Advice to New Fanstorians
Viewing comments for Chapter 1 "Reviewing for New Fanstorians"Tips and advice for the new members
50 total reviews
Comment from LovnPeace
When I was new in 2005, I was nearly illegitimate. It was harsh on here then. Wear a tough skin. Remember who you are writing for. Try to learn from the best. Ther were impressive writers here then as now. It is a softer membership noe but still much to learn. My need to write was/is far beyond my means, but I try to review as much as I can. Not sure what I contribute in that department, but I am still often in Awe of the talent on this site. God Bless you for helping others. XO B
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2024
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When I was new in 2005, I was nearly illegitimate. It was harsh on here then. Wear a tough skin. Remember who you are writing for. Try to learn from the best. Ther were impressive writers here then as now. It is a softer membership noe but still much to learn. My need to write was/is far beyond my means, but I try to review as much as I can. Not sure what I contribute in that department, but I am still often in Awe of the talent on this site. God Bless you for helping others. XO B
Comment Written 12-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2024
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Lol. I think you meant "illiterate" dear Barbara! I'd never question your birth! Thank you so much for your witness here! That's the real contribution you have here. Appreciate the time and effort you made to review considering how you are. Hugs and prayers.
Comment from Jim Wile
I loved your down-to-earth tips and advice in this post, Helen. I can identify with so much of it including the difficulty of getting through my in-box sometimes. I'm sure you have it tougher than me with many more fans.
I try to sometimes read from the Up Next queue, and occasionally find some treasures there. I enjoyed your promotion style list, especially the once-a-week promoter. But you left off the "always promoter" like you and me. This takes a combination of lots of reviewing and lots of member dollar purchases, which perhaps many members aren't able or willing to do.
I'm really glad you started this book, and I was happy to add a chapter to it. A lot of people seem to be reading it. I just hope the newbies are seeing it and not just the old timers. I promoted mine so that it would make the Featured Stories list, but it's been out-promoted and dropped off. I think I will pump it some more which should help all 3 chapters be read more. - Jim
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2024
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I loved your down-to-earth tips and advice in this post, Helen. I can identify with so much of it including the difficulty of getting through my in-box sometimes. I'm sure you have it tougher than me with many more fans.
I try to sometimes read from the Up Next queue, and occasionally find some treasures there. I enjoyed your promotion style list, especially the once-a-week promoter. But you left off the "always promoter" like you and me. This takes a combination of lots of reviewing and lots of member dollar purchases, which perhaps many members aren't able or willing to do.
I'm really glad you started this book, and I was happy to add a chapter to it. A lot of people seem to be reading it. I just hope the newbies are seeing it and not just the old timers. I promoted mine so that it would make the Featured Stories list, but it's been out-promoted and dropped off. I think I will pump it some more which should help all 3 chapters be read more. - Jim
Comment Written 12-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2024
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Thank you so much, Jim! I was thinking if this book takes off with enough chapters to bring it to Tom's attention. So where the Help article lists the promotion etc. he could provide a link to this book so new members can browse through the chapters. It's worth a try. Those book balloons don't really work, I've been told. Loved your chapter! So helpful. Hugs!
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I was thinking along those same lines--about having Tom provide a link to the book. I think it would be very helpful to newbies.
I see that Sandra has added a chapter. I hope a few others will as well. This is a great service, and I thank you for getting the ball rolling.
Comment from evilynne
First, your writing is excellent as always. I did find your article helpful, but I'm a lousy reviewer. I usually review all the work of those listed in my inbox, the members I am following. I do at times skip to the front page. I admit to trying to build up my member dollars so that I can promote my own work. I enjoy reading and giving encouragement, perhaps offering some suggestions. I do not feel very comfortable about make corrections, especially in regard to grammar, as I always feel unsure about some of the rules. I certainly always appreciate input regarding my rating and am more interested in the comments than the star rating. Ok, I admit I get pumped by a six star rating! Sometimes I have to wait to promote while I earn the member dollars, but we do get two complimentary reviews. Oh, I've been around for a while and am not new! Thank you for the informative article! Evi
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2024
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First, your writing is excellent as always. I did find your article helpful, but I'm a lousy reviewer. I usually review all the work of those listed in my inbox, the members I am following. I do at times skip to the front page. I admit to trying to build up my member dollars so that I can promote my own work. I enjoy reading and giving encouragement, perhaps offering some suggestions. I do not feel very comfortable about make corrections, especially in regard to grammar, as I always feel unsure about some of the rules. I certainly always appreciate input regarding my rating and am more interested in the comments than the star rating. Ok, I admit I get pumped by a six star rating! Sometimes I have to wait to promote while I earn the member dollars, but we do get two complimentary reviews. Oh, I've been around for a while and am not new! Thank you for the informative article! Evi
Comment Written 12-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2024
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Thank you so much, Evi! This is a book that will help us old-timers, too. Reading the chapters by others also helped me.
