Reviews from

Wasn't He Tarred and Feathered?

A Delicate Treatise on Togetherness

82 total reviews 
Comment from Giddy Nielsen-Sweep
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

hi, Mikey, I'm so sorry about this, especially that you may not be around so much. I like your work, I think most other people are brilliant on here. Maybe I'm naive. I've been here five years now and I have in the past read other peoples reviews. I don't now, and I don't go near the forum after finding it unpleasant and time wasting. I have precious little time to devote to the site due to my disability. That might be why I am not touched by the matters you mention. Nevertheless, I'm glad you've spoken up because the site needs writers with guts. I think giving Linda a one star review for that post is unforgivable. God bless you, Giddy

 Comment Written 25-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2016
    Oh, I'm not going anywhere. Too many good friends here like yourself. I think you're right, there are a lot of great writers here. Well, a lot of these top writers have joined in and written some powerful pieces on this same subject. It looks like an all star team at the top of the poetry listings at the moment. I'd be shakin' in my boots if I was one of these lowlifes. So pleased to hear from you. It calls for one of your haiku suites. :)) Blessings to you, mikey
Comment from Crennan87
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I am shocked and outraged as well. I was so nervous about being bullied for giving constructive criticism to writers that there was a time where I only gave writers 5's and 6's. But no, I eventually realized that look, we are all here for the same reason. We love to write. I do not mind if I get scored at a 2 as long as I am given ways in which I can better my work. It is not a personal attack and there is no reason to be so mean.

 Comment Written 25-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2016
    Most of us appreciate all the help we can get. Sure, it's nice with a bit of sugar, but it's not required. Just some respect will do. You have no worries. No one's going to mistake you for these fools I'm writing about. They'd never show the concern you are. I'm with you, sure, give me a three, just show me how to be a better writer. I've had it happen. But don't give me a two 'cause you don't know a common English word. Please! Thanks for the great feedback. mikey
Comment from c_lucas
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Unfortunately on this site we have to deal with human nature. Even the Creator was not happy with what he created. The administration of this site did too little too late. I know of chicanery running rampant and the participants are usually on the Front page. Well, so am I when I post a chapter. I'm fortunate, my doctors are in the agreement that I should live day by day. I can go any time. So I can speak my mind. I support what you are saying, Would you try not to hog all to the tar if I stand beside you?

 Comment Written 25-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2016
    Of curse I'll share. Hey, were writers, we can swap stories. It sounds like a time!
    I suppose there's going to be some goings on in a site this size, but lately it's been absurd. We just have to get a little more active in our opposition. Already there are half a dozen pieces up now. There have even been apologies. So, some progress. I'm hoping for goose down feathers, nice and warm. :)) mikey
reply by c_lucas on 26-Jan-2016
    Sounds good, Mikey. Charlie
Comment from LIJ Red
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

I post little and am usually ignored by the main body of Fanstorians, and I skip if I can't give five (or four with ways to make it five), so I don't know
what's going on and hesitate to raise cane. It does seem that the site is
in a doldrum of sorts, with unhappy voices heard all 'round.

 Comment Written 25-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2016
    Yeah. That's kind of the mood really. We're watching some pretty outrageous behavior and just greeting it with a little sigh. Well, it's good to see some members have jumped on board and posted their own pieces. Even got an apology. A little progress. At least a step. Thanks for your input. Insightful. mikey
Comment from Muffins
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Until today, I didn't realize people gave low rating because of a word they didn't understand. Google it man.

I've been on this site less than 3 years and I feel a change happening. But, I feel it happening around me. I guess I'm lucky that the people who review my work are 100% writers and only want to help. A few minutes ago, a reviewer pointed out a spelling mistake I made on a poem and was sweet as pie about it. I gave humbled thanks and fixed the problem. No biggie and they still rated the poem a 5.

Your point about the reviewer:" very kind and loving member posts a message under poetry requesting prayer for a beloved fellow member who is in terrible pain and suffering life threatening ailments. This post is received, of course, with thanks by our little family and promises of support as is normally the case here. Along with that was a one-star review because the message wasn't really a poem."

If this person isn't smart enough to recognize a post that is written for reasons other than to write a poem or prose than they should not be here.

I hope this is a short storm in fan story history. It would be a shame if writers like you and other masters leave us. We need your knowledge, encouragement, and in the face rants.

