ErikAHarris

you want to know what i wish to share fanstory? my heart. if there is one thing i would like to share with everyone, it is my heart. but then again, does not everyone who uses this site wish the same thing, to some degree?

shelley kaye: i'd prefer you share you bank account information and your atm card.... ;-)

September 19, 2014 at 3:44PM

William Walz: Share my heart? Are you kidding? This old ticker is barely enough to keep ME going.

September 19, 2014 at 4:20PM

ErikAHarris: all good responses shelly, if you want in on those negatives, just let me know. william, we can be best buds at the ER if that's the case.

October 11, 2014 at 7:40PM

tacos

shelley kaye: enchiladas

August 25, 2014 at 9:36AM

ErikAHarris: you want to share enchiladas? im down

August 25, 2014 at 2:08PM

How long does a request to make a book professional material take? I don't remember.

I don't know if any of the reviewers guilty of this are aware, but if one writes a review, and doesn't explain why there are missing stars, then it's really not helpful. You are just wasting space to get reviewer points and member dollars. I have not posted here to rant in a little while, but today I found that, yet again, more people are doing this. I don't know if it's just me, but when I don't mark at least 5 stars, I try to explain what I think could have been done better.

Oh, and telling me that a poem is "missing something" but not being insightful enough to know what that "something" is really isn't helpful either. I've said that before, but nor did I subtract stars, because if I can't help, then there is no reason to do it.

I apologize, if you've read this far. I'm pretty sure the forums were not meant for ranting, yet I do it nearly every time. Helps me to write about it I guess. Gets it off my chest.

michaelcahill: This is a good place to rant. Everybody reading this agrees. The ones that should read it, of course, don't!

June 4, 2014 at 2:31AM

ErikAHarris: Thanks. O.O

June 4, 2014 at 3:56AM

ravenblack: Don't worry. You are right. Reviews less than five should be accompanied by a critique with some sort of explanation as to what did not work for the reviewer. It is laziness. And you are right to be upset about it.

June 4, 2014 at 9:02AM

Maureen's Pen: Aha all of the above are right, I shall add - don't tell me it isn't "real" poetry because it's Free Verse:) Erik - thanks for your honesty and your willingness to give solid reviews. Hugs M

June 5, 2014 at 5:59PM

ErikAHarris: I promise to those whom have responded and read this message stream to always take the time to give my reviews proper thought, especially when I have something to critique. I promise. -regards Erik

June 5, 2014 at 10:34PM

Noooooooooooooooooo! Not the writers block! How do I get past this?! lols

Alright, I get it. I understand that including an image when posting is nice. Should it be necessary if the imagery is good enough? Probably not.

Celtic~Soul: Remarkable poetry stands on its own without need of art or embellishment. Sadly, however, too many writers here depend on the art and colors at their fingertips--often more concerned with those things than advancing their writing skills. You put a weed in a pretty flower pot, it's still a weed. Likewise, poorly chosen or executed art can distract or detract from lovely writing.

September 10, 2013 at 9:53AM

Julia.: Erik, I sympathize. I only post pictures with my poetry because otherwise the site will slap a completely unrelated photo on it on some of the display pages. I'd rather have something I choose. But in general, I agree with C~S that poetry should stand on its own.

September 10, 2013 at 11:02AM

mrskristinball: Me, too, I agree;-)

September 10, 2013 at 2:51PM

ErikAHarris: We have an accord then.

September 12, 2013 at 6:55AM

Non-clarity on your part does not dictate a mistake on my part. Incorrect Assumption? Maybe. I am no expert, as I have not taken a single writing class due to the nature of my job.

If you leave something unclear, then please clarify in your author notes with a sufficient explanation. I may not understand if it's to short.

I'm sorry, I seem really immature, even to myself right now . . . but it has been a long day.

Sally Carter: I agree. I was always told that if there is a misunderstanding the fault lies with the transmitter.

August 30, 2013 at 4:02PM

michaelcahill: I could no agree more. it is up to the author to make it clear. the reader is supposed to read and say ah! Yes! it shouldn't need explanation or a pretty picture for that matter. other than that I'm a real sweet guy. hahaha

August 30, 2013 at 9:04PM

ErikAHarris: Thanks bro'novski

August 31, 2013 at 6:55PM

Don't be lazy and copy paste large parts of poetry or stories into your reviews to take up space. I know there's a limiter on how little you can type into the review. If you actually read the work and understood it, that method will be ultimately unnecessary. If you find nothing to critique, type about how the poem made you feel or what it made you think of when reading. Now that this is off my chest, I can go to sleep.

