Reviews from

FanStory

Questions and comments

17 total reviews 
Comment from Faith Williams
Excellent
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An interesting post. I haven't had some of the issues with font size and color though I really do dislike having to respace a copied piece, especially if it is longer.

The picture issue I have dealt with as well. I have figured out they need to be a jpeg. Beyond that, however, I'm afraid I cannot help.

I've seen the lack of paragraph indentation on other sites.

I do wish that there were levels of member cents given based on number of words of a piece. Maybe for every 500 words, an additional amount is awarded. I really think it would help for longer pieces. Most of the prose pieces on FS are flash or barely considered a short story. I don't mind reading longer pieces, but others rarely want to put in the time or effort.

You shared some issues/concerns I hope FS takes the time to read and consider. Thanks for sharing.

 Comment Written 20-Jun-2023


reply by the author on 21-Jun-2023
    Thank you for your very kind review.
Comment from Jim Wile
Excellent
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Wayne, for the most part I agree with your pet peeves about FanStory. Some of the things seem inexplicable and could be remedied with software fixes. I've made a few suggestions along the way, but haven't seen any action on them yet. I'm not sure how often they offer a new release of their software. Perhaps it's only annually, and I've only been a member since November. I'm willing to give them the benefit of the doubt, but it is important for the members to let them know about things that could be fixed.

I was a former computer guy about 15 years ago, and although I haven't kept up with it, I know a few things about this sort of programming. I've got a few comments in red to your posting which I have copied here:


Why can't FanStory leave the chosen font as posted? I open my Times New Roman post in read mode and see that it's changed to Calibri, or something like it. I change to edit mode to fix it and see that it is still Times New Roman. Why does it do that? I've asked management and received no satisfactory response, simply a repetition of the posting process. I can't seem to duplicate what you are saying here. Here is my experience with it. No matter what font you used in your Word document that you pasted into the advanced editor textbox, unless you change it (by hitting ctrl+a to highlight the whole text then selecting a font from the list of available ones provided) it won't preserve your choice of font. It may look that way the first time you view it in read mode, but once you come back in edit mode, it will revert to its default font. You can solve this by always changing the font to your desired one before posting it for its first viewing in read mode. Then it will preserve it.

Why can't FanStory recognize simple figures such as apostrophes in the Author's Notes section instead of applying all the weird symbols? This is a baffling one that they ought to be able to fix.

Why does FanStory intermittently change the font color of sections of a post when the piece in the writer's computer does not? I haven't ever observed this happening.

What's with the Control V for pasting? If you're not familiar with it, Control V (or more commonly seen as ctrl+v) is a universal keyboard way of pasting text, just as ctrl+c is the universal way of copying a selection that you've made of text, and ctrl+a is a way of copying the entire body of text in a textbox when the cursor is anywhere within it. They are called keyboard shortcuts and work just about everywhere within textboxes. Incidentally, when it says, for example, ctrl+c, that means to hold down on the ctrl key while you press the c key after you have highlighted what you want to copy. Then to paste it, locate the cursor wherever you want to paste it and do the same with ctrl+v.

Why does acceptance of photos into FanStory posts seem arbitrary and fickle? Some photos are accepted, while others are not - all taken with the same camera.

Why does FanStory insert/change the line spacing of a post? I haven't found it to change my line spacing from, say, single to double space, but it does not seem to honor when I put a blank line between paragraphs. It seems to convert all carriage return line feed characters (the paragraph marker in Word) to simple carriage returns without a line feed. Thus you must put an extra carriage return line feed into your document or you will have to insert them once you get them into the textbox. What I typically do to avoid this and the funny characters for quotes as well is to first paste from Word into Notepad or some other text-only text editor. This strips all formatting including bolding and italicizing you may have done in Word, but you can always add those back. While in Notepad, I insert my extra blank lines between paragraphs there, and it comes out just right in the FS textbox. I've found this to be the quickest and easiest way to do things. It also eliminates the funny characters.

