gypsycaravan

Help. I want to post another photo at the end of a short story. How do I do that?

michaelcahill: I only know the copy and paste method and that doesn't work on items already in your computer and it only lasts about a month. Dean knows how to do it properly.

January 17, 2015 at 4:35PM

gypsycaravan: Thanks, mikey. I replied to this but don't see it, so will try again. Thanks for your help, but Dean has already sent me the instructions on how to accomplish this.

January 18, 2015 at 6:42AM

granny goes viral: I wanted to learn how to enclose my poem in one of the shaded boxes. But I can't seem to figure this out.

January 18, 2015 at 4:29PM

Congratulations the January 2015 Recognized Writer

gypsycaravan: What a surprise. Thank you so much to the committee. I am honored.

January 10, 2015 at 1:41PM

Ben Colder : Now, just look at you! Done gone and won yourself a fine looking ribbon. Congratulation, well done.

January 10, 2015 at 1:51PM

michaelcahill: A long time coming. So well deserved. Congratulations!!

January 10, 2015 at 1:53PM

IndianaIrish: Warm congratulations on this wonderful honor, gypsy.

January 10, 2015 at 2:06PM

adewpearl: Congratulations!! :-)

January 10, 2015 at 2:55PM

pipersfancy: So great to hear! Congratulations!

January 10, 2015 at 3:10PM

Debra White: Yay! Congratulations!! x

January 10, 2015 at 3:13PM

granny goes viral: I am so pleased for you. Open a bottle of wine and celebrate.

January 10, 2015 at 3:18PM

gypsycaravan: Overjoyed at the wonderful comments of my Fan Story friends. Thank you so very much.

January 10, 2015 at 5:40PM

Jacqueline M Franklin: Congrats, my friend! Whoohoo, you go, girl! (*>*)

January 10, 2015 at 6:39PM

judiverse: Congratulations, Writer of the Month. You are a great choice. judiverse

January 10, 2015 at 6:44PM

Acquired Taste: Congratulations - a well-deserved award.

January 10, 2015 at 7:30PM

Dean Kuch: Whoo-hoo! Yippee!! Now you're cookin'! A big hug and congratulations from all of the boils and ghouls on my side of the boneyard, Shirley. Well done! ~Dean

January 10, 2015 at 8:13PM

gypsycaravan: Thanks again to all you great writers here on FS. I appreciate your support.

January 10, 2015 at 9:00PM

nancy_e_davis: Congratulations. Quite an achievement!

January 10, 2015 at 9:50PM

patcelaw: Congratulations on the award.

January 10, 2015 at 11:41PM

MissMerri: Wonderful!! So happy to see you are recognized. Congratulations!! ;")

January 11, 2015 at 12:00AM

Selina Stambi:

January 11, 2015 at 1:10AM

Selina Stambi: How wonderful, GC - congratulations!

January 11, 2015 at 1:10AM

Patti R.: Congratulations, lovely Lady! Well deserved.

January 11, 2015 at 1:32AM

Xylok: WAY to GO! cool username by the way.

January 11, 2015 at 3:55AM

gypsycaravan: Thank you, everyone.

January 11, 2015 at 5:23AM

Eric1: Congratulations on your brilliant achievement Shirley, thoroughly deserved my friend.

January 11, 2015 at 5:38AM

Lovinia: Congratulations GypsyC ... a fine effort. Lovi xoxo

January 11, 2015 at 5:43AM

Margaret Snowdon: Congratulations, my friend.

January 11, 2015 at 6:48AM

boxergirl: Congrats!!!!!! 8-)

January 11, 2015 at 10:14AM

Writingfundimension: What a wonderful honor for you, G. Well-deserved. Enjoy the glow! :) Bev

January 11, 2015 at 10:31AM

rjpurdy: It couldn't have happened to a nicer human being, and a more derving writer. Congratulation gypsy. Revel in the glory

January 11, 2015 at 10:34AM

Walu Feral: Congratulations mate, you deserve it.

January 11, 2015 at 10:55AM

Muffins: Congratulations on an honor well deserved !!!

January 11, 2015 at 9:37PM

Jackarrie: Congratulations on your award, Mary

January 11, 2015 at 10:05PM

maggieadams: Congratulations....well-deserved.