DIS-illusioned: "Don't be lazy and copy paste large parts of poetry or stories into your reviews to take up space" You're so right! :-)

August 24, 2013 at 1:06PM

ErikAHarris: Trolololol.

August 26, 2013 at 6:37AM

I get mad sometimes when I receive anything less than five stars. Not just because I got less than five stars. Specifically when no reason and/or suggestions to better the poem are provided. All I'm saying is, if you are going to be critical, provide the reason please. Not everyone is guilty of this, but I have received a few reviews like this lately.

Think I'm silly? Received a few downgraded reviews with no explanation, and you'll see what I mean.

Celtic~Soul: If a reviewer deducts stars he or she should provide reasons for the reduction and, hopefully, suggestions to help you understand/fix the issues in editing. If you receive a review that doesn't support the rating, you can politely ask for clarification or more information when you reply or via PM. Trust me, we've all had this kind of review. Best advice of all? Ignore the stars and ratings and rankings--they're meaningless outside of FS. Enjoy the useful feedback you receive and don't get a big head from all the fluffy praise. Be realistic about your writing and open your mind to learning and you'll get way more from this site than you will by fussing over rankings. Writing is a journey, not a destination.

August 15, 2013 at 10:34AM

ErikAHarris: I'm not worried about the rankings. I just want clarification. But thank you for at least reading my rant. I needed it off of my chest.

August 15, 2013 at 11:15PM

Where do I go from here I wonder?

redrider6612: Depends on where you want to end up.

August 13, 2013 at 11:02AM

ErikAHarris: At the top I think

August 13, 2013 at 11:52PM

Things that most people don't write poems about:

Garden Weasels
Bandicoots
Broken pencils
Unicycle seat
Melted Crayons in my pocket
Surge Protector
Bag of Holding (friends suggestion, don't even know what that is)


Any other suggestions?

shelley kaye: hmmm.... a broken pencil.... thanx for the idea, erik! ;-)

July 5, 2013 at 12:07PM

Topher Phaestus: A bag of holding is a magical item from Dungeons and Dragons. On the outside, it's just a bag, but, due to a dimensional hole, it's bigger on the inside. You can put tons of stuff in it and the weight never changes, thus making packing for travel and carrying lots of found treasures easier. There are only two requirements. Each bag has a different maximum weight it can hold and whatever you put in must fit through the opening. The more you know! *little butterfly flies across a rainbow*

July 5, 2013 at 12:43PM

William Walz: Boogers.

July 5, 2013 at 5:46PM

ErikAHarris: Actually, the boogers thing I've seen. Believe it or not.

July 13, 2013 at 10:07PM

What do you think of the sea?

William Walz: It's right where it should be, between the B and the D.

June 18, 2013 at 9:04AM

DIS-illusioned: Vast, mighty, compelling, consuming, overwhelming ... wonderfully beautiful!

June 18, 2013 at 1:07PM

William Walz: You mean my post?

June 18, 2013 at 1:57PM

ErikAHarris: Yes, your post Bill.

July 5, 2013 at 5:33AM

Is it just me, or do a lot of people rate works on this site with run on sentences?

William Walz: I think it's just you.

May 15, 2013 at 12:53AM

ErikAHarris: You would be wrong then. I cannot count the number of run on sentence reviews I've received.

June 5, 2013 at 8:45AM

Favorite words. Mine is neologism.

Debra White: Nice word! I didn't know what that meant so I looked it up..... I like the words plop, bubble and gusset, in no particular order! I like big words too though :)

March 29, 2013 at 7:57AM

shelley kaye: cool.... a new word ;-)

March 29, 2013 at 12:53PM

Sally Carter: plop bubble gusset (in variable order) sounds like a nasty accident!

March 29, 2013 at 1:05PM

ErikAHarris: Word?

April 27, 2013 at 3:35PM

ErikAHarris: Word?

