Fanstory Crisis: It Is Us
Essay53 total reviews
Comment from Louise Michelle
Oh, darn it. I wish I had seen this when it was first posted so I could have collected some F.S. bucks. But maybe you weren't generous anyway, LOL.
Mickey, Mickey, Mickey. What can I say? This isn't the only writing community on the net and serious writers would do well to use more than one site to get a better feel of what people think of their work. Better yet, they should join in-person critique groups. I used to belong to several when I actually was serious about a writing career.
I've been coming here on and off about eight years. One of the things I've learned is that people are here for different reasons. Many just use this as a social site.
Regarding the fluff critiques, they can be very detrimental to new writers who are serious about getting published. I agree. But, again, serious writers should take the steps I already mentioned.
As far as reporting and/or muting fluffers, I disagree. Compared to some of the nasty psycho reviews or replies one can come across, a fluffer is a pussycat as far as I'm concerned.
Lastly, Tom is running this site for the money and everyone has to make a living. This is the most structured writing site I've found and I've visited plenty. The people make the site.
Anyhow, you certainly have the right to vent, but don't get your hopes up with regard to making any major changes. Hugs, Lou
reply by the author on 20-May-2016
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Oh, darn it. I wish I had seen this when it was first posted so I could have collected some F.S. bucks. But maybe you weren't generous anyway, LOL.
Mickey, Mickey, Mickey. What can I say? This isn't the only writing community on the net and serious writers would do well to use more than one site to get a better feel of what people think of their work. Better yet, they should join in-person critique groups. I used to belong to several when I actually was serious about a writing career.
I've been coming here on and off about eight years. One of the things I've learned is that people are here for different reasons. Many just use this as a social site.
Regarding the fluff critiques, they can be very detrimental to new writers who are serious about getting published. I agree. But, again, serious writers should take the steps I already mentioned.
As far as reporting and/or muting fluffers, I disagree. Compared to some of the nasty psycho reviews or replies one can come across, a fluffer is a pussycat as far as I'm concerned.
Lastly, Tom is running this site for the money and everyone has to make a living. This is the most structured writing site I've found and I've visited plenty. The people make the site.
Anyhow, you certainly have the right to vent, but don't get your hopes up with regard to making any major changes. Hugs, Lou
Comment Written 20-May-2016
reply by the author on 20-May-2016
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I have visited other sites, this seems to be the only one where there is true and immediate interaction. For all the flaws, there's no problem finding a group of folks to hang out with and get all the input one needs. The fluff is no sweat. It's the folks reviewing without reading. They're running wild and taking over the top spots in the ranking. Just a big pain.
No, I don't expect a thing to happen. LOL Yep, lots of fun to shoot my big mouth off!!!! Hugs back. Always great to hear from you. :)) mikey
Hey. I wrote a really good poem, "African Wind". Check it out. When have I ever said that?
Comment from Cumbrianlass
This is by far the best poem I've read today, although I think there are too many syllables for a haiku. Even so, I enjoyed it thoroughly and look forward to the sequel. You're obviously a wordsmith of the highest standard. Thanks for sharing this remarkable piece of work.
It doesn't suck.
Av
;)
reply by the author on 15-May-2016
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This is by far the best poem I've read today, although I think there are too many syllables for a haiku. Even so, I enjoyed it thoroughly and look forward to the sequel. You're obviously a wordsmith of the highest standard. Thanks for sharing this remarkable piece of work.
It doesn't suck.
Av
;)
Comment Written 14-May-2016
reply by the author on 15-May-2016
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Really? The highest standard? Wow the puts me up there with the greats. I knew I didn't suck. And know I can brag about it! Thank you for this concise and in depth review. I thought your insights and suggestions were stellar and made of the stuff of stars. As a reviewer, you belong in the reviewing hall of fame. Thanks so much, mikey
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:D
Comment from Spitfire
The problem is: how many writers have the skills to really rate a piece? I stay away from poetry for that reason. I went to your profile page to check your reviews. You do get carried away with superlatives, but I notice you do make mention of something in the post to make me know you read it. Quoting a favorite line as a review is a big help to the reader and not that hard to do.
I've had a few reviews that "mirror" the examples you give. I just say thanks, but skip reviewing their work.
Glad I don't get involved in forums. Sounds depressing.
reply by the author on 15-May-2016
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The problem is: how many writers have the skills to really rate a piece? I stay away from poetry for that reason. I went to your profile page to check your reviews. You do get carried away with superlatives, but I notice you do make mention of something in the post to make me know you read it. Quoting a favorite line as a review is a big help to the reader and not that hard to do.