January 11, 2015 at 11:14PM

Phyllis Stewart: Excellent choice! Congratulations! :)

January 11, 2015 at 11:21PM

Spitfire: Congratulations, my friend. You deserve it.

January 12, 2015 at 12:17AM

c_lucas: Congratulations . Very good job.

January 12, 2015 at 2:20AM

N.K. Wagner: Congratulations, Gypsy! Well deserved.

January 12, 2015 at 5:58AM

CR Delport: Congrats! Very much deserved!

January 12, 2015 at 11:35AM

Father Flaps: That ribbon looks great around your neck, Gypsy! Big congrats!

January 15, 2015 at 5:48AM

MissMerri: Yay! A truly deserved honor for a favorite lady! Hugs and smiles from one happy grandmother to another. :p

January 22, 2015 at 1:41PM

What? Did the purple on everyone's site just turn green or are my eyes playing tricks?

TAB_that's me: I just checked on the new site form and it was a dark slate gray for me. I use classic when I can.

January 8, 2015 at 3:19PM

Julia.: Looks an ugly green-ish gray to me. I am probably in the minority, though, as I liked the purple (the bars just need to be A LOT smaller).

January 8, 2015 at 4:52PM

evilynne: It looks black to me. Thank goodness for the classic site!

January 9, 2015 at 8:52AM

Walu Feral: Congratulations mate, you deserve it.

January 11, 2015 at 10:54AM

mfowler: Well done, gypsycaravan. It is great to see you have your moment in the Fanstory sun. A big achievement!

January 11, 2015 at 8:36PM

So many different and varied contest challenges for the poets here on FanStory. I certainly wish we had more contests for prose writers --stories no longer than 1000 words so maybe a few would get some reviews. I still think the answer is a different and better reward for reading prose-based maybe on word count. Would certainly give a better chance for the prose writers to get more r/r to obtain more help and/or recognition. I also think there should be a reward (member dollars) if you read all the entries in a contest prior to voting. Just a couple thoughts this morning. My head is beginning to clear from the "Chinese congestion crud" I brought back from our recent Asian trip. Ugh.

DIS-illusioned: I totally agree with everything you've said--except the Chinese congestion crud, of course. It's a masterpiece that you simply don't understand.

December 14, 2014 at 1:50PM

nor84: How would the site know a reviewer read all the entries in a contest? It might be able to track whether he or she reviewed all the entries, but that's about it. For a while, some of the member contests had a requirement that every entry had to be reviewed. Terrible idea. Why? Several reasons it didn't work. By the time a piece got to the voting booth, it was often paying two cents, so reviewers didn't want to spend time reviewing when they could get better pay elsewhere. A reviewer couldn't review if muted by the author, and so couldn't vote. Some reviewers don't review anything with a "warning" for crude language or violence, and they wouldn't participate in contests that required reviewing to vote. And, lastly, the reviewers weren't particularly helpful. We could have all the prose contests we want--we'd just have to create them ourselves, and I have. Several times. Only to have only three writers post work, making for a poor jackpot.

December 14, 2014 at 3:02PM

michaelcahill: There are prose contests under member created. Very few entries. Nor is correct. There was one where the voting requirement was to review every piece. There were twelve entrants and the results was a five way tie with one vote each. I like the concept though. If the reward for reviewing all entrants was reasonable. Say if the scale started at five bucks for a full contest of 18. I have to vote in favor of Chinese congestion crud as well, it is a form of Nirvana...

December 14, 2014 at 4:26PM

gypsycaravan: Hey Nor, you have some great thoughts and comments on this. Much to think about when the little Chinese critters in my head go home where they belong. Mikey probably has some good ideas, too, but he has a reputation for being a goofball so I have to be careful what I agree with. :-)

December 16, 2014 at 3:22PM

donaldww: Great ideas! Why don't you sponsor a contest for prose writers for a story of no longer than 1000 words? DW

January 2, 2015 at 7:27AM

Okay, Fan Story friends. I leave in the morning for a week in the Eastern Caribbean. I will be on a cruise with my wonderful hubby. We are both photographers (amateurs) so we look forward to recording all our adventures. I will miss all of your great writings while I'm gone but will catch up post-haste upon my return. Keep writing and no fighting, kiddies. LOL

michaelcahill: Well, have fun in the boring Caribbean while we're having the time of our lives here in the insanely exciting Fanstory asylum!!!

