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Viewing comments for Chapter 65 "Mixed Messages"Personal poems
17 total reviews
Comment from nonniejules
I loved it!. I'm a poet and whether you're using an ABAB style or story-telling form, your words have to flow easily. This one made me smile and "showed" me exactly what you were feeling. Hope this review helps as it is the first top rating I've given. Great job!!!!
reply by the author on 20-Nov-2013
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I loved it!. I'm a poet and whether you're using an ABAB style or story-telling form, your words have to flow easily. This one made me smile and "showed" me exactly what you were feeling. Hope this review helps as it is the first top rating I've given. Great job!!!!
Comment Written 20-Nov-2013
reply by the author on 20-Nov-2013
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Nonnidjules. I really am pleased with your review and all those stars. I'm going to stay on.
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I'm happy! Sometimes people "get" our work, sometimes they don't. But, what it boils down to is someone else's opinion, right? I try to pass on the genre of writing that doesn't appeal to me so that I won't give those writers a bad mark simply because they were writing about something that was of no interest to me. I think that's the fair way to do it and I think every reviewer should be that way. I love poetry. It's my first love, so I think I can handle that. Take care and keep writing!
Comment from Kylossus
As someone brand new to this site I actually thought this was hilarious. It felt whimsical with a "Dr Seuss" flair, all while feeling painfully honest. I love it. Then I read your Author Notes and more of the same, painfully real first sentence followed up with a hilarious jab. You have a wicked humor, and are a talented writer, but if as much of this is true as I suspect - yes you should take a hiatus, stay healthy buddy.
reply by the author on 20-Nov-2013
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As someone brand new to this site I actually thought this was hilarious. It felt whimsical with a "Dr Seuss" flair, all while feeling painfully honest. I love it. Then I read your Author Notes and more of the same, painfully real first sentence followed up with a hilarious jab. You have a wicked humor, and are a talented writer, but if as much of this is true as I suspect - yes you should take a hiatus, stay healthy buddy.
Comment Written 20-Nov-2013
reply by the author on 20-Nov-2013
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Thank you Kylossus. I'm here to stay.
Comment from Cry the Vile Rebel
It IS disappointing to enter a contest and not do well. We don't enter a piece we think is unworthy; we enter our most favorite, most beloved work. We put our heart and souls into these pieces, buff them up special and put them on display.
I am sorry to hear of your discouragement. I hope you keep writing for as long as it brings you joy.
reply by the author on 20-Nov-2013
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It IS disappointing to enter a contest and not do well. We don't enter a piece we think is unworthy; we enter our most favorite, most beloved work. We put our heart and souls into these pieces, buff them up special and put them on display.
I am sorry to hear of your discouragement. I hope you keep writing for as long as it brings you joy.
Comment Written 20-Nov-2013
reply by the author on 20-Nov-2013
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Thank you CtVR. I wrote that a few days ago, and have had a heartwarming and encouraging response that has convinced e to stay. I might just cool it on contests forbad awhile.
Comment from ravenblack
Well, in case you have not noticed, I have been off-site of late. Had computer problems, fixed them but went on hiatus because, well, it was a relief not to obsessively review. The contests are bullshit and I will never enter one again. Entered the Halloween contest with something original as did Dean Kuch. And the committee-picked winners? Well, judge for yourself. Tom, you are a good poet and you have to learn to not judge the worth of your work based on the feedback from this site. Try to find a writing group in your area or try some poetry readings. That is where the real action is.
reply by the author on 17-Nov-2013
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Well, in case you have not noticed, I have been off-site of late. Had computer problems, fixed them but went on hiatus because, well, it was a relief not to obsessively review. The contests are bullshit and I will never enter one again. Entered the Halloween contest with something original as did Dean Kuch. And the committee-picked winners? Well, judge for yourself. Tom, you are a good poet and you have to learn to not judge the worth of your work based on the feedback from this site. Try to find a writing group in your area or try some poetry readings. That is where the real action is.
Comment Written 17-Nov-2013
reply by the author on 17-Nov-2013
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Thank you ravenblack. Glad to see you're back. Sound advice. I think i'll stay away from contests for a while. I just keep thinking that if I won one I'd have some money to promote some on to page one.
