Writing Critique
On reviewing others26 total reviews
Comment from DonandVicki
I think a post like your Non-fiction should be posted every so often to educate all reviewers new and seasoned. I hate it when I get a four or less just because the reviewer did not like my point of view, tell me where I failed as a writer. Thank you Mary for this instructive post.
reply by the author on 19-Jan-2021
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I think a post like your Non-fiction should be posted every so often to educate all reviewers new and seasoned. I hate it when I get a four or less just because the reviewer did not like my point of view, tell me where I failed as a writer. Thank you Mary for this instructive post.
Comment Written 19-Jan-2021
reply by the author on 19-Jan-2021
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Thank you for your review and thoughts. It is appreciated.
Regards
Mary
Comment from giraffmang
Hi there,
yes indeed. Posting and reviewing can be a minefield on FanStory.
Mind you, some writers need to grow thicker skins as much as some reviewers need to wind their necks in occasionally.
Don't be fooled into thinking the highest ranked reviewers are the better reviewers either. It just means that they review a lot. There are a handful of recognised reviewers on the site (six I think, although only half of them are active regularly).
The other good mind-set to adopt is that stars are awarded, not deducted. So many see a lower rating as being docked stars, that isn't the case. Stars are awarded. it's not like going into school on day one where a teacher says ' Right, you all have an 'A', now it's up to you to keep it'.
It can sometimes feel harsh to have grammar or punctuation errors pointed out and not achieve higher ratings due to this but it I very important. In the real world, it doesn't matter how good a plot, character, or storyline may be if the writing isn't up to par technically.
Having said that, any lower rated review should be detailed and constructive, explaining the issues, and, if possible, balanced -- believe me, sometimes it's difficult to balance!
When I first started writing on site, there was a fellow who used to highlight my work and put red lines through the mistakes / errors / bad choices. I got used to it after a while and he was right.
But, yeah, lower ratings without substance are a pain in the arse and completely unhelpful.
Nothing wrong with the post here. Clear, concise and on point.
All the best
GMG
reply by the author on 19-Jan-2021
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Hi there,
yes indeed. Posting and reviewing can be a minefield on FanStory.
Mind you, some writers need to grow thicker skins as much as some reviewers need to wind their necks in occasionally.
Don't be fooled into thinking the highest ranked reviewers are the better reviewers either. It just means that they review a lot. There are a handful of recognised reviewers on the site (six I think, although only half of them are active regularly).
The other good mind-set to adopt is that stars are awarded, not deducted. So many see a lower rating as being docked stars, that isn't the case. Stars are awarded. it's not like going into school on day one where a teacher says ' Right, you all have an 'A', now it's up to you to keep it'.
It can sometimes feel harsh to have grammar or punctuation errors pointed out and not achieve higher ratings due to this but it I very important. In the real world, it doesn't matter how good a plot, character, or storyline may be if the writing isn't up to par technically.
Having said that, any lower rated review should be detailed and constructive, explaining the issues, and, if possible, balanced -- believe me, sometimes it's difficult to balance!
When I first started writing on site, there was a fellow who used to highlight my work and put red lines through the mistakes / errors / bad choices. I got used to it after a while and he was right.
But, yeah, lower ratings without substance are a pain in the arse and completely unhelpful.
Nothing wrong with the post here. Clear, concise and on point.
All the best
GMG
Comment Written 19-Jan-2021
reply by the author on 19-Jan-2021
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I agree that a lower rating without feedback is not constructive. But a lower rating for minor errors (font or a comma) is wrong. It should be used as a teachable moment particularly to the new writer. Our education experiences all differ. Some writers went to good schools; others had teachers who did not put in the effort. Others, like me, did not know how to study until I was in my thirties and was taught by a college professor. (I was lucky to get into college via night school) Some writers have had a poor education and are trying to breakout. The new writer needs the support. If your character needs work or the dialogue is weak, then a writer welcomes the support and they should get a lower rating to have them reach higher goals. We should lift up and support others. Believe me, when you have someone correct your punctuation or grammar, the writer is embarrassed, but is appreciative of the reviewer, but a low rating for a minor error, the new writer remembers the lower rating and the reviewer. The new writer might not learn from the experience. Some reviewers are purists and can be nasty. One reviewer, according to the writer, refused to read a story because of the font and did not tell her how to correct.