September 12, 2014 at 8:05PM

gypsycaravan: Thanks, Mr. Mikey. I'll certainly try, but don't have too much fun. I don't want to miss anything. Hold down the fort, Please.

September 12, 2014 at 8:07PM

granny goes viral: Oh wow. Take your sun screen. Have fun. We will miss you.

September 13, 2014 at 1:06AM

Muffins: Have a wonderful trip. You'll probably return with your head full of stories and essays.

September 19, 2014 at 5:29PM

Loren (7): I've wondered where you've been. Missed you but am happy for you to have time away. I know you will come back with lots of fun stories. Loren

September 19, 2014 at 7:39PM

patcelaw: I hope your travel was very nice. Also, I see you were born a very log time ago, I can relate.

September 24, 2014 at 12:34PM

lucinda king: Thanks for the vote of confidence. You are a lovely person. BB

September 29, 2014 at 9:39PM

gypsycaravan: Thanks so much, Lucinda. I try to be, successful sometimes.

October 1, 2014 at 12:26PM

Ideasaregems-Dawn: Hey, where are you? I know I'VE been away a lot lately, but I'm missing you! :0)

November 29, 2014 at 10:06PM

ProjectBluebook : I seen them shows on TV, IN THE WATER WITH SHARKS. I would most definitely, take aspare dingy with me and plenty of water and food.

December 22, 2014 at 4:39AM

Recently, I wrote a reply to a review that was interpreted by the reviewer as being rude. I sincerely hate it that my words hurt anyone here on FanStory. It was a wakeup call that I wanted to share with the rest of you. Written communication doesn't truly share what you mean? It doesn't show that you may be smiling and chiding them a bit. We all need to be more careful in our replies or reviews. Words can be misinterpreted very easily. Saying you are sorry after the fact doesn't take away their hurt so we must be careful. I hope this will make us all think before we write and that it keeps others from being hurt like I hurt this person. Gypsycaravan

nancy_e_davis: I know, I am so afraid to try to help anyone. I don't want to discourage anyone I just want to help.

September 2, 2014 at 5:17PM

Selina Stambi: If people would understand that this is a pretend world with pretend stars, then they wouldn't take themselves too seriously. Just my two cents worth, gypsy. :)

September 2, 2014 at 9:24PM

michaelcahill: It happens to me quite a bit because I'm obnoxious and silly. It is taken wrong sometimes because they don't realize that I'm being absurd or silly. But, we can't contain ourselves to where we aren't ourselves anymore... no fun. So, an occasional apology or explanation usually suffices. After awhile everyone realizes that, "mikey is just crazy".

September 2, 2014 at 9:44PM

gypsycaravan: I like "crazy Mikey" just as he is.

September 3, 2014 at 4:50AM

granny goes viral: Hello my dear friends. I guess that is why I skip a lot. Which makes it hard to earn fake money. I am more concerned with "content", quality of content than SPAG, maybe 'cause I am the queen of SPAG. Obvious typos...like in the title...well, whoops. Oh, or those "poems", that are essays...skip. I am not telling anyone "hey you haven't a clue". I also skip anything that even smells of religious zeal (that's me), if I don't like the colors (LOL), or it is too long (unless it is a good story) or I am not in the mood. I guess I am picky before I actually "pick". Much more impressed by what is being said; what is being painted by the pen, and how the word picture grips me, than/then...well you can see why!

September 4, 2014 at 11:50AM

Loren (7): You gave me some GREAT advice on one of my works a while back and it actually had nothing to do with my writings. Yet, it has stuck with me. Truth is like that, isn't it? Sticks with you. One of your fans - Loren

September 8, 2014 at 10:49AM

gypsycaravan: Thanks so much for your kindness, Loren. I do believe that truth is really kind. The perception of some of our words sometimes gets twisted when the receiver doesn't trust well or has a self-esteem that has been bruised. Glad my truth felt kind to you.

