Five Star Reality
Contest Entry: FanStory Suggestions for 201941 total reviews
Comment from RichardFann
Hi Yvette,
Six stars!
Thanks for this critique. I often wonder what FanStory is about.
It's about meeting people like you,
If a writer is a good writer, she is likely to be writing to publish for money, and not wasting her time with FanStory.
In my opinion, most of the members are not experienced or skilled enough to give a critique, or a proper review. Myself included.
Probably you can help me improve, but not by your reviews of my work.
More likely, I would ask you a specific question and you would answer.
I that situation, FanStory would be just a platform. The same could be done via Facebook or some other interactive site. FanStory is a good place to meet those I respect as writers.
Before asking you the specific question, I will ask, can you help me in this way?
Thanks,
Richard.
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2019
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Hi Yvette,
Six stars!
Thanks for this critique. I often wonder what FanStory is about.
It's about meeting people like you,
If a writer is a good writer, she is likely to be writing to publish for money, and not wasting her time with FanStory.
In my opinion, most of the members are not experienced or skilled enough to give a critique, or a proper review. Myself included.
Probably you can help me improve, but not by your reviews of my work.
More likely, I would ask you a specific question and you would answer.
I that situation, FanStory would be just a platform. The same could be done via Facebook or some other interactive site. FanStory is a good place to meet those I respect as writers.
Before asking you the specific question, I will ask, can you help me in this way?
Thanks,
Richard.
Comment Written 01-Jan-2019
reply by the author on 01-Jan-2019
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Thanx so very much for these wonderful stars, Richard -- you have started my New Year off on the right foot! :) :) I do not know how else to help you except through the review process....will help with any other questions regarding 'navigating' FanStory although I have been on less than a year so, I'm sure there are others who are so very much more qualified...like any of those names in the 'Best of' box on the home page right now! :) :) I am not on Facebook for a reason. :) ;) Thank you again for dropping by -- be sure to drop in again anytime -- Happy New Year! :) :) Yvette
Comment from BeasPeas
Hi Yvette. I'm just now getting around to reading the results of the contests. Congratulations for your win. The most important question I can ask you is this:
How did it make you feel when you got less than 5 stars?
Is it okay to give less than 5 and expect the writer to be pleased, but to feel less than happy when you, yourself, receive the same rating?
All newbies tend to rate low. Why? Because they are trying to be honest. BUT, it's not a good practice. Rating low WILL get you muted and word spreads like wildfire across the site NOT to read YOUR work. In other words the less than 5-star-giver is shooting self in foot.
Do you want to be Ms. or Mr. Know-It-All or do you want to enjoy writing and reviewing for its own sake?
Many people on the site are seniors or people just getting their feet wet in writing. Some just want to have fun. Let's not hamstring them with low ratings before they even get off the ground. Most of the people on the site who rate low have a puffed-up view of their own talent. Those who are truly talented are more humble, mentoring others.
My practice is to give 5's and 6's only. That may make you cringe, but here is why I do it. I want to encourage, not discourage writers. I want to have fun. And dare I say it--I want to make friends. I love the people here on FanStory. Offer suggestions--but don't downgrade the star level, mainly because it hurts the writer's stats. Who am I to rain on their parade?
If you are a teacher my suggestion is to grade your students in class, but not with low ratings on Fanstory. There are a few reviewers here who "know everything." Some will even hold your writing hostage. That is--"I will upgrade my rating IF you make changes according to my direction." Kind of nervy wouldn't you say?
Basically, you can win more flies with honey. Writers are to be encouraged to write more, not less. I believe people become better writers by reading good writing.
Finally, let me address your suggestion of two different levels of membership. I say, reverse your idea. Let those who want to open themselves up to getting 1-2-3-4-5-6 stars, specify that option. Those who want suggestions but not lesser stars, click that option. In one year's time, let's see which option has more members.
Marilyn
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2018
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Hi Yvette. I'm just now getting around to reading the results of the contests. Congratulations for your win. The most important question I can ask you is this:
How did it make you feel when you got less than 5 stars?
Is it okay to give less than 5 and expect the writer to be pleased, but to feel less than happy when you, yourself, receive the same rating?
All newbies tend to rate low. Why? Because they are trying to be honest. BUT, it's not a good practice. Rating low WILL get you muted and word spreads like wildfire across the site NOT to read YOUR work. In other words the less than 5-star-giver is shooting self in foot.
Do you want to be Ms. or Mr. Know-It-All or do you want to enjoy writing and reviewing for its own sake?
