Advice to New Fanstorians
Viewing comments for Chapter 11 "With Due Respect"Tips and advice for the new members
30 total reviews
Comment from Annmuma
I certainly agree with your primary points: be honest, be kind, share the best that you have to offer - whether it be criticism or praise. At least, that's what I got from you post, well explained and expanded upon. Good job. ann
reply by the author on 24-Jan-2024
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I certainly agree with your primary points: be honest, be kind, share the best that you have to offer - whether it be criticism or praise. At least, that's what I got from you post, well explained and expanded upon. Good job. ann
Comment Written 24-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 24-Jan-2024
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Thank you Ann, for your positive and encouraging review. Yes those were my main points, and although the piece was reviewed positively, it's unlikely to produce any change, I think.
Wendy
Comment from papa55mike
I see the Trolls have been busy, lately. This is the third essay I've read about reviewing, yours and Wayne's are the best. I've been on Fanstory for many years and took my lumps in the beginning but with a grain of salt. I was learning to be a better writer. But there are times. What a wonderfully written piece. Best of luck with your writing!
Have a great day, and God bless.
mike
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2024
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I see the Trolls have been busy, lately. This is the third essay I've read about reviewing, yours and Wayne's are the best. I've been on Fanstory for many years and took my lumps in the beginning but with a grain of salt. I was learning to be a better writer. But there are times. What a wonderfully written piece. Best of luck with your writing!
Have a great day, and God bless.
mike
Comment Written 22-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 22-Jan-2024
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Hi Mike, That will be because Lyenochka made a book, and asked people to add chapters ... Thanks so much for a very positive review. Always much appreciated. (Haven't seen you much lately. Are you ok?)
Wendy
Comment from kahpot
Excellent, and I agree on most counts, if I may speak personally, I am of little schooling, have only learned about syllables, meter, etc. from this site, I am trying my hand at prose, though grammar and punctuation fail me, so just to touch on your reviewing points, that a work should only be awarded six stars if all of the above is perfect, I have awarded many six stars in my reviews, I do so for what touches me, along with rhyme and flow and for prose the emotion of the read, I cannot help a great deal for what I do not have a grasp of, this however should not stop me from awarding what my mind reads, poetry or prose, like writing, while reviewing we must e true to ourselves and our fellow writers, (sorry if I babbled) but I thoroughly enjoyed this read****kahpot
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2024
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Excellent, and I agree on most counts, if I may speak personally, I am of little schooling, have only learned about syllables, meter, etc. from this site, I am trying my hand at prose, though grammar and punctuation fail me, so just to touch on your reviewing points, that a work should only be awarded six stars if all of the above is perfect, I have awarded many six stars in my reviews, I do so for what touches me, along with rhyme and flow and for prose the emotion of the read, I cannot help a great deal for what I do not have a grasp of, this however should not stop me from awarding what my mind reads, poetry or prose, like writing, while reviewing we must e true to ourselves and our fellow writers, (sorry if I babbled) but I thoroughly enjoyed this read****kahpot
Comment Written 21-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2024
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Thank you so much for reviewing, much appreciated. A piece doesn't need to be perfect to get six stars from me. But it does have to "grab" me. I think you are quite right to award as you do, for the power of emotions and feelings is so much more important than spelling (an editor can fix such things if necessary). So yes, to a large extent I too go with my gut feeling re six stars but there are lots of amazing pieces so I suppose I tend to favour the ones that show originality, creativity and careful thought, the ones that make sense and stand out for some reason. Don't worry about "babbling", I think we are all trying to work out how to review the best we can. But my emphasis was meant to be on respect and thoughtfulness for whatever we write or review or however we respond to reviewers.
I appreciate your time and thought, and encouragement.
Wendy
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
Great advice here for long standing members and newbies Wendy. You make some valid points here and I agree with you. I have learned so much on Fanstory with the help and kindness of others. I can always recognise a good helpful review and appreciate them, a fine post with helpful tips for reviewing, love Dolly x
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2024
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Great advice here for long standing members and newbies Wendy. You make some valid points here and I agree with you. I have learned so much on Fanstory with the help and kindness of others. I can always recognise a good helpful review and appreciate them, a fine post with helpful tips for reviewing, love Dolly x
Comment Written 21-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2024
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Thank you very much Dolly. I appreciate your thoughts here.
Me too. I prefer honest,thoughtful, and helpful reviews over ones that say nice things only for the money. If I can improve, I want to.