September 10, 2014 at 4:58PM

Muffins: You are so right. If I'm joking, I say that this is a joke. I try to make it as light-hearted as I possible can. This happened to me when I was reveiwing an essay. The author didn't get the joke and replied with an over the top nasty attitude.I also pointed out some areas of improvement and that blew her head off. I promised myself never to review her again, eventhough she's a top ranking writer.

September 19, 2014 at 5:34PM

patcelaw: Here is a part of what I said in a review to one who wrote a poetic piece about not winning contests. I said more and she sent back a reply and was most gracious and I made her a fan. because she was not at all offended. I don't want to seem hard, but could I ask, are you writing to win or are you writing to express your heart?

September 24, 2014 at 12:46PM

patcelaw: I got a review from one today where the person picked out something being wrong in almost every sentence, so she may well have missed the whole though and message of the story. So I took the mute option and muted her from seeing my work it is a piece where i have gotten many positive review and is now on the front page of stories.

September 24, 2014 at 4:06PM

For anyone following and willing to read this small posting here on my profile, I have a couple things I want to say. Can you imagine that, a writer with something to say? I made a pact with myself that the only money I would spend on FS would be my membership fees and I've held to that position since I came back here this year. I post my own writings solely with member dollars from a few small prompt contest wins and/or from reviewing. Doing a lot of reviewing is like attending a class in writing for me. Reading what works and what doesn't are the lessons we writers need to learn. Writing should always be slanted toward the reader and not formed to fit into the mold of some instructor. So for those who believe you must spend lots of money to win a contest on FS, that is bunk. Spend none, read and write a LOT. Sooner or later, your writing will attract the right audiences and off you go.

Shirley B: I agree. It works for me. :)

August 31, 2014 at 11:48AM

Chrisfiore: Good advice, gypsycaravan. A writer writes for his own pleasure and likely finds an audience, though he writes as if there were none. ;)

August 31, 2014 at 11:55AM

pafaust: You're so wise. Thank you for the very valuable lessons, today.

August 31, 2014 at 12:54PM

Carole Rosa: Gypsy, I agree and I posted my review on your poem with my thoughts on the subject. Thank you for a great piece of work. It may help others to develop a different way of thinking. Hugs and smiles, Carole

August 31, 2014 at 1:00PM

michaelcahill: You are so correct. Just add a little patience. I just passed one year as a member. I never thought I would have a little fan base or win a contest or any of that. Just keep writing and reviewing and working. It all comes to you.

August 31, 2014 at 2:05PM

adewpearl: I'm with you. This is my sixth year anniversary of membership, and I've never spent one dollar of actual cash to promote a posting. I can't even fathom spending hundreds of dollars to put a post farther up the list.

August 31, 2014 at 2:08PM

gypsycaravan: Just sent this to a new fan. Wow, you certainly humble me, Kaila. (Love your name, by the way.) If I have had anything to do with encouraging other writers to keep writing, doing what you love, then I am ecstatic. Don't worry what others say or review. Use only the information or comments you want or that you think will be useful. All these stupid stars and rankings mean nothing and shouldn't mean anything to a writer. They are there for those who need the "attaboys." Just write. That is your reward. Hey, fellow writers. We can make a difference in other writers' self-confidence. So many good people here. The friendship and camaraderie is worth so much too. Thanks for all the great comments. Hard work, tenacity, patience, and determination. Those aren't just big words for our scribblings. Those are the attributes we need to perfect to improve. I have a grandson who was interviewed recently on TV. They asked him to what he attributed all his success in football. I am still reeling with pride at his answer. He said, " I attribute any success I've had to all my failures. They are what make me determined to work harder." What a proud grandma I am. We can use that same thought with our writing. Work more, work harder. Hugs to all my FS friends.

