. Not just Atheists or Believers. Not just Hindus and Spiritualists. It is for everyone. You have to choose to not read stuff that is of no interest to you.
I was only still on this site by the "skin of my teeth" because I was and still am uncomfortable with a lot of the practices. Miraculously, it seems someone in here wanted me to stay! (As at November 2019 when my Membership should have lapsed.)
I have raved about the "skin of my teeth" discomfort thing long and hard, myself. Look in my portfolio to see all the different things I have written on.
There are warnings throughout the site, for Sex and Language content and I know the Christians, as I am also, on the site have warned of the content of their posts. As one of the big winners said in review...there is always the skip button.
| Author Notes | This came about because of a recent post from a dear friend. Felt like I had to have my say as well. |
By Sankey
You want us to review your work
But only pay a pittance
You won't reciprocate reviews
You say you have no time.
You write these little tiny poems
Expecting large reviews
Maybe it's time to change the rules
To skip them we could choose.
This place was once for amateurs
But now, not so, it seems,
We've widened the parameters
Professionals flood the streams.
The "Professional Reviewer"
Winning all the 'tests'
While us rest go down the sewer,
A Third Place obtained at best.
It's claimed it is against the rules
To start a "recip*" group
But I'd much rather write reviews
For those within my loop.
Now Michael Cahill's gone
There's less of us
To keep this place in line.
'Coz most of you'll
Sit back and say
" 'ts ok,
She'll be fine."
As long as there are no changes
This place will someday die.
| Author Notes |
In memory of my very good friend and fellow "whinger/whiner," the Late Michael Cahill.
" 'Tests" short for contests. Recip abbreviation for reciprocating or "paying back." A great picture I had is gone, another loss from FanArt. |
By Sankey
| Author Notes |
Definitions for all you folks who don't understand.
Funny (also known as "Phoney") money is what we here in FS call the earned Member dollars for reviewing work. I am glad I learned how to work the system here to save actually outlaying real money to promote stuff. "Dunny" is a slang term for a toilet and the term is used here to refer to money going to waste or being used to no purpose. "Up Overs," I think is also understood to refer to North of the Equator, especially folks from the USA. "Down Unders" is a fairly well-understood term referring especially to we folks from Australia, or south of the Equator. The picture is of a Dissolvenator an ancient form of toilet (or Dunny) used in a lot of rural places in Australia if not these days, back in the 40's and 50's. |
By Sankey
This is most definitely a RANT!
Yes! I know! "Up over" is on Vacation. But I can still see a few around. I have been recently shelling out big bucks "funny money" I know but still big bucks to get reviews which are not happening over much. What a waste! Maybe I should join the rest of you that are posting rewardless or for the "FREE??" stuff Tom gives with new posts.
A dear old former FS friend Charley Lewis once said that "our rewards show our belief in our work." What a great statement. I was looking for my dear old bro recently I think he might have joined Michael Cahill in Glory as well.
So just be aware folks if you want reviews then PAY a Decent Reward! Or don't you think your stuff is worth anyone reading it? Someone says,
"But how can I offer decent rewards when all I do is go in contests all the time and never do much reviewing?"
Never mind all the poems with not much in them that want enormous reviews also for a pittance.
OK, that's it! Wait till I get my shield out and put on my coat of armour!
| Author Notes | Thanks Cleo85 for "Protection." So blessed to see some FanArt pics still on my posts. |
By Sankey
| Author Notes |
The picture is of Louise and me having lunch at a Cafe in Rouse Hill the location of one of our new "Metro" driverless train stations, on the occasion of Louise's very first time on these "new technology" transport options. More on Facebook if interested. "Shoot through" I am pretty sure is an Aussie only expression meaning "to leave" or "go."
I fondly remember my long gone eldest brother, Richard or Dick as he was known to a lot of his fellow truckers, using it mostly on departure. We were on our way out at the time of composing this. However a kinds FS'er has sponsored me for another year as at November 2019. I intended this to be much more detail but if you care to check out my other "Rants and raves" along similar lines as this, in this book. The Australian dollar has been struggling for months now below 70cents US, just another reason we are moving on pay wise, as Fanstory has become much more expensive for me. (A Disability Pensioner on limited means.) An extra reason to quit the paid side. In Australia, we had a political party set up specifically to "keep the bastards honest." Sadly that party has now died as the major parties still hold sway. Perhaps Fan Story needs something the same as all of us "chain rattlers" move on. Goodbye all. |
By Sankey
| Author Notes | I had a look through some of my stuff today and noticed how many cases I had a lot of readers come through and the comparatively few who would leave a review. (Ha another rhyme!) Imagine all the "All-Time- Bests" we would get if more left reviews instead of a walkthrough. I know we are all pressed for time and I have not Bookcased anything for ages. Sorry I've taken so long to get this up. Just noticed it still sitting in my portfolio waiting for some finishing work. Thanks to Dick Lee Shea for his great photo that certainly goes with my poem. Glad to see it still on so long after I posted this. |
By Sankey
| Author Notes |
I've been a member of this group for more than 5 years and I know others feel the same about either reviewers not getting notices of our posts or on the other hand, ourselves not being notified of our fans work in time to be rewarded better for reviewing. After all, the correct cycle as always should be....read, review; write and promote. But we can't promote at minimum personal cost, if we don't get notices in time to take advantage of dedicated writer's rewards for genuine reviewing and helpful comments. "Big phoney" is reference to earned rewards of funny or phoney site money we use to promote. Some have bounteous personal resources and promote their stuff over and over and higher and higher. However, we don't all have that advantage.
Thanks to Eileen for Dance of the Spiders. |
By Sankey
| Author Notes | This has been sitting around for ages waiting for an excuse to put up. I recently wanted to promote an entire book of my "Poultry" - weird poems. Some of the poems have made it to the top in ratings but a few have not. I have promoted heaps of "Book Ballons" but folks only read the chapter or poem the promotion is connected to forgetting all the other stuff that it has cost the writer heaps to get included in the "Book balloon," that still has rewards on as well, ho-hum. So no more book balloons from me! Thanks to VMarguarite for girl with a balloon. |
By Sankey
| Author Notes | For any not aware of the term "Down Under" refers to Australia from whence I am. The photo is an earlier one of our "tea towelled" Australia. We re-did this later with more "hatpins" on Western Australia that were missed previously. We visited West Aussie a couple of times. Sadly, no more "vacations" as US'ers call 'em, for us. I have taken some liberty with the title. Vacash short for Vacation if you didn't figure that out. Flat "a" for Bash and raised "a" in Vacash." |
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