One Man's Opinion
A few things that needs to be changed...38 total reviews
Comment from Tpa
I respect your opinions.In many cases, you are right. Many contests are unfair and most of the novices never have a chance. Doors seem to be open for a select few. Does management care? Why should they? They have their money.
Good writing, maybe you got some people thinking.
reply by the author on 21-Aug-2018
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I respect your opinions.In many cases, you are right. Many contests are unfair and most of the novices never have a chance. Doors seem to be open for a select few. Does management care? Why should they? They have their money.
Good writing, maybe you got some people thinking.
Comment Written 20-Aug-2018
reply by the author on 21-Aug-2018
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Thank you for your excellent review, I do appreciate it.
Yes, I agree with you. Those who are new to the site and even those with talent very seldom win contests.
As you said, doors are open for a select few and now with the huge influx of new members coming in, things are getting out of hand quickly.
Thanks again my friend. Have a wonderful day...Bill
Comment from cajunjoe
What a powerful essay your write and I am of the opinion that you are a good writer and you picked some words right out of my mind because your essay is similar in nature to what I wanted to write. You took the words right out of my mouth, so to write. I agree with you with the disqualifications. I was recently given 24 hours to adjust a story just a couple of days ago. I chose not to revise and the time expired and I was disqualified. I was somewhat surprised to be given extra time. I am in total agreeance with you on the friends voting for each other. I think it is a form of cheating that takes place very often. I too am tried of the lack of change in the contests. A sore lack of ingenuity. Thanks for voicing your opinion.
reply by the author on 21-Aug-2018
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What a powerful essay your write and I am of the opinion that you are a good writer and you picked some words right out of my mind because your essay is similar in nature to what I wanted to write. You took the words right out of my mouth, so to write. I agree with you with the disqualifications. I was recently given 24 hours to adjust a story just a couple of days ago. I chose not to revise and the time expired and I was disqualified. I was somewhat surprised to be given extra time. I am in total agreeance with you on the friends voting for each other. I think it is a form of cheating that takes place very often. I too am tried of the lack of change in the contests. A sore lack of ingenuity. Thanks for voicing your opinion.
Comment Written 20-Aug-2018
reply by the author on 21-Aug-2018
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Hello Joe. Thanks for your very thoughtful review, I appreciate it very much.
It's always good to hear from someone who feels the same as I do. And, according to the reviews that I've been getting, there are many more writers that feel the same as we do.
Thanks again, my friend. Have a great day. Bill
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you're welcome
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Thank you very much
Comment from ciliverde
Yes, it is a lengthy piece. Unlike you, I did not join for the contests, and I don't need them to think of something to write thankfully. But once in awhile I join one and when I (rarely) win one, it's nice to have the extra cash. I also don't care too much for the syllable count poems. The latest one I've seen is the 6-word poem.
Anyway, this is the only online writing site I have been on but I do like it, and I do like getting feedback. I have been to several "open mike" poetry sessions in my neighborhood but you honestly don't get the detailed feedback that is sometimes available here (if you have the right friends ;) )
Carol
reply by the author on 21-Aug-2018
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Yes, it is a lengthy piece. Unlike you, I did not join for the contests, and I don't need them to think of something to write thankfully. But once in awhile I join one and when I (rarely) win one, it's nice to have the extra cash. I also don't care too much for the syllable count poems. The latest one I've seen is the 6-word poem.
Anyway, this is the only online writing site I have been on but I do like it, and I do like getting feedback. I have been to several "open mike" poetry sessions in my neighborhood but you honestly don't get the detailed feedback that is sometimes available here (if you have the right friends ;) )
Carol
Comment Written 20-Aug-2018
reply by the author on 21-Aug-2018
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Hello Carol. Thank you for your excellent review, I appreciate it.
Fanstory is the best wring site online. However, after being here for 10 years, I've seen so many changes that it's starting to get old to me.
I wish you the very best with your writing and good luck in your future endeavors...Bill
Comment from Jesse James Doty
You make many excellent suggestions on how to make contests more desirable. I am one who doesn't belong to Fan Story for the contests. I see and hear many folks get frustrated with all the rules and favoritism which abound in the contests. I hope that Tom reads this and considers at least some of your suggestions. I get from Fan Story what I put into it, and I have learned to review with a helpful suggestion or encouragement, but I never said I was an editor or, knew anything about how to make a post, better. I love what I receive in the ways of opinions on my poetry I choose to post, and the friends I have made along the way. I like your conclusive paragraph the best out of this post. I agree that there are no better writing clubs out there than Fan Story. And, I have checked out the gambit of them, personally. Most, give one or two, word reviews, and are not international like Fan Story is. Anyway, I've gone on a tangent myself. Oops, sorry! This is well written and polished, and I hope you win the contest.
