Fanstory Crisis: It Is Us
Essay53 total reviews
Comment from --Turtle.
The words you wrote have unique letters. I think it's great to write words. That's why you are so awesome, so thanks for sharing these letters arranged into words. Write more of them and post often, with lots of cents. This post had lots of nice cents.
Exasperation! You probably know that's how I feel on this topic. This essay piece had a solid voice, and is expressed with a steady passion... good clear message. I, personally, try not to do anything more in the return box other than thank the reviewer and ask for clarification. I'm probably a lot more lenient towards those who fumble the star system, but the copy-paste/ flatter monsters have me so exhausted, I haven't gotten anything done.
Because, I gotta tell you(,) folks(,) I've never seen so much
(have to point out the need to add the commas around the direct addressment here, because I noticed it and I can't help myself:
"This was written to perfection. I loved it! Three stars."
(This tends to be irritating, but these people get so much backlash naturally, that as a blip... sigh, secondary to the other issues, to me, but I understand that it's important to others and is frustrating in other aspects, as it doesn't lead towards improvement either.)
I was glad to see this topic expressed to the community, as I think the only way that it will be less of an issue is if the community and management decide that it's not acceptable. I like the 'point at the community' aspect of this piece as it reminds that this is a monster that is made through acceptance/ demand/ and/ allowance.
reply by the author on 11-May-2016
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The words you wrote have unique letters. I think it's great to write words. That's why you are so awesome, so thanks for sharing these letters arranged into words. Write more of them and post often, with lots of cents. This post had lots of nice cents.
Exasperation! You probably know that's how I feel on this topic. This essay piece had a solid voice, and is expressed with a steady passion... good clear message. I, personally, try not to do anything more in the return box other than thank the reviewer and ask for clarification. I'm probably a lot more lenient towards those who fumble the star system, but the copy-paste/ flatter monsters have me so exhausted, I haven't gotten anything done.
Because, I gotta tell you(,) folks(,) I've never seen so much
(have to point out the need to add the commas around the direct addressment here, because I noticed it and I can't help myself:
"This was written to perfection. I loved it! Three stars."
(This tends to be irritating, but these people get so much backlash naturally, that as a blip... sigh, secondary to the other issues, to me, but I understand that it's important to others and is frustrating in other aspects, as it doesn't lead towards improvement either.)
I was glad to see this topic expressed to the community, as I think the only way that it will be less of an issue is if the community and management decide that it's not acceptable. I like the 'point at the community' aspect of this piece as it reminds that this is a monster that is made through acceptance/ demand/ and/ allowance.
Comment Written 11-May-2016
reply by the author on 11-May-2016
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Well, we're totally on the same page and I know you realize that. And I also know you're willing to join the fray whatever it might be. It's a struggle because to us it seems so simple. Catch the culprit and get rid of the culprit. So, it's a drag it isn't that simple. But, right and persistence is going to win the day. It has to. This can't be allowed.
Yes, it is to the community, to "US". No one person can do much but make noise. It is a "we" effort needed. A "we" effort can actually get results. You have it exactly right with your closing. On the money. mikey
Comment from patcelaw
Michael, I agree with this. I have been here about 20 months and I have seen the decline in the reviews. How a review can praise a piece then give it 3 stars when they found nothing wrong. I read every word of this and I appreciate the writing. Patricia
reply by the author on 11-May-2016
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Michael, I agree with this. I have been here about 20 months and I have seen the decline in the reviews. How a review can praise a piece then give it 3 stars when they found nothing wrong. I read every word of this and I appreciate the writing. Patricia
Comment Written 11-May-2016
reply by the author on 11-May-2016
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Isn't that crazy. And then they get mad when you graciously try and offer them some instruction. Jeesh. We are the ones wronged and we're still being nice about it only to get our heads bit off AGAIN!! I always know you read every word, Patricia. Never a worry. Just as I do for you. Of course it helps that your a terrific writer. LOL mikey
Comment from barkingdog
Well, that was fun. I wrote a long review with what I thought were awesome comments and it suddenly disappeared. So here I am trying one more time ...