A rich story will carry its own weight, in spite, of the comma missed in the second paragraph.
Thank you for the review.
Mary
Comment from Susan Larson
I,too, gain a lot from critiques here on fanstory. I was a newspaper columnist for almost 20 years and my copy editors were usually 22 year olds straight out of college. They would do things like change Canada geese to Canadian geese and make me look stupid. I wish I'd had fanstory back then! Keep writing! No matter what others have to say, it's just good to get it out there.
reply by the author on 18-Jan-2021
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I,too, gain a lot from critiques here on fanstory. I was a newspaper columnist for almost 20 years and my copy editors were usually 22 year olds straight out of college. They would do things like change Canada geese to Canadian geese and make me look stupid. I wish I'd had fanstory back then! Keep writing! No matter what others have to say, it's just good to get it out there.
Comment Written 18-Jan-2021
reply by the author on 18-Jan-2021
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Thank you for the review and encouragement.
It is appreciated.
Regards
Mary
Comment from Dana Starr
Thank you for writing this piece. You make a very good point about reviewing more than just spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Do you use Word when you write? I'm asking because Word helps me a lot with spelling, punctuation, and grammar. It's not perfect but it is helpful. I rely on my beta readers to point out mistakes that Word misses, and to tell me what issues they have with my stories. I've developed around five to six people I can rely on to give it to me straight before I ever post any story anywhere. I think it's important to use people you don't know in real life. I've used friends and even family as beta readers but that doesn't really work for me. I prefer real and honest feedback from strangers. Of course, I return the favor for them. One thing that I like to do is read my work out loud. That helps me realize when I've used the same word multiple times in a paragraph. Of course, sometimes I use the same word multiple times on purpose. Anyway, I appreciate your perspective.
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2021
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Thank you for writing this piece. You make a very good point about reviewing more than just spelling, punctuation, and grammar. Do you use Word when you write? I'm asking because Word helps me a lot with spelling, punctuation, and grammar. It's not perfect but it is helpful. I rely on my beta readers to point out mistakes that Word misses, and to tell me what issues they have with my stories. I've developed around five to six people I can rely on to give it to me straight before I ever post any story anywhere. I think it's important to use people you don't know in real life. I've used friends and even family as beta readers but that doesn't really work for me. I prefer real and honest feedback from strangers. Of course, I return the favor for them. One thing that I like to do is read my work out loud. That helps me realize when I've used the same word multiple times in a paragraph. Of course, sometimes I use the same word multiple times on purpose. Anyway, I appreciate your perspective.
Comment Written 17-Jan-2021
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2021
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Thank you for your review and helpful comments. I do use Word and really do not have anyone who will read prepost. A lot of writers here offer great support. Of course there are others who give 3 stars for the size of front instead of help. (not mine).
As a community, we should support each other.
Regards
Mary
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
That is so wrong. It would annoy me if I was down graded simply because of a repeated word or misplaced comma. I would always be given three stars if that were to happen! LOL. I love to have my work reviewed and edited properly. I wouldn't have written all my novels had I not had the really excellent constructive edits in my reviews. But, as you say, there are some who just like to down grade you for stupid reasons. A touch of jealousy, would you say!!!!! I really enjoyed reading this and I didn't find one nit! Well done. :)) Sandra xxx
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2021
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That is so wrong. It would annoy me if I was down graded simply because of a repeated word or misplaced comma. I would always be given three stars if that were to happen! LOL. I love to have my work reviewed and edited properly. I wouldn't have written all my novels had I not had the really excellent constructive edits in my reviews. But, as you say, there are some who just like to down grade you for stupid reasons. A touch of jealousy, would you say!!!!! I really enjoyed reading this and I didn't find one nit! Well done. :)) Sandra xxx
Comment Written 17-Jan-2021
reply by the author on 17-Jan-2021
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Thank you Sandra. When a new writer told me of her poor rating for a minor error and my own experience, I had to write.