Many people on the site are seniors or people just getting their feet wet in writing. Some just want to have fun. Let's not hamstring them with low ratings before they even get off the ground. Most of the people on the site who rate low have a puffed-up view of their own talent. Those who are truly talented are more humble, mentoring others.
My practice is to give 5's and 6's only. That may make you cringe, but here is why I do it. I want to encourage, not discourage writers. I want to have fun. And dare I say it--I want to make friends. I love the people here on FanStory. Offer suggestions--but don't downgrade the star level, mainly because it hurts the writer's stats. Who am I to rain on their parade?
If you are a teacher my suggestion is to grade your students in class, but not with low ratings on Fanstory. There are a few reviewers here who "know everything." Some will even hold your writing hostage. That is--"I will upgrade my rating IF you make changes according to my direction." Kind of nervy wouldn't you say?
Basically, you can win more flies with honey. Writers are to be encouraged to write more, not less. I believe people become better writers by reading good writing.
Finally, let me address your suggestion of two different levels of membership. I say, reverse your idea. Let those who want to open themselves up to getting 1-2-3-4-5-6 stars, specify that option. Those who want suggestions but not lesser stars, click that option. In one year's time, let's see which option has more members.
Marilyn
Comment Written 31-Dec-2018
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2018
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Thanx for your review, Marilyn -- as always, I do appreciate your time. :) :) Happy New Year! :) ;)
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same to you Yvette. Marilyn
Comment from Liz O'Neill
I was a writing teacher so I really like how you qualified the number of stars with some very clear explanations. I've had issues with a few who clearly seemed to just want to bemean by giving me a 3 or 4 with no real explanation. They were essentially saying,"It's going to hurt me more than you, but I have to give you 4 stars or 3 stars. The stars are equal to marks in school. 6=A+ 5=A 4=B 3=C+ 2=C- 1 =D or something similar. That way people would see that a 5 star is equal to an A, not a frequently given mark by teachers. In this line of thinking, I hardly ever give a 6 star response. I am voting for this writing.
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2018
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I was a writing teacher so I really like how you qualified the number of stars with some very clear explanations. I've had issues with a few who clearly seemed to just want to bemean by giving me a 3 or 4 with no real explanation. They were essentially saying,"It's going to hurt me more than you, but I have to give you 4 stars or 3 stars. The stars are equal to marks in school. 6=A+ 5=A 4=B 3=C+ 2=C- 1 =D or something similar. That way people would see that a 5 star is equal to an A, not a frequently given mark by teachers. In this line of thinking, I hardly ever give a 6 star response. I am voting for this writing.
Comment Written 31-Dec-2018
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2018
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Thanx for your review, Liz -- always appreciate your time both in your writing and in your reviews! :) :) I will just say that from now on I will be sticking to fantasy/sci-fi ... too much 'personal else' associated with 'reality' writes ... stress should be for work not hobby. :) :P :P I do so appreciate your vote, though - please know that your support means a lot! :) Happy New Year to you and Bea and Friends! :) Yvette
Comment from C. Gale Burnett
You obviously have put so much time and thought into the issue of 'ratings'. You hit upon all the pros and cons and then offered, what I believe to be, realistic and viable suggestions for a fix.
The short time I've been a member of FS (since late October), I have received all 5's, maybe two 4's, and one 3.
-the 5's motivated and encouraged me;
-the 4's were very welcome and helpful, and I eagerly followed the suggestions given to better improve my work;
-the 3 (pretty much hurt my feelings and made me angry); I had entered the 'speech' contest, as written to a heart failure support group, so, in other words, I had bared my soul to my new FS family, all the time hesitant to do so. The reviewer responded that one of her family members had died, and would I 'just please get on with writing other more positive things'. I muted her; did not report, but it really upset me. It was a personal attack, I felt, with no actual review of my work.
Anyway :)
-YOU are an excellent communicator
-your writing truly flowed well, making for an easy yet comprehensive read (good drafting of an outline before you started)
-you began and ended paragraph extremely well
-I really appreciate your knowledge and use of grammar, spelling and punctuation.
An extremely well written piece, diplomatic in its presentatation, humbly offered with exceptional suggested answers to rating issues!
Truly deserving of 6-stars!
Gale
(PS: Hope I didn't babble too much, but I really appreciate this writing)!
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2018
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You obviously have put so much time and thought into the issue of 'ratings'. You hit upon all the pros and cons and then offered, what I believe to be, realistic and viable suggestions for a fix.
