Wasn't He Tarred and Feathered?
A Delicate Treatise on Togetherness82 total reviews
Comment from Pearl Edwards
I'm beginning to think I'm lucky that I'm not a prolific writer on FS, and so haven't come up against this too much. Maybe jealousy reigns supreme with some of these reviewers and that is sad. We all write from within ourselves, to share with others, hopefully that can continue.
reply by the author on 29-Jan-2016
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I'm beginning to think I'm lucky that I'm not a prolific writer on FS, and so haven't come up against this too much. Maybe jealousy reigns supreme with some of these reviewers and that is sad. We all write from within ourselves, to share with others, hopefully that can continue.
Comment Written 29-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 29-Jan-2016
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Hi. Beautifully put. All's well. We just got mad as a group at a bunch of rogue reviewers running around making life miserable, so we had a little fit. HA! It did some good actually. There were some apologies a couple suspensions and the like. But things are always going to be just as you so perfectly said, "written from within ourselves to share with others". Yes, indeed, that continues. Thanks a million. mikey
Comment from Eric1
Wow Mikey, I would love to have seen the unedited version of this, I have followed with interest the debate on the bad reviews on here, Alas I have only just returned after a seven week break getting books ready for the annual accounts.
It seems I have missed many of the main events, I certainly haven't seen any that you mentioned, o I have to assume that they all happened in my absence.
Whatever and whenever - I certainly would not condone the slagging off or purposely dumbing down of my fellow writers, this is by far the best site to be on at the moment and to get a few opportunists- for that is all they are - downgrading excellent poetry and writing is not acceptable and I am happy to join the ranks of the truly pissed off and tell these ignoramus's to get on their bikes!
reply by the author on 29-Jan-2016
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Wow Mikey, I would love to have seen the unedited version of this, I have followed with interest the debate on the bad reviews on here, Alas I have only just returned after a seven week break getting books ready for the annual accounts.
It seems I have missed many of the main events, I certainly haven't seen any that you mentioned, o I have to assume that they all happened in my absence.
Whatever and whenever - I certainly would not condone the slagging off or purposely dumbing down of my fellow writers, this is by far the best site to be on at the moment and to get a few opportunists- for that is all they are - downgrading excellent poetry and writing is not acceptable and I am happy to join the ranks of the truly pissed off and tell these ignoramus's to get on their bikes!
Comment Written 29-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 29-Jan-2016
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Hey, Eric. Glad to see you back. Yeah, we've had an influx of morons lately. Well, we all got pissed this time. There were about twenty articles on this matter all over the front page and it got results too. So, hey, a nice little mob riot got going. I wonder if anyone's up for marching on the White House, it's been a long time for me. HAHAHA! THanks a million, mikey
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LOL thanks for the welcome back my friend, and let's go on that damn march!
Comment from Unspoken94
I was struggling with your cynicism in the beginning but I kept
reading. I am one of those who got a "one" and a "three" for no
reason whatsoever. I responded to them to review the reviewer's
responsibility with no response. But I began to share my concern
with other writers and sure enough there were enough of us
to begin to express our concern. I can take constructive criticism
but the recent reviewers to FS seem to have a concerted effort
to cause hurt and turmoil. It almost sounds as if they all came on at
the same time. Too coincidental. Thanks, Michael. Some of us are
really trying to redeem some of these "newbies." Time will tell. -Bill
reply by the author on 29-Jan-2016
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I was struggling with your cynicism in the beginning but I kept
reading. I am one of those who got a "one" and a "three" for no
reason whatsoever. I responded to them to review the reviewer's
responsibility with no response. But I began to share my concern
with other writers and sure enough there were enough of us
to begin to express our concern. I can take constructive criticism
but the recent reviewers to FS seem to have a concerted effort
to cause hurt and turmoil. It almost sounds as if they all came on at
the same time. Too coincidental. Thanks, Michael. Some of us are
really trying to redeem some of these "newbies." Time will tell. -Bill
Comment Written 28-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 29-Jan-2016
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Hey, Bill. It's had a positive affect. There have been some apologies and changes of heart, even some suspensions. It seems that it was a site wide uproar as about twenty other members joined in. There were postings all over the front page for a week concerning this. I guess it scared these rogues as there haven't been reports of these ridiculous reviews since. I'm with you when it comes to critique, bring it on and don't hold back. The harshest reviewers I've encountered are the ones who truly taught me the most. There also the ones who have my ego in their purses. HAHAHA! Well, I'll go get it back when I get good enough. :)) Thanks for the input. Hope you're doing well and hanging in there, mikey
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Great! Collectively, we have not only been heard but we corrected the problem. Not Tom but us. However, I remain hesitant. Let's give it a couple of weeks. Thanks, Mike. You are one i have such great respect for. -Bill
Comment from JBCaine
Mikey-
Apparently you've touched a nerve here, or perhaps someone has touched one of yours.