Wendy
Comment from lancellot
Hmm, I agree with many sentiments written here, but I have to say, there are a lot of generalizations. The post begins and ends with generalizations.
Begins: First and foremost, this is a writing site, and we are all here to learn and grow as writers, and we are all here to help others to do likewise. We are all encouraged by each other, and by the friendships that form,
Ends: We all want this to be a writing site of excellence, a place of mutual encouragement and help, a place where we can learn and grow.
We want a place where we can give and receive honest and helpful feedback offered with thought, care and respect.
The issue with generalizations, is they often are not true, even the writers knows, or should, as no one know what other people want, feel or motivations are. Also, I have seen, and I bet the author too, writers who do not give their all, don't want to learn or improve, want only praise, or therapy and so on...
Writing is art. And is subjective. FanStory is, as far as I know, comprised on only adults. But more and more it seems some adults have the thin skin of children. Also, are friends the best people to give honest feedback? Will they?
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2024
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Hmm, I agree with many sentiments written here, but I have to say, there are a lot of generalizations. The post begins and ends with generalizations.
Begins: First and foremost, this is a writing site, and we are all here to learn and grow as writers, and we are all here to help others to do likewise. We are all encouraged by each other, and by the friendships that form,
Ends: We all want this to be a writing site of excellence, a place of mutual encouragement and help, a place where we can learn and grow.
We want a place where we can give and receive honest and helpful feedback offered with thought, care and respect.
The issue with generalizations, is they often are not true, even the writers knows, or should, as no one know what other people want, feel or motivations are. Also, I have seen, and I bet the author too, writers who do not give their all, don't want to learn or improve, want only praise, or therapy and so on...
Writing is art. And is subjective. FanStory is, as far as I know, comprised on only adults. But more and more it seems some adults have the thin skin of children. Also, are friends the best people to give honest feedback? Will they?
Comment Written 21-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2024
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Hi Lancellot,
Thank you for this very thoughtful - and insightful - review, and I feel you are exactly right re the generalisations. They were indeed assumptions on my part, but apparently, (as it has been pointed out to me by others as well), there are some here who just want to write, and don't particularly care about improvement. And of course others who don't see any need for improvement. So, in reviewing, one needs to know in which camp the writer is, and tailor the review in a respectful way, towards their purpose.
I myself don't have a huge number of reviewers, but I do have a core group who will be very honest with me, and nitpick my work, because they know I want my writing to be good. And I do count them as friends because of their honesty and respect. I appreciate them greatly and value their judgment.
So, many thanks for your honesty here, and I am going to adjust both my beginning and my ending accordingly.
Wendy
Comment from Gloria ....
Very well written. Consistent, logical and easy to read and remember. The overall motif of this is a writing site is an important idea to keep at the front of one's mind while reviewing.
There is definitely never the need to be disrespectful, in reply, even if a reviewer has been rude. The best thing to do is ignore, or just say thank you.
Yours is a fine addition to this book of advice for new members, and I hope it is made available for easy access to them.
Much enjoyed this Wendy. :)
Gloria
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2024
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Very well written. Consistent, logical and easy to read and remember. The overall motif of this is a writing site is an important idea to keep at the front of one's mind while reviewing.
There is definitely never the need to be disrespectful, in reply, even if a reviewer has been rude. The best thing to do is ignore, or just say thank you.
Yours is a fine addition to this book of advice for new members, and I hope it is made available for easy access to them.
Much enjoyed this Wendy. :)
Gloria
Comment Written 20-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2024
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Thank you very much, Gloria, for your thoughtful review, and encouraging words, as well as for the six stars. I am very appreciative. However, I might change the beginning and ending to "most ..." rather than "all" as it has been pointed out that I don't know everyone's motivations, and that some people just want to write and don't really worry about improving, and of course there are others who will never see that improvement may be helpful .... So the beginning and the ending are both generalisations.
Thank you again for your support.
Much appreciated, always.
Wendy
Comment from Jumbo J
Hi Wendy,
yes, you are so right, this is a writing site first and foremost. But in saying that, we are all here for our own experience. Whether that be honing and sharpening our skills in the search of own goals, which of course also varies depending on what those goals may be. Enjoying the connection to like-minded souls, or those just satisfied to read, review and post because they enjoy the community/family atmosphere.
Or, hopefully all of the above.