Comment from Maureen's Pen
Dear Tom,
Saddened me to read this work my friend and I hope you stay.
I'm frustrated that adults tend to act much like children.
This is well penned my friend.
Thank for sharing.
Maureen
reply by the author on 16-Nov-2013
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Dear Tom,
Saddened me to read this work my friend and I hope you stay.
I'm frustrated that adults tend to act much like children.
This is well penned my friend.
Thank for sharing.
Maureen
Comment Written 16-Nov-2013
reply by the author on 16-Nov-2013
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Thank you Maureen you are one of my staunchest and most treasured fans. I appreciate your support immensely even though I know it doesn't pay much. I have received a lot of good advice and encouragement in the last couple of days and have decided I'd miss the writing and reviewing too much. It's friends like you that keep me here. I guess I'll just stay away from contests forva while, if I can.
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I did that as well, stayed off the prompts all together for almost a year and a half. Only just chose to go into one and then promptly forgot I had entered - it won. LOL
I fully understand where you're coming from -I've been there. But I so enjoy your posts and we share a love of nature.
I took a lot of time before renewing my membership - in the end I came to the same conclusion as you.:)
Keep writing and sharing - I care little on the payouts - I just love to write and then share it, and read others in reviews.
Have a great weekend my friend.
Maureen
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I'll take your excellent advice and go for a walk in nature.
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Take your camera:)
Comment from joneau2
Say, I wouldn't do that ... I mean take a hiatus from the site. Your writing is excellent. I too wonder who the gurus are that make the decisions as to who wins these contests, and don't even provide a clue where one's submitted works fared. Yes, there's problems with the judging. And, yes, the so-called fans too often become fair-weather fans, particularly when it comes to supporting your entries when joining a contest. I actually won a contest for a post that I thought was just so-so, came close on another (1 vote), then didn't come close on posts that I thought were exceptional (in fact having a six star rating on them). So go figure. There are obviously those on the site that have been here for awhile, and they appear to get the accolades ... kind of a closed group of writers and judges.
In any event, hang in there.
reply by the author on 16-Nov-2013
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Say, I wouldn't do that ... I mean take a hiatus from the site. Your writing is excellent. I too wonder who the gurus are that make the decisions as to who wins these contests, and don't even provide a clue where one's submitted works fared. Yes, there's problems with the judging. And, yes, the so-called fans too often become fair-weather fans, particularly when it comes to supporting your entries when joining a contest. I actually won a contest for a post that I thought was just so-so, came close on another (1 vote), then didn't come close on posts that I thought were exceptional (in fact having a six star rating on them). So go figure. There are obviously those on the site that have been here for awhile, and they appear to get the accolades ... kind of a closed group of writers and judges.
In any event, hang in there.
Comment Written 16-Nov-2013
reply by the author on 16-Nov-2013
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Thank you Joneau2 . I really appreciate your friendship and encouragement.maybe after I've been here long enough il do better. But it is reading and enjoying works like yours, and getting reciprocal review that keeps me going.
Comment from Sueellen11
My fan, I am given this a 6 as it is out right truth,, I am done with the contest,, after the crap I coped on the last prompt I entered,, the out right rude reviews,, the sour grape reviews,,, I have been there no votes,, and to boot the best written story/ poem, I has see never wins,,, alway one of lesser quality,,, I to started out full of excitement and anticipation,, the worse is the lake of reciprocal reviews,, I sit reviewing poem after poem story after story,, only to get returns from my constant fans,, for every 20 or so reviews I am lucky to get 1 review,,, and some of the reviews not from my fans/ friends other are just picking and petty,, comma should not be there cap should not be,, telling my they think English must be my second,, how rude,, and the site is supposed to monitor reviews,, constant nasty reviews and we can reply in kind,, that just gives these nasty people the right to hurt and be cruel to others,, my friend,, this is great,,, love it,, I just might do a poem on this subject too,, to get it off my chest too,, blessings sueellen
reply by the author on 16-Nov-2013
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My fan, I am given this a 6 as it is out right truth,, I am done with the contest,, after the crap I coped on the last prompt I entered,, the out right rude reviews,, the sour grape reviews,,, I have been there no votes,, and to boot the best written story/ poem, I has see never wins,,, alway one of lesser quality,,, I to started out full of excitement and anticipation,, the worse is the lake of reciprocal reviews,, I sit reviewing poem after poem story after story,, only to get returns from my constant fans,, for every 20 or so reviews I am lucky to get 1 review,,, and some of the reviews not from my fans/ friends other are just picking and petty,, comma should not be there cap should not be,, telling my they think English must be my second,, how rude,, and the site is supposed to monitor reviews,, constant nasty reviews and we can reply in kind,, that just gives these nasty people the right to hurt and be cruel to others,, my friend,, this is great,,, love it,, I just might do a poem on this subject too,, to get it off my chest too,, blessings sueellen
Comment Written 16-Nov-2013
reply by the author on 16-Nov-2013
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Thank you Sueellen, sounds like you know exactly where I'm coming from.