I'm in no position to make a judgement here as I have posted a total of 0 pieces here so far this year. Thus, I reckon I don't know what vile criticisms are going on here these days.
The site does change, pretty much all the time, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. It has done so since I joined in 2008, and probably will continue to do so.
Note that I am speaking only of the prose side of the house, as I rarely cross the page into the mysterious world of poetry.
While the specific bad review you mentioned was obviously made by someone who has completely missed the point, and your point(s) on reviews based on disagreeing with the font or the picture or the ideology are valid, this is supposed to be a site for writers, and not a Furry convention. Sometimes, no matter how hard the person worked on a piece, the writing is just bad.
From the front page of FS to the last, whether it's a stolen worn out joke from the 60s, or a story posted by someone who doesn't know too from two, there from their, your from you're, its from it's, or passed tense from past, this site is just as full of horrible writing as my portfolio.
Every. Single. Day. It is as big a problem as unfair reviews that so much of the stuff on the front page, posted by some very highly ranked authors (or me, though I'm not really a front page kind of guy, nor am I worthy of high rank) is fawned over and the writer coddled and praised, rather than given the 3 or 4 star rating (based on the site's rating guidelines) that it so richly deserves. For my own part, anything I have ever posted here merits a 3-4 rating probably for the best pieces, most of them considerably less. The concept that everything gets a five, or just skip it serves no other purpose than to encourage the horrible to continue to produce more of the same crappy work because now they think it's good. People do buy their way to the top rank, I remember two #1 writers who openly admitted that. I have heard many rumors since day one that people do cheat rampantly in the contest voting, but as far as I know those are rumors. I don't "know" but I also don't care.
I just think there are sort of two different camps here, and while there is no reason to be rude and vicious, as some people are, there is also entirely too much fluff and mutual back-slapping praise going on. (And I admit to being guilty of it myself).
I am probably missing your point here, and if so, please forgive. You have raised some valid points here, Hopefully I have done the same.
Best to you,
JBCaine-
reply by the author on 29-Jan-2016
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Mikey-
Apparently you've touched a nerve here, or perhaps someone has touched one of yours.
I'm in no position to make a judgement here as I have posted a total of 0 pieces here so far this year. Thus, I reckon I don't know what vile criticisms are going on here these days.
The site does change, pretty much all the time, sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse. It has done so since I joined in 2008, and probably will continue to do so.
Note that I am speaking only of the prose side of the house, as I rarely cross the page into the mysterious world of poetry.
While the specific bad review you mentioned was obviously made by someone who has completely missed the point, and your point(s) on reviews based on disagreeing with the font or the picture or the ideology are valid, this is supposed to be a site for writers, and not a Furry convention. Sometimes, no matter how hard the person worked on a piece, the writing is just bad.
From the front page of FS to the last, whether it's a stolen worn out joke from the 60s, or a story posted by someone who doesn't know too from two, there from their, your from you're, its from it's, or passed tense from past, this site is just as full of horrible writing as my portfolio.
Every. Single. Day. It is as big a problem as unfair reviews that so much of the stuff on the front page, posted by some very highly ranked authors (or me, though I'm not really a front page kind of guy, nor am I worthy of high rank) is fawned over and the writer coddled and praised, rather than given the 3 or 4 star rating (based on the site's rating guidelines) that it so richly deserves. For my own part, anything I have ever posted here merits a 3-4 rating probably for the best pieces, most of them considerably less. The concept that everything gets a five, or just skip it serves no other purpose than to encourage the horrible to continue to produce more of the same crappy work because now they think it's good. People do buy their way to the top rank, I remember two #1 writers who openly admitted that. I have heard many rumors since day one that people do cheat rampantly in the contest voting, but as far as I know those are rumors. I don't "know" but I also don't care.