August 31, 2014 at 2:34PM

Selina Stambi: I love your attitude, gypsy caravan. I wouldn't dream of spending real money in a virtual space. I'm with you! You GO, girl!! xxx

September 2, 2014 at 1:57PM

Carole Rosa: Gypsy, Congratulations for winning the Ziggy Zebra contest. Nice job. Carole

September 2, 2014 at 2:40PM

granny goes viral: Hi everybody. Do people really spend actual cash, will they accept food stamps? I truly don't understand...oh, maybe it is like gambling addiction or something. You write a poem or something, you post it. BFD. Some people like it, some don't. Let's face it, there are no Literary greats playing around here...just us guys saying stuff, to others also saying stuff. I think it is called communication. But then can't go by me, I once actually spend real money on Farmville, much to my grandson's dismay. He was only 14 at the time, and already smarter than me. Really, I spent $5.00 (I was still employed at the time) to buy more virtual land, to grow more virtual crops, so I could harvest my virtual crops, and sell them at my virtual market. When I fully realized what I had just done, I had to look myself squarely in the mirror and laugh my ass off. Now if anyone thinks spending real cash to get fake stars or whatever is "sold" on here, is a good investment in their literary talent, Tom has done a really good job.

September 6, 2014 at 4:22PM

Does anyone know who is on the committees that judge the contests? Just curious????

shelley kaye: there has been numerous threads in the forums about this.... all we know is that they are fanstory members.

August 20, 2014 at 9:35AM

Imogen JH: I find it hard to believe such a commitee exists. On a site where people communicate Word would leak out about who was on it. But it doesnt. I doubt there is one.

August 20, 2014 at 9:37AM

michaelcahill: I think my ex wife is on it. I've been DQ'd 3 times!!!

August 20, 2014 at 11:08AM

Imogen JH: Michael. You'll know if it your ex wife. It would have cost you double to enter the competitions.

August 20, 2014 at 11:21AM

Linda Engel: Michael, I can't imagine you being DQ'd. Good one Imogen.

August 20, 2014 at 4:26PM

Aiona: DQ'd? Dairy-Queen'ed?

August 31, 2014 at 11:01AM

Goodness sakes. It seems that 5 or 6 are the only acceptable ratings with a great many people on this site. If you feel the need to rate with a "4," and offer the reason why and a couple suggestions to improve, you seem to get back either a smart-aleck reply or a "revenge" review. So childish. Reviews would be better if none of this star business was part of it. Any thoughts on this?

nor84: Totally agree. If you get either a smart Alec reply or a revenge review, click contact us at the top of the screen and let Tom deal with the writer. Either kind of reply is against site rules.

August 11, 2014 at 4:00PM

Cliff Ashpaugh: Hi Gypsycaravan, I'm back from two years of school and getting a novel published. Looking forward to reading your material. Missed you big time!

August 11, 2014 at 5:00PM

michaelcahill: It's true. The star system has become skewed from what it was intended to be and fives and sixes are the order of the day. Some of us though don't mind a four with critique and suggestions for improvement. Some! Since no one is reading this, the best reviews I've received have been fours and even threes with lists of improvements. But, don't tell ANYONE! Hahaha. mikey

August 11, 2014 at 6:09PM

pafaust: I agree. It seems that the reviews are more criticized than the stories. My feelings are still hurt from the "you did not understand at all what I was saying" (on a five star review) so I've been reluctant to get back into reviewing. The next one that I reviewed with four stars wanted me to readjust the rating after he fixed the one SPAG without addressing the problems that I had with the story.

August 11, 2014 at 8:14PM

gypsycaravan: nor84, I will never report anyone. It is just immaturity and really nothing said or done would change it until they're ready. Besides, I have huge shoulders (and butt to match, darn it) and just say "Thanks for reading" and move on. Taking the high road, I guess you call it.

August 12, 2014 at 9:43AM

gypsycaravan: Cliff Ashpaugh, really glad you're back and likewise, to looking forward to reading your material. Nice to know I was missed.

August 12, 2014 at 9:44AM

gypsycaravan: michaelcahill, I really would LOVE to see all the stars disappear and just reward something for reading and maybe more for an in-depth review and comments. Psst--I'll never tell your secrets about the 3's and 4's. ha

August 12, 2014 at 9:46AM

gypsycaravan: pafaust, hey, plunge right back into reviewing. Looking for problems in other works only helps you to improve yours. If they don't like your constructive comments on their mistakes, it is their loss. Not a perfect story or poem ever written that someone couldn't find something to make other readers happy. And, to top it off, you can't please 'em all. Get reviewing again and ignore the ignorant.

August 12, 2014 at 9:49AM

nancy_e_davis: Yes! I agree. The stars or the ratings don't really mean a thing but they cause a lot of discord. Why can't we just help one another and learn?