You're correct. I always report the culprits but have never seen that they don't still benefit from the stolen dollars. I also mute them, but we are limited as to the number of mutes available thus making this sort of a juggling contest over who to keep and who to remove from the list.
It seems that jealously and vying for site popularity has become too important. Gossip and out-right snide remarks goes on in the forum. Names aren't mentioned but one can guess who is being referenced. I think these personal tiffs are childish and should
reply by the author on 11-May-2016
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Well, that was fun. I wrote a long review with what I thought were awesome comments and it suddenly disappeared. So here I am trying one more time ...
You're correct. I always report the culprits but have never seen that they don't still benefit from the stolen dollars. I also mute them, but we are limited as to the number of mutes available thus making this sort of a juggling contest over who to keep and who to remove from the list.
It seems that jealously and vying for site popularity has become too important. Gossip and out-right snide remarks goes on in the forum. Names aren't mentioned but one can guess who is being referenced. I think these personal tiffs are childish and should
Comment Written 11-May-2016
reply by the author on 11-May-2016
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Hi, Ellen.
I did that a couple times today. Blathered away for an hour and hit the wrong button. HA! The most irritating thing in the world next to these reviewers. Well, I think we're on the same page right down the line. We keep our eyes open and keep the lines of communication open. Make sure that we let each other know when a new critter is roaming etc. Thanks so much. mikey
Comment from Lynn27
you made great points. When I first arrived long standing and respected members called them fly-bys just writing reviews to get membership dollars.
Those types reviews make it hard authors who are struggling in writings, and received wonderful reviews. Then received honest thoughts about their work with explanations and good suggestions leaving them confused.
I don't what thr solution is. Maybe educate writers on fly-bys.
Great eassy!
Lynn
reply by the author on 11-May-2016
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you made great points. When I first arrived long standing and respected members called them fly-bys just writing reviews to get membership dollars.
Those types reviews make it hard authors who are struggling in writings, and received wonderful reviews. Then received honest thoughts about their work with explanations and good suggestions leaving them confused.
I don't what thr solution is. Maybe educate writers on fly-bys.
Great eassy!
Lynn
Comment Written 11-May-2016
reply by the author on 11-May-2016
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Hi, Lynn
Good point, education is a great part of it. One thing everyone should look for is over the top praise. I realize I am a superstar rock icon, but does the reviewer know me well enough to know that? HAHAHA!!! Plus, when I look at other reviews from the same person I notice that all of the reviews feature superstar rock icons. HMMMM. Praise is a difficult thing to get mad at. So it's a good ploy. These folks are more than fly-bys. These people are sitting down writing dozens and dozens of reviews without reading a word. Thieves.
Great input. We'll keep you posted. Thanks so much. mikey
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I know when first came it was confusing when I get great reviews, and get a honest review with good suggestions it left me confuse.
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You have to realize though that both reviews can be true. You can write a piece that is truly excellent, but it may have some errors here and there. Different reviewers have different approaches. Some concentrate on helping you with punctuation, form and technical stuff while others just read it and let the words and feelings touch them.
It can be exceptional one way but need improvement another way. It IS confusing especially when all these people are saying how lovely it is and then along comes this person who has nothing to say except you can't spell and you don't know where a comma goes. AHHHHHH! LOL
After a while though you get to know people and it makes more sense ... hopefully. mikey
Comment from nancy_e_davis
I agree Mikey. It has worried me for some time now. I can't believe people don't read the work and still write a review! Don't they understand that the poet or author knows they didn't read it? I had such a review the other day on my poem "The Affair" The reviewer made a remark that proved he/she didn't read the poem. It was obvious. I just shook my head and thanks the person for the comment and moved on.Another thing is the ones who never promote their work. If we all thought we deserved free reviews for our work the site would lose out and close down. It proves to me that person doesn't bother to review, yet wants US to read and review what they write. Should we encourage it? I say NO! Pass over work that is not promoted. Except for announcements on a members well fare etc. Well, that is my 2 cents and you'll never see my work out there for 2 cents unless my computer quit me in the process of posting. (That has happened.) LOL Good post Mikey! Nancy
reply by the author on 11-May-2016
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I agree Mikey. It has worried me for some time now. I can't believe people don't read the work and still write a review! Don't they understand that the poet or author knows they didn't read it? I had such a review the other day on my poem "The Affair" The reviewer made a remark that proved he/she didn't read the poem. It was obvious. I just shook my head and thanks the person for the comment and moved on.Another thing is the ones who never promote their work. If we all thought we deserved free reviews for our work the site would lose out and close down. It proves to me that person doesn't bother to review, yet wants US to read and review what they write. Should we encourage it? I say NO! Pass over work that is not promoted. Except for announcements on a members well fare etc. Well, that is my 2 cents and you'll never see my work out there for 2 cents unless my computer quit me in the process of posting. (That has happened.) LOL Good post Mikey! Nancy
Comment Written 11-May-2016
reply by the author on 11-May-2016
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I agree one hundred percent. It doesn't take that long to read a piece and give some kind of feedback. Jeesh. How about, did you like it? I'd like an answer to that at least.