Comment from Roxanna Andrews
I'm really sorry. I know how you feel. I entered a contest for "Winter" and even made my poem in the shape of a snowman, which I thought was worth a lot of votes, but I guess only 2 other people thought so, though I got 6 stars in my reviews. It is frustrating. I really don't know the answer.
I can only set my mind to believe for the most part my work is good. Money has a lot to do with how many reviews, I'm sure you know. I took time off writing and just reviewed for a month and collected a lot of money, like $250 and I still have over $200 of it, really paid off. Now I can put more money on my work. I suggest you try that. Look on the home page for the high paying pieces and just read for a while and collect. Then start putting at least 0.50 on every post. By reviewing you will also collect a lot of free cents you can use. On pieces you really love, put at least 0.80, you will find you get an increase in reviews.
People want to get paid for their time, that's just how it is and the longer the piece the more money it should have. People aren't going to spend a lot of time reviewing for nothing. That's just how it is.
I will also suggest another site you might try. You pay a monthly fee, but there is no review money, no ribbons. You will get about 3 reviews per piece, sometimes more. It is called Writers Carnival http://www.writerscarnival.ca/ there are all ages, but mostly younger so you get a lot of vampire, zombie stuff. I don't know why that is so popular, but anyway, just try it and see what you think. It is very different from this site in many ways.
There are some really great writers on the site as well, like super good, so you might want to just look into it. It was started by someone who used to be on this site and wanted a different way of doing things.
If you love to write, don't quit, I think there are other sites besides these as well, so Google and see what you find.
Hang in there. Rox
reply by the author on 16-Nov-2013
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I'm really sorry. I know how you feel. I entered a contest for "Winter" and even made my poem in the shape of a snowman, which I thought was worth a lot of votes, but I guess only 2 other people thought so, though I got 6 stars in my reviews. It is frustrating. I really don't know the answer.
I can only set my mind to believe for the most part my work is good. Money has a lot to do with how many reviews, I'm sure you know. I took time off writing and just reviewed for a month and collected a lot of money, like $250 and I still have over $200 of it, really paid off. Now I can put more money on my work. I suggest you try that. Look on the home page for the high paying pieces and just read for a while and collect. Then start putting at least 0.50 on every post. By reviewing you will also collect a lot of free cents you can use. On pieces you really love, put at least 0.80, you will find you get an increase in reviews.
People want to get paid for their time, that's just how it is and the longer the piece the more money it should have. People aren't going to spend a lot of time reviewing for nothing. That's just how it is.
I will also suggest another site you might try. You pay a monthly fee, but there is no review money, no ribbons. You will get about 3 reviews per piece, sometimes more. It is called Writers Carnival http://www.writerscarnival.ca/ there are all ages, but mostly younger so you get a lot of vampire, zombie stuff. I don't know why that is so popular, but anyway, just try it and see what you think. It is very different from this site in many ways.
There are some really great writers on the site as well, like super good, so you might want to just look into it. It was started by someone who used to be on this site and wanted a different way of doing things.
If you love to write, don't quit, I think there are other sites besides these as well, so Google and see what you find.