Why doesn't a size 12 font on the computer equal size 12 on FanStory? I have to change my posts to 18 to make then appear the same size.

Why does FanStory not prefer paragraph indentation? I think this is a design decision they've made to comply with a modern trend to eliminate this. This is quite common these days, more's the pity.

Why does FanStory wipe out the title and description when changing the body to Advanced Editor? I believe this would be a fairly simple fix for the software to preserve whatever may have been typed in before switching to the advanced editor, then putting it back. It's actually a different webpage, but there are methods of preserving things between webpages.

It happens not only when switching to the advanced editor but when you choose an image for your posting. The most frustrating thing is when you've typed in a title and description, then remember to get an image, which, on return, has wiped out your title and description and also changed the default from advanced editor to the basic editor (no excuse for doing that) and you will lose the title and description again if you enter them then realize the editor is now in basic mode and needs to be switched back to advanced mode. Aaaargh! At the very least, they should not change the default editing mode the way they do.


Why, when in edit mode, you click on a misspelled word (or some such) and FanStory throws you back to the beginning of the post? I have learned that if I double click that might not happen. But sometimes (most?) I'm not quick enough. A single click should be sufficient. It's like if you were to take a very long road trip in your car and you tap the brake - only to be instantly transported back to your starting place. "Oh, I didn't know you really wanted to stop right where you tapped your brake. To let me know you wanted to stop there, you should tap twice and stand on your ear." That should also be a very doable fix, as the software on other websites is able to place the cursor right where you put it in the textbox that gets the focus.

Why does FanStory insist on 150 characters in reviews of poems of only 10-15 (very few) characters? I think this is actually a good idea to prevent many simple responses like, "Nice job." Granted, there isn't usually much to say about short poems. That's why I seldom review those. Without some sort of minimum, it's too easy to earn the reward money for a review.

Why does FanStory even offer reviewers the opportunity to rate a piece with one, two, or three stars?

I realize FanStory is a private, profit-motivated company, but for goodness sakes, rewarding reviewers the same amount for a 100-word piece as a 4,000-word posting is tough to take. (I realize that the writers determine how much reviewers receive, but...)

Why not reward a FanStory writer for entertaining the membership by offering a penny or two for each viewing? If a hundred members read a post, the writer would get a buck (or two). After all, it's just funny money and it might allow a popular author the opportunity to continue entertaining the membership. (This is not self-serving in that I have never even approached 100 views for a post.)

I fully realize that I did not have to join FanStory. My participation is completely voluntary and if I don't like it, I don't have to play. But that doesn't mean that a member shouldn't be allowed to ask questions. I also understand that these should be taken up with management. Several of them have been - without appreciable response. And to tell a fellow member to sit down and shut up is like telling someone who bought XYZ car that they should neither comment, nor question its workings - they didn't have to buy it.

So, what is my point? Am I trying to get expelled?

No.

One: I'm in hopes that some among you can help me with one or more of my issues. Maybe I'm doing something wrong. And two: maybe some of you might have sufficient influence to effect FanStory improvements. I love FanStory, obviously, since I'm willing to pay for it. I simply wish that it wasn't so frustrating to operate. I will try to suggest some of the things I mentioned to you here to help reinforce the need for some software upgrades.

So, is there anything I enjoy about FanStory, or am I negative about all of it?

I like how FanStory accepts MSWord and employs some of their tools and tricks.

I like that FanStory will accept writers' own photographs. (some, anyway)

I like that FanStory allows interactions between members.

I like the warning system allowing members not to be surprised by unwanted breaches of their sensitivities.

I like that there is ample opportunity to engage in competitions, and that poets and prose writers can be fairly judged - not generally co-mingled.

I like that members can vote in contests in which they have not submitted entries. (I just wish more would vote - like many dozens more.) (Maybe an incentive, like a penny, or two, for each vote cast?) (Afterall, it's not money!)