I just think there are sort of two different camps here, and while there is no reason to be rude and vicious, as some people are, there is also entirely too much fluff and mutual back-slapping praise going on. (And I admit to being guilty of it myself).
I am probably missing your point here, and if so, please forgive. You have raised some valid points here, Hopefully I have done the same.
Best to you,
JBCaine-
Comment Written 28-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 29-Jan-2016
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We're totally on the same page here. It's really two separate issues. Most of the hooplah is about some absurd reviews that have been in abundance lately concerning low ratings because the reviewer didn't understand a word, didn't like the color of the ink, didn't like the subject matter or any number of none writing related reasons. So, we had our annual fit and made some progress.
Now, as far as all these fluff reviews and every single piece submitted being excellent, yep, I'm with you there. I just posted a piece and received a dozen or so reviews. It's just like you say, everyone thought it was nice and told me so. ONE reviewer offered advice and a valuable tip that hadn't occurred to me. Thanks God for her. It was a great point and right on the money. I'll be rewriting and the piece will improve greatly. If not for her, the "excellent" piece would sit in my folder gathering dust. So, you're totally on the money. Another issue though. Well, I obviously like to talk, so that may be coming. HAHAHA! Thanks a million for taking the time to post your thoughts in detail. Most appreciated. mikey
Comment from jlsavell
michaelcahill,
I am not so certain nor fully aware what is going on. I am rarely on here, but I have read several works referring to bad and unkind reviews and Fanstory laws. It appears as if you are disheartened because fans are being reviewed unfairly and we are not responding nor defending,, i do understand about out there reviews which are absolutely uncalled for, but perhaps there are legitimate and personal reasons fans don.t retort. one, if it is just one reviewer who seems to wreck havoc, perhaps we need to try and understand that he/she lacks the ability to assimilate and apply social decorum and social cues, They truly might have a disability which makes them behave this way. I would hope as mature writers and reviewers we could sense that something isn't quite straight up with a caustic and seemingly over reactive reviewer who incessently acts this way. I agree this is a wonderful writing community and we all have our little quirks. Some fall in the normal range, others do not. But at the end of the day, we have enough fans and reviews in which one challenged soul regardless of his comments and reviews should not make a hell of a difference. Even when his/hers review is so inappropriate and insensitive it startles the senses. It is then, we must ask ourselves, would a human being with all his faculties and inherent social cues do such a thoughtless thing and especially on a continued basis.The answer is not no, but hell no. Perhaps, we should consider the source and let it be.
Again, I am not on here enough to know all that has transpired, but I am familiar with one reviewer who is quite rude and insensitive and deflective.His responses, assimilations, and interpretations and censored sensibilities and altered perceptions are obviously handicapped.
Thank you for allowing me to review and voice, I do hope I am within the Fanstory laws as one poet posted. now you go take on the day.. jimi
reply by the author on 29-Jan-2016
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michaelcahill,
I am not so certain nor fully aware what is going on. I am rarely on here, but I have read several works referring to bad and unkind reviews and Fanstory laws. It appears as if you are disheartened because fans are being reviewed unfairly and we are not responding nor defending,, i do understand about out there reviews which are absolutely uncalled for, but perhaps there are legitimate and personal reasons fans don.t retort. one, if it is just one reviewer who seems to wreck havoc, perhaps we need to try and understand that he/she lacks the ability to assimilate and apply social decorum and social cues, They truly might have a disability which makes them behave this way. I would hope as mature writers and reviewers we could sense that something isn't quite straight up with a caustic and seemingly over reactive reviewer who incessently acts this way. I agree this is a wonderful writing community and we all have our little quirks. Some fall in the normal range, others do not. But at the end of the day, we have enough fans and reviews in which one challenged soul regardless of his comments and reviews should not make a hell of a difference. Even when his/hers review is so inappropriate and insensitive it startles the senses. It is then, we must ask ourselves, would a human being with all his faculties and inherent social cues do such a thoughtless thing and especially on a continued basis.The answer is not no, but hell no. Perhaps, we should consider the source and let it be.
Again, I am not on here enough to know all that has transpired, but I am familiar with one reviewer who is quite rude and insensitive and deflective.His responses, assimilations, and interpretations and censored sensibilities and altered perceptions are obviously handicapped.