Take care, Jesse
reply by the author on 21-Aug-2018
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You make many excellent suggestions on how to make contests more desirable. I am one who doesn't belong to Fan Story for the contests. I see and hear many folks get frustrated with all the rules and favoritism which abound in the contests. I hope that Tom reads this and considers at least some of your suggestions. I get from Fan Story what I put into it, and I have learned to review with a helpful suggestion or encouragement, but I never said I was an editor or, knew anything about how to make a post, better. I love what I receive in the ways of opinions on my poetry I choose to post, and the friends I have made along the way. I like your conclusive paragraph the best out of this post. I agree that there are no better writing clubs out there than Fan Story. And, I have checked out the gambit of them, personally. Most, give one or two, word reviews, and are not international like Fan Story is. Anyway, I've gone on a tangent myself. Oops, sorry! This is well written and polished, and I hope you win the contest.
Take care, Jesse
Comment Written 20-Aug-2018
reply by the author on 21-Aug-2018
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Hello Jesse. Thank you for your very informative review, I appreciate your thoughts.
I'm afraid that this is a subject that could be discussed for days and nothing would ever become of it. Believe me, I've tried several times in the past 10 years.
In my experience, management does not accept suggestions from the membership. I assume the reason for that is it would cost a great deal of money to make all the technical changes in their computer system.
However, it seems as though Fanstory is flourishing more right now than they ever have. Have you noticed all the new members that are joining each week? Each time that I enter a contest or receive reviews, I see several new names that I don't recognize.
Thanks again Jesse for your review and well wishes, I do appreciate it. Have a wonderful week my friend...Bill
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Have an enjoyable week, yourself, Bill.
Jesse
Comment from mermaids
You mention some important points. I am one of those members who rarely enters contests and I have won a few several years ago. I find I have to choose between reviewing and accumulating money and entering contests. I wish the contests would be cheaper in price.
reply by the author on 21-Aug-2018
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You mention some important points. I am one of those members who rarely enters contests and I have won a few several years ago. I find I have to choose between reviewing and accumulating money and entering contests. I wish the contests would be cheaper in price.
Comment Written 20-Aug-2018
reply by the author on 21-Aug-2018
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Thank you my friend for your excellent review, I appreciate it very much.
Have you tried entering the site contests, they are free and offer a $100.00 prize (real money)? However, there are many that join these contests which makes it much harder to win.
Have a wonderful day...Bill
Comment from Hugh McDowell
I actually enjoyed hearing your thoughts. I'm a three month newbie so I don't have the background and perspective that you do. I love FS because it really encourages me to write. There is a challenge and discipline in the short formats that I appreciate. I do agree more fresh and original prompts would be helpful. Sure, I'd like to win a cash prize but not essential. And I do love the various talents and skills exhibited by other writers.
I've received some great suggestions and help in reviews that I feel will make me a better writer. I've looked at other sites and found them somewhat lacking.
I appreciate you taking the time to write your opinions. See you down the road. Hugh
reply by the author on 20-Aug-2018
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I actually enjoyed hearing your thoughts. I'm a three month newbie so I don't have the background and perspective that you do. I love FS because it really encourages me to write. There is a challenge and discipline in the short formats that I appreciate. I do agree more fresh and original prompts would be helpful. Sure, I'd like to win a cash prize but not essential. And I do love the various talents and skills exhibited by other writers.
I've received some great suggestions and help in reviews that I feel will make me a better writer. I've looked at other sites and found them somewhat lacking.
I appreciate you taking the time to write your opinions. See you down the road. Hugh
Comment Written 20-Aug-2018
reply by the author on 20-Aug-2018
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Hello Hugh and a belated welcome to Fanstory. I hope you have a long enjoyable stay.
Thank you for your excellent review, I really appreciate it. And yes, you're right, Fanstory is the best writing site online.
Thanks again my new friend. Have a great week...Bill
Comment from Thomas Bowling
The five stars are for no grammar or spelling errors. However, there are several errors in your logic.
let the membership suggest new subjects that they would like to write about.
Almost all of the contests are created by members. If you want new contests, create one. It's free.
And then suddenly you find out that the voting booth is open for 3 or 4 more days, which only prolongs the agony.
The duration of the contest is decided by the member who created it. As are the number of entries required.
I also believe that the membership should be involved somehow someway in selecting the winner of a real $100.00 prize.
Cash contests are created by the administration. They get to choose the winner, just as members vote for the contests created by members.
My suggestion for this would be to make it a standard rule in every contest, that only those who have not won a contest in a certain length of time would be eligible to enter.
There are contests for first-time winners.
Your other suggestions are equally invalid.
reply by the author on 20-Aug-2018
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The five stars are for no grammar or spelling errors. However, there are several errors in your logic.
let the membership suggest new subjects that they would like to write about.
Almost all of the contests are created by members. If you want new contests, create one. It's free.
And then suddenly you find out that the voting booth is open for 3 or 4 more days, which only prolongs the agony.
The duration of the contest is decided by the member who created it. As are the number of entries required.
I also believe that the membership should be involved somehow someway in selecting the winner of a real $100.00 prize.
Cash contests are created by the administration. They get to choose the winner, just as members vote for the contests created by members.
My suggestion for this would be to make it a standard rule in every contest, that only those who have not won a contest in a certain length of time would be eligible to enter.