I wish I was a better writer... but I'm grateful that FanStory members wish the same for me, and actually work, to help me try to become one.

I enjoy the FanStory members. I agree with all of your positives about FanStory, Wayne, especially this last one. This is a wonderful group of people here. Jim

 Comment Written 20-Jun-2023


reply by the author on 20-Jun-2023
    Ctrl-v (I always just right click and then paste. And it seems that since the FS program has 'Paste', the Ctrl-v is redundant.)
    Line spacing - Mine always look to be at least 1.5 while I typed them single spaced.
    150 - I think you are right. And there would be no way to police it. A short poem has to be dynamite for me to review it.
    Thank you for your terrific review.
reply by Jim Wile on 21-Jun-2023
    You can get them single-spaced if you copy it from Word into Notepad or Wordpad (or any text-only editor) and then from there into FanStory. That also corrects any funny characters. You do have to put back any bold or italics, though.
Comment from Paul Manton
Excellent
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Hi Wayne, I read this yesterday and wasn't sure how to respond to it. In the I decided on a thunderous round of applause!
I intend to print it out to use as a reference guide. Then, if I'm still here, if Fanstory's still here, if the world hasn't been obliterated by preemptive strikes and if the Lord has not returned, I will be able to say, "That's one of Wayne's."
Great job.
Paul

 Comment Written 20-Jun-2023


reply by the author on 20-Jun-2023
    Hah!
    (laughy face here)
    Thank you for your too kind review.
reply by Paul Manton on 21-Jun-2023
    'In the end' I meant of course. Have you had the Court Martial yet?
    Good luck with all your future writing.
    Paul
reply by the author on 21-Jun-2023
    Not received the boot yet!
    smiley face here
reply by Paul Manton on 21-Jun-2023
    Glad to know it. The world needs more insubordinates like us.
Comment from Lisasview
Excellent
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I am so happy to read all this... I too have questions...Some the same ...some different...
I joined Fan Story a couple of weeks ago...and, have struggled to make heads or tails of how everything works.
I have messaged someone called Tom several times with questions but most are not really answered... just referring to go my status page for example.
I do not understand why they do not have a list of exactly how to navigate the site... How hard would that be?
I had no idea about voting until two days ago. I thought that getting reviews would help me win a contest... I learned that wasn't true...
I still do not know or understand a load of things..
I had a heck of a time down loading a photo for a blind contest... and, yes the font I have on my computer was a 12 but on Fan Story it is a 23 or 24.
What I do is place my cursor on my work and press command c ...my work is usually on my pages or word, and then I place my cursor on the Fan Story page to download my work and press command v ...
That way the image and my word move over to Fan Story... then if need be I make my font larger....
Anyway, that part is okay for me...What is not okay is the not knowing...drives me nuts.
I thought I would just drop this whole thing.... seems like all I am doing is reading reviews to get enough dollars to move up so more people read my work....but why...
And, the whole rating system... I have been getting 5 stars and 6 stars... and only once or twice 4 stars...I seriously doubt anyone would ever give anyone a 2, 3 or 4 rating...so why even offer it...maybe the reader of the poem should be anonymous...then readers would be more honest....and the poet might actually learn something.
but I think that most everyone gives and gets 5 stars...people are afraid to give anything lower..
Anyway, I could go on and on....but....
I am now going back to read what you wrote again...
Lisa, new to this site


 Comment Written 19-Jun-2023


reply by the author on 20-Jun-2023
    You are right on all counts.
    I learned like everyone else - trial and pull-my-hair-out.
    Except for a few contests that I won some funny money in, I, like you, had to review like crazy - even things I didn't care for just to get enough to offer a decent pay-off for members to review mine.
    It is frustrating.
    You have nailed it on the stars system. I once (very early on) gave a 3 for an extremely poorly written piece. He/she blocked me.
    I got the same response from Tom
    Thank you for your review. And if I can help, please feel free to msg me.
    Better, though, msg Jim Wile. Tell I sent you. He'll help, and he's really smart.
Comment from lancellot
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Very interesting. No, there is nothing wrong with asking questions. You are a paying member, your voice and input should matter. Most questions are a matter of playing with the system and learning the functions.

