Here's to Fan Story!
I like it here.34 total reviews
Comment from Pearl Edwards
You've done well with this op-ed about Fan Story and I agree with what you say. It is a big and an important part of my life too, and I'll never be in amongst the top writers or the most read but it doesn't stop my enjoyment. I have learnt so much from reading others and from the reviews, I too think it works well. You can never keep everyone happy all of the time.
cheers,
valda
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2018
  |
You've done well with this op-ed about Fan Story and I agree with what you say. It is a big and an important part of my life too, and I'll never be in amongst the top writers or the most read but it doesn't stop my enjoyment. I have learnt so much from reading others and from the reviews, I too think it works well. You can never keep everyone happy all of the time.
cheers,
valda
Comment Written 11-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2018
-
You're so right. But we're happy. I'm with you - I don't care where I am I the rankings. I'm having fun. Let's keep it that way. 8-)
Comment from Zue65
I agree with you, FanStory is a great place to be. But Politics and religion can never be dissociated with writing. Our world view is shaped by these two forces, therefore our poetry and prose will somehow echo mixed sentiments of these two. We were provided by Tom with a system of warning for language, for violence and sexual content, thus the reviewers are forewarned. Sometimes the reviews are longer than the short poems being reviewed because the system cautions the reviewer if the review is less than 150 words I believe, then you are asked to add more comments.
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2018
|
I agree with you, FanStory is a great place to be. But Politics and religion can never be dissociated with writing. Our world view is shaped by these two forces, therefore our poetry and prose will somehow echo mixed sentiments of these two. We were provided by Tom with a system of warning for language, for violence and sexual content, thus the reviewers are forewarned. Sometimes the reviews are longer than the short poems being reviewed because the system cautions the reviewer if the review is less than 150 words I believe, then you are asked to add more comments.
Comment Written 11-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2018
-
Thank you for reviewing. It's a great place to be. I stay away from the forums. The discussions there have nothing to do with what we write about. It's a venting place, pure and simple.
Comment from karenina
What a nice review of the site! This family of writers is largely peaceful and beneficial to improving our writing. Like all families there is the occasional quarrel or disagreement--a spiteful review perhaps or a two star review "just because"--
When one keeps in mind the purpose is not to necessarily rise in rank or amass contest wins and settles in to read poetry or prose with an eye toward learning and helping others, one finds inevitably their own work improves through the same mostly kind and helpful reviews.
I understand, having been on other poet sites, the 150 character minimum for reviews. If the point is to comment constructively it wouldn't serve the overall community well if anyone could write "Nice poem, enjoyed the read"--just to amass the member dollars or cents and move on.
As for the varied forums--I view them as voluntary and therefore serving social dialogue for those interested in whatever the theme may be. If I were mandated to join I'd feel differently, but it's strictly up to me and so live and let live I say.
My one wish is that two cents was not the minimum amount granted to review any work. Two cents! Perhaps fifty cents would allow us to accumulate member dollars in a reasonable time and therefore be able to post the two writes per day allowed, and promote it...
Clearly, people (some? many?) give in and purchase member dollars and hey, Tom's entitled to his profit...but I know when I can not promote a work it will sit forever with four reviews (if I'm fortunate) as many will pass the two cent "reward" by to review those poems or prose writes that pay more...
Interesting read. Nice to know what others are thinking about the site.
Karenina
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2018
|
What a nice review of the site! This family of writers is largely peaceful and beneficial to improving our writing. Like all families there is the occasional quarrel or disagreement--a spiteful review perhaps or a two star review "just because"--
When one keeps in mind the purpose is not to necessarily rise in rank or amass contest wins and settles in to read poetry or prose with an eye toward learning and helping others, one finds inevitably their own work improves through the same mostly kind and helpful reviews.
I understand, having been on other poet sites, the 150 character minimum for reviews. If the point is to comment constructively it wouldn't serve the overall community well if anyone could write "Nice poem, enjoyed the read"--just to amass the member dollars or cents and move on.
As for the varied forums--I view them as voluntary and therefore serving social dialogue for those interested in whatever the theme may be. If I were mandated to join I'd feel differently, but it's strictly up to me and so live and let live I say.
My one wish is that two cents was not the minimum amount granted to review any work. Two cents! Perhaps fifty cents would allow us to accumulate member dollars in a reasonable time and therefore be able to post the two writes per day allowed, and promote it...
Clearly, people (some? many?) give in and purchase member dollars and hey, Tom's entitled to his profit...but I know when I can not promote a work it will sit forever with four reviews (if I'm fortunate) as many will pass the two cent "reward" by to review those poems or prose writes that pay more...
Interesting read. Nice to know what others are thinking about the site.
Karenina
Comment Written 11-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2018
-
I agree with you. I love it here, and I try to learn as much as I can. I'm open to constructive criticism.
Comment from Roxanna Andrews
I have been on the site for about 8yrs. It has changed greatly over that time. This is a whole new set of people who are very different from those who came before, but that is the way of things. Constant change. You did a very nice job of reviewing FanStory and I feel the same about much of what you have said. I often have a terrible time coming up with enough words for a review. But I guess I didn't this time. Well done.