The short time I've been a member of FS (since late October), I have received all 5's, maybe two 4's, and one 3.
-the 5's motivated and encouraged me;
-the 4's were very welcome and helpful, and I eagerly followed the suggestions given to better improve my work;
-the 3 (pretty much hurt my feelings and made me angry); I had entered the 'speech' contest, as written to a heart failure support group, so, in other words, I had bared my soul to my new FS family, all the time hesitant to do so. The reviewer responded that one of her family members had died, and would I 'just please get on with writing other more positive things'. I muted her; did not report, but it really upset me. It was a personal attack, I felt, with no actual review of my work.
Anyway :)
-YOU are an excellent communicator
-your writing truly flowed well, making for an easy yet comprehensive read (good drafting of an outline before you started)
-you began and ended paragraph extremely well
-I really appreciate your knowledge and use of grammar, spelling and punctuation.
An extremely well written piece, diplomatic in its presentatation, humbly offered with exceptional suggested answers to rating issues!
Truly deserving of 6-stars!
Gale
(PS: Hope I didn't babble too much, but I really appreciate this writing)!
Comment Written 30-Dec-2018
reply by the author on 31-Dec-2018
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Wow, Gale -- your review and your encouraging comments are awesome, ma'am -- thank you so very much for all of them and for those lovely stars! ;) ;) I apologize for the delay, but I've been at my in-laws for the holiday and am just returning.....but, yeah, I hear you on the 'rude': there's no need for folks to go overboard on the 'super sweet' (hard to believe it when the review's waaaay over the top, then accompanied by 4 or 5 stars -- LOL!) but there's also no need for snide comments for any reason....like I say in the essay, if you don't like the subject matter, hit the SKIP button. :) :) ;) I have to tell you though, I think that, when there are such future competitions, however, I will pass....let's just say there's a lot less angst in fantasy and sci-fi. This has been a bit too much like teaching and listening to parental fallout - LOL! :P :P :) I am so very glad you enjoyed it and, please know, that I would be happy to listen to you 'babble' anytime -- love the honest interaction! :) :) Take care, Gale, and Happy New Year from my little corner of the world to yours! :) Yvette :)
Comment from djeckert
This is quite thorough and we'll done. You have clearly done some research here. I am in total agreement in the overabundance and resultant worthlessness of the rating system. I too, have thought that limiting our ability to use five stars would stretch out the rating system to have more meaning. It really has just become a way to get an author's attention ( good or bad) to give anything that is not a five. I enjoyed your profundity in the matter. lol.
reply by the author on 30-Dec-2018
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This is quite thorough and we'll done. You have clearly done some research here. I am in total agreement in the overabundance and resultant worthlessness of the rating system. I too, have thought that limiting our ability to use five stars would stretch out the rating system to have more meaning. It really has just become a way to get an author's attention ( good or bad) to give anything that is not a five. I enjoyed your profundity in the matter. lol.
Comment Written 30-Dec-2018
reply by the author on 30-Dec-2018
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Good afternoon, DJ -- so glad you found this write worth those six stars...you've certainly put a smile on my face over here! :) ;) As I have told others, these were simply suggestions to get conversations started; however, I have been told nicely to not-so-nicely to ....., well, I'll leave it there (LOL!) that anything less than a five is uncalled for and that ratings shouldn't be taken seriously and that I just don't know what I'm talking about....LOL! :) :) I have made the decision that I think I might just stick to fantasy and fiction from now on because I really didn't think what I wrote here was controversial and I certainly wasn't trying to be a 'know-it-all' ...LOL!! :) :) ;) I am so glad you enjoyed this write, sir -- I guess, and this is the nutty mathematician in me, I wonder, then, why we have the ratings if they aren't meant to mean anything. :) :) Again, nutty. :) Here's wishing a very Happy New Year from my little corner of the world to yours -- remember, you're welcome to stop by any time! :) Yvette
Comment from rama devi
Outstanding entry for this highly relevant contest, my friend. We share the exact same attitude about these issues, and I admire how you voiced them so articulately and politely as well!I like your idea about limiting fives, but I think it should be a a number in ratios that correspond to the amount of reviews made as well...for those who review more often will need more fives. So it's hard to weight out the right number...
Your essay is well paced, coherent and well supported by specifics.
I've experienced the same issues you've mentioned with revenge reviewing recently...and I suspect one person in particular may be the culprit in numerous cases, but I hope that I am mistaken in that assumption...