April 27, 2013 at 3:36PM

Finally got a new work up, means that ole writer's block finally moved out of the way. But considering bandwidth constraint, won't be post often yet. Still, I'll be able to write them down and post later. Sweet.

Does anyone still write actual letters nowadays? I could use a pen pal. :(

DIS-illusioned: You could always buy a pen and make it your pal--if it'll have you as one, that is. :-p I recommend the friendly 'Bic' ... Bwaha! :)

February 19, 2013 at 9:46AM

ErikAHarris: I have a fountain pen pal actually. It's one of my good friends. I'm glad that was funny. I'm actually quite depressed.

February 19, 2013 at 9:58AM

DIS-illusioned: Do take heart, Erk/Tyrant ole boy--but not me own, though (still very much beating in me chest). LOL! Yes, I'd be depressed too, if I had all those Japanese lovelies sensually sandwiching me like that--urgh! Bwaha! Cheer up and count your blessings, ole boy. Might not make it into double digits, but still ... Bwaha! :))

February 19, 2013 at 10:28AM

Any good names for girls that are uncommon? I'd love to hear some.

rosehill (Wendy): For a poem or a person? It is one thing to saddle an imaginary person with a name, another to so robe a real person.--Wendy

January 5, 2013 at 9:14AM

Cumbrianlass: Just Google 'girls names'. You'll get lists galore, and can even filter them out to origins i.e. Celtic, French, etc.

January 5, 2013 at 9:17AM

DIS-illusioned: Aurora--but you can call her 'hey, you' for short. :-p :)

January 5, 2013 at 11:58AM

shelley kaye: my daughter's name is "ashelei" (prounced "ash - 'short e' - lei") pick a name you like, and have some fun with it ;-)

January 5, 2013 at 2:35PM

ErikAHarris: Not a bad name that one. I was looking for inspiration, and sometimes names do it for me.

January 12, 2013 at 9:51AM

A man on a stage calls you a hound dog, and you like it.

I wonder if anyone is online at this point?

shelley kaye: i'm here :)

December 22, 2012 at 12:16PM

Sally Carter: Briefly in and out.

December 22, 2012 at 12:50PM

ErikAHarris: Yay! I was wondering, because It's taking a super long time to get ratings on my work. I was hoping the new work stuff would suffice, but it doesn't look like it.

December 25, 2012 at 12:22AM

Flying Fish that eat birds. (still going)

Piranha Pools. Home Version. (still brainstorming)

Bear traps. Except, they trap people with bears.

(Brainstorming)

I've been stuck on instrumentals this morning. No dilution of the song with the words of another. No, that detracts from my ability to write what it makes me feel. Instrumentals portray feeling better sometimes, than the same song with lyrics. That's what I believe at any rate.

I wonder, who reads these things?

Twilightspire: People, mostly. :)

December 1, 2012 at 9:43PM

adewpearl: I do, for one. :-)

December 1, 2012 at 9:44PM

Twilightspire: See. People.

December 1, 2012 at 9:46PM

redrider6612: There is a section for Profilr Thoughts in the forums which are under "Profile" in the list across the top.

December 1, 2012 at 10:39PM

DIS-illusioned: "I wonder, who reads these things?" A mystery of the universe that can never be deciphered, my friend. :-p :)

December 2, 2012 at 12:03PM

shelley kaye: those who can read....

December 2, 2012 at 1:28PM

ErikAHarris: Ah, well, now that I have replies, the mystery is solved. I'm so relieved, I thought I was alone in the world for a bit. Lol

December 5, 2012 at 6:14AM

New post is a little . . . different from the norm I stick too. Hope it does well enough in it's intended purpose. We'll see.

I'm currently looking for a bit of inspiration. If someone or some people could shoot me a few random words that are vaguely related I would much appreciate it. Also, if they are sullen or something similar, I would much appreciate that.

nor84: zoo, lion, attack, serious, white, boy, pit

April 28, 2012 at 1:50PM

ErikAHarris: Thanks

April 29, 2012 at 3:54PM

I feel . . . at peace.
Strangely so. I've never felt so at ease before, and I am unfamiliar with how to approach that feeling. Making me not so at ease. Or am I? Now I'm starting to confuse myself.

Nom Nom goes the troll.

redrider6612: what?

January 17, 2012 at 7:50AM

another jim: Not to mention who, where, and when...