I've had a few reviews that "mirror" the examples you give. I just say thanks, but skip reviewing their work.
Glad I don't get involved in forums. Sounds depressing.
Comment Written 13-May-2016
reply by the author on 15-May-2016
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Oh yes. I'm certainly overly complimentary. I do sometimes break things down for someone. It depends. I do always read the work and offer something real though. My complaint is this latest thing which is not reading the work and doing mass quantities of reviews everyday for the money. It's so blatant and obvious, but no one does a thing. It is hard to get mad at someone who just told you, you;re the best and rock the world. LOL I don't need a pro review every time. A simple I liked this or I didn't like that is a help. Of course I prefer reviewers like you and Nor who improve my writing. But they are few and far between and always will be. It can't be taught I don't think. Ha. Rambling as always. mikey
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Without even thinking, I can give you two names. By the way, is Chasenov still around? You seem to keep track of everyone. Maybe you should consider detective work. LOL
Comment from ciliverde
Mikey, I don't even know where to start. Well, yes I do - don't you dare make fun of your profile picture! I hope you noticed that mine was taken from a discreet distance - far enough away that nobody can really make out my features, AND (this is important) nobody can see my crow's feet and other lines of age.
I have to agree with you, and I know a couple of these reviewers. The reviewers status is really a complete joke, it's pretty appalling, and kind of discouraging. The other thing that you don't really touch on is, just through a sheer quantity of posts, you can raise your status very high as a poet. Of course I'm not talking about the extremely talented Cat, she's amazing. But there are others in the top listing and I just scratch my head. (For example, that gas bag currently in #12 spot, what the HELL is up with her? Ha ha!)
Seriously, I do agree with you. my usual response to the "non-reviews" is to just say thank you, and leave it at that. But you're right, we should do more...report them. There has to be a way to weed out the chaff, as it were. It really does erode the quality of the site.
Nice rant! (I kind of love rants)
Carol
reply by the author on 15-May-2016
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Mikey, I don't even know where to start. Well, yes I do - don't you dare make fun of your profile picture! I hope you noticed that mine was taken from a discreet distance - far enough away that nobody can really make out my features, AND (this is important) nobody can see my crow's feet and other lines of age.
I have to agree with you, and I know a couple of these reviewers. The reviewers status is really a complete joke, it's pretty appalling, and kind of discouraging. The other thing that you don't really touch on is, just through a sheer quantity of posts, you can raise your status very high as a poet. Of course I'm not talking about the extremely talented Cat, she's amazing. But there are others in the top listing and I just scratch my head. (For example, that gas bag currently in #12 spot, what the HELL is up with her? Ha ha!)
Seriously, I do agree with you. my usual response to the "non-reviews" is to just say thank you, and leave it at that. But you're right, we should do more...report them. There has to be a way to weed out the chaff, as it were. It really does erode the quality of the site.
Nice rant! (I kind of love rants)
Carol
Comment Written 13-May-2016
reply by the author on 15-May-2016
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Crows feet look cool, they're nothing to worry about. Artists don't need to fret as much. They read what we do and their brain stops working properly, then we tell them what we look like. HAHAHAHA!!!! Something like that. Oh yeah, her. One of the top three I heard from a reliable source. Her modesty becomes her. :)) It's tough. Tom's not a big do something about it kind of guy. So we really have to make a strong case. It isn't easy. We know what's up, but proving it to Toms liking is another story. Well, making some noise anyway. mikey
Comment from l.raven
HI Michael, I agree with ALL you said...I have complained to Tom before about someone who really gave me a nasty review...he said it was ok...and it wasn't...used to be Tom would tell them to stop...now you have to slam a person to the ground and jump on there writings before anything is done...or complain in groups...sigh...and we should be able to mute who we want...we deal with thousands of people...3 or 6 mutes doesn't get it...and as the world turns...there are more nasties out there to deal with...very well expressed sweet boy...very well written...luff Linda xxoo
reply by the author on 15-May-2016
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HI Michael, I agree with ALL you said...I have complained to Tom before about someone who really gave me a nasty review...he said it was ok...and it wasn't...used to be Tom would tell them to stop...now you have to slam a person to the ground and jump on there writings before anything is done...or complain in groups...sigh...and we should be able to mute who we want...we deal with thousands of people...3 or 6 mutes doesn't get it...and as the world turns...there are more nasties out there to deal with...very well expressed sweet boy...very well written...luff Linda xxoo
Comment Written 13-May-2016
reply by the author on 15-May-2016
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Tom's not a big fan of getting involved. It has to be a really clear cut carved in stone thing. We do need more mutes and we shouldn't have to put up with rude either. These people would get slapped in the real world for talking to someone the way they do here. If I caught a man talking to a woman the way some of these fools do in the real world, he'd be star gazing. LOL! This got a great response, Linda. So people are aware with their eyes open. A good sign. Thanks Ms. Carmalized Queen of Sweetoramaville. mikey xxooss
Comment from Ulla
Hi Mike, oh I so agree with you. I've only been here nigh on a year and a half, and has the site changed in that time and for the worse. My problem is that English is not my first language, but I always review with the knowledge I do possess. I have learned a lot from the a lot of writers who have guided me and taken me under their wing, but most of them have now disappeared because they are fed up. I have nowhere else to go really, because I do need all the guidance I can get.