Appreciate the many stars and am always happy to see your posts. Hugs!
Comment from T B Botts
Hello Helen,
I'm not sure what you mean about reviewing the front page. I click on my messages and review the people that I'm following, but I don't know about the front page. If I get busy and don't get on the computer for a day or two, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Some folks are posting two or three times a day, and I can't keep up.
I always am surprised at the number of people who will open your post, but not comment. I don't know if they don't like the content, or what the deal is. Oh well, their loss I guess. Thanks for sharing gal. You're always so generous. Russian? Is there anything you don't know? You must have crammed two or three lifetimes into your few years. Amazing.
Have a blessed evening gal.
Tom
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2024
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Hello Helen,
I'm not sure what you mean about reviewing the front page. I click on my messages and review the people that I'm following, but I don't know about the front page. If I get busy and don't get on the computer for a day or two, it's easy to get overwhelmed. Some folks are posting two or three times a day, and I can't keep up.
I always am surprised at the number of people who will open your post, but not comment. I don't know if they don't like the content, or what the deal is. Oh well, their loss I guess. Thanks for sharing gal. You're always so generous. Russian? Is there anything you don't know? You must have crammed two or three lifetimes into your few years. Amazing.
Have a blessed evening gal.
Tom
Comment Written 12-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2024
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Thanks for reviewing, Tom. I thought I clarified that in a recent edit. When you first logon to Fanstory, that's the Home Page or Front Page. It starts with news and then scrolling down you see the Up Next/Bonus Reviewing. Keep scrolling down and you'll see the Featured Poems and Stories. That's what I mean by the Front Page.
I totally agree that I can't keep up with the multiple posters. There's not enough time in this "lifetime", right?
Appreciate you, Tom! Hugs!
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Thanks so much Helen,
you are always so helpful, I appreciate your kindness gal.
Blessings,
Tom
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
I love the title.... "Sneaky promoter" lol so funny.
I think i fall into the "Unpredictable" ... it's hard for me to review because Atticus requires attention (we just found out he has ADHD) and I'm a slow reader. I usually go through my inbox first and then the homepage if I have time, I have an average of 30 reviews a day. I go through my favorite first and then the rest if I have time. I can't imagine how many writers you review.
Unpredictable promoter. Promotes old post from years gone by hoping to reach an All Time Best
I didn't know that the new ratings would not apply to this year's ranking..... interesting...
Thank you for the information, it's very helpful.
BTW... why did you major on Russian literature? It's interesting.
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2024
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I love the title.... "Sneaky promoter" lol so funny.
I think i fall into the "Unpredictable" ... it's hard for me to review because Atticus requires attention (we just found out he has ADHD) and I'm a slow reader. I usually go through my inbox first and then the homepage if I have time, I have an average of 30 reviews a day. I go through my favorite first and then the rest if I have time. I can't imagine how many writers you review.
Unpredictable promoter. Promotes old post from years gone by hoping to reach an All Time Best
I didn't know that the new ratings would not apply to this year's ranking..... interesting...
Thank you for the information, it's very helpful.
BTW... why did you major on Russian literature? It's interesting.
Comment Written 12-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2024
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I'm glad you learned something new about the old posts not counting! Thanks for noting that.
I guess I felt comfortable with Russian because I started learning it in 7th grade. Thanks so much, MariVal! Hugs!
Comment from Liz O'Neill
I agree with this glitch: "But rating someone else's work was rather daunting. Even when I taught community college students, I didn't like grading because it changed the focus from learning to earning the grade." Fortunately, many like me, write for enjoyment. Unfortunately don't know that about me and feel I want to be taught lessons and score me to call my attention to their teachings.
