Poor Prose Writers, You Still Here?
A Rambling Essay or Something Like That100 total reviews
Comment from Bill Schott
This essay is interesting in that it examines the obvious and provides the answers to its own questions. I can't speak for others but I read a lot of the poetry and only comment on positive aspects or to suggest revisions. The prose is different for all the duh reasons. Reading some of our authors is always time well spent. Characters that sound real and unique plots are easy to devote time to. Others write a lot and make me feel annoyed that I was left wondering why.
I don't think there's a good answer to your posed question at the end. If reviewers aren 't reading there's nothing that anyone can do.
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This essay is interesting in that it examines the obvious and provides the answers to its own questions. I can't speak for others but I read a lot of the poetry and only comment on positive aspects or to suggest revisions. The prose is different for all the duh reasons. Reading some of our authors is always time well spent. Characters that sound real and unique plots are easy to devote time to. Others write a lot and make me feel annoyed that I was left wondering why.
I don't think there's a good answer to your posed question at the end. If reviewers aren 't reading there's nothing that anyone can do.
Comment Written 24-Jul-2014
Comment from angelface2
You are right about one thing: I don't think prose gets much review. Although I have seen many that do and I don't know why. I don't read prose much, mostly because a lot of times it makes no sense to me. I'm a poet and I love rhyming poems. So that is what I do and that is what I review, mostly. Though there are some good novelists here and short story writers, too. I've written a few short stories and enjoy them. So I guess it is go with what you enjoy. Miss Sally
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You are right about one thing: I don't think prose gets much review. Although I have seen many that do and I don't know why. I don't read prose much, mostly because a lot of times it makes no sense to me. I'm a poet and I love rhyming poems. So that is what I do and that is what I review, mostly. Though there are some good novelists here and short story writers, too. I've written a few short stories and enjoy them. So I guess it is go with what you enjoy. Miss Sally
Comment Written 24-Jul-2014
Comment from krys123
Mikey;
you make a valid and true point in writing this essay with many truisms and viewpoints. One I took to heart the most was the fact is liable does one read one point 52 member cent prose when he can get the same with a poem. Just like a writer writes prose in a poet writes poetry one does that he best does for each particular genre.
I would find it hard More on witty and my point to ask one who doubts only in poetry to write a good review on on a prose and vice a versa.
In this particular writing is very informative and for what I believe your syntax is good. Then what do I know?
Thanks for writing and posting and sharing this most people to read and may all your endeavors be good ones.
Alex
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Mikey;
you make a valid and true point in writing this essay with many truisms and viewpoints. One I took to heart the most was the fact is liable does one read one point 52 member cent prose when he can get the same with a poem. Just like a writer writes prose in a poet writes poetry one does that he best does for each particular genre.
I would find it hard More on witty and my point to ask one who doubts only in poetry to write a good review on on a prose and vice a versa.
In this particular writing is very informative and for what I believe your syntax is good. Then what do I know?
Thanks for writing and posting and sharing this most people to read and may all your endeavors be good ones.
Alex
Comment Written 24-Jul-2014
Comment from GeraldS
This is a legitimate issue. Larger payouts for prose might help, but I'm not sure that's really the answer, and in any case I don't see that happening on this site any time soon. I write short stories that average about 3,500 words, some longer, some shorter. The one thing they have in common is that they are all too long to post and promote on FS. And, I refuse to fragment them into tiny bite-sized pieces. But, that's my choice. I do occasionally enter contests that interest me. And not too long ago, I entered 5,000 word story that surprisingly had a lot of reads/reviews ... or, at least, a lot more than I expected.
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This is a legitimate issue. Larger payouts for prose might help, but I'm not sure that's really the answer, and in any case I don't see that happening on this site any time soon. I write short stories that average about 3,500 words, some longer, some shorter. The one thing they have in common is that they are all too long to post and promote on FS. And, I refuse to fragment them into tiny bite-sized pieces. But, that's my choice. I do occasionally enter contests that interest me. And not too long ago, I entered 5,000 word story that surprisingly had a lot of reads/reviews ... or, at least, a lot more than I expected.
Comment Written 24-Jul-2014
Comment from Spiritual Echo
Michael, it is the age-old friction between skiers and snowmobilers, sailboats and motorized boats, and poets and authors.
Many poets think prose writers run off at the mouth, and conversely, authors think that it is easier to hide any real talent when punctuation rules and deeper examination of characters within a few lines of poetry.
The key is the simplicity and ease of reading a poem, as you aptly describe. this site ha far more poets than prose writers.
They tried a while ago to add Poetry Dances, or something like that. If it was a pre-empt to a division of genres, well, it seems to have petered out.
Most writers are in love with words, not just the emotions that poetry seems to focus on...unless of course it contains bluebirds and rose petals.