August 29, 2014 at 5:18PM

Now a poem in a "write a story" contest? Am I missing something?

nor84: Yeah. There are a great many poems that tell a story: The Song of Hiawatha, The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner, The Highwayman, to name just a few. If the contest doesn't specifically exclude poetry, people will see it in the voting booth and can choose not to vote for it. If you think the rules should be changed, perhaps the site will do that. Click 'contact us' and write to Tom.

August 6, 2014 at 10:34PM

gypsycaravan: I think I would rather see contests separate for story poems rather than mixing them up with the prose stories. More reviewers gravitate toward, review, and vote on poetry because it is generally shorter and takes less time. Not really a fair opportunity for the prose writers. Kind of like comparing a grape to an apple. Grapes are smaller and can be eaten and enjoyed much quicker.

August 21, 2014 at 2:25PM

Seven poems under the books and chapters list today. What gives?

shelley kaye: it's august. many people are probably on vacation this month....

August 6, 2014 at 9:27AM

michaelcahill: there's a choice for non fiction, fiction, poetry etc. it's set at fiction and if you don't catch it then it formats like a story and lists under prose. they can change it by going into the editor. throws things off.

August 6, 2014 at 9:46AM

Just sent a suggestion to the powers that be concerning the grouping together of both short works and book chapters. I feel there are probably more like me who like to read short works exclusively, or at least most of the time. Having to scroll through all the book chapters to find them is time wasted. I asked if they could be listed separately on the home page and under the "read" tab. Anyone else think they'd like this?

michaelcahill: I write both. I'm totally in favor of that. I have the feeling that you'd get a clear majority that agree.

August 4, 2014 at 7:46PM

gypsycaravan: Will let you know when I hear back from them.

August 5, 2014 at 5:24PM

gypsycaravan: Heard nothing on this, yet, Michaelcahill.

August 7, 2014 at 2:29PM

gypsycaravan: Never got an answer. ??????

August 17, 2014 at 11:58AM

gypsycaravan: Guess there's no desire to ever change things or even ask the participants what they think.

August 21, 2014 at 2:28PM

Just got back from a 4 day trip to Key West with my wonderful hubby. I realized while I was there that I had been spending much too much time on Fan Story the last few weeks. i refuse to buy member dollars and I learn so much by reviewing that It takes many hours a day to review enough to be able to post and promote my own work for review. That being said, I am going to spend those hours for now writing more, traveling more, painting more and taking more photographs. I also maintain a family website and photo website that I've done for years. I have no huge goal to go anywhere with my writing except for friends and family so promotion is not on my bucket list. I've met so many nice people on this site and learned so much. Thanks to all. I will stop in from time to time because I'm nosy. Ha

K.W.: I totally understand! Happy business to you:)

March 21, 2013 at 4:36PM

I replied kindly, but it's hard when the words read, "This is horrible. Should never have been written at all. What were you thinking? I didn't feel this type of review belongs on FS and is certainly not helpful, but since it was a "biggie", I guess the little guys will keep getting kicked.

nor84: We don't have to accept being "kicked." If the reviewer told you exactly what was wrong, it's probably not reportable. IF, on the other hand, he did not explain -- click on "contact us" above and let site administration decide whether or not the review is against site rules.

March 14, 2013 at 9:56AM

Torrence Winter: I'm not finding this comment in your recent reviews...

March 14, 2013 at 9:59AM

Celtic~Soul: By biggie do you mean someone high in the rankings? Rankings here are near meaningless. Having a high rank is not a reliable indicator of writing or reviewing ability. A review that attacks you in the way those comments do is reportable. It's bad behavior and site admin will take action. Reviews should be helpful. That clearly was not.

March 14, 2013 at 10:17AM

shelley kaye: report it

March 14, 2013 at 11:43AM

gypsycaravan: Yep. It's still on there but has been changed to Yikes, this is a downer instead of This is horrible. The rest is still there. No mention or suggestion of anything helpful.

March 14, 2013 at 12:57PM

gypsycaravan: Just reported it and asked them to review. I would hate for a timid writer or newbie to receive this type of review. It might squelch their desire to write. Thanks to all of you for your helpful comments.

