These Contests Are Rigged!
An Earth Shaking Essay35 total reviews
Comment from Spitfire
What a perfect picture for your essay. You bring out some very good points about entering contests as well as airing major complaints. I entered the contest on Dean Kuch, got rave reviews, but one day it ended, I took a second look at the rules and noticed I needed 101 more words! An easy fix with a day to add material. I didn't win, but hey, I got my first script of the year done.
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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What a perfect picture for your essay. You bring out some very good points about entering contests as well as airing major complaints. I entered the contest on Dean Kuch, got rave reviews, but one day it ended, I took a second look at the rules and noticed I needed 101 more words! An easy fix with a day to add material. I didn't win, but hey, I got my first script of the year done.
Comment Written 02-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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I entered early and thought I had a winner. Then killer entries started showing up from everywhere. Wow. Well, A great battle for second place. I'm glad I didn't have to choose a winner. I need to stop by and get caught up. They went crazy posting and I'm even more buried than usual. New Years resolution... mikey
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I've had that happen too. I enter the contest about Dean and felt pretty positive until I read the one that took the prize. Like me, I bet you read the entries posted under the prompt's description before considering a win.
Comment from krys123
Mikey; I feel you are starting an unnecessary feud with other writers because of certain of your disappointments. I have seen in the past that you have one your share of contest and righteously so. You're a great writer and of course I only read your poetry because I don't read prose and maybe that's an inability and a fault of mine and I'm truly sorry that I offended you because of that. Everyone seems to now, after knowing an author's style, have a certain style among themselves that is like a signature so when reading it you know who the author is but that doesn't let me vote for them. I'm speaking only for myself but that's all I have to speak for. I don't know what it brought this on by you but I feel I'm sorry to see you in this way and with these feelings. By you calling some voters morons hurts me to see you even thinking like this. I try to write myself above men negativity but sometimes I fall into that category but I very hardly tried to express it to others.
I feel that you are very hurt and disturbed on this subject and I hope in any way that I could relieve your discomfort just tell me. I consider you a very true friend and an excellent artist. Anna thank you for sharing what you feel in this essay and may the Lord be with you always Mikey.
Alex
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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Mikey; I feel you are starting an unnecessary feud with other writers because of certain of your disappointments. I have seen in the past that you have one your share of contest and righteously so. You're a great writer and of course I only read your poetry because I don't read prose and maybe that's an inability and a fault of mine and I'm truly sorry that I offended you because of that. Everyone seems to now, after knowing an author's style, have a certain style among themselves that is like a signature so when reading it you know who the author is but that doesn't let me vote for them. I'm speaking only for myself but that's all I have to speak for. I don't know what it brought this on by you but I feel I'm sorry to see you in this way and with these feelings. By you calling some voters morons hurts me to see you even thinking like this. I try to write myself above men negativity but sometimes I fall into that category but I very hardly tried to express it to others.
I feel that you are very hurt and disturbed on this subject and I hope in any way that I could relieve your discomfort just tell me. I consider you a very true friend and an excellent artist. Anna thank you for sharing what you feel in this essay and may the Lord be with you always Mikey.
Alex
Comment Written 02-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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Hi, Alex. My wife had the same reaction. This was all for fun. I'm just kidding. I'm not unhappy or disappointed. I'm sorry it came across that way to you. Most of the readers took it all in fun, but I must admit that a couple thought I was being serious. I thank you for your honest response. That will keep my on my toes. I really didn't take the time to think that someone might take it seriously and for that I apologize. Every time I receive a review from you it brightens my spirits. You were one of the first to welcome me here and I remember how much it meant to me at the time and try and pass that along now that I'm an old timer!! All's well my friend. Blessings, mikey
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No problem Mikey I understand now. Just maybe into sensitive at times.
Take care my friend. :-)
Alex
Comment from Dean Kuch
Many rant and rave about the prompts being old, tired and passe, but no one cares enough to create something fresh and innovative. When someone does have the gumption and takes the initiative to create something original, very few (if any!) care enough to enter. I've seen it happen time and time again here, for whatever reasons. If you want a new prompt, then get off of your lazy asses and create one folks, instead of using your five bucks of funny money to enter another tired, ridden-to-death-horse of a prompt. It ain't that difficult. Hell, if me and Mikey can do it, then anybody can, heh-heh...
Good stuff, Mikey. So, you've been losing contests cause folks thought your work was mine, huh?
Welcome to my world, LOL... ;)
~Dean
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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Many rant and rave about the prompts being old, tired and passe, but no one cares enough to create something fresh and innovative. When someone does have the gumption and takes the initiative to create something original, very few (if any!) care enough to enter. I've seen it happen time and time again here, for whatever reasons. If you want a new prompt, then get off of your lazy asses and create one folks, instead of using your five bucks of funny money to enter another tired, ridden-to-death-horse of a prompt. It ain't that difficult. Hell, if me and Mikey can do it, then anybody can, heh-heh...