January 17, 2012 at 12:18PM

nor84: Who, what, where, when and WHY -- the 5 Ws of journalism -- or writing in general.

January 17, 2012 at 1:58PM

ErikAHarris: Exactly the point. The troll just trolled you guys, because you responded. Trololollol.

February 7, 2012 at 10:00PM

Here I am in Korea. How boring.

Wish I could have gone out more in Hong Kong

I must go for now. I hope to receive at least a rating on my work. I hope someone out there can understand my opinion one day. Someday.

Why hasnt my last poem even been rated yet?

You say Im stubborn, and with good reason. I am. I am stubborn, hard headed, and unbending. Its not that editing to me is a chore, more that it to me changes the meaning of things completely. I write with twisted grammar for a reason, which I suppose that I should refine the twistedness, I'll do so in future works. No, I dont edit. But not out of laziness or pride. I dont edit because I leave my mistakes out there for the world to see, so that the World and I may both learn from it, and it would serve as a constant reminder of how I've grown as a poet.

I speak in anger yes, but dont criticize me for it. I just want to rant, get it off my chest, and leave it at that, but if I get replies telling me not too, then I am going to do it again. No, I will not edit.

But I will learn.

wow, my rank is improving drastically

I get the feeling I'm just talking to myself.

redrider6612: Actually, that last post you put up was very well thought out and interesting. Much more likely to spur a mature discussion than the prior ones that were sort of belligerant. If you'd like to have a mature discussion, why don't you visit the forums? There are a lot of members who hang out there and love to explore different subjects.

January 30, 2011 at 12:26PM

Turtle... who?: I can't completely agree with the total philosophy but understand the frustration.

January 30, 2011 at 2:16PM

LateBloomer: that's because you are - lol.

January 31, 2011 at 7:49AM

Now, beyond my ranting. I write poems that most of the time seem shallow. Most do not see a deeper meaning, and in truth, I sometimes do not know what my own words mean until I sit and think about it for awhile. My words are obvious subtleties as it seems. The cliche is clear. The ironic is an expected item. What cant be seen is a second story. An unconnected, underlying story parallel to that which I have written. I will never tell these stories, because these stories are my memories and feelings all mashed into one entity. This entity I create is what I must parallel, to give a similarly painted picture of what was said. Similarly different. Oxymoron could be what that is, but I say nay, there is no oxymoron who's mind connects the unconnected, those who really and truly see outside the box. My mind works so that the underlying theme to a poem is buried so deep and unconnected to this poem as to not reveal the second story behind it. Minus the poem I wrote titled "grammatical tact", I use this manner of writing within all of my poems.

I do not appreciate being told my rhymes are forced. These words are from the heart.

My words are out of order in a lot of poems I have written, and for good reason. It allows me to read them in a more lyrical manner.

Spelling. Honestly I do not spell well, but nor do I intend to go back and correct it often. However that seems to be a resounding them in my "denial". So I will TRY my best to make myself go back and correct them. Do not hold your breath.

Editing. Editing editing. Another resounding them. I am expected to go back and change my poems completely? No offense, but fuck that. I have no intention of drastically editing my works in the least bit, especially when it comes to grammar changes, I do not use correct grammar in poetry. I like the way it sounds, the way it sounds, that feeling of how twisted it seems, like a labyrinth with no recurring theme.

I am pretty much writing this out of anger, but the fact that someone may indeed read this makes me feel better. I am by nature intentionally wrong.

Here's to choosing the wrong path knowingly and on a whim.