Why does FanStory even offer reviewers the opportunity to rate a piece with one, two, or three stars?

- To be honest. You can't blame this on FanStory. I use them. And there is nothing preventing others from using them but their own lack of courage, fear of dishonest reprisals, and they won't make or keep friend with honest reviews.


Why does FanStory insert/change the line spacing of a post?

- This mostly happens, when in poetry, Use the basic first, then save, then edit and switch to Advanced. The spacing will not change.

 Comment Written 18-Jun-2023


reply by the author on 19-Jun-2023
    Haven't tried editing in basic and then switching.
    And yes, I have had a reprisal, or two. I've also been blocked, but that might have been for politics, no telling.
    Thank you for your review and help.
reply by lancellot on 19-Jun-2023
    You're welcome. I've had reprisals and too many blocks to count, more lately. But I guess everything changes and FanStory has changed a lot.

    Have a great one.
Comment from BethShelby
Excellent
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A lot of those questions are ones that I have myself. I haven't a problem with the type font when it is set from the Advanced Editor. It does change when it is moved from word and it has to be reset with Advanced Editor. I would like to know why a book title can never be changed once you have posted to it and it is impossible to move chapters arround and renumber them. I just posted a new book title but it was simular but not the same as one I alread had. They insisted of posting the first chapter for the new book to the older book. I definitely agree there should be and member dollar advantage to vote. Only a few bother to vote unless they have an entry in the contest. Good questions you asked. I hope you get answers.

 Comment Written 18-Jun-2023


reply by the author on 19-Jun-2023
    Thank you for your great review.
    And I wish I'd remembered about the title business, and posting partial chapters.
    Oh, I read your 'Chasing the Elusive Dream' Kindle book. Great job. Fabulous chapters. Very well done.
Comment from GWHARGIS
Excellent
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I have had trouble with advanced editor since day one. I finally gave up. I now post from my phone. I can't do the fancy editing. I do wish I could drop a photo from my personal gallery into the spot for a picture but the app doesn't let me. I have been known to struggle with reviews. Most people struggle sometimes with them. You presented your piece with ample examples and did so very respectfully. Thanks for sharing. Gretchen

 Comment Written 18-Jun-2023


reply by the author on 19-Jun-2023
    Thank you for your very kind review.
Comment from Carol Hillebrenner
Excellent
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You mostly asked questions about things I don't understand either. You are very polite in your questions and I hope you can get some answers. I can't even figure out how to use the editor.

 Comment Written 18-Jun-2023


reply by the author on 18-Jun-2023
    smiley face here
    Thank you for your very kind review.
Comment from JSD
Excellent
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Well, I'm relatively new to FanStory but I can appreciate some of what you say. I hope that your sincere and careful critique is listened to. Not arrogant at all, nor stupid. Good luck.

 Comment Written 18-Jun-2023


reply by the author on 18-Jun-2023
    Thank you for your very kind review.
Comment from Terry Broxson
Excellent
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Wayne, you have asked some really good questions, and you have noted some really good positives. I have had a few of the issues you mentioned, but I have no answers. The picture problems I have had are related to the size of the pixels. Sometimes the upload will take it but not post it.

One observation that occurred to me as I read your piece. The work for a member of FS is twofold. The writing and the reading. Simple enough. The fun is also twofold. The writing and being entertained from the reading. I don't have to write to be entertained. And there are those who think it would be better if I stay a reader and not a writer.

Good job. Terry.


 Comment Written 18-Jun-2023


reply by the author on 18-Jun-2023
    Made me laugh!
    Thank you for your fun review.