There are contests for first-time winners.
Your other suggestions are equally invalid.
Comment Written 20-Aug-2018
reply by the author on 20-Aug-2018
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I thank you, Thomas, for your excellent rating. However, I must disagree with your logic. Are you familiar with the types of poetry contests and the rules that govern those contests? It doesn't appear that you are.
First of all, there are very few contests created by the members AND the ones that are, the member pays $5.00 to create the contest AND also pays an additional $5.50 to join the contest that they created...
Secondly, I was not referring to the member sponsor contests when I spoke of the duration of 3 to 4 days. I was referring to the daily writing prompts which I clearly indicated in the piece.
Lastly, if I may make a suggestion, please get familiar with the subject that this contest refers to, then please read this essay again.
If I may also return the favor as in your last statement, your suggestions about my suggestions are also invalid. Have a great day my friend...Bill
Comment from Nanny 6
Thank you Bill for writing this... I learned a lot and I am encouraged because Fan story is a good place to be... With its warts and all . You have a lot of excellent ideas that maybe will change things here on this site. good luck in the contest.
Judy
reply by the author on 20-Aug-2018
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Thank you Bill for writing this... I learned a lot and I am encouraged because Fan story is a good place to be... With its warts and all . You have a lot of excellent ideas that maybe will change things here on this site. good luck in the contest.
Judy
Comment Written 20-Aug-2018
reply by the author on 20-Aug-2018
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Thank you, Judy for your excellent review, I really appreciate your kind words. I agree with you Judy, Fanstory is a good place to be. I've been all over the internet throughout the years and have been a member of several writing sites, but none of them offers what this site does.
Thank you again, my friend. Have a great week and God bless you...Bill
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You got my vote on this one Bill... : )
Comment from LynnetteOK
I think you have quite a few good ideas here, particularly the one about members getting a vote in the cash prize contests. I can understand the committee wanting to make the final decision, but I don't see why member votes can't be taken into consideration. Maybe a 50/50 type thing?
Thanks for putting so much thought into this and I definitely agree that this is a wonderful writing site!
Best of luck in the contest,
LynnetteOK
reply by the author on 20-Aug-2018
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I think you have quite a few good ideas here, particularly the one about members getting a vote in the cash prize contests. I can understand the committee wanting to make the final decision, but I don't see why member votes can't be taken into consideration. Maybe a 50/50 type thing?
Thanks for putting so much thought into this and I definitely agree that this is a wonderful writing site!
Best of luck in the contest,
LynnetteOK
Comment Written 20-Aug-2018
reply by the author on 20-Aug-2018
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Thank you so much for your excellent review my friend. I like your suggestion about a 50/50 split very much. I wish I had thought about that before I entered this contest.
Thanks again for your kind words, I do appreciate it. Have a great week...Bill
Comment from barkingdog
Wow, you covered so much. I hope management takes note and does something with many of your suggestions.
I laughed at the off-spring of syllables. There is one up for twenty. A new baby.
I agree that there should be more original contests and less delay in releasing them to the voters. It wasn't like this years ago, but some wanted a compliance committee and there you are ... a mess.
In a way, I think we keep our better writers by holding them as a mark to reach for. To not allow them to win if they are the best entry would be wrong in so many ways.
A race horse keeps winning until it can no longer run the race, same with sports figures. They are not told to not hit a home run or score a touch down simply because they are the best. FS's top writers give everyone something to strive toward. To let the site competitions go to membership vote would have emails going crazy as friends supporting friends would take over. I trust the panel of judges over the common vote.
I truly enjoyed your essay.
Best of luck in this contest. You have many excellent suggestions.
:) ellen
reply by the author on 20-Aug-2018
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Wow, you covered so much. I hope management takes note and does something with many of your suggestions.
I laughed at the off-spring of syllables. There is one up for twenty. A new baby.
I agree that there should be more original contests and less delay in releasing them to the voters. It wasn't like this years ago, but some wanted a compliance committee and there you are ... a mess.
In a way, I think we keep our better writers by holding them as a mark to reach for. To not allow them to win if they are the best entry would be wrong in so many ways.
A race horse keeps winning until it can no longer run the race, same with sports figures. They are not told to not hit a home run or score a touch down simply because they are the best. FS's top writers give everyone something to strive toward. To let the site competitions go to membership vote would have emails going crazy as friends supporting friends would take over. I trust the panel of judges over the common vote.
I truly enjoyed your essay.
Best of luck in this contest. You have many excellent suggestions.
:) ellen
Comment Written 20-Aug-2018
reply by the author on 20-Aug-2018
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Thank you Ellen for your wonderful review, I really appreciate it. You make some very good points also. I agree that it would not be right for the talented writers to be held back from winning, my suggestion would be to limit them from winning contests sometimes on a daily basis, by placing a time limit in between each win. This would allow the membership a chance to win occasionally.
Thanks again for your review. Have a great week...Bill
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It's a sticky situation that may never be worked out. I enter but don't win either, but would rather enter the panel judged contests due to the problems you mentioned with the member promoted ones.