It is obvious. I tell them anymore. "Thanks for not reading this and taking my money." I haven't had anyone answer back. LOL
Thanks so much. mikey
Comment from Spiritual Echo
There's the other side as well. I've been told by members they won't review my work because they can't offer any suggestions. Somehow expressing their enjoyment, or lack there of, doesn't seem to be acceptable. These folks always need something to hammer on and avoid the better writers. Some feel foolish--I've been told.
Did you ever convince the powers that be that the seal committee should be offering its services as a serious, in-depth review tool--for all lengths of work? Serious editing and reviewing costs--and those who want that service most likely will pay for the privilege of having a better writer give them feedback. I'm sure you have your favourites as far as reviewers. My top picks are Jay Squires and JPDuck, both willing to tell me when I fall off the rails.
'Terribly craving' Reverse the words.
reply by the author on 11-May-2016
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There's the other side as well. I've been told by members they won't review my work because they can't offer any suggestions. Somehow expressing their enjoyment, or lack there of, doesn't seem to be acceptable. These folks always need something to hammer on and avoid the better writers. Some feel foolish--I've been told.
Did you ever convince the powers that be that the seal committee should be offering its services as a serious, in-depth review tool--for all lengths of work? Serious editing and reviewing costs--and those who want that service most likely will pay for the privilege of having a better writer give them feedback. I'm sure you have your favourites as far as reviewers. My top picks are Jay Squires and JPDuck, both willing to tell me when I fall off the rails.
'Terribly craving' Reverse the words.
Comment Written 11-May-2016
reply by the author on 11-May-2016
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YES! I get that sometimes and have to laugh. I tell people all the time. We want to know what people think of our writing. Did you like it, did it move you, did any of it seem off to you. Just regular stuff a reader would say who have read something. That's great stuff to know.
I thought Tom was all gung ho for that but I never heard another word. I'll bring it up again. It's a great idea. Agree on Jay, JP is good though I don't know him as well. I'd have you on my list. Gman gives me some good feedback. It's sure a good value for ten bucks. Thanks for the reminder. I will pester and annoy Tom some more. He LOVES IT! LOL. I'll reverse those words. Thanks a bunch. mikey
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I would be happy to take on an INDIVIDUAL role for prose, but for obvious reasons don't do well on committees. However, if it is a matter of doing a full review then passing it on, I'd be up for it--dollars attached. Conversely, I would not be the least bit concerned if I had nothing to do with it and you got it through. It's an excellent service for serious writers.
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I'll keep you posted. I think you'd be terrific as a reviewer, in fact I know it. I bet it just slipped Tom's mind. :))
Comment from Ima L. Ami
I read Gloria's "Black Mirrors", too. It was an amazing piece and I gave her 6 stars for it. I don't do it often, but she earned them all.
You make really good points here, too bad we can't publish the names of the members who give bogus reviews. As a new member, it's hard to tell who is bogus and who isn't. I've been checking comments, and I'm figuring it out, though. I haven't learned out how to mute someone yet, but I'm ready to start trying it.
Not answering a review, whether it's bogus, or not, is not an option. The review stays lit up in the notification area until you respond. I have been putting as much effort into my "thank yous", as they put into their reviews. -- I know they don't care and it makes the notification go away.