Good stuff, Mikey. So, you've been losing contests cause folks thought your work was mine, huh?
Welcome to my world, LOL... ;)
~Dean
Comment Written 02-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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We should have a real rant about losing to a puppy picture when the poem attached doesn't mean a thing without the picture!!! Ha! Well, this was fun to write. Last time I checked I was no great genius. You ... well, you might be! Hahaha. I'm still not afraid!!! I've lost about five in a row, I'm due! mikey
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Nope, no geniuses live in my house, Mikey, unless you count my Chihuahua. She's pretty smart for a dog, LOL.
I'd say you are due for a win. I hope we're in different contests when you get it, though, heh-heh... ;)
Comment from joann r romei
This made me laugh, i won a few contests in the past, legally, but i have to agree with some of the things you mentioned in the work posted. Id rather lose than win by falsity, but there is token money and ranking involved here .so........
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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This made me laugh, i won a few contests in the past, legally, but i have to agree with some of the things you mentioned in the work posted. Id rather lose than win by falsity, but there is token money and ranking involved here .so........
Comment Written 02-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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So pleased this brought you some laughter. I'm with you, I like to win or lose fair and square. I think it's fun and I'm delighted with what I learn. Being a better writer is why I signed up. So, no complaints! mikey
Comment from amahra
LOL LOL LOL! Mikey, you are priceless. I laughed from the first sentence to the last word. This is the most truthful, daring and funniest rambling I've ever read anywhere. You are beautiful, Mikey. I love you. Don't ever leave this site. LOL LOL LOL!
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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LOL LOL LOL! Mikey, you are priceless. I laughed from the first sentence to the last word. This is the most truthful, daring and funniest rambling I've ever read anywhere. You are beautiful, Mikey. I love you. Don't ever leave this site. LOL LOL LOL!
Comment Written 02-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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I have the biggest smile now!! Thank you for making my day. Of course I'm never leaving. The rest of the world thinks I'm crazy!! Love you back! :)) mikey
Comment from Cedar
After reading your rant, I decided to give you a sixer for the way you presented your thoughts. I'm in my 7th year here, but don't write much anymore due to age and health issues. You mentioned to your readers and voters not to pay any attention to the pictures when voting. However, in many (if not all) of your entries, you use "two pictures." What's up with that? You also mentioned that the writers should be afraid of "Mikey, Dean and Domino" when entering contests. That's a pretty damn strong statement. I will admit that Dean has the "horror poetry" monopolized. But, in my opinion, you're downgrading the talent of many exceptional writers on this site. Bill
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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After reading your rant, I decided to give you a sixer for the way you presented your thoughts. I'm in my 7th year here, but don't write much anymore due to age and health issues. You mentioned to your readers and voters not to pay any attention to the pictures when voting. However, in many (if not all) of your entries, you use "two pictures." What's up with that? You also mentioned that the writers should be afraid of "Mikey, Dean and Domino" when entering contests. That's a pretty damn strong statement. I will admit that Dean has the "horror poetry" monopolized. But, in my opinion, you're downgrading the talent of many exceptional writers on this site. Bill
Comment Written 02-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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Hi. I was just joking about Me, Dean and Domino. I just picked us out cause we get picked on from time to time. I agree completely that there are a lot of exceptional writers on this site and I would never intentionally downgrade them. I'm sorry if I gave that impression. Yes, I like the pictures! It's funny, my wife read this and said, "why are you writing such a mean piece?" She takes things literally. You can imagine how long suffering she is being married to me. Ha! Thanks so much for the great review. I hope you're feeling better. I always enjoy your work. mikey
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Well, Mikey (Michael) that's my middle name and also my son's. Your wife is probably right. Many of the readers of this piece will interpret it as your wife and I did. Especially the newbies. I'll have to say, it was a damn good rant though! Take care. Bill
Comment from Nosha17
Ooh, am I glad I am out of the rat race! I think it is the responsibility of the writer to make sure it has the correct number of syllables, not the reviewer; not that I care because I refrain from reviewing haikus as I don't like the form (as you know)Also, it's not only doggy or soldier pictures that suck people in, but also religious images. I've been reading comments from other reviewers, and quite a few people are getting annoyed at the site being used to express religious beliefs-debatable issue-a reference to a spiritual or religious aspect is OK.