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2024
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I agree with this glitch: "But rating someone else's work was rather daunting. Even when I taught community college students, I didn't like grading because it changed the focus from learning to earning the grade." Fortunately, many like me, write for enjoyment. Unfortunately don't know that about me and feel I want to be taught lessons and score me to call my attention to their teachings.
Comment Written 12-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 12-Jan-2024
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Yes, you actually taught writing so that would be annoying to receive a pedantic review. Thanks for reviewing, Liz! Hugs!
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Gallows laugh....hugs
Comment from Daylily
This is an outstanding posting, Helen. It also reveals your kind heart through thinking about helping Newbies wind their way through the site process and then actually doing it. You have offered some excellent points to established members, as well. X X Lily
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
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This is an outstanding posting, Helen. It also reveals your kind heart through thinking about helping Newbies wind their way through the site process and then actually doing it. You have offered some excellent points to established members, as well. X X Lily
Comment Written 11-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
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Thank you, Lily! I hope you add a chapter also!
I know there are so many tips that I can still learn from. I figured a number of people got Fanstory memberships as Christmas gifts so I hope they will read. Appreciate the super rating, too! Hugs!
Comment from Carol Clark2
Good and helpful advice. How does one find the bonus writing? Sometimes those pop up and I check them out, but I really don't know how to find them otherwise. Also, when you mention Front Page, does that mean the first page of your inbox, or is there something else I'm missing? Yes, we definitely need a tutorial for newbies!
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
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Good and helpful advice. How does one find the bonus writing? Sometimes those pop up and I check them out, but I really don't know how to find them otherwise. Also, when you mention Front Page, does that mean the first page of your inbox, or is there something else I'm missing? Yes, we definitely need a tutorial for newbies!
Comment Written 11-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
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Oh I should clarify those things! When you first log on to Fanstory you see the Front Page. I leave my tabs up overnight so I often don't go there at all. But if you scroll down the news, on the righthand column, you should see Up Next (in small print Bonus Reviewing). Also, on the bottom you might see a number Bonus Reviewing 28. So that's where you might find it. Also, After you have saved a review, it advertises a Bonus Review on the right hand side. Hope this helps! Hugs!
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Thank you! I'll check those out. Nice to know. I just printed your instructions so I remember them. Hugs!
Comment from LateBloomer
Hi Helen, you did a great job organizing the reviewing process. I am like you in this regard:
I'm such a creature of habit, that I still slog away at my Inbox listing, and then it's too late to do anything else.
(I always felt that I "owed" my loyalty to my fans first, but last year, I started to change my ways and rotate back and forth between my in-box and the front-page writing. Also, last year, I began to read from the top of my in-box vs. the bottom first. I guess that I'm a slow learner. Lol, but true.)
Well done, and a most helpful writing for newbies as well as people who have been around FS for a long time. Xo. M
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
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Hi Helen, you did a great job organizing the reviewing process. I am like you in this regard:
I'm such a creature of habit, that I still slog away at my Inbox listing, and then it's too late to do anything else.
(I always felt that I "owed" my loyalty to my fans first, but last year, I started to change my ways and rotate back and forth between my in-box and the front-page writing. Also, last year, I began to read from the top of my in-box vs. the bottom first. I guess that I'm a slow learner. Lol, but true.)
Well done, and a most helpful writing for newbies as well as people who have been around FS for a long time. Xo. M
Comment Written 11-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
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Thank you so much, Margaret! How hard to review from the bottom because it always takes you to the top! Thanks for sharing and I hope you met some new people from the Front Page!
Hugs!
Comment from aryr
This was very well done, Helen. Oh, I hear congratulations are in order. Back to your recent entry, this was a well done piece and very informative. It is a new information to a newbie but a refresher for the rest of us. Blessings n Hugs!!!
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
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This was very well done, Helen. Oh, I hear congratulations are in order. Back to your recent entry, this was a well done piece and very informative. It is a new information to a newbie but a refresher for the rest of us. Blessings n Hugs!!!
Comment Written 11-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
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Thank you, Alie! I'm sure you have some tips to share with newbies so if you have time, please add a chapter.
Hugs!
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No newbies today! You are so very welcome, Helen.