 Comment Written 25-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2016
    It's awesome to hear these words of support. That gives a lot of energy to what we're all doing and it puts a lot of pressure on these clowns who think they're going to keep getting away with this. There's already a half dozen more posts on this same thing. It's making a difference too. Thanks so much for your input and encouragement. It means the world. mikey
Comment from Ric Myworld
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Mikey, I don't go into the forums or communicate with very many people on this site other than a select three or four, and even then it isn't usually about anything other than each others work. However, I, like many of you have always had a few who give a two, three, or a four because they don't like something we wrote or how we said it. Then, there have been a few times when I got exactly the number of threes to counter my sixes. Oh, I get it. There are many outstanding writers on this site, and I guess I've been lucky, because most of them have been kind and very helpful to this struggling beginner. Of course, there have been a few who have just been plain nasty, not only to me, but to some very talented writers on this site who would never deserve the twos, threes, and fours, they have received from them. There should be a change to the system that keeps records of people who give demeaning reviews when it turns out there are three bad reviews and fifty fives and sixes. Unfortunately, there will always be butt holes, and there isn't much we can do about them. This site is meant to make all of us better. Not just as writers, but as people. For those at every level of verse and prose to be mentored by those who can and are willing to help them get better. Not by slamming them with harsh words of criticism and bad reviews, but to encourage with favorable reviews and advice that will make them want to work harder and improve their skills. I hope many will read your post and be willing to respond. We definitely don't want to let the mean and nasty folks run off the kind and caring who came here for the right reasons. Thanks for speaking up, Michael, and I hope many will stand up with you for for the good of our site. I appreciate You. Ric. :-)

 Comment Written 25-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2016
    Hi Ric. You happen to be one of the writers I read when I'm sneaking around in the wee hours. So, I do kinda know you. A little creepy I suppose. Hahaha. You're just so on the money with your thinking and analysis here. You have the perfect attitude for this place. You are the type of writer who benefits and finds the resources that are available to grow. They ARE here. All over the place. That's why I just hate these fools that take away from our enjoyment. None of us have been here long enough not to be CRUSHED by a three star rating. ESPECIALLY a totally bogus one based on something mindless or stupid. We just can't allow it. It crushes us. I'm mainly angered on behalf of a couple of great friends. Both great ladies who go out of their way to help people. No, I won't allow it. It's support like yours that really scares these idiots who crave attention. One little mikey ranting and raving doesn't mean much. But when they see a whole army of members on board, then it gets harder to ignore. Thanks for the support and kind words, Ric. It's most appreciated. mikey
reply by Ric Myworld on 26-Jan-2016
    I appreciate You, Mikey. There are those who wish for change, and then, there are those willing to stand up and speak out. I have read plenty of your work and always enjoy it. But, now, knowing the character behind the scenes and verses, I will appreciate it even more. We love our site, and there is no place in it for those who don't love and respect it enough to care about every single person who is here, for the fellowship with good people, and because they enjoy helping others become better poets and writers. Count me in, my new friend! Ric. :-)
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2016
    I'm humbled. We're in great shape with people like you on the team, Ric. Thanks a million. mikey
Comment from Robert Louis Fox
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

This is an excellent essay. You follow up your topic statement with a logical presentation and sound examples. Some folks might think it too emotional, but that's my favorite part. You summarize with concern and an appeal for action straight from the heart.

I'm new. I mostly review. I'm happy to report experiencing some of what you describe, but that has been offset by many worthwhile acquaintances. I can see where the managers of FanSpace are promoting the story race and encouraging the profitability of a vanity venue. And vanity doesn't always bring out the best in people. At the same time, FanSpace has created an opportunity for people who love to write, and who will never see their work in a prestigious review, a chance to rise to the top of something. And I say Hurray. I'm going to celebrate it and call it like I see it and hopefully stick to my New Year's resolution (not to get sucked into angry situations).

