FanStory wrote to Katya: Vegans! finished second in the contest "Political Soapbox"
    RFL: Well done my FanStory friend! Rona -
    judiverse: Congratulations on your second place finish. Hope to see more script events coming up! judiverse -


Katya: I'm shiting my reviewing criteria a bit. My comments will remain the same, but I'm going to start giving four stars rather than five more often.
I was following the advice of someone who said to just give everyone a five, and while that cuts down on the time spent on reviews admirably, on on the stress too, I just don't feel at peace with it.
The trouble is, some work is really better, and I would like to give it more credit. And some work is not as good as it could be, and I don't like saying that it is.
But I fear the reactions of disappointed writers who want a five from me when they get a four. And i don't wan't to discourage anyone.
So, I am going to give this more realistic star method a fair trial, just as I gave the all-five method.
We'll see how it works.
    mrsmajor: Under the section called.."frequently asked questions"...there is an explanation on giving stars...it goes from 1 star to 6, star and can be helpful when reviewing...Ive been on this site for 13 years, and I don't think giving all pieces 5 stars is helpful at all...I prefer reading fewer pieces and giving fair, and helpful reviews...5 stars for me, is telling the writer their work doesn't need any corrections...and to give 5 stars to a piece that Does need some changes, isn't a good idea...it isn't helping the writer at all....Its the helpful reviews that has helped me through these 13 years..and I prefer those reviews to be honest and fair...It takes time to find one's voice in writing, ..and the reviews will help... -
    JosieL: Personally I like your honesty. I like the star rating but learn most from the comments. Constructive criticism is meant to be helpful. That?s why I post. I want someone to be honest and help me be a better writer. Thank you.
    Your comment stung at first but not for long, lol. -
    giraffmang: Stick to the site guidelines. You'll get a few folk who don't like it but on the whole the vast majority are very accepting, providing there are useful suggestions to accompany it. -
    damommy: I agree with Giraffmang. Most of us want CONSTRUCTIVE criticism. A true critique. -
    nor84: Great, Katya. 5 stars means an entry is exceptional now, but when I joined in 2007, it meant 'publishable.' Everyone on the site is not yet writing exceptional work. Giving someone 5 stars when the story or poem needs work tells the writer it's perfect. He or she doesn't improve their craft because they are never told about errors or how to fix them. One day, they try to publish and learn the truth.

    All of us appreciate a five-star review, but this site would be a better place if people reviewed according to the site's guidelines and tried to assist fellow writers. -


Katya: I believe all art is a interchange between the creative child within and the educated sensibilities of the artist. To me, the best lyric poems articulate deep experience, and bring the reader into a little more awareness of their own depths. A good poem is a friend for life, to which you can resort whenever needed. I love the experience when the writing works.