REBUTTAL to Smell the Stench
MY REBUTTAL85 total reviews
Comment from Seraphim Delphinium
Your rebuttal is well stated and the points are clear. I read the subject of this essay and could not bring myself to review it for a number of reasons. Just thought I would congratulate you on a well composed piece. Seraph~
reply by the author on 24-Feb-2011
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Your rebuttal is well stated and the points are clear. I read the subject of this essay and could not bring myself to review it for a number of reasons. Just thought I would congratulate you on a well composed piece. Seraph~
Comment Written 24-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 24-Feb-2011
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Thank you
Comment from mjfande
Very well put. It does seem that a strong POV and emotions destroyed what could have been a quality work.
More people have perished for the sake of religion than could ever populate the Earth at once. I'm not here to discuss religious viewpoints though.
Outstanding post.
reply by the author on 24-Feb-2011
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Very well put. It does seem that a strong POV and emotions destroyed what could have been a quality work.
More people have perished for the sake of religion than could ever populate the Earth at once. I'm not here to discuss religious viewpoints though.
Outstanding post.
Comment Written 24-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 24-Feb-2011
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I don't disagree. Thank you.
Comment from Kanyo, Master of Pi
I read that piece (of [expletive]), and unfortunately I cannot un-see it. While I would never seek to remove somebody's voice, I cannot express my disgust when people retreat behind the shield of their faith, and react with such vitriol when somebody dares question their "truth". It is exactly the same mindset behind those who bomb abortion clinics and embassies in the name of their religion, and strap bombs to children. It has no place in society.
In a rebuttal to such a thing which can only be called spiritual masturbation, I expected to see reasoned arguments as to why the point of view was wrong; citing deist/atheist/otherwise secularist founding fathers and framers of the Constitution, etc. Instead, what I see is what amounts to a belittling of the piece as akin to a child's temper tantrum; more of a psychological analysis than a simply logical one, which surprised me pleasantly because that's largely what it is. Concise, well-said, and touches on a nerve for me because I despise people suggesting or outright claiming that I, as an atheist, am less than a human because I'm a damn sight more benevolent than that waste of carbon.
All that said, the only criticism I have is that it's not so much a rebuttal as a criticism. The author of the work of religious auto-erotic asphyxiation you're criticizing does not actually advance any coherent ideas, let alone logical arguments, screaming about Christian virtues with one breath and saying that the poor deserve to be stamped out with the next (Blessed are the poor, indeed). Atheist that I am, divine or not, miracles or not, Jesus was a pretty chill dude who deserves respect for his philosophy, and almost nothing that was said in the piece criticized was in line with that philosophy.
In short, I like how you refused to even acknowledge any of his attempts at reasoning, instead striking for the jugular of the abominable issue: Religion as a weapon.
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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I read that piece (of [expletive]), and unfortunately I cannot un-see it. While I would never seek to remove somebody's voice, I cannot express my disgust when people retreat behind the shield of their faith, and react with such vitriol when somebody dares question their "truth". It is exactly the same mindset behind those who bomb abortion clinics and embassies in the name of their religion, and strap bombs to children. It has no place in society.
In a rebuttal to such a thing which can only be called spiritual masturbation, I expected to see reasoned arguments as to why the point of view was wrong; citing deist/atheist/otherwise secularist founding fathers and framers of the Constitution, etc. Instead, what I see is what amounts to a belittling of the piece as akin to a child's temper tantrum; more of a psychological analysis than a simply logical one, which surprised me pleasantly because that's largely what it is. Concise, well-said, and touches on a nerve for me because I despise people suggesting or outright claiming that I, as an atheist, am less than a human because I'm a damn sight more benevolent than that waste of carbon.
All that said, the only criticism I have is that it's not so much a rebuttal as a criticism. The author of the work of religious auto-erotic asphyxiation you're criticizing does not actually advance any coherent ideas, let alone logical arguments, screaming about Christian virtues with one breath and saying that the poor deserve to be stamped out with the next (Blessed are the poor, indeed). Atheist that I am, divine or not, miracles or not, Jesus was a pretty chill dude who deserves respect for his philosophy, and almost nothing that was said in the piece criticized was in line with that philosophy.
In short, I like how you refused to even acknowledge any of his attempts at reasoning, instead striking for the jugular of the abominable issue: Religion as a weapon.
Comment Written 23-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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It certainly can be, now your response to me here is a work of art! "Spiritual masturbation" How graphic, how perfect and very funny.
There is a universal code of decency and regardless of faith of church/mosque/synagogue association that moral code traverses all people.
Now if you need a laugh before bed to get over this rancid meal you just ingested go to livingwords profile page and read his last piece of work. It is something about deodorant something... and was dedicated to me after the 24 hour marathon. This is an extremely clever writer and he wrote this "poem" for me after the "Stench" episode. A great laugh and tremendously witty.
