OPEN LETTER TO FS
unanswered questions and observations46 total reviews
Comment from barleygirl
I feel your well-written essay is indeed a rant & there's no reason to deny it. What makes it a rant in my reading is the tone of frustration that pervades & this is not a criticism. Just an observation. I don't care about any of this stuff, even tho you have presented very solid reasons why it matters a helluva lot to most FanStorians. I have different questions & concerns, but this is about your questions & concerns, which you've stated very clearly & validated thoroughly. Good job! Thanks for sharing. I think that when a highly-respected & highly-rated writer steps up to voice concerns like this, it gives the others more courage to question, as well.
reply by the author on 04-Mar-2014
  |
I feel your well-written essay is indeed a rant & there's no reason to deny it. What makes it a rant in my reading is the tone of frustration that pervades & this is not a criticism. Just an observation. I don't care about any of this stuff, even tho you have presented very solid reasons why it matters a helluva lot to most FanStorians. I have different questions & concerns, but this is about your questions & concerns, which you've stated very clearly & validated thoroughly. Good job! Thanks for sharing. I think that when a highly-respected & highly-rated writer steps up to voice concerns like this, it gives the others more courage to question, as well.
Comment Written 04-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 04-Mar-2014
-
Regardless of whose concerns are voiced, we do have a right to answers or a set of standards so that we can understand the rules. I disagree about it being a rant. Unless we have different definitions about what makes a rant. To me, regardless of frustration, a rant would be a venting with no purpose other than to dislodge the turmoil of emotions. I'm just looking for answers. Thanks for the feedback.
Comment from N.K. Wagner
I share your frustration, Ingrid, and your view is clearly expressed. A couple of corrections to consider:
But in time, I began to expect six stars for my writing, and flinch if I get a four - no commas
writers on site that - writers...who
Try telling an editor...They will laugh,...they'll tell you this is a vanity site. - An editor=he/she, Editors=they
of which Story of the Month is classified as such, - as SotM is classified
the six star reviews was meaningful to me,- review
That implied that site sponsored contest did.- contests
Again, well said. :) nancy
reply by the author on 04-Mar-2014
|
I share your frustration, Ingrid, and your view is clearly expressed. A couple of corrections to consider:
But in time, I began to expect six stars for my writing, and flinch if I get a four - no commas
writers on site that - writers...who
Try telling an editor...They will laugh,...they'll tell you this is a vanity site. - An editor=he/she, Editors=they
of which Story of the Month is classified as such, - as SotM is classified
the six star reviews was meaningful to me,- review
That implied that site sponsored contest did.- contests
Again, well said. :) nancy
Comment Written 04-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 04-Mar-2014
-
See, no matter how often...Thanks, I've made all the changes.
Comment from cg
You have raised a number of concerns; it would be of great benefit to have answers and or clarification for them in the near future. Despite all of the issues to be resolved your words have encouraged and reassured me [a very new member] to some extent as to the help available from caring dedicated members like you. Thank for sharing your concerns.
reply by the author on 04-Mar-2014
 |
You have raised a number of concerns; it would be of great benefit to have answers and or clarification for them in the near future. Despite all of the issues to be resolved your words have encouraged and reassured me [a very new member] to some extent as to the help available from caring dedicated members like you. Thank for sharing your concerns.
Comment Written 04-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 04-Mar-2014
-
There are wonderful writers on site who are more than willing to help new writers. Often people don't want serious feedback and take offence to suggestion. It's why there are so many fluff reviews. So many just want applause.
Comment from Jumbo J
Hi Ingrid,
well you probably know me better than most other writers on site, but when it comes to the politics of anything, my heart turns to stone... that's why I leave it up to more inquiring mind to find out what I would love to know... cop out? You say... probably, but I just hate games and small talk.
There is one thing I can tell you for sure the illusion of grandeur is like the picture you chose to accompany this story? This rant... NO THIS LEGITIMATE INQUIRY... smoke goes into the air, but where then? And what harm is it causing?
I can now tell you, because I think you may have lit the fire, that causes an explanation to the why. Well at least I hope you have.