Thank you for allowing me to review and voice, I do hope I am within the Fanstory laws as one poet posted. now you go take on the day.. jimi
Comment Written 28-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 29-Jan-2016
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So much to consider. A very well thought out and appreciated response. Much of what you set forth has been considered and implemented. I'd agree with your approach in most instances here as well. I wouldn't even call some of our response exactly mature to be honest. After a while the sheer incessance of it gets to anyone. It isn't one reviewer, it's several. It's more than simple rude or unfair reviews, it's absurd reviews.
In any case, we've had enough and are having a fit. :))
I've tried to take individuals aside and explain reviewing along with human nature etc. to some avail with some and to no avail with others. In the end, we aren't a mental health facility. It's up to us to report to site administrators what the situation is and it's up to them to do something about it. Part of my "rant" regards reporting infractions.
None of this is "THEE" answer, I know. A lot of it is just blowing off steam, but that can be a good thing sometimes.
Now that the dust as cleared, progress as been made, apologies have been tendered and a suspension or two has occurred.
There were over twenty articles on this matter and reviewing in general with hundreds of reviews.
Thanks a million for your intelligent and thoughtful response. A pleasure. mikey
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are you so certain we are not a mental health facility? lol///actually i don't know why you made that statement. I was merely saying, consider the source.
You know I absolutely agree that mean spirited and inappropriate reviews should be addressed. With that being said, perhaps we should have no such thing as a 1234 star review because most on here get miffed if you award them less than a five. it is hard to give an honest helpful critique. i actually had one top rated poet mute me because I gave him a suggestion on how he could make his work flow better. i gave him a five and followed by it was such a good story poem that when the meter is off. readers become distracted and lose the beauty of the work. he muted me but returned a reply,,, lol,,,I ask you who does that/?
There are some really great artist on here and maybe less than 10 percent truly phenomenal. it helps no one to grow as a writer to get fluff reviews. So I often wonder why they are here. i know a few whose writing lacks much to be desired, but they receive fluff reviews all the time and consequently they are still that sophmoric writer.
on another note, when kind hearted folks are using the poetry category to announce another members trials or tribulations, iy would appear proper decorum to not accept reviews but just have concerned fanstorians comment. It seems not just a little/// but quite distasteful to garner stars and rankings albeit lovingly letting others know of another's plight, These are most often announcements and not poetry.
well there is much to be said Mr. Cahill, but thank you for your respectful reply.
Comment from chasennov
A Delicate Treatise on Togetherness "Wasn't He Tarred and Feathered?" My sentiments exactly and I have had a long uphill battle over a number of years. Once people downgrade you they disappear and you cannot get hold of them to explain. I'm glad you have stood up this nonsense. I simply won't stand for it. I always thought I stood alone. very well done.
reply by the author on 29-Jan-2016
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A Delicate Treatise on Togetherness "Wasn't He Tarred and Feathered?" My sentiments exactly and I have had a long uphill battle over a number of years. Once people downgrade you they disappear and you cannot get hold of them to explain. I'm glad you have stood up this nonsense. I simply won't stand for it. I always thought I stood alone. very well done.
Comment Written 28-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 29-Jan-2016
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Boy, you've hit the nail on the head there. They sure do disappear without a word. The best thing to come out of this was to see twenty other fellow members speak out as well. The front page was FULL of posts on the same subject. Nope, my friend, we are surely not alone!!
Thanks so much, mikey
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Thank you so much for that positive, Mikey. I'm sure we can overcome the shortcomings of certain marginally stressed members on this site with the support of our substantial bona fide members. Kind regards. Chasennov.
Comment from Sanku
Yours is definitely not a lone voice .I am sure many of the fanstorians feel that the reviews are not sincere and straightforward. Many people read cursorily mainly because they need to accumulate member cents to promote their own work. Then of course the ego and envy always come to help to pull down a work.I was away from the site for a few months and even when i was regularly coming here I did not write much because I found promoting difficult.But i used to read prolifically and enjoyed it also. I dont review all that I read because I dont have that much time to spend (being a typical Indian Housewife with a lot of 'family duties') But I read as much as i can.
I enjoyed reading this and am glad there are many who have written about this.