Thanks for all the good advice. I'm trying to get it right!
reply by the author on 11-May-2016
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I read Gloria's "Black Mirrors", too. It was an amazing piece and I gave her 6 stars for it. I don't do it often, but she earned them all.
You make really good points here, too bad we can't publish the names of the members who give bogus reviews. As a new member, it's hard to tell who is bogus and who isn't. I've been checking comments, and I'm figuring it out, though. I haven't learned out how to mute someone yet, but I'm ready to start trying it.
Not answering a review, whether it's bogus, or not, is not an option. The review stays lit up in the notification area until you respond. I have been putting as much effort into my "thank yous", as they put into their reviews. -- I know they don't care and it makes the notification go away.
Thanks for all the good advice. I'm trying to get it right!
Comment Written 11-May-2016
reply by the author on 11-May-2016
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Yes, she did. One of the best works I've ever read. Breathtaking. Not that unusual for here. :))
It's a drag, I agree, we can't name names. I've got no problem doing so. There's a button on your profile page to mute and I think you go to their profile page to mute them. I've actually never muted anyone, I'd rather brawl. LOL
I told one, "You didn't read my piece did you? Naughty, naughty. I'm on to you." Never heard back, seems I was right.
You're on the right track. You have no worries, plus you know all the cool kids making you one of them. HA! mikey
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I'm okay with brawling :) The problem is I have a couple of people that review my work (and they always give me 5-6 stars) but the way they write the reviews, sounds like they are really f'up. I'm okay with being f'up, and I'm okay with 5-6 stars, but I really feel like the actual review is a pansy so that I will return the favor to them.
So I do :) and I tell them things like, "I like the words you used" But that only creates a vicious cycle of pandering for stars.
I know this is a nasty thing to say, but I don't even want to read their shit because they write poems and stories, about as bad as they write reviews. When I have to take time to read crap, it takes the time that I could be reading something good.
Lol, okay, I'm done venting - thanks for listening.
Comment from krprice
I thought your post was exceptional and this is not BS. I try to be honest with everyone and expect them to be honest with me. I don't like some genres like horror or westerns, so I don't read them. I am not knowledgeable enough of poetry or scripts, so I don't read them except for Phyllis' Penguins.
I admit I might not know whose review is bogus, but I do know whose is real.
Karlene
reply by the author on 11-May-2016
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I thought your post was exceptional and this is not BS. I try to be honest with everyone and expect them to be honest with me. I don't like some genres like horror or westerns, so I don't read them. I am not knowledgeable enough of poetry or scripts, so I don't read them except for Phyllis' Penguins.
I admit I might not know whose review is bogus, but I do know whose is real.
Karlene
Comment Written 11-May-2016
reply by the author on 11-May-2016
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Hi, Karlene. It's been a little while, good to see you. Love Phyllis' Penguins as well. :))
There are some very bogus reviewers going around of late. They don't say a word about the piece, just some over the top praise. A sad thing. Thanks for a wonderful review. Thanks so much. mikey
Comment from Scarbrems
Well, that was a rant and a half, and I won't disagree with one iota of it. I WILL, however, say that I don't think the old guard are so great, either. I recently reviewed something by a trusted, respected member, and pointed out something that was incorrect. Perfectly politely. After a bit of back-and-forth, this writer explaining their point, I look at some other reviews, and find a reply saying, 'some people are giving me trouble for this'. Now, since it was the thing I mentioned, and only I had mentioned it, well...sorry, but you got something wrong and I told you. How is that, 'giving trouble'? What, I can't tell you you're wrong because you are so and so, site god who knows it all?
Reviewing's hard, and it is made even harder by the expectation of 5 stars and a round of applause. Sometimes, you know, though I'd not do it myself, I don't blame people for taking the easy way out. They've probably realised they can't win, critique is not welcomed by many, fluff is damned, so they might as well take the money and run. And if you're new, your opinion isn't worth a damn, even if you could prove you had 12 best-sellers, because newbies don't know a damn thing.