Comment from discursivepoet
It is always good to have both sides of a story present. I have not, as yet went and looked at the reviews and ratings, but I will as soon as I am done here.
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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It is always good to have both sides of a story present. I have not, as yet went and looked at the reviews and ratings, but I will as soon as I am done here.
Comment Written 23-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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enjoy
Comment from Tellis
Wow, now you make me want to read that other story if I can find it. I agree with your opinion for the most part and thanks.
Tellis
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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Wow, now you make me want to read that other story if I can find it. I agree with your opinion for the most part and thanks.
Tellis
Comment Written 23-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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It is on the feature page in first position under poems. Don't forget to read the reviews, they are most interesting.
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I read the most recent ones and most of them don't say much about the content but have lots to say on the way it was written. This amazes me to no end.
Tellis
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the story U am responding to is directly besie my rebutal at the top of page 1 It is called Wake up and smell the stench. It is under the feature poen coulmn on home page.
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Thanks I found it after I replied to your post. I have read it and replied. Thanks again.
Tellis
Comment from forestport12
I just read both. My first trip down insanity lane. For me the sight is mostly about improving myself as a writer, and making friends. There are plenty of formats and place, blogs etc. for preaching etc..The way I look at it, my God is bigger than this sight. I went through until I found your rating, and felt that you were restrained in your review, and asked her good sincere questions, which I think deserve a stellar rating for civility.LOL
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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I just read both. My first trip down insanity lane. For me the sight is mostly about improving myself as a writer, and making friends. There are plenty of formats and place, blogs etc. for preaching etc..The way I look at it, my God is bigger than this sight. I went through until I found your rating, and felt that you were restrained in your review, and asked her good sincere questions, which I think deserve a stellar rating for civility.LOL
Comment Written 23-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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Ah the controvery! I was already disabled once until I edited, edited, edited. It seems I am making a career out of collecting warnings. I will accept your award for civility with gracious appreciation.
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Cool. I jsut posted my next chapter. Here goes ambiton surging past my ability.
Comment from Ann Smith
I haven't read the essay that you are talking about but now you have gotten my interest and so I guess I'll be stopping by. Man that is a lot of reviews. I would hate to have to respond to all of those. This essay is to the point and doesn't waste any words. ann
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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I haven't read the essay that you are talking about but now you have gotten my interest and so I guess I'll be stopping by. Man that is a lot of reviews. I would hate to have to respond to all of those. This essay is to the point and doesn't waste any words. ann
Comment Written 23-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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Thanks for responding and reading my submission. Be sure to stop and read the ratings for that posting. They are almost more interesting than the submission.
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I will.
Comment from mountainwriter49
Your essay is well written and offers an alternative point of view to the piece on the other side of the site. I've read yours several times and would thank you for reminding readers there is another side to the coin.
Also, I found myself lamenting the site that has taught me how to better enjoy poetry and prose, how to write in blank verse, sonnet form, less loquacious free verse and other forms is devolving into a polarized group. I am truly saddened.
FanStory has site rules that govern how one should publish his/her work as well as how a reviewer should respond. Additionally, the site admonishes writers to not defend their work and to not become argumentative. I wonder where the FanStory Administration is and why it has allowed this sort of thing to happen for this length of time.
I'm very saddened to see two pieces representing a polarization of the site as the top promoted piece for each side of the site.
With that said, I should think any reviewer feeling aggrieved by the other writer's replies to their reviews to take responsibility and notify Site Administrator Tom. Similarly, some of the reviewers took the turn to personally attack the writer. This is not acceptable either. Finally, the writer
opened the hornets nest with inflamitory author notes and content. I don't find that acceptable either.
Yes, I daresay all of us live in nations that respect free speech. However, poor taste in the exercise of free speech, particularly when same can be considered to be inflamitory, offense and disrespectful, is never acceptable. Speech, as in writing and other forms of communications, should be geared to the audience.
With all of that said, I would urge all FanStorians to take the high road return to writing as the site's purpose states and let's all grow and learn as writers and allow the site to provide entertainment and a creative outlet for expressive writing. I urge FanStory Administration to be mindful of its own site rules and enforce them in order to keep the site from detriorating into a base political/religious/opinionated blog type site. I urge us all to focus on creative writing, developing friendships and moving forward.
Thank you for sharing your essay with us and please pardon me for rambling on.
ray
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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Your essay is well written and offers an alternative point of view to the piece on the other side of the site. I've read yours several times and would thank you for reminding readers there is another side to the coin.
Also, I found myself lamenting the site that has taught me how to better enjoy poetry and prose, how to write in blank verse, sonnet form, less loquacious free verse and other forms is devolving into a polarized group. I am truly saddened.