I still want to know why this site needs to run a site maintenance every stinking night, right in the middle of when I have the opportunity to review my fellow fanstorians. Now, I wouldn't mind if it was now and again, but two months, what the f...? I especially love the ones when I have just taken my usual twenty minutes to write my review and I get the trusty "we'll be back soon"... bullshit! No explanations, no apologies... I've been on site for a good year and a half. I haven't changed the time when I review, so why now, do I have to get frustrated with a site that doesn't take little old me into its consideration... well I guess that's one way to break a fanstory habit... just keep doing what your doing and your members will lose interest... I know I have.
As usual, my strong and conscientious friend, you have left some big questions to be answered and I expect you would be a bit like a dog with a bone... not been able to give it up until you've gnawed your way through the whole lot.
Brilliant write, what ever you want to call it, or who ever you want to call out?
With our thoughts we create,
questions to be answered!...(yeah good luck with that)
James xx
**********Stars!!!!!!!!!!
Do not (factor) into rankings.
I am (discouraged) and cynical by my ignorance?
reply by the author on 04-Mar-2014
|
Hi Ingrid,
well you probably know me better than most other writers on site, but when it comes to the politics of anything, my heart turns to stone... that's why I leave it up to more inquiring mind to find out what I would love to know... cop out? You say... probably, but I just hate games and small talk.
There is one thing I can tell you for sure the illusion of grandeur is like the picture you chose to accompany this story? This rant... NO THIS LEGITIMATE INQUIRY... smoke goes into the air, but where then? And what harm is it causing?
I can now tell you, because I think you may have lit the fire, that causes an explanation to the why. Well at least I hope you have.
I still want to know why this site needs to run a site maintenance every stinking night, right in the middle of when I have the opportunity to review my fellow fanstorians. Now, I wouldn't mind if it was now and again, but two months, what the f...? I especially love the ones when I have just taken my usual twenty minutes to write my review and I get the trusty "we'll be back soon"... bullshit! No explanations, no apologies... I've been on site for a good year and a half. I haven't changed the time when I review, so why now, do I have to get frustrated with a site that doesn't take little old me into its consideration... well I guess that's one way to break a fanstory habit... just keep doing what your doing and your members will lose interest... I know I have.
As usual, my strong and conscientious friend, you have left some big questions to be answered and I expect you would be a bit like a dog with a bone... not been able to give it up until you've gnawed your way through the whole lot.
Brilliant write, what ever you want to call it, or who ever you want to call out?
With our thoughts we create,
questions to be answered!...(yeah good luck with that)
James xx
**********Stars!!!!!!!!!!
Do not (factor) into rankings.
I am (discouraged) and cynical by my ignorance?
Comment Written 04-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 04-Mar-2014
-
Oh, my soaring eagle, with your keen eye you spotted my flubs and allowed me to correct them before I was deluged by repeated alerts. thank you. Yes, I can well imagine you are frustrated by the maintenance. I'm not even sure if they've just fired the night guy and gone off line so as not to have to pay someone for the overnight shift. See, now everything is suspect in my mind.
Comment from evrenios
I truly appreciated this "rant" or explanation of how the site works. I had no idea about the rating although I have wondered. It isn't explained that each star either counts as something according to how many you receive. As to story or poem of the month - I have no idea how they are chosen or how one can even be considered for such an honor.
I know that there a handful of reviewers that make my time worth while. I receive reviews with very little information or even indications that they have been read, yet I see those same people climb up the ladder as respected reviewers. (That is a "rant" that I have.)
I have already made a few friends, and have discovered whose writing I admire and who I need to stay away from as they tend to be loose cannons. Thank you for the explanation and for helping me understand the value an workings of this site. So far, I have enjoyed it!
Elizabeth
reply by the author on 04-Mar-2014
|
I truly appreciated this "rant" or explanation of how the site works. I had no idea about the rating although I have wondered. It isn't explained that each star either counts as something according to how many you receive. As to story or poem of the month - I have no idea how they are chosen or how one can even be considered for such an honor.
I know that there a handful of reviewers that make my time worth while. I receive reviews with very little information or even indications that they have been read, yet I see those same people climb up the ladder as respected reviewers. (That is a "rant" that I have.)