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2018
|
I have been on the site for about 8yrs. It has changed greatly over that time. This is a whole new set of people who are very different from those who came before, but that is the way of things. Constant change. You did a very nice job of reviewing FanStory and I feel the same about much of what you have said. I often have a terrible time coming up with enough words for a review. But I guess I didn't this time. Well done.
Comment Written 11-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2018
-
Thank you for reviewing and for your support. It has changed a lot since I've joined, too.
Comment from Mark Valentine
What a nice take on our writing community. I agree with your point about staying away from politics and religion. I try not to vent about them, but, given that I'm a fan of satire, it's hard not to take a poke at some of the more ridiculous aspects of government.
I've really enjoyed your writing and look forward to reading more.
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2018
|
What a nice take on our writing community. I agree with your point about staying away from politics and religion. I try not to vent about them, but, given that I'm a fan of satire, it's hard not to take a poke at some of the more ridiculous aspects of government.
I've really enjoyed your writing and look forward to reading more.
Comment Written 11-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2018
-
Thank you. I appreciate your lovely comments.
Comment from Pantygynt
This is a pretty good review of FanStory. It is neither over lavish with praise nor does it unnecessarilly damn the site. I mentions one specific aspect of the forums that you would prefer to see abolished -- subjects that have no direct bearing on writing. This is a specialist site so let's keep it special. By all means write poetically or in prose about anything you want but airing such views in a forum seems off message to me too.
Good luck in the contest.
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2018
|
This is a pretty good review of FanStory. It is neither over lavish with praise nor does it unnecessarilly damn the site. I mentions one specific aspect of the forums that you would prefer to see abolished -- subjects that have no direct bearing on writing. This is a specialist site so let's keep it special. By all means write poetically or in prose about anything you want but airing such views in a forum seems off message to me too.
Good luck in the contest.
Comment Written 11-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2018
-
I'm glad you agree. Everyone that has reviewed this has agreed except one. Thank you.
Comment from Dean Kuch
I believe you've summed up what this site is all about in a nice, tidy nutshell, Yvonne.
Of course, it's not perfect. FanStory has its little quirks and inconsistencies just like any other writing website on the world-wide web.
But Tom and the site's management handle the vast diversity of individuals from places all around the globe extremely well, I believe.
I've made a LOT of wonderful friends on this website--good, kind people just like yourself--and unfortunately a few enemies along the way as well.
But nowhere else will you receive the feedback required to become an improved writer than right here at good old FanStory.
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2018
|
I believe you've summed up what this site is all about in a nice, tidy nutshell, Yvonne.
Of course, it's not perfect. FanStory has its little quirks and inconsistencies just like any other writing website on the world-wide web.
But Tom and the site's management handle the vast diversity of individuals from places all around the globe extremely well, I believe.
I've made a LOT of wonderful friends on this website--good, kind people just like yourself--and unfortunately a few enemies along the way as well.
But nowhere else will you receive the feedback required to become an improved writer than right here at good old FanStory.
Comment Written 11-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2018
-
You're so right. It's the best site around. Good to hear from you. Hope you are doing well. I'm still recovering my a complete shoulder replacement. It's been hard. Still long way to go.
-
I'm happy to hear you're getting better, Yvonne.
As for me I am doing much better too.
You're very welcome.
~Dean :)
Comment from giraffmang
Hi Yvonne,
Completely agree with you here on these points. it is a fantastic site. We all get grumbly sometimes but I've been on a few others and they're not nice places, really, or the interface is awful and the usability sucks! lol
I've learned a lot here, you can get out a lot if you put a lot in, I think.
There are no issues with your prose either. lol
G
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2018
|
Hi Yvonne,
Completely agree with you here on these points. it is a fantastic site. We all get grumbly sometimes but I've been on a few others and they're not nice places, really, or the interface is awful and the usability sucks! lol
I've learned a lot here, you can get out a lot if you put a lot in, I think.
There are no issues with your prose either. lol
G
Comment Written 11-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2018
-
Thank you. I appreciate that you agree, and the encouragement of my prose writing. I want to get better at it, so anytime you see something that needs improvement, feel free to say so.
Comment from tfawcus
My sentiments entirely! Many friendships and quite a bit of personal development in my own writing. It's a site that satisfies many needs and one can pick and chose ways arount those parts that don't appeal. I scarcely ever look at the forums, preferring to spend my time on the writing itself.
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2018
|
My sentiments entirely! Many friendships and quite a bit of personal development in my own writing. It's a site that satisfies many needs and one can pick and chose ways arount those parts that don't appeal. I scarcely ever look at the forums, preferring to spend my time on the writing itself.
Comment Written 11-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2018
-
Thank you, Tony. I felt you would agree. I love it here. Meeting folks like you has been a real treat.
Comment from Phyllis Stewart
I agree. It's my home, my hobby, my calling, my helper... it's a lot of things to me, all good. I've published eight novels since 2012, and I've met some terrific people. Long live FanStory! :)
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2018
|
I agree. It's my home, my hobby, my calling, my helper... it's a lot of things to me, all good. I've published eight novels since 2012, and I've met some terrific people. Long live FanStory! :)
Comment Written 11-Jul-2018
reply by the author on 11-Jul-2018
-
Thank you. I feel the same way.