March 14, 2013 at 1:08PM

redrider6612: I think the comment is directed at the subject matter not the quality of the writing. If you post something tragic, you should expect to get reactions like that.

March 14, 2013 at 2:19PM

gypsycaravan: I, respectfully, disagree. You can comment on the subject matter and dislike it, but politeness and manners should still be how it is presented.

March 14, 2013 at 2:43PM

I've been reading some pretty fabulous writings here on FS lately. Ccongrats to all my fellow writers.

I'm learning more every day just by reading all the wonderful offerings on this site. I read a lot more than I review. If I can't find ONE good thing to say about a piece, I move on. I never want to be responsible for stifling another fledgling writer. "Constructive" is the key word. As a reader, I spot problems much quicker than editing my own stuff. When I spot something that doesn't sound right, I go back and look for similar mistakes in my own writings. You may not believe me, but the rankings, stars and attaboys are not nearly as important to me as the "learning." I crave improvement.

Celtic~Soul: You have just the right attitude to succeed. The "site rewards" have no meaning outside of here. It's the learning that counts. You're so right, you can learn much by reviewing other people's writing! In fact, it can be crucial to developing objectivity in your own work. Don't shy from the tougher reviews though. Tackle them and challenge yourself to find something good to say despite feeling it's almost hopeless. That too is good for you because it makes you stretch your critic's wings and exercise your kindness bone.

March 4, 2013 at 10:08AM

gypsycaravan: Terrific suggestion, Celtic-Soul. I am always hesitant to confront and telling someone it's just not good or going anywhere is confrontation and hurtful in my mind. I will look harder in the future to "stretch" but can't guarantee I will be ready to write it down. Ha

March 4, 2013 at 10:41AM

redrider6612: CS is so right. Too many of the writers whose writing needs work get empty praise and never get any pointers for improving. Sad for them since they are missing out on the really valuable part of the site.

March 4, 2013 at 12:00PM

Aaron James: It's also worth looking at people's profiles. Many who are open to honest comment say so. I am sure your comments would be welcomed by them even if you find their writing challenging. That is certainly my experience.

March 4, 2013 at 12:10PM

gypsycaravan: Possibly, but having been shot down a couple times (quite rudely), it does make me reticent.

March 4, 2013 at 1:14PM

gypsycaravan: If we could just review and help without all the star business, I think it would be better. How important is that anyway if you're learning and improving?

March 4, 2013 at 1:18PM

redrider6612: Rude replies must be reported to site admin. They are not allowed, and members who give them shouldn't be allowed to get away with that behavior. If more members reported rude replies, FS would be a much nicer place.

March 4, 2013 at 1:23PM

Sarkems: Mind you, I just got a three from someone (fair enough, they didn't like it) who talked about my "antidote" (think he meant "anecdote") and "poem". Which it wasn't. I replied with a simple Thankyou for your thoughts and a correction of those errors.

March 4, 2013 at 1:26PM

gypsycaravan: In my thinking, whether the reviewer likes it or doesn't like it, has nothing to do with a review. Not all like to read the same thing. The review should be about POV, tenses, character development, proper transition, etc. I review many things that are not what I would buy to put on my Kindle, but try to help with the technical problems. Generally, the things I spot are the same things that give me the most problems. Ha I can spot a passive sentence anytime. Ha

March 4, 2013 at 5:19PM

N.K. Wagner:

March 5, 2013 at 9:36AM

N.K. Wagner: Oops! I'll get the hang of this thing - someday. Just wanted to say that "I liked/didn't like" influences every review and is good preparation for the real world. There are all kinds of readers, and we'll meet them all here. Some are such concrete thinkers that imagery confuses them. Others are blinded by their own perceptions. But then there's the reward of getting the suggestion/correction that makes your piece sing. And those are the kind of reviews we should be trying to give to others - kind suggestions.

March 5, 2013 at 9:50AM

Traveler, photographer, writer, painter, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, nurse, homemaker, friend. The hats are many. Some are fairly new and some well-worn. All are treasured. My writer's chapeau is the most recent participant in the Easter parade. Each day, I type diligently adding new feathers and ribbons to the hat's design. My plan is for these added decorations to attract attention from publishers, editors, and writing contest judges. As my hat becomes more glamorous, I hope the reading public will become fans.