Thank you for your review.
Mary
Comment from equestrik
This is a really sweet presentation with a cute picture to accentuate your writing. I am so glad for the responses you have had. I hope we all continue to do so fo one another.
reply by the author on 16-Jan-2021
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This is a really sweet presentation with a cute picture to accentuate your writing. I am so glad for the responses you have had. I hope we all continue to do so fo one another.
Comment Written 15-Jan-2021
reply by the author on 16-Jan-2021
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Thank you for your review and kind thoughts. It is appreciated.
Regards,
Mary
Comment from Rdfrdmom2
Mary:
You are spot-on with your frustration regarding reviewers
who drop a star to two on you because you make a minor
mistake but offers you no assistance in correcting it. My
biggest frustration is a reviewer dropping a star and saying
nothing about anything being wrong with my writing.
Rdfrdmom2
reply by the author on 15-Jan-2021
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Mary:
You are spot-on with your frustration regarding reviewers
who drop a star to two on you because you make a minor
mistake but offers you no assistance in correcting it. My
biggest frustration is a reviewer dropping a star and saying
nothing about anything being wrong with my writing.
Rdfrdmom2
Comment Written 15-Jan-2021
reply by the author on 15-Jan-2021
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Thank you for your comments and review. It is appreciated.
Regards
Mary
Comment from Elizabeth Emerald
Apt commentary, articulately conveyed. Good points re minor sometimes dubious "corrections" with demerits and no useful feedback on content. (I've had my share of these--when I first joined I got 3-stars for repeated instances of "errors" that were variant, equally-acceptable, forms of punctuation. I had to eat those three stars with a smile.) I always enjoy your writing and am delighted when you stop by my place! Well done.
reply by the author on 15-Jan-2021
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Apt commentary, articulately conveyed. Good points re minor sometimes dubious "corrections" with demerits and no useful feedback on content. (I've had my share of these--when I first joined I got 3-stars for repeated instances of "errors" that were variant, equally-acceptable, forms of punctuation. I had to eat those three stars with a smile.) I always enjoy your writing and am delighted when you stop by my place! Well done.
Comment Written 14-Jan-2021
reply by the author on 15-Jan-2021
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Thank you for your review and kind comments. I truly appreciate your feedback.
Regards,
Mary
Comment from mmayen
'Whereas in my writing, a turd is a turd (repeating again) so much so, the smell comes off the page'. lol
Thanks for the education. Once in a while, we should have honest feedback like this.
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2021
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'Whereas in my writing, a turd is a turd (repeating again) so much so, the smell comes off the page'. lol
Thanks for the education. Once in a while, we should have honest feedback like this.
Comment Written 13-Jan-2021
reply by the author on 13-Jan-2021
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Thank you for your review and rating. It is truly appreciated.
Thank you
Mary
Comment from amada
I read your article with much interest. It reminds me of my first year in Fanstory, by the computer I waited anxiously for someone to acknowledge my work...life a handshake from a friend. Yes, there are some who are picky, some may even mute you. We will never please everyone at the same time.
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2021
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I read your article with much interest. It reminds me of my first year in Fanstory, by the computer I waited anxiously for someone to acknowledge my work...life a handshake from a friend. Yes, there are some who are picky, some may even mute you. We will never please everyone at the same time.
Comment Written 11-Jan-2021
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2021
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Thank you for your comments and review. My comments are aimed at those who give poor ratings not for the quality of their writing, but for a missed comma and missing the opportunity to give the newby writer help and support and most of all encouragement.
Stay well.