Celtic~Soul: Hmm, sounds like you've received some feedback you didn't like? Yes,it can be hard to get honest feedback on your writing. Damn hard. But that's why you're here, right? To get feedback? Sometimes what you hear from readers can be discouraging. But you have choices. You can look at what's said and turn your back on it, be stubborn, throw a fit, bash your keyboard or whatever. You can also ignore it completely and say, oh, that person's daft! Or, you can swallow your pride and anger (a little tea helps them go down), sit back in your chair and think about what was said. You're complaining that someone said you need to work on spelling, grammar and technical elements. What's wrong with that? Even if it's hard for you--think how triumphant you'll feel studying it and learning to do it better! Language has rules in order facilitate comprehension and make communicating in it universally understood. Writing is the creative use of language. You say above that you don't want to edit, don't intend to edit? Why the he** not? Do you think Edgar Allan Poe never edited? Do you think Keats, Byron and Frost never edited? Guess what? They did. Every writer edits! It's part of the process--an incredibly vital part of the process. Editing refines, improves, focuses, clarifies and enhances. Don't sell the process short! You ask: "I am expected to go back and change my poems completely?" Yes! Sometimes in order to develop what you want to say, you have to make big changes! Sometimes only small ones. And remember, poetry, like prose, must have a cohesiveness, a poem should have a theme, a purpose; it should communicate your ideas and reasons for writing to a reader in a lyrical, unique way. I hope by now you're feeling better and your anger has softened. FS is a great site to met fellow writers with an interest in mutual improvement and writing exploration. Enjoy!

January 30, 2011 at 3:08PM

redrider6612: I don't understand why some writers, esp poets, insist that being mysterious and hard-to-comprehend is "artistic license". What is the point of writing something that nobody can understand? I mean, isn't it the goal of the writer to communicate to the reader, to make a connection that allows them to share their thoughts and emotions? If the connection fails because the author is being obtuse, what's the point? IMO, writers who use that excuse are actually saying "I'm too lazy to try to find a way to communicate more effectively. Editing is a chore that I'm not willing to take on." A writer like that is going to have a hard time finding an audience, and the odds of getting published will be very slim indeed. We all could use guidance on how to improve. We're in a writing community that has a lot of talented writers who are generous enough to share their expertise. It would be silly not to get our money's worth by ignoring any advice we might get.

January 30, 2011 at 4:05PM

Here's the metaphorical "finger" to all of you "professional" writers out there. I appreciate honesty, but I must be honest when I say that if you do not see the recurring theme in my works that I do, then go fuck yourself. Thanks.

Celtic~Soul: Dude, why so rude? You're here for feedback, right? Take a deep breath and read my comments above. Then, ask yourself why you're here posting your poetry if you don't want to know what others think.

January 30, 2011 at 3:19PM

So, today I feel . . . philisophical. Anyone fancy a go?

That and when I do have trouble spelling things sometimes, especially when writing or typing fast. Perhaps its a bad excuse, but It seems that many words were invented in poetry, and thus poetry has a strong background in neology.

Most people dont agree with me on that. To portray a different voice, I spell things differently but in a way that is still very understandable. The rules of grammar are ignored particularly in poetry. Not always, but alot of the time this is so. I do agree however that when I am writing to make a point, I do try to use standard English to the best of my ability. This also goes for those whom write stories. Correct english is rather crucial there in the ares not spoken in character.
All in all Im just saying there are some words that I spell differently for effect. I do like to bend the rules of grammar in poetry. Elsewhere however . . ..

Poetry is not meant to be graded by spelling or grammar. Rules are meant to be bent when exploring this realm of the English Language.

redrider6612: How can one communicate effectively without proper spelling and grammar? No matter how profound the message, what good does it do when it is lost in SPAG? Is it reasonable to expect authors to ignore spelling and grammar on a writer's site?

August 10, 2010 at 11:14PM

another jim: Youre write.. Rules, Bite. On the other hand...

August 11, 2010 at 8:01AM

Amicus: Well, if you are right in your declaration, the rule you can count on me to consistently bend is the one that you are attempting to impose here...spelling and grammar are the tools the serious writer uses to communicate effectively and good writers learn their craft and make sure they use the right tools for the job every time.

August 11, 2010 at 11:49AM

LadyCosgrove: I had so many conflicting views on punctuation in poetry that I went on the web and asked... What punctuation do you need to use in poetry? ANSWER: Not a great deal. Poetry has rhythm, and so it does not generally need much punctuation. Prose has no rhythm, and so it needs punctuation. Any "poetry" burdened with punctuation, especially periods in the middle of lines, is most likely plain ol' prose pretending to be verse by spreading out in absurd lines and pseudo-stanzas on the page, instead of honestly retaining the structure of the paragraphs it is actually made of.

September 3, 2010 at 11:25AM

Joshua Chen: Agreeing with Cosgrove

September 3, 2010 at 5:31PM

ErikAHarris: this is all well and good. I will take this into account.

November 12, 2010 at 10:11PM