Hang in there. Rox
Comment Written 16-Nov-2013
reply by the author on 16-Nov-2013
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Thank you so much Rox. That is some pretty good advice. I like that idea of collecting that several of you have suggested. I have been thinking about other sites too.
Comment from trimple
I have met a few fools in my lifetime Tom, I would like to say from the bottom of my heart, that you are a man that is gifted with the greatest passion for life. Your photography and poetry clearly demonstrate this. Your love of family and nature all comes flooding through all of your work. You are nobodies fool my friend.
Unfortunately I have been exceedingly busy in life generally and haven't been able to dedicate time to reading writing and reviewing.
Personally speaking, regarding the prompts, the winning entry is not necessarily the best in show, but rather a lottery ticket it seems. I guess it's the nature of the beast. We are however, all in the same boat:)
I suspect that many Fanstorians have considered their reasons for being here on the site at one time or another, perhaps we need to see it for what it is, rather than what it isn't. I know I certainly have.
I have a lot to learn about writing, but I don't expect to learn just from reviews.
The travelling there is where all the fun is for me. The trying and trying again.
A man who has the courage to express how he feels is nothing short of an artist. That my friend is what you are.
Don't let the bastards grind you down!
I love your poetry
I love your honesty
Kind regards
Tracey :) XX HUGS XX
reply by the author on 15-Nov-2013
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I have met a few fools in my lifetime Tom, I would like to say from the bottom of my heart, that you are a man that is gifted with the greatest passion for life. Your photography and poetry clearly demonstrate this. Your love of family and nature all comes flooding through all of your work. You are nobodies fool my friend.
Unfortunately I have been exceedingly busy in life generally and haven't been able to dedicate time to reading writing and reviewing.
Personally speaking, regarding the prompts, the winning entry is not necessarily the best in show, but rather a lottery ticket it seems. I guess it's the nature of the beast. We are however, all in the same boat:)
I suspect that many Fanstorians have considered their reasons for being here on the site at one time or another, perhaps we need to see it for what it is, rather than what it isn't. I know I certainly have.
I have a lot to learn about writing, but I don't expect to learn just from reviews.
The travelling there is where all the fun is for me. The trying and trying again.
A man who has the courage to express how he feels is nothing short of an artist. That my friend is what you are.
Don't let the bastards grind you down!
I love your poetry
I love your honesty
Kind regards
Tracey :) XX HUGS XX
Comment Written 15-Nov-2013
reply by the author on 15-Nov-2013
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Oh Tracey, you lift me up. I thank you for your encouraging words. You're right. I do enjoy the communication and stimulation from reviewing and getting reviewed by people all over the world. That is great. And I do enjoy those loyal fans who review me regularly. My virtual friends. .
Comment from Selina Stambi
NO, Tom, NO! You CAN'T leave. My mailbox will be empty without your prolific writings. :)
Don't get discouraged, my friend. Please stay. I decided very early on that I wouldn't enter contests. It's too hard and I didn't want to get disgruntled and bitter.
United we stand ... and your presence here makes a difference to me - truly.
Love,
Sonali
p.s You sound like you need a hug ... so here's a virtual one.:)
reply by the author on 15-Nov-2013
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NO, Tom, NO! You CAN'T leave. My mailbox will be empty without your prolific writings. :)
Don't get discouraged, my friend. Please stay. I decided very early on that I wouldn't enter contests. It's too hard and I didn't want to get disgruntled and bitter.
United we stand ... and your presence here makes a difference to me - truly.
Love,
Sonali
p.s You sound like you need a hug ... so here's a virtual one.:)
Comment Written 15-Nov-2013
reply by the author on 15-Nov-2013
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Thank you Sonali. OK, you convinced me with that wonderful hug,
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Tom, I read Dean's review - he's right, you know. If you posted less (I know! I know!) and reviewed more - use the points and dollars to promote as high up as possible. It would be worth it in the long run. I only post once a week - it takes me the rest of the week to earn enough to promote to the front page - but it's worth it, in the long run.
You are a brilliant poet and one of my faves on this site. There are so many apologies for poetry on the front page - make your presence felt there. Show them what REAL poetry is all about, dear Tom. :)