The solution is to follow writers you genuinely enjoy and admire and can learn from. Too many people fan anybody and everybody. there are bound to be bad writers in the group. So then what? Unkind or lies? With lies, nothing is learned, but after a while the members can figure out who is on their wave length, and what the hell, these are the folks that are our unpaid editors. Examples below.
someone would (S.B. CHOOSE-chose)to read
As a writer of both poetry and prose(,) and one that is here to learn, it put me in a dilemma. When I started here as a poet it was easy.
When I started here as a poet(,) it was easy. I learned new forms, practiced, posted, and reviewed. (THIS SENTENCE IS A TOUCH REUNDENT IN ITS PRESENT FORM WHEN YOU REAF THE PREVIOUS ONES. SUGGEST..WHEN I STARTED WRITING POETRY, I LEARNED NEW FORMS THAT I BOTH PRACTICED AND REVIEWED.
I wrote prose also. (S.b. I also wrote prose)
But, I didn't know anything about (would reader better--the process instead of--it)it.
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Michael, it is the age-old friction between skiers and snowmobilers, sailboats and motorized boats, and poets and authors.
Many poets think prose writers run off at the mouth, and conversely, authors think that it is easier to hide any real talent when punctuation rules and deeper examination of characters within a few lines of poetry.
The key is the simplicity and ease of reading a poem, as you aptly describe. this site ha far more poets than prose writers.
They tried a while ago to add Poetry Dances, or something like that. If it was a pre-empt to a division of genres, well, it seems to have petered out.
Most writers are in love with words, not just the emotions that poetry seems to focus on...unless of course it contains bluebirds and rose petals.
The solution is to follow writers you genuinely enjoy and admire and can learn from. Too many people fan anybody and everybody. there are bound to be bad writers in the group. So then what? Unkind or lies? With lies, nothing is learned, but after a while the members can figure out who is on their wave length, and what the hell, these are the folks that are our unpaid editors. Examples below.
someone would (S.B. CHOOSE-chose)to read
As a writer of both poetry and prose(,) and one that is here to learn, it put me in a dilemma. When I started here as a poet it was easy.
When I started here as a poet(,) it was easy. I learned new forms, practiced, posted, and reviewed. (THIS SENTENCE IS A TOUCH REUNDENT IN ITS PRESENT FORM WHEN YOU REAF THE PREVIOUS ONES. SUGGEST..WHEN I STARTED WRITING POETRY, I LEARNED NEW FORMS THAT I BOTH PRACTICED AND REVIEWED.
I wrote prose also. (S.b. I also wrote prose)
But, I didn't know anything about (would reader better--the process instead of--it)it.
Comment Written 24-Jul-2014
Comment from JBCaine
Michael-
Yeah. Definitely an issue.
No. I have no ideas how to fix it.
-Typo alert - "o I can't imagine why someone would chose to read a twenty-five hundred word contest entry paying fifty-two cents over a seventeen syllable haiku that pays the same." (would choose)-
I thought it was a well-explained rant.
And no you have one more useless review. Sadly, that's pretty much the only kind I am good at giving.
JBCaine-
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Michael-
Yeah. Definitely an issue.
No. I have no ideas how to fix it.
-Typo alert - "o I can't imagine why someone would chose to read a twenty-five hundred word contest entry paying fifty-two cents over a seventeen syllable haiku that pays the same." (would choose)-
I thought it was a well-explained rant.
And no you have one more useless review. Sadly, that's pretty much the only kind I am good at giving.
JBCaine-
Comment Written 24-Jul-2014
Comment from closetpoetjester
Your essay is clear, precise and probably a lot more articulate than your conceding. I'm a poet so of course I follow poetry but you are quite right that a lot more words go into a chapter etc so involve closer attention or at the very least for the reader to actually read it.
Unfortunately the lousy pay rates for prose give the reader little or no incentive to review except for the absolute passion of it...as of course it leaves them NO time OR funds to promote their OWN work. A vicious cycle and you'll find the most constructive ones AREN'T in it for the money.
The simple answer is a higher rate of pay..but with that comes a minimum of an 8 or 10 line review so readers can't cop out with fluff and take your stash of hard earned coin.
Maybe more prosers need to complain to Tom as this problem doesn't so much affect the poets of FS. Just my thoughts but EXPERTLY written and although apparently rantish, bloody ranted well I say. Hope you get a better outcome from this post.
Cheers P
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Your essay is clear, precise and probably a lot more articulate than your conceding. I'm a poet so of course I follow poetry but you are quite right that a lot more words go into a chapter etc so involve closer attention or at the very least for the reader to actually read it.
Unfortunately the lousy pay rates for prose give the reader little or no incentive to review except for the absolute passion of it...as of course it leaves them NO time OR funds to promote their OWN work. A vicious cycle and you'll find the most constructive ones AREN'T in it for the money.
The simple answer is a higher rate of pay..but with that comes a minimum of an 8 or 10 line review so readers can't cop out with fluff and take your stash of hard earned coin.
Maybe more prosers need to complain to Tom as this problem doesn't so much affect the poets of FS. Just my thoughts but EXPERTLY written and although apparently rantish, bloody ranted well I say. Hope you get a better outcome from this post.