I have already made a few friends, and have discovered whose writing I admire and who I need to stay away from as they tend to be loose cannons. Thank you for the explanation and for helping me understand the value an workings of this site. So far, I have enjoyed it!
Elizabeth
Comment Written 04-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 04-Mar-2014
-
I don't think I've offered any explanation, but rather posted a lot of frustrating questions. I may not even choose to play in some of these arenas, but I think understanding how they work should be available.
Reviewers can only go up in rank if people vote for them. That choice is available after you respond to the review. I once asked a reviewer how many nominations they got to win the prize and the answer was between 25-50. I have no doubt that some reviewers request a nomination, but others are very generous with their feedback, just to help. Yes, there are cannonballs out there.
Comment from padumachitta
Hello. Thank you. I am new to this site. I appreciate the reviews and the encouragement from the other writers. I can not figure out the workings of the rankings and though new have given up on trying.
I stay only for the community of writers. This site is big business for someone, someone is making money.
So, I figure the actual ranking don't mean much...but, the reviews and communication with the other writers, that's where it's at for me.
Not that I don't want those dang 6 stars...or to win a contest...but, I have figured out that no matter what I post, if I have enough money to get it on the first page, it will do well.
Oh well,
Thanks for the info, I appreciate your care.
padumachitta
reply by the author on 04-Mar-2014
|
Hello. Thank you. I am new to this site. I appreciate the reviews and the encouragement from the other writers. I can not figure out the workings of the rankings and though new have given up on trying.
I stay only for the community of writers. This site is big business for someone, someone is making money.
So, I figure the actual ranking don't mean much...but, the reviews and communication with the other writers, that's where it's at for me.
Not that I don't want those dang 6 stars...or to win a contest...but, I have figured out that no matter what I post, if I have enough money to get it on the first page, it will do well.
Oh well,
Thanks for the info, I appreciate your care.
padumachitta
Comment Written 04-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 04-Mar-2014
-
You are right. the first page gets the attention, but to do so you need to buy a promo and/or develop a fan base that will get automatic notice of all your posts.
Comment from humpwhistle
Ingrid, I have never had this confirmed (though I've asked), but I believe SotM nominations are based on the ratio of six-star ratings to five stars ratings received. Four stars and lower have to be compensated by more sixes. The number of reviews doesn't matter. Only the ratio matters. The sad truth is, if you write something really good, and garner a lot of sixes? Every well-intentioned five drags you down. Again, Ingrid, this formula has never been confirmed officially, but I've never seen it to fail.
for what it's worth.
Peace, Lee
reply by the author on 04-Mar-2014
|
Ingrid, I have never had this confirmed (though I've asked), but I believe SotM nominations are based on the ratio of six-star ratings to five stars ratings received. Four stars and lower have to be compensated by more sixes. The number of reviews doesn't matter. Only the ratio matters. The sad truth is, if you write something really good, and garner a lot of sixes? Every well-intentioned five drags you down. Again, Ingrid, this formula has never been confirmed officially, but I've never seen it to fail.
for what it's worth.
Peace, Lee
Comment Written 04-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 04-Mar-2014
-
Yes, I'm sure you are right, but then the trick is to post the day before deadline so the ratios are skewed. Any story that stays on site for any length of time will automatically drop in ratio, just based on the limited number of sixes out there.
Still doesn't explain the rankings. And yes, I too know how to use pumps or Am-Ex to get more reviews, but what is each one worth? Hey, that's a rhetorical question.
-
Yes, more reviews is often a detriment in terms of SotM, but not in terms of the overall rankings. Every five is a good thing. So if you post in the 'featured' section, you'll get more rankings points, but you'll also (probably) hurt your 6:5 ratio.
Personally, I rather keep a high 6:5 ratio than compete for rankings points by posting in the 'featured' section. Jack is doing fine up there. But I think he's an exception.
Comment from Patti R.
I have thoroughly enjoyed your essay/open letter, Spirtual Echo. Indeed, I just recently posted something along these lines, but I did call it a Rant, as it was! And my piece was addressing my frustration with the cheaters and strivers. I'm here on FS for my own benefit - and every time I write anything, I'm benefitting.