Anyway, I had not noticed it still being rampant...but I suppose many people appreciate when someone returns to re-review...though they rarely remember those review thumb votes...alas!~
A few spag typos:
* but the soldiers would be dead*(,) and soon he would be too(,) or he'd be a slave to the other side - that is the reality of the situation.
*(comma after a conjunction is the latter is an independent clause, and NOT if the clause is dependent):
If you don't agree with a criticism(,) and you do not like discussing why, just politely thank the reviewer, don't implement their suggestions,(no ,) and move forward with your life as if the criticism never happened. It counts as a Review toward being recognized(,) and you never have to see it again once you hit SAVE REPLIES and CONTINUE.
DITTO:
But I will endeavor to do better. I will continue to be an honest, polite reviewer and a polite, sane responder.
This has my vote!
Good luck.
Warm Regards,
rd
reply by the author on 30-Dec-2018
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Outstanding entry for this highly relevant contest, my friend. We share the exact same attitude about these issues, and I admire how you voiced them so articulately and politely as well!I like your idea about limiting fives, but I think it should be a a number in ratios that correspond to the amount of reviews made as well...for those who review more often will need more fives. So it's hard to weight out the right number...
Your essay is well paced, coherent and well supported by specifics.
I've experienced the same issues you've mentioned with revenge reviewing recently...and I suspect one person in particular may be the culprit in numerous cases, but I hope that I am mistaken in that assumption...
Anyway, I had not noticed it still being rampant...but I suppose many people appreciate when someone returns to re-review...though they rarely remember those review thumb votes...alas!~
A few spag typos:
* but the soldiers would be dead*(,) and soon he would be too(,) or he'd be a slave to the other side - that is the reality of the situation.
*(comma after a conjunction is the latter is an independent clause, and NOT if the clause is dependent):
If you don't agree with a criticism(,) and you do not like discussing why, just politely thank the reviewer, don't implement their suggestions,(no ,) and move forward with your life as if the criticism never happened. It counts as a Review toward being recognized(,) and you never have to see it again once you hit SAVE REPLIES and CONTINUE.
DITTO:
But I will endeavor to do better. I will continue to be an honest, polite reviewer and a polite, sane responder.
This has my vote!
Good luck.
Warm Regards,
rd
Comment Written 29-Dec-2018
reply by the author on 30-Dec-2018
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Thank you so very much for this wonderful review, rd, and for those lovely, shining stars! :) :) I'm so glad you enjoyed this piece (and thanx for the corrections - always very appreciated - will get to them on the computer when I get home from the in-laws (ugh)!) -- put probably too much time into it, but in for a penny/in for a pound, I guess -- the OCD me in me can't do anything halfway anyway!! LOL LOL!! :) :) But I think from now on I will be sticking to my fantasy and fiction writes....been a bit too 'controversial' with this reality write....that 'stress' belongs on the job not in my 'passion and hobby'! :) :) :) LOL! LOL! I send wishes to you for a very prosperous and sunshine-filled New Year! :) :) Take care! :) :) Yvette :)
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I look forward to sampling your fantasy fiction, dear Yvette...that's my favorite genre...a few of my editing clients write in Celtic fantasy and they are so fun to work with! May you have every kind of blessing this new year. Best, rd
Comment from Marc Grimaldi
I am a relatively new member, so I don't want to make waves, but I've already had this concern. I thought the rating system was supposed to be real and thought out, but when I had given someone four stars, the individual was clearly upset and saw it as deducting a star. I thought four stars was generous at the time. And then I was told that five stars is the norm unless there is some significant wrong...etc. For this reason, I have very little delight in reviewing anything, because I feel it is all forced and insincere. How can anyone grow in this type of a rating system? I will probably be looking for another group to join that can allow us to be free and to not be so easily offended when people differ with us. Also, I would prefer that all of the contests be judged by the members and not a committee, so that favoritism...etc, does not sneak in. What happens when you see that a poem was written by someone whom you have grown friendly with? Is it not our natural inclination to vote for them? Why not have all voting be blind? Anyway, just a few thoughts. I also do not like the fact that your vote can be impacted by getting more reviews, by paying more member dollars to boost yourself up...etc. I don't have time to review tons of material and I am certainly not in a position to "pay to win." Let each poem stand on its own merit. To this end, and I realize I may be alone with this opionion, I could do without all of the artwork, pictures and fancy writing. Let's just let the poetry stand on its own and vote from there. Do you know another group that does these kinds of things? Thanks for your honesty.