FanStory has site rules that govern how one should publish his/her work as well as how a reviewer should respond. Additionally, the site admonishes writers to not defend their work and to not become argumentative. I wonder where the FanStory Administration is and why it has allowed this sort of thing to happen for this length of time.
I'm very saddened to see two pieces representing a polarization of the site as the top promoted piece for each side of the site.
With that said, I should think any reviewer feeling aggrieved by the other writer's replies to their reviews to take responsibility and notify Site Administrator Tom. Similarly, some of the reviewers took the turn to personally attack the writer. This is not acceptable either. Finally, the writer
opened the hornets nest with inflamitory author notes and content. I don't find that acceptable either.
Yes, I daresay all of us live in nations that respect free speech. However, poor taste in the exercise of free speech, particularly when same can be considered to be inflamitory, offense and disrespectful, is never acceptable. Speech, as in writing and other forms of communications, should be geared to the audience.
With all of that said, I would urge all FanStorians to take the high road return to writing as the site's purpose states and let's all grow and learn as writers and allow the site to provide entertainment and a creative outlet for expressive writing. I urge FanStory Administration to be mindful of its own site rules and enforce them in order to keep the site from detriorating into a base political/religious/opinionated blog type site. I urge us all to focus on creative writing, developing friendships and moving forward.
Thank you for sharing your essay with us and please pardon me for rambling on.
ray
Comment Written 23-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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Yours was a most heartfelt and authentic response and there is not a single statement that you have mad that I could dispute.
I appreciate your "ramble" altough I would hardly call it that, but rather an sincere statement.
The only one as far as I know that was reprimanded was me and FS sidabled my essay until I removed the oter author's name. I don't entirely disagree with that either, but the reason I wrote this article in the first place was after reciving a sarcastic response. I went into the rating page and found horrible examples of flagrant disrespect and zealous righteousness that disturbed me. Yet, I know that I stirred up controversy as those reviewers who were offended were quick to respond. Yes, if FS enforced these guidelnes, perhaps I would have shrugged. I do share your views on responsibility for the words we use while enjoying free speech. Any attempt to incite anger or use any beliefs to demean another person should not be acceptable.
Thankyou for the time you took to write out your views and share your insights.
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Thank you for your well considered and thoughtful reply to my review. We're on the same page.
I've known of some writings to be completely removed from site because of "their controversy." The other one should be so treated.
I've enjoyed this site and have made many wonderful FS friends, many of whom were right there with me during my time of need last year. That is the icing on the cake of a good site where people can share experiences via their writings, learn from each other, build mutual respect and friendships. I sense that same value in you.
Thanks again for your thoughtful reply.
Ray
Comment from ameen786
"Thank God we live in a country that allows us freedom of expression," indeed, that's where the beauty and sublimity of our great nation is, you speak for many of us who share your courageous and factual views and God bless you for that.
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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"Thank God we live in a country that allows us freedom of expression," indeed, that's where the beauty and sublimity of our great nation is, you speak for many of us who share your courageous and factual views and God bless you for that.
Comment Written 23-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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Well thank you. I was forced to edit this as FS disabled my essay as I mentioned the author by name.
Comment from Jack Canada
I cannot tell a lie I was one of those that got sucked in and opened up the post. I read two sentences and closed it without a rating. One of the things that bugs me about Fanstory is the plethora of Christians that feel the need sell their God. I'm here to become a better writer and not to be preached to from the pulpit. Most Christians I know haven't got a clue what it means to be a true Christian. It's like a person running around and saying that they have been enlightened, when really if they were enlightened they wouldn't have to say anything. Running around and telling everyone they meet that Jesus loves you and Jesus saved me is like a insecure person telling their mate that they love them hoping to here the same response. If you really believed that Jesus saved you then shut up and live your life according to his way and not try to make points in heaven by trying to save them. Jesus will, save them without any help from you. I'm sorry that I had to lay this all on you but I am sick to death with fundamentalist religion of any faith.
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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I cannot tell a lie I was one of those that got sucked in and opened up the post. I read two sentences and closed it without a rating. One of the things that bugs me about Fanstory is the plethora of Christians that feel the need sell their God. I'm here to become a better writer and not to be preached to from the pulpit. Most Christians I know haven't got a clue what it means to be a true Christian. It's like a person running around and saying that they have been enlightened, when really if they were enlightened they wouldn't have to say anything. Running around and telling everyone they meet that Jesus loves you and Jesus saved me is like a insecure person telling their mate that they love them hoping to here the same response. If you really believed that Jesus saved you then shut up and live your life according to his way and not try to make points in heaven by trying to save them. Jesus will, save them without any help from you. I'm sorry that I had to lay this all on you but I am sick to death with fundamentalist religion of any faith.
Comment Written 23-Feb-2011
reply by the author on 23-Feb-2011
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I can't disagree. Living Christ's teaching is always more impressive than chattering about deities.