I've received a few uncalled for reviews, but my understanding is that you can only mute three and that's it. What do you do then? I am behind you 100%, please let me know what you are suggesting. All the best. Ulla:)))
reply by the author on 13-May-2016
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Hi Mike, oh I so agree with you. I've only been here nigh on a year and a half, and has the site changed in that time and for the worse. My problem is that English is not my first language, but I always review with the knowledge I do possess. I have learned a lot from the a lot of writers who have guided me and taken me under their wing, but most of them have now disappeared because they are fed up. I have nowhere else to go really, because I do need all the guidance I can get.
I've received a few uncalled for reviews, but my understanding is that you can only mute three and that's it. What do you do then? I am behind you 100%, please let me know what you are suggesting. All the best. Ulla:)))
Comment Written 13-May-2016
reply by the author on 13-May-2016
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There's a whole bunch of people that will back you up, Ulla, trust me. You're never alone here. I know it feels that way sometimes. There's some idiots running around and it does hurt when they attack with mean words. I know that all of the words we say doesn't change that for any of us. We all have a hard time getting over it in spite of our great advice. :))
But, it's a great place with great people and we just have to stick together. Let us know anytime someone is out of line and we're more than happy to help. I'll keep you posted. Hang in there!! mikey :)))
Comment from ravenblack
Great essay, Mike ( can't bring myself to say Mikey as it conjures Life cereal). As you can tell from this review, I still check in from time to time. One of the reasons I left FS was because of the increasing reign of the fluff review that show no evidence of actually reading the poem. To many, myself included, the site is not a game show - anything to achieve rank and accrue promo dollars- but a place to grow, learn, and interact with other writers meaningfully. Sadly, some at the top of the reviewing heap...Well, I am no longer invested enough in the site to cast stones. I have been thinking of coming back but, from what I have seen, things have gotten worse. Keep fighting the good fight!
reply by the author on 13-May-2016
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Great essay, Mike ( can't bring myself to say Mikey as it conjures Life cereal). As you can tell from this review, I still check in from time to time. One of the reasons I left FS was because of the increasing reign of the fluff review that show no evidence of actually reading the poem. To many, myself included, the site is not a game show - anything to achieve rank and accrue promo dollars- but a place to grow, learn, and interact with other writers meaningfully. Sadly, some at the top of the reviewing heap...Well, I am no longer invested enough in the site to cast stones. I have been thinking of coming back but, from what I have seen, things have gotten worse. Keep fighting the good fight!
Comment Written 13-May-2016
reply by the author on 13-May-2016
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Hey, my friend, great to hear from you. Yeah, I'm still blathering away. They're not even bothering to read the pieces now. LOL At least a LOT of people are involved and have their pitchforks and torches out for a change. You're missed here. I'd love to cajole you into returning, but I fear the guilt would eat me alive!!! There's still a good core of people who want to write, but it is a pain, can't lie. Still, that doesn't stop you from throwing up a cool free verse once in a while. Thanks a million. Don't be a stranger. mike
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to throw a cool free verse up there would require 25 bucks but more importantly, the risk of being sucked right back in. really, i spent way too much time here. like i said, keep fighting the good fight. if i do return, it would be a different experience. no more constructive reviewing for the almighty buck. no more caring a whit about rank. and fighting the good fight. i have put together a seventy page chapbook entitled ¨ Verisimilitude¨ that i should promote. if you are interested in a copy, let me know. BTW, the review i meant to write on your essay. " Wonderful. I could read your work all day. Great stuff. i really liked your poem....oh wait, it was an essay? You mean iḿ supposed to read these things?¨
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I KNEW you loved my poem. LOL
Yes, I am interested. Let me know how to get a hold of it.
Oh, God no. I wouldn't ask anyone to read any of this. JESSH!