No doubt, every writer on site wants to give the best of themselves and improve with every post, but I should mention, that practice should be the very same when reviewing. But of course, everyone has their own take on that. Me personally, I only offer suggestions if I can see the value to the writer. Most of what and how I review you already know... I am an emotional reviewer. I read and react from what I have read with honesty, heart and respect in the knowing, someone put a great deal of effort to post their baby.
Personally, I give great consideration and thought when I review anyone's work... and I don't care how long that may take a procrastinator such as me, as we are all here foremost in the pursuit of joy... well that an achievement, whilst been able to be on a site where both excellence and community is abundant.
Well written Wendy and good advice to add to this Multi-Author Book.
I enjoyed reading your well composed thoughts.
With our thoughts we create...
our own personal touch.
Kind regards,
James.
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2024
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Hi Wendy,
yes, you are so right, this is a writing site first and foremost. But in saying that, we are all here for our own experience. Whether that be honing and sharpening our skills in the search of own goals, which of course also varies depending on what those goals may be. Enjoying the connection to like-minded souls, or those just satisfied to read, review and post because they enjoy the community/family atmosphere.
Or, hopefully all of the above.
No doubt, every writer on site wants to give the best of themselves and improve with every post, but I should mention, that practice should be the very same when reviewing. But of course, everyone has their own take on that. Me personally, I only offer suggestions if I can see the value to the writer. Most of what and how I review you already know... I am an emotional reviewer. I read and react from what I have read with honesty, heart and respect in the knowing, someone put a great deal of effort to post their baby.
Personally, I give great consideration and thought when I review anyone's work... and I don't care how long that may take a procrastinator such as me, as we are all here foremost in the pursuit of joy... well that an achievement, whilst been able to be on a site where both excellence and community is abundant.
Well written Wendy and good advice to add to this Multi-Author Book.
I enjoyed reading your well composed thoughts.
With our thoughts we create...
our own personal touch.
Kind regards,
James.
Comment Written 20-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2024
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Hi James,
Yes, you are quite right, and your thoughtful review makes me feel I should avoid the generalisation that we are all here wanting to improve, and change my opening and closing. Some ARE here just for the sense of community and family and friendship, and that is fine too. I think I should have made it shorter, without those initial assumptions and said a simple thing like "Be honest, be thoughtful, be kind and respectful" and "No personal attacks if you disagree with another's writing". On the whole though, there is a striving for excellence plus a desire for friendship, so perhaps the balance here is good.
And I always love your thoughtful reviews; they are always encouraging and insightful, so, many thanks to you. I guess in reviewing, we do need to know whether the writer simply wants to write, but not necessarily improve, and tailor our words accordingly.
Thanks again.
Wendy
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Diversity is the real spice of life Wendy.
It's as you say and do my good friend... respecting others, being honest, thoughtful and kind.
I thought your post is very well written... but that is a common occurrence where you and your writing is concerned. I know when you post and I get the chance to read your work, It is always going to be a good read. You're a very intelligent writer Wendy with a magnitude of depth... and I believe I know your heart well enough to say... you care for and about life of all description. I believe you are all about integrity, compassion forgiveness and yes, respect.
Please do not second guess anything that you wrote... I was just moved by the narrative to throw in on it... like I said... emotional reviewer:)
Kindest regards,
James.
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James, I love your responses from the heart! You are one of the most encouraging reviewers I know. To offer an emotional review based on how a piece moved you - that's pure gold!
Wendy
Comment from John Ciarmello
Hi Wendy.
While I agree with a good portion of your article, I am set aback by what you construed as inappropriate.
I'm more than aware that you understand, as a writer and a reviewer, that folks don't start with undesirable intent when writing a piece or reviewing another's work.
There are different tastes and ways people express their excitement or dislike for a piece of writing.
As a writing community, I believe with a lot of your aforementioned, we can rise to the occasion, and I agree with you that we should. But how one reacts to a piece, whether it is flattery, praise, or six stars, is where we should follow our hearts and embrace our freedoms to express ourselves as individuals and not collapse the site's grandeur into a box of non-intent.
I respect you as a person, writer, and reviewer, and none of my opinions is meant with malice. I'm simply a big believer in praise and flattery if warranted, and giving six stars merited solely on personal emotion as a reviewer and not demoting my rating and my emotion on punctuation and grammar mistakes. However, I do respect your thoughts, my friend. Best, JohnC
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2024
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Hi Wendy.
While I agree with a good portion of your article, I am set aback by what you construed as inappropriate.