Cheers P
Comment Written 24-Jul-2014
Comment from Genya
Hi. I can tell you now, I read every single word of what you wrote and loved every minute of it. Why... I found it easy to read, very logical, very entertaining and at the end I could honestly say I understood exactly the points you were making. I love poetry, in fact just tonight I told my son that I need to write something different as I need to stretch my wings. I have tried children's stories, even wrote a novel for children, but I don't think I could share it as it is not my comfort zone yet. I do review quite a lot of poetry but now I am leaning towards chapter books and prose because I enjoy reading them and get a lot out of reviewing them. Loved your work. I have no six stars left, but if I had you would have been the top of my list. Genya
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Hi. I can tell you now, I read every single word of what you wrote and loved every minute of it. Why... I found it easy to read, very logical, very entertaining and at the end I could honestly say I understood exactly the points you were making. I love poetry, in fact just tonight I told my son that I need to write something different as I need to stretch my wings. I have tried children's stories, even wrote a novel for children, but I don't think I could share it as it is not my comfort zone yet. I do review quite a lot of poetry but now I am leaning towards chapter books and prose because I enjoy reading them and get a lot out of reviewing them. Loved your work. I have no six stars left, but if I had you would have been the top of my list. Genya
Comment Written 24-Jul-2014
Comment from Loren (7)
Michael (Smiling here) I can so agree with your message. I'm a short-story prose writer. I am so indebted to those who fan me and give me honest reviews (I think I've seen one or two of you reviews of my works and it is/was appreciated). You even recently posted on my front page as to "What would you like to share?" which prompted me to your entry here. I'm rambling and I apologize. In answer to your query - poetry is so succinct able to reveal so much in so few words - imagery, emotions, etc. Prose can and does this as well but it is almost becoming archaic in this modern age of quick...quick...quick. Maybe we need a flood of molasses to be poured over us to slow us down.Then as it hardens over time and we are held in its amber sugars we will be slowed to read. Other than that, what you've said in your article, writing must also be reciprocal to the reviewer. But then, maybe the better question is, why do we write at all? Loren
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Michael (Smiling here) I can so agree with your message. I'm a short-story prose writer. I am so indebted to those who fan me and give me honest reviews (I think I've seen one or two of you reviews of my works and it is/was appreciated). You even recently posted on my front page as to "What would you like to share?" which prompted me to your entry here. I'm rambling and I apologize. In answer to your query - poetry is so succinct able to reveal so much in so few words - imagery, emotions, etc. Prose can and does this as well but it is almost becoming archaic in this modern age of quick...quick...quick. Maybe we need a flood of molasses to be poured over us to slow us down.Then as it hardens over time and we are held in its amber sugars we will be slowed to read. Other than that, what you've said in your article, writing must also be reciprocal to the reviewer. But then, maybe the better question is, why do we write at all? Loren
Comment Written 24-Jul-2014
Comment from Muffins
I think it all comes down to the individual. If I see a poem that interest me and it only pays one cent, I'm going to read it. If I see a story that pays one dollar or more and it catches my eye, I'm going to read it.
I'm here to do two things, read great writing and learn from great writing. Does the fake money count. For me, no. I never pay. My member dollars come from reviewing. If I don't have time to read the stories or poem while I'm at the computer, I print them and take them with me.
I've had only one fake reviewer. This reviewer copied and paste the exact review he/she gave me a month earlier on a different work.
As to your question at the end, I can only think of increasing the points for prose. Yes, there are long poems on this site, but none are the length of a book or short stories. Producing prose requires endless editing,plots, subplots, pov's etc. Poetry, except for share a story poetry does not have that concern. This factor can be used as a justification. However, poets might argue back that finding the correct rhythm , the beat, molding the poem to express a particular theme is just as hard. I don't know. It's a sticky subject. You'll probably receive plenty of heat from the poets on this site. But, that's what a good essay is supposed to do, create discussion. I wish I had a six to give this piece because it deserves it.
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I think it all comes down to the individual. If I see a poem that interest me and it only pays one cent, I'm going to read it. If I see a story that pays one dollar or more and it catches my eye, I'm going to read it.
I'm here to do two things, read great writing and learn from great writing. Does the fake money count. For me, no. I never pay. My member dollars come from reviewing. If I don't have time to read the stories or poem while I'm at the computer, I print them and take them with me.
I've had only one fake reviewer. This reviewer copied and paste the exact review he/she gave me a month earlier on a different work.
As to your question at the end, I can only think of increasing the points for prose. Yes, there are long poems on this site, but none are the length of a book or short stories. Producing prose requires endless editing,plots, subplots, pov's etc. Poetry, except for share a story poetry does not have that concern. This factor can be used as a justification. However, poets might argue back that finding the correct rhythm , the beat, molding the poem to express a particular theme is just as hard. I don't know. It's a sticky subject. You'll probably receive plenty of heat from the poets on this site. But, that's what a good essay is supposed to do, create discussion. I wish I had a six to give this piece because it deserves it.
Comment Written 24-Jul-2014