reply by the author on 30-Dec-2018
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I am a relatively new member, so I don't want to make waves, but I've already had this concern. I thought the rating system was supposed to be real and thought out, but when I had given someone four stars, the individual was clearly upset and saw it as deducting a star. I thought four stars was generous at the time. And then I was told that five stars is the norm unless there is some significant wrong...etc. For this reason, I have very little delight in reviewing anything, because I feel it is all forced and insincere. How can anyone grow in this type of a rating system? I will probably be looking for another group to join that can allow us to be free and to not be so easily offended when people differ with us. Also, I would prefer that all of the contests be judged by the members and not a committee, so that favoritism...etc, does not sneak in. What happens when you see that a poem was written by someone whom you have grown friendly with? Is it not our natural inclination to vote for them? Why not have all voting be blind? Anyway, just a few thoughts. I also do not like the fact that your vote can be impacted by getting more reviews, by paying more member dollars to boost yourself up...etc. I don't have time to review tons of material and I am certainly not in a position to "pay to win." Let each poem stand on its own merit. To this end, and I realize I may be alone with this opionion, I could do without all of the artwork, pictures and fancy writing. Let's just let the poetry stand on its own and vote from there. Do you know another group that does these kinds of things? Thanks for your honesty.
Comment Written 29-Dec-2018
reply by the author on 30-Dec-2018
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Thank you so very much for this wonderful review, Marc, and for those lovely, shining stars! :) :) I'm so glad you enjoyed this piece -- put probably too much time into it, but in for a penny/in for a pound, I guess -- the OCD me in me can't do anything halfway anyway!! LOL LOL!! :) :) But I think from now on I will be sticking to my fantasy and fiction writes....been a bit too 'controversial' with this reality write....that 'stress' belongs on the job not in my 'passion and hobby'! :) :) :) LOL! LOL! I send wishes to you for a very prosperous and sunshine-filled New Year! :) :) Take care! :) :) Yvette :)
Comment from MissMerri
Extremely well written and clearly presented, this essay is full of important ideas and suggestions. I have wondered about the rating system too, for the past nine years, actually, and sometimes wish we could just have three choices, 4, 5 or 6 stars, and for 4 stars, it should be mandatory to explain how the post could be improved. Your ideas are really well thought-out and I found this whole piece to be constructive and helpful. Best of luck to you in this contest.
reply by the author on 30-Dec-2018
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Extremely well written and clearly presented, this essay is full of important ideas and suggestions. I have wondered about the rating system too, for the past nine years, actually, and sometimes wish we could just have three choices, 4, 5 or 6 stars, and for 4 stars, it should be mandatory to explain how the post could be improved. Your ideas are really well thought-out and I found this whole piece to be constructive and helpful. Best of luck to you in this contest.
Comment Written 28-Dec-2018
reply by the author on 30-Dec-2018
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Thank you so very much for this wonderful review, MissMerri, and for those lovely, shining stars! :) :) I'm so glad you enjoyed this piece -- put probably too much time into it, but in for a penny/in for a pound, I guess -- the OCD me in me can't do anything halfway anyway!! LOL LOL!! :) :) But I think from now on I will be sticking to my fantasy and fiction writes....been a bit too 'controversial' with this reality write....that 'stress' belongs on the job not in my 'passion and hobby'! :) :) :) LOL! LOL! I send wishes to you for a very prosperous and sunshine-filled New Year! :) :) Take care! :) :) Yvette :)
Comment from Judvan2
I just need to ask you how you got that " all time best" Did you pay money to push your poem up, or did you have that many reviews after the initial two they gave you? I like some of your ideas, although there are probably reasons why people rate the way they do, I would love to see an actual discussion on all of this. Thank for taking the time to do this. J
reply by the author on 28-Dec-2018
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I just need to ask you how you got that " all time best" Did you pay money to push your poem up, or did you have that many reviews after the initial two they gave you? I like some of your ideas, although there are probably reasons why people rate the way they do, I would love to see an actual discussion on all of this. Thank for taking the time to do this. J
Comment Written 28-Dec-2018
reply by the author on 28-Dec-2018
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I posted on a two day certificate and did nothing else....no pumps, no banners...it was a simple post for the contest. It was not a poem, however, it was prose. I hope that answers your questions. ;) ;) And thank you for stopping in for the read and review - much appreciated. ;) ;) Please know that you're welcome to drop by any time! ;) ;) Happy New Year!! ;) Yvette
Comment from tfawcus
First of all, many congratulations on winning the Lune poetry contest, Yvette. A well deserved victory!