Your commentary on contests was well written with your usual brand of sardonic humour (which I like)Enjoyable read. Faye
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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Ooh, am I glad I am out of the rat race! I think it is the responsibility of the writer to make sure it has the correct number of syllables, not the reviewer; not that I care because I refrain from reviewing haikus as I don't like the form (as you know)Also, it's not only doggy or soldier pictures that suck people in, but also religious images. I've been reading comments from other reviewers, and quite a few people are getting annoyed at the site being used to express religious beliefs-debatable issue-a reference to a spiritual or religious aspect is OK.
Your commentary on contests was well written with your usual brand of sardonic humour (which I like)Enjoyable read. Faye
Comment Written 02-Feb-2015
reply by the author on 02-Feb-2015
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Yes. I don't mind religious pieces IF they are well written poetry. So often they are not. I'm mainly talking about the folks who make not of the syllable count being perfect as though they HAVE counted them. :) I'm doing pretty good trying to stay out of the ratings race. It is soooo difficult for me. Hahaha. I really have to concentrate on writing and moving forward though! Glad you liked this, a fun write for me. Thank you so much. mikey
Comment from GracieAnn
Mikey, if I had 7 they'd be yours. This expose is fair and balanced to borrow a much aligned motto for Fox. It humorously lets the velvet hammer fall. True words and my first poems were unimpressive. Yes, I try to find as many newbies to fan as possible. Love the fresh blood, and no not like Dean, and great comments on his backgrounds. LOL. Yes, the picture and side videos and entertainment overshadow the writing content. Since I don't enter them, that if I vote in a booth I'm being little disingenuous. Bravo, my friend. :0 GracieAnn
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Mikey, if I had 7 they'd be yours. This expose is fair and balanced to borrow a much aligned motto for Fox. It humorously lets the velvet hammer fall. True words and my first poems were unimpressive. Yes, I try to find as many newbies to fan as possible. Love the fresh blood, and no not like Dean, and great comments on his backgrounds. LOL. Yes, the picture and side videos and entertainment overshadow the writing content. Since I don't enter them, that if I vote in a booth I'm being little disingenuous. Bravo, my friend. :0 GracieAnn
Comment Written 02-Feb-2015
Comment from flylikeaneagle
Mickey: Ok, now I've got your horse reins. When you "big boys" run the race, it is fun to read your work. I've gotten brave and started a contest of Be Fit and Eat Wise. I am so glad that mfowler won over me but my work got corrected many times. I won a few awards. Have you read this? "Change your attitude" is the piece in portfolio.
I am learning and meeting awesome people like you, Dean, royowens, Brooke, Honeycomb...actually talking about the snow and sunshine down under. But, I read more in their files and get to know them. I am not into big bucks, I read the little 2 cent guy's work. I try to vote. Here is where I get upset because people comment but forget to vote.
I enjoy my daughter's world history book. I am learning about Napoleon, the enlightment and Bismarck. Where is your next vision story going to be? I like your entries. You are creative. I have to go walk dogs now.
flylikeaneagle
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Mickey: Ok, now I've got your horse reins. When you "big boys" run the race, it is fun to read your work. I've gotten brave and started a contest of Be Fit and Eat Wise. I am so glad that mfowler won over me but my work got corrected many times. I won a few awards. Have you read this? "Change your attitude" is the piece in portfolio.
I am learning and meeting awesome people like you, Dean, royowens, Brooke, Honeycomb...actually talking about the snow and sunshine down under. But, I read more in their files and get to know them. I am not into big bucks, I read the little 2 cent guy's work. I try to vote. Here is where I get upset because people comment but forget to vote.
I enjoy my daughter's world history book. I am learning about Napoleon, the enlightment and Bismarck. Where is your next vision story going to be? I like your entries. You are creative. I have to go walk dogs now.
flylikeaneagle
Comment Written 02-Feb-2015
Comment from judiverse
This is great fun, and glad I know the difference between your writing and Dean's. I have learned to avoid contests in which you and Dean are entered. It cost me several member dollars, but now I'm wise! Reviewers should be kind and point out if the entry has something that would disqualify it (and that means several possibilities.) If a prompt subject pops up repeatedly, writers can prepare and have one ready to go the next time the subject comes up. You have a great point about learning different poetry forms. I didn't realize there were so many until I joined FS. Great presentation, this. I'm watching you and Dean! judi
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This is great fun, and glad I know the difference between your writing and Dean's. I have learned to avoid contests in which you and Dean are entered. It cost me several member dollars, but now I'm wise! Reviewers should be kind and point out if the entry has something that would disqualify it (and that means several possibilities.) If a prompt subject pops up repeatedly, writers can prepare and have one ready to go the next time the subject comes up. You have a great point about learning different poetry forms. I didn't realize there were so many until I joined FS. Great presentation, this. I'm watching you and Dean! judi
Comment Written 02-Feb-2015