I'm more than aware that you understand, as a writer and a reviewer, that folks don't start with undesirable intent when writing a piece or reviewing another's work.
There are different tastes and ways people express their excitement or dislike for a piece of writing.
As a writing community, I believe with a lot of your aforementioned, we can rise to the occasion, and I agree with you that we should. But how one reacts to a piece, whether it is flattery, praise, or six stars, is where we should follow our hearts and embrace our freedoms to express ourselves as individuals and not collapse the site's grandeur into a box of non-intent.
I respect you as a person, writer, and reviewer, and none of my opinions is meant with malice. I'm simply a big believer in praise and flattery if warranted, and giving six stars merited solely on personal emotion as a reviewer and not demoting my rating and my emotion on punctuation and grammar mistakes. However, I do respect your thoughts, my friend. Best, JohnC
Comment Written 20-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2024
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Thank you, John, for your thoughtful review. You are quite right. I too definitely believe in genuine praise, but there are pieces of writing which are extremely poor in every way, not just spelling or grammar (which to me are less important than content) but pay well for reviews. I don't believe in writing nice things just to get the money. I just prefer not to review them. And I certainly do give six stars when there are "errors", but if there is no evidence of even basic sentence structure or punctuation anywhere, then I can't with all honesty say it is outstanding writing. But it would get five for theme and content and originality. That's just my way, and everyone does it their own way.
But I don't like personal attacks when someone has disagreed with my thoughts, and I have had some (occasional) surprisingly vile and unpleasant, and judgemental ones, and that to me is inappropriate and unacceptable.
I hope I haven't upset half the people on the site, as that was not my intention, and I myself need the reminders about reviewing and responding as well.
Thanks again.
Wendy
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Oh, Wendy, I hope I didn't come across to you as upset and I'm sure your notes were well-received throughout the FS community. I highly respect your writing and professionalism. Thank you for your gracious response, my friend.
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No John, all good, and absolutely fine. I knew you weren't upset, but being thoughtful and constructive. (I don't demote for poor spelling etc, but I just don't advance it to a six.) And some of the attacks I've received (fortunately, few) have been personal, unjustified and cruel, intentionally hurtful. Some apologised later, which was good. I respect your thoughts and words, and I just hope my article didn't come across as being too harsh. Thank you again. I respect you and your work as well.
Wendy
Comment from Teri7
Wendy, Thank you for taking time to write this helpful and insightful piece about reviewing. I have had a few give me a very low rating; such as two stars. Their reason was the poem was too short, but it was one of those word requirement poems. I have to write at my own pace these days and review at my own pace due to health issues. I do appreciate you and hope to read more of your work soon my friend! love and blessings, Teri
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2024
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Wendy, Thank you for taking time to write this helpful and insightful piece about reviewing. I have had a few give me a very low rating; such as two stars. Their reason was the poem was too short, but it was one of those word requirement poems. I have to write at my own pace these days and review at my own pace due to health issues. I do appreciate you and hope to read more of your work soon my friend! love and blessings, Teri
Comment Written 20-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2024
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Thank you Teri, for your wonderfully encouraging review. Sorry to hear about your health issues, and you will defiitely need to pace yourself. May you have peace and strength throughout each day. I hope to post another piece this evening. Love and blessings to you too.
Wendy
Comment from Lisasview
This is an excellent write from you Wendy. I find it rather interesting that I have read so many other writers expressing the same information in their own way, this week.
Yours is beautifully detailed and expresses my feelings.
I too post way less than most because I want to be sure that with each post I have spent enough time to edit and re edit if need be.
I appreciate the time you took to write this.
Thank you very much Wendy,
Lisa
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2024
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This is an excellent write from you Wendy. I find it rather interesting that I have read so many other writers expressing the same information in their own way, this week.
Yours is beautifully detailed and expresses my feelings.
I too post way less than most because I want to be sure that with each post I have spent enough time to edit and re edit if need be.
I appreciate the time you took to write this.
Thank you very much Wendy,
Lisa
Comment Written 20-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 21-Jan-2024
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Thank you very much Lisa for your encouraging words, and I am similar. I prefer to try my best before I post, to get it right, but I am always thankful for those who suggest different thoughts or perspectives, or ways to improve. Fresh eyes are always good.
Thanks again.
Wendy
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Hi Wendy,
I always appreciate the help of other writers... Typos are so easy to make...
Lisa