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Yours is definitely not a lone voice .I am sure many of the fanstorians feel that the reviews are not sincere and straightforward. Many people read cursorily mainly because they need to accumulate member cents to promote their own work. Then of course the ego and envy always come to help to pull down a work.I was away from the site for a few months and even when i was regularly coming here I did not write much because I found promoting difficult.But i used to read prolifically and enjoyed it also. I dont review all that I read because I dont have that much time to spend (being a typical Indian Housewife with a lot of 'family duties') But I read as much as i can.
I enjoyed reading this and am glad there are many who have written about this.
Comment Written 28-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Long time no see. Good to see your back. There was quite an outpouring regarding this matter. The whole front page was full of postings and they had a positive affect for once. So, job well done by all. Just venting some frustration and you're so correct, it is nice to know we're not alone. Thanks a bunch, mikey
Comment from RPSaxena
Hello Michaelcahill,
It's a unique piece due to its frankness, clarity and honesty.
Wording is simple as well as impressive.
Smooth and captivating flow from the beginning to the end.
Interesting, entertaining and educative!
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Hello Michaelcahill,
It's a unique piece due to its frankness, clarity and honesty.
Wording is simple as well as impressive.
Smooth and captivating flow from the beginning to the end.
Interesting, entertaining and educative!
Comment Written 28-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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So pleased you enjoyed this, RP.
It's just one of many, many pieces. It turns out I wasn't alone in my sentiments. About twenty pieces graced the front page on this and like matters. Thanks for the awesome review and stars. So very appreciated, mikey
Comment from Bryana
Michael what a superb writing! It happens more often than we would like.
I was so upset that I wrote a poem about it years ago "The reviewer".
For your information, the administration does not allow this type of reviews, you can write to Tom and he gets in touch with the reviewer.
When I see something like this I send the writer a private message and advice him/her to send Tom a message.
If I find errors in a polite way I always let the writer know so he can fix it but rarely I give a four star review. English is my second language and I'm so grateful when my readers let me know so I can edit it.
The poem written for the ill lady was beautiful, that not was a work of art is one thing but it was written from the heart.
I'm so glad you wrote this and I will be available if there's anything you'd like to add.
Fanstory is a beautiful place to be in, I've joined over ten years ago and I have no intentions of leaving.
reply by the author on 28-Jan-2016
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Michael what a superb writing! It happens more often than we would like.
I was so upset that I wrote a poem about it years ago "The reviewer".
For your information, the administration does not allow this type of reviews, you can write to Tom and he gets in touch with the reviewer.
When I see something like this I send the writer a private message and advice him/her to send Tom a message.
If I find errors in a polite way I always let the writer know so he can fix it but rarely I give a four star review. English is my second language and I'm so grateful when my readers let me know so I can edit it.
The poem written for the ill lady was beautiful, that not was a work of art is one thing but it was written from the heart.
I'm so glad you wrote this and I will be available if there's anything you'd like to add.
Fanstory is a beautiful place to be in, I've joined over ten years ago and I have no intentions of leaving.
Comment Written 28-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 28-Jan-2016
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Thanks for reading and your wonderful input, Bryana. It really does encourage me to hear you speak. The response has been amazing. There's around twenty pieces posted on this subject and a very silent response from the culprits we were fed up with. I'm like you, I'm not going anywhere. I've drifted into the background a bit as we all do I suspect after our early spurt. But, we are always here when need be and it's good to hear you say you're available. Thanks so much. A sky full of stars too! Big smiles. mikey
Comment from catch22
Hi Mikey, this piece lifted my spirits. I've been pretty down about this place as of late and this essay, rant really brought it home for me. All I can say is thank you for posting this well written and articulate piece and I am glad for knowing I'm not alone in these feelings.
reply by the author on 28-Jan-2016
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Hi Mikey, this piece lifted my spirits. I've been pretty down about this place as of late and this essay, rant really brought it home for me. All I can say is thank you for posting this well written and articulate piece and I am glad for knowing I'm not alone in these feelings.
Comment Written 27-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 28-Jan-2016
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Hi, Gail. I'm so delighted to hear that. THe response and all the people posting their own articles has boosted me as well. I guess it is good to HEAR it once in a while, yes? I guess we're never alone here, it just feels that way sometimes. You can always message me. You know how silly I can be. I'll stand on my head or something. Most amusing!! Thanks so much. mikey
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You're welcome Mikey. I appreciate the kind comments and offer.