I suppose I'm content (now)with keeping my head in the sand, although when I first joined I tried to figure things out. Now, I'm simply happy with the forum we're provided.
I believe there is a "Tom" and if he has someone speaking for him from time to time that isn't a new tactic. Company executives do this all the time as they have to sleep, too. I choose not to think of the corporate side of FS as being underhanded or sneaky, what would they gain from that? We all know that the more money you pump into the game, the higher your ranking will soar as you will get more readers ... not the best model, but there it is.
I certainly do feel your frustration in this matter, SE. A very well-written piece.
Patti
reply by the author on 04-Mar-2014
|
I have thoroughly enjoyed your essay/open letter, Spirtual Echo. Indeed, I just recently posted something along these lines, but I did call it a Rant, as it was! And my piece was addressing my frustration with the cheaters and strivers. I'm here on FS for my own benefit - and every time I write anything, I'm benefitting.
I suppose I'm content (now)with keeping my head in the sand, although when I first joined I tried to figure things out. Now, I'm simply happy with the forum we're provided.
I believe there is a "Tom" and if he has someone speaking for him from time to time that isn't a new tactic. Company executives do this all the time as they have to sleep, too. I choose not to think of the corporate side of FS as being underhanded or sneaky, what would they gain from that? We all know that the more money you pump into the game, the higher your ranking will soar as you will get more readers ... not the best model, but there it is.
I certainly do feel your frustration in this matter, SE. A very well-written piece.
Patti
Comment Written 04-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 04-Mar-2014
-
thanks Patti. continue to enjoy the benefits. The opportunity to write on this site made all the difference to the quality of my work.
Comment from angelface2
You have made some very good points here. Some of the same things I have wondered myself. I see the same top 10 people in the same spot day after day, even though they might not post anything for 3 or 4 days. While I try to post something every day so I might rise a little bit. It doesn't happen. If I don't post for 3 or 4 days I drop. Why?
reply by the author on 04-Mar-2014
|
You have made some very good points here. Some of the same things I have wondered myself. I see the same top 10 people in the same spot day after day, even though they might not post anything for 3 or 4 days. While I try to post something every day so I might rise a little bit. It doesn't happen. If I don't post for 3 or 4 days I drop. Why?
Comment Written 04-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 04-Mar-2014
-
That one I can answer. Unless you pay to promote your work you will get 2 reviews only and then will drop off general offers for people surfing. In order for them to read your poem that has no certificate attached to it, they'd have to go directly to your portfolio to discover it. That's why fan bases become important in acquiring rank as they get notified every time you post regardless of what your post pays.
-
Ok that makes sense. I always pay to have a certificate, and review lots. I have a fan list now and I am doing a little better. thanks for your notes and I loved reading what you wrote. Miss Sally
Comment from CrystieCookie999
I like the format of this composition. I think it would be applicable to use this format in political letters to any elected representatives as well. Being too poor to promote my work by literally buying my way up, I am already leaning toward giving up this site when the membership expires and go back to regular state poetry society-sponsored contests, which don't have the immediate feedback we get here, but they do pay for this hobby of writing.
I only noticed one sentence:
Surely there are real people out there monitoring the site that have real names.
where I would suggest you change it to 'who have real names' as the antecedent is 'people'.
reply by the author on 04-Mar-2014
|
I like the format of this composition. I think it would be applicable to use this format in political letters to any elected representatives as well. Being too poor to promote my work by literally buying my way up, I am already leaning toward giving up this site when the membership expires and go back to regular state poetry society-sponsored contests, which don't have the immediate feedback we get here, but they do pay for this hobby of writing.
I only noticed one sentence:
Surely there are real people out there monitoring the site that have real names.
where I would suggest you change it to 'who have real names' as the antecedent is 'people'.
Comment Written 04-Mar-2014
reply by the author on 04-Mar-2014
-
You are 100% right. I'll change that right away.
The best way to build a bank account to promote your own work is to review. Lots of people troll the front page where the payout is big. Unless you promote, this site drops general availability of your work after two reviews and someone would actually need to go into your portfolio to read. Fans get notified, all others ...
-
Yep, I do as much reviewing as possible, if my Internet signal is strong enough.