Comment from Dawn of Tomorrow
I GET WHERE YOU are coming from. You know I've been on and around this site for 13 years now. I come and go much like I've been doing of late, and to tell you the truth after about the 3rd year I was here, Tom changed the way the site ran and ever since what you describe above is what it has been. I'm not sure there is any way to change it at this point. I hope you can start a movement though, that would be great to see.
reply by the author on 13-May-2016
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I GET WHERE YOU are coming from. You know I've been on and around this site for 13 years now. I come and go much like I've been doing of late, and to tell you the truth after about the 3rd year I was here, Tom changed the way the site ran and ever since what you describe above is what it has been. I'm not sure there is any way to change it at this point. I hope you can start a movement though, that would be great to see.
Comment Written 12-May-2016
reply by the author on 13-May-2016
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There seems to be a lot of interest. Jeesh. These fools are just blatant. They're not even reading the work. They're just reviewing with a bunch of nothingness and taking the money. Since the "reviews" are all lavish praise, no one's saying anything. Sigh. But we'll get 'em. I'm headstrong or something like that. HA! It's good to find that there's a lot of us that care and we're not alone at least. :)) mikey
Comment from catch22
Hi Mikey, I actually read this rant the other day, but did not have time to comment. The piece is overall well-written, but I would like to offer a different perspective here. I agree with your points, but to be perfectly honest, this reviewing issue does not bother me at all. I've taken plenty of rude reviews and low reviews on the chin, even when they were asinine or spiteful. Why? Because my goal here is not to be highly ranked, but to actually pursue publication one day. To accomplish this, I have sought the guidance and support of a few select mentors around here that can help me hone my craft. If a reviewer actually gives valid critique, I listen regardless of the stars. I'm not being ho hum about this, just conserving my energy for what I think matters in this world. I get that you feel there is an injustice being done here, but I would argue this is nothing different than what plenty of expedient folks do every day in the world. They work the system. You're also right that we (as paying customers of the site) don't have to take this behavior, but try not to let this get to you or ruin your experience here. This place is like anything else--what you make of it. That's my two cents.
reply by the author on 11-May-2016
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Hi Mikey, I actually read this rant the other day, but did not have time to comment. The piece is overall well-written, but I would like to offer a different perspective here. I agree with your points, but to be perfectly honest, this reviewing issue does not bother me at all. I've taken plenty of rude reviews and low reviews on the chin, even when they were asinine or spiteful. Why? Because my goal here is not to be highly ranked, but to actually pursue publication one day. To accomplish this, I have sought the guidance and support of a few select mentors around here that can help me hone my craft. If a reviewer actually gives valid critique, I listen regardless of the stars. I'm not being ho hum about this, just conserving my energy for what I think matters in this world. I get that you feel there is an injustice being done here, but I would argue this is nothing different than what plenty of expedient folks do every day in the world. They work the system. You're also right that we (as paying customers of the site) don't have to take this behavior, but try not to let this get to you or ruin your experience here. This place is like anything else--what you make of it. That's my two cents.
Comment Written 11-May-2016
reply by the author on 11-May-2016
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I totally have your position as my fall back point. I think that's the only sensible way to exist here and be happy. I do want to go after these rogues and try and do something about them. But I sure do agree with you, there is a point where retreat and taking care of my own needs takes precedence. I appreciate your thoughtful response. A lot of good sense and I think points everyone should consider and take to heart. mikey
Comment from strandregs
Ok first of all you get only 3 stars because your hair isn't blonde.
you didn't use any latin words
like shmoks.and umburrows.
if you're smiling knock off another star.
and if your blood pressure...
take a cold bath.
I got 3 stars recently from a "friend" who didn't understand
english.
Z.
reply by the author on 11-May-2016
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Ok first of all you get only 3 stars because your hair isn't blonde.
you didn't use any latin words
like shmoks.and umburrows.
if you're smiling knock off another star.
and if your blood pressure...
take a cold bath.
I got 3 stars recently from a "friend" who didn't understand
english.
Z.
Comment Written 11-May-2016
reply by the author on 11-May-2016
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It's actually closer to blonde than it is grey. No one can figure out what colour it is. LOL
I was smiling when I realized that Latin is the root language from which a great deal of English is derived. So, I am using Latin extensively. I get that star back. But, crap, the blood pressure thing ... these women here. I can't help that.
Those damn threes kill me. Why not a four to make the same point. Or, hell, a five and make the point? Mean. We attack at midnight. I got the wine with the cork in it. Confidence is high. mikey
