Boo Hoo to One and Two
A poem about reviewers' preferences.24 total reviews
Comment from Ms. Snyder
Fantastic poem Lisa, I think you took something that was true and made it very special in this poem. I am hoping you find many more people that think like I do, which is to support the writers and poets with positive and encouragement but also truth. You can give a decent rating and also offer critique - even then people will have issues. If they can't handle or aren't ready to hear all the good and the bad. There is an imbalance that happens too - but then there is also camaraderie. Just know that you are a great writer and poet!!! I rarely read as much as I did, but I'm glad I read this!!! Something I will share with you that I'd like to pass along - was told it and that actually helped me, it was Dean that told me - "Just please write for yourself! Make yourself happy. Have it be the outlet. If you are sad write sad, if mad, write mad, happy write the joy you feel etc. The authenticity will shine through and so will your beautiful soul. It is hard to know where to improve when people worry about retaliation, but if you have the right people especially when the ones you admire - admire you back in FS that is all you need... the reviews are the game and it is a tiresome full time job/game. Eventually many don't have time for it or have to devote much of their life to it. But it is addictive. I do get it. I felt exactly to the tee and so
have many before you that have left FS. You are brave for writing this and brave for the observations and the way that you balanced it all. I find this exceptional rhythm and poetry that I couldn't ignore.
reply by the author on 09-Sep-2019
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Fantastic poem Lisa, I think you took something that was true and made it very special in this poem. I am hoping you find many more people that think like I do, which is to support the writers and poets with positive and encouragement but also truth. You can give a decent rating and also offer critique - even then people will have issues. If they can't handle or aren't ready to hear all the good and the bad. There is an imbalance that happens too - but then there is also camaraderie. Just know that you are a great writer and poet!!! I rarely read as much as I did, but I'm glad I read this!!! Something I will share with you that I'd like to pass along - was told it and that actually helped me, it was Dean that told me - "Just please write for yourself! Make yourself happy. Have it be the outlet. If you are sad write sad, if mad, write mad, happy write the joy you feel etc. The authenticity will shine through and so will your beautiful soul. It is hard to know where to improve when people worry about retaliation, but if you have the right people especially when the ones you admire - admire you back in FS that is all you need... the reviews are the game and it is a tiresome full time job/game. Eventually many don't have time for it or have to devote much of their life to it. But it is addictive. I do get it. I felt exactly to the tee and so
have many before you that have left FS. You are brave for writing this and brave for the observations and the way that you balanced it all. I find this exceptional rhythm and poetry that I couldn't ignore.
Comment Written 08-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 09-Sep-2019
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I am so pleased you chose to review this poem and share your thoughts about writing and this site. Dean's comments, and your own, are very much in sync with my own. I just write about the things that I care about, think about, respond to, feel etc... mostly for my own entertainment... but I have also lived long enough that I have plenty of life experience to share if people care to read.
I have personally never received a 1 or 2 rating, just the odd 3 or 4, and that reflected more on the reviewer's frame of mind than the quality of my writing. Thank you so much for your high rating and supportive comments about my poem.
Comment from Bill Schott
This is a fun rant that comes from a hurtful place, I know. The 1s and 2s are typically from newbies who don't understand the rating system. I can't imagine rating anyone below a 4. I would sooner not review it.
reply by the author on 07-Sep-2019
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This is a fun rant that comes from a hurtful place, I know. The 1s and 2s are typically from newbies who don't understand the rating system. I can't imagine rating anyone below a 4. I would sooner not review it.
Comment Written 07-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 07-Sep-2019
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Choosing to not review a piece that is not to our taste is certainly the best solution, rather than deliver a broadside. Thank goodness I have never personally received a 1 or 2, but I have seen the effect of damning reviews on others. I have had a couple of 3s and 4s but I took them to be a reflection on the writer's intelligence or bad mood rather than be cast down by it.
Comment from CrystieCookie999
Both humorous and telling, this poem reminds readers to be kind when reviewing. Hopefully, as the author notes indicate, one and two star ratings are rare if nearly non-existent here. I would agree with the poem, as if a poem is at least coherent or from the heart, why not give it a 4 or 5 for sincere effort? If it is not your cup of tea, the poem seems to suggest skip over the cup of tea and move on to something you want to ingest. The speaker in the voice points out that sometimes our points of view interfere with the ability to include and inspire. Favorite line might be: poets are sensitive so don't go mistreating. Thanks for posting!
reply by the author on 07-Sep-2019
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Both humorous and telling, this poem reminds readers to be kind when reviewing. Hopefully, as the author notes indicate, one and two star ratings are rare if nearly non-existent here. I would agree with the poem, as if a poem is at least coherent or from the heart, why not give it a 4 or 5 for sincere effort? If it is not your cup of tea, the poem seems to suggest skip over the cup of tea and move on to something you want to ingest. The speaker in the voice points out that sometimes our points of view interfere with the ability to include and inspire. Favorite line might be: poets are sensitive so don't go mistreating. Thanks for posting!