You are a good writer and very capable of expressing yourself. Keep up the good work. Best regards, BobFox

 Comment Written 25-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2016
    Thanks for the insights and candid remarks, Bob. You have the perfect attitude. Boy, do we need reviewers here, we always do. There's a wide range of talent here to be sure. Beginner to expert. But for a writer who wants to learn and advance, there is every resource available. It isn't a difficult search to find it either. Yes, there's a lot of distractions. It's when the distractions become absurd that something needs to be done. That's the crux of this piece. That and unnecessarily hurting my friends. Thanks for the kind words. Most appreciated. By all means, please keep reviewing. You're already getting to be known as a top reviewer. Yeah, we spy on each other. HAHAHA! mikey
reply by Robert Louis Fox on 26-Jan-2016
    Thanx Mikey!
Comment from doggymad
Excellent
Not yet exceptional. When the exceptional rating is reached this is highlighted

Hi Mikey, I have read Gloria's post and also Pantgynt's work. I will definitely be adding my voice to this one.

I can't understand how a person can be a member, but can review and tear other people's work to shreds.

Well done for highlighting this, I was starting to think that I was the only person that felt that way.

hugs

Freda

 Comment Written 25-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2016
    It's not the norm, Freda, but it wrecks havoc. Not a single member on here will tell you that a two star review doesn't just hit them right in the gut. Nope, it doesn't matter how many fives and sixes they've received. Add to that reasons that are absurd or just downright mean, it becomes a terrible problem. I'm delighted you want to add your voice. We sure would welcome it with excitement. It's become a great movement and it's already making a difference. There's a lot of power in numbers. Me just blathering by myself won't do much, but all of us together. We sill get it done. Thanks a million. Hugs, mikey
Comment from Barb Hensongispsaca
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Oh damn,
Remember the old format when you could see comments from everyone and respond? I miss that because for this reason. I have not heard about any of these happenings and I feel so lost. I hate a lot of htings going on here but they are the rules and I guess have been forever, so they are set rules.
I too have been hurt so many times from one and two, but just picked myself up and put it up to jealousy, makes me feel good lol, but I did not realize it has been harder on others.
I understand when a writer puts his heart in a piece to be given a two from someone who has just joined. I ususlly try to explain but finally just give up. Have two blocked that continuously gave me ones and no reason.
Sometomes I goof and hit a wrong key but people usually ask me why and then I realize my mistake and back peddle.
If I cant understand a piece or it is too full of mistakes, I move on to another read. If it is too short, I move on because I don't like to use lots of meaningless words just to make it accepted.
I write to write and save my pieces. I love to rant and take stands on soap boxes even though met with wide reviews.lol
You are a dear friend and I truly believe in you.

 Comment Written 25-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2016
    Geez. Wouldn't that be a ball. I'd LOVE to respond to some of these idiotic reviews. WHOOO HOOOO. Well, this is what they'll let me do. Those damn twos or threes, we NEVER get used to them. Add to that an absurd reason or no reason at all, and it just takes the wind out of your sail. Well, lots of people are jumping on board this time. Pieces are all over the poetry side on this topic and many are promising more. YAY! Maybe this time, yes? My friend, your belief and friendship mean the world and it is certainly mutual. We grew up in this madhouse together, didn't we. :)) mikey
reply by Barb Hensongispsaca on 26-Jan-2016
    yes we did and don't you dare go anywhere. You are my muse and I need you. that being said, mine is coming soon
Comment from seaglass
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

You nailed it! I never think to open reviews of other people's works, I suppose I should. I don't know of the individuals you refer to, but I've had a few of my own hacks. One gave me a three star because the chapter ( somewhere after ch 20) didn't hold his attention, and a half dozen others that were just as dumb. In my case, they were new to the site, a bit full of themselves and I think they believe reviewing here is like reviewing a movie for Netflix rather that reviewing to be constructive.

I break the rules and respond. I tell them that unless they can give advice on how to make it a five-star piece, please don't bother reviewing for I won't take it serious. Then I put them in time-out in the"don't contact me list".

Sadly, my list is full, only six allowed, So the next time I get listed off, I'll have to decide to let it go or change him/her out with someone I've caged.

If you want to lead a revolution, let me know. I'm not good at fighting but I was once a cheerleader. (smile)

S

 Comment Written 25-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2016
    OOOHHH. Thata is such an on the money comparison. HAHAHA! Reviewing a movie for Netflix. LOVE IT. I try and give the most vicious condescending response I can within the rules.
    It's just become nuts lately. They're like little burglars running around tossing two and one star reviews for no reason at all. Well, lots of folks on the bandwagon. Gloria inspired me and now there are half a dozen pieces out with more to come. I had to remove a section of this due to an apology and even add a nice optimistic ending. :))
    Thanks a million. I hope people are taking a glance at these reviews. Who, so much great input. mikey