I read this essay of yours with interest, finding it well-argued and rational. Perhaps even more important, you have managed to make your points diplomatically and in a non-inflammatory way!
I have to agree with your main premise, that the star-system is seldom used as intended. Indeed, my own view is that it is largely irrelevant. My ego is suitably caressed by the award of six stars, especially as they are a rationed accolade. In truth, apart from that I scarcely glance at the star rating. The meat, if there is any in the sandwich, is to be found in the written response, and it is there that I go for sustenance.
There is a small handful of reviewers here who are enormously helpful, and I try, as best as I am able, to respond in kind to them. I could not possibly spend that amount of time on all reviews! In truth, I am also glad of the 'fluff' reviews, for those I can return with a relatively clear conscience, amassing virtual wealth without undue labour, enabling me to promote my own work.
I have some reservations about your suggestion of subjective criteria such as 'enjoyment' and 'understandability'. They are both critically important to me as a reader, but James Joyce would not score highly in either category if I were rating Ulysses! Perhaps that is my problem and not his! There are some of Yeats's poems that it has taken me years to understand. I have been enraptured by their musicality of course, but a fuller appreciation has only come gradually.
I'm taking this opportunity to join your growing host of fans, for if this essay is anything to go by, I should like to be alerted to your future writing when I open my inbox. I cannot promise to respond always, but I will endeavour to read!
My best wishes to you for 2019 and beyond.
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2018
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First of all, many congratulations on winning the Lune poetry contest, Yvette. A well deserved victory!
I read this essay of yours with interest, finding it well-argued and rational. Perhaps even more important, you have managed to make your points diplomatically and in a non-inflammatory way!
I have to agree with your main premise, that the star-system is seldom used as intended. Indeed, my own view is that it is largely irrelevant. My ego is suitably caressed by the award of six stars, especially as they are a rationed accolade. In truth, apart from that I scarcely glance at the star rating. The meat, if there is any in the sandwich, is to be found in the written response, and it is there that I go for sustenance.
There is a small handful of reviewers here who are enormously helpful, and I try, as best as I am able, to respond in kind to them. I could not possibly spend that amount of time on all reviews! In truth, I am also glad of the 'fluff' reviews, for those I can return with a relatively clear conscience, amassing virtual wealth without undue labour, enabling me to promote my own work.
I have some reservations about your suggestion of subjective criteria such as 'enjoyment' and 'understandability'. They are both critically important to me as a reader, but James Joyce would not score highly in either category if I were rating Ulysses! Perhaps that is my problem and not his! There are some of Yeats's poems that it has taken me years to understand. I have been enraptured by their musicality of course, but a fuller appreciation has only come gradually.
I'm taking this opportunity to join your growing host of fans, for if this essay is anything to go by, I should like to be alerted to your future writing when I open my inbox. I cannot promise to respond always, but I will endeavour to read!
My best wishes to you for 2019 and beyond.
Comment Written 28-Dec-2018
reply by the author on 29-Dec-2018
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Wow - what a lovely, detailed review!! :) :) Please excuse my 'tardiness' in response as I am visiting my in-laws for a few days....and, well, I'll just let that stand on its own. LOL! And thank you for your congratulatory message -- that was one that I wrote when I was feeling 'sentimental' about all my 'grown boys' being home for the holidays! :) ;)
As I have told others, they are simply suggestions to get conversations started; however, I have been told nicely to not-so-nicely to ....., well, I'll leave it there (LOL!) that anything less than a five is uncalled for and that ratings shouldn't be taken seriously and that I just don't know what I'm talking about....LOL! :) :) I have made the decision that I think I might just stick to fantasy and fiction from now on because I really didn't think what I wrote was controversial and I certainly wasn't trying to be a 'know-it-all' ...LOL!! :) :) ;) I am so glad you enjoyed this write, sir -- and, I am like you in that I do look more at the substance of the review rather than the stars. I guess, and this is the nutty mathematician in me, I wonder, then, why we have the ratings if they don't mean anything. :) :)
And I am so very honored to have you as a fan -- the fact that you have chosen to be so is meaningful indeed! :) :) I hope you have a wonderful remainder of the holidays with your family -- a very Happy Upcoming New Year to you and yours!! :) :) Take care! :) ;) Yvette :)