Sorry, sorry, wandering off the point again. Think I need to write a 'rant' of my own, lol.
reply by the author on 11-May-2016
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Well, that was a rant and a half, and I won't disagree with one iota of it. I WILL, however, say that I don't think the old guard are so great, either. I recently reviewed something by a trusted, respected member, and pointed out something that was incorrect. Perfectly politely. After a bit of back-and-forth, this writer explaining their point, I look at some other reviews, and find a reply saying, 'some people are giving me trouble for this'. Now, since it was the thing I mentioned, and only I had mentioned it, well...sorry, but you got something wrong and I told you. How is that, 'giving trouble'? What, I can't tell you you're wrong because you are so and so, site god who knows it all?
Reviewing's hard, and it is made even harder by the expectation of 5 stars and a round of applause. Sometimes, you know, though I'd not do it myself, I don't blame people for taking the easy way out. They've probably realised they can't win, critique is not welcomed by many, fluff is damned, so they might as well take the money and run. And if you're new, your opinion isn't worth a damn, even if you could prove you had 12 best-sellers, because newbies don't know a damn thing.
Sorry, sorry, wandering off the point again. Think I need to write a 'rant' of my own, lol.
Comment Written 11-May-2016
reply by the author on 11-May-2016
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Oh yes. We agree word for word. I will say this, old or new guard. At least we all read the work before we give our nitwit opinons. LOL
We have people who don't read word one, make up some nonsense for a review, take the money and run. THEN they are rewarded with high ranking and even awards. AND WE are allowing it.
Plus these are the role models for incoming newbies. How do you achieve success here? Look at the successful and do likewise, yes?
So that's the problem in a nutshell.
YES! Love you're writing style. Would love a rant from you. :))
Thanks for the great input. We'll do something. I'll keep you posted. mikey
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
Hello, Mike,
I'm with you, buddy. I hear you and I get it. I feel the same way you do.
I have a reviewer in mind. No names, but she always tells me ten great things about my piece of work and my writing ability, so sweet and fake that I feel like puking. She never has a thing to say that has any real value or that shows that she read my piece. All she uses is generic compliments and 0 references to my poem or story. That has no value to me.
I was ready to do something about it but I wanted to be 100% sure she does it with everyone but she doesn't, she writes 'real' reviews for some people. That is clever, she is mixing them up. I'm obviously in the group of suckers.
Anyway, those are my two cents. I am ready to do something about it. Just let me know what I can do and I'll be there.
I try to do my part and tell people how I feel about reviews but only a few people read my stuff. I am glad that someone like you and Gloria speak up on this issue. I have a friend that has done it from a more personal level like I have, but it's a good idea to organize the masses and fight against these ''black plague''.
Let's do something about!!! I am ready!!!
reply by the author on 11-May-2016
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Hello, Mike,
I'm with you, buddy. I hear you and I get it. I feel the same way you do.
I have a reviewer in mind. No names, but she always tells me ten great things about my piece of work and my writing ability, so sweet and fake that I feel like puking. She never has a thing to say that has any real value or that shows that she read my piece. All she uses is generic compliments and 0 references to my poem or story. That has no value to me.
I was ready to do something about it but I wanted to be 100% sure she does it with everyone but she doesn't, she writes 'real' reviews for some people. That is clever, she is mixing them up. I'm obviously in the group of suckers.
Anyway, those are my two cents. I am ready to do something about it. Just let me know what I can do and I'll be there.
I try to do my part and tell people how I feel about reviews but only a few people read my stuff. I am glad that someone like you and Gloria speak up on this issue. I have a friend that has done it from a more personal level like I have, but it's a good idea to organize the masses and fight against these ''black plague''.
Let's do something about!!! I am ready!!!
Comment Written 11-May-2016
reply by the author on 11-May-2016
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Gypse Blue Beat These Reviewing Thieves and Liars To a Pulp Queen.
Yep, we're talking about the same individual. All BS for sure. Everyone is in the group of suckers, you're not alone so don't feel bad. LOL
We're the sucker brigade. HA! I'll keep you posted. I know I can count on you. Most appreciated. We'll get things back to normal one way or another. mikey Irish Wartime Hugs
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I'm Ready for war. I got my-tomahawk, spear, war paint, brave horse, way to small but sexy dear skin outfit, and eagle feathers. I'm ready to skin us some phoney reviewers' scalps.