Comment Written 07-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 07-Sep-2019
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As you say, skipping it is the best way if an item is not to our taste. Why get uptight about something and deliver a broadside of negativity... Find something to enjoy.
Thanks for your considered review.
Comment from Phyllis Stewart
Well, here's you well deserved six. Your rhymes are creative, the flow is smooth, and the point is well made. We're not here to tear each other down, but to improve our writing and offer help where we can. Superb poem in every way. Definitely worthy of that evasive sixer! Bravo! :)
reply by the author on 07-Sep-2019
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Well, here's you well deserved six. Your rhymes are creative, the flow is smooth, and the point is well made. We're not here to tear each other down, but to improve our writing and offer help where we can. Superb poem in every way. Definitely worthy of that evasive sixer! Bravo! :)
Comment Written 07-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 07-Sep-2019
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Thank you so much for your high appreciation of my poem.
Comment from Gail Denham
Surely no one gives you a 1 or a 2 - your stuff is way too good for that. And money is a problem, that's for sure - I can get a poem with recognition, be bookmarked, all that - and it wins nothing. Did just win a 3rd place - finally. Oh well. We keep writng. Dont' give up that's for sure.
but it was funny too.
reply by the author on 07-Sep-2019
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Surely no one gives you a 1 or a 2 - your stuff is way too good for that. And money is a problem, that's for sure - I can get a poem with recognition, be bookmarked, all that - and it wins nothing. Did just win a 3rd place - finally. Oh well. We keep writng. Dont' give up that's for sure.
but it was funny too.
Comment Written 07-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 07-Sep-2019
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Luckily I have not had my sense of self sabotaged by vindictive reviews... the odd 3 and 4, but I detected it was from reviewers with a chip on their shoulder and did not take it personally.
Congrats on your 3rd placing... i just reviewed it and found it most enjoyable to read.
Comment from poetwatch
Well you don't get a two from you know who LisaMay. This is a very good way to show the review we what they can do. :) Thank you for sharing. Keep on writing.
reply by the author on 07-Sep-2019
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Well you don't get a two from you know who LisaMay. This is a very good way to show the review we what they can do. :) Thank you for sharing. Keep on writing.
Comment Written 07-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 07-Sep-2019
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Thanks for your lovely review!
Comment from Michele Harber
LisaMay, what an excellent commentary on those who read and review with blinders on, looking only for that with which they're familiar, and ignoring or criticizing anything that doesn't fit into the specific box they've envisioned. Of course we all have our preferences, but that doesn't mean there isn't beauty and talent to be found in other forms.
I enjoy your humor and irony. Your rhymes all work well, and I was particularly taken with your midline rhymes.
Of course, this would have been much better if you'd done it as a free verse 5-7-5 Acrostic with alliteration.
reply by the author on 07-Sep-2019
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LisaMay, what an excellent commentary on those who read and review with blinders on, looking only for that with which they're familiar, and ignoring or criticizing anything that doesn't fit into the specific box they've envisioned. Of course we all have our preferences, but that doesn't mean there isn't beauty and talent to be found in other forms.
I enjoy your humor and irony. Your rhymes all work well, and I was particularly taken with your midline rhymes.
Of course, this would have been much better if you'd done it as a free verse 5-7-5 Acrostic with alliteration.
Comment Written 07-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 07-Sep-2019
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Thanks so much for reviewing and for your considered comments. And then especially for your finishing sentence... such fun. I actually spent 5 minutes trying to comply with all those considerations in my answer, but thought the time could be better spent writing a review to destroy some budding writer's faith in human kindness and their own ability, channelling minus-six-star-writer. Hehe, I am evil - I have misled you.
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Destroying writers' self-confidence - I'm so glad to see you're expanding your skill set. Besides, why should M-S-S-W have all the fun?
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You are going to have to tell me what M-S-S-W means. It is late and I have gone mentally numb with fatigue.
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It's the term you used, "minus-six-star-writer." I was just too lazy to write it out.
Comment from Carla Trinklein
I agree that some reviewers seem to assign lower ratings on a whim without being able to completely justify their opinion. On the opposite end of the spectrum, "5's" sometimes feel hollow...it wasn't good enough for a six, we think, and fail to appreciate that a five does translate to excellent, which is nothing to be sneezed at. I've never fully understood why being "recognized" or on the "all time best" list means so much to many folks. Sure, it's an honor when people take the time to read something you write, but if you are on Fanstory for a length of time and build up a following of fans, many will come through with a review when you post. The number of reviews, in my humble opinion, shouldn't supersede the quality of the work. This was a fun poem to read!
reply by the author on 07-Sep-2019
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I agree that some reviewers seem to assign lower ratings on a whim without being able to completely justify their opinion. On the opposite end of the spectrum, "5's" sometimes feel hollow...it wasn't good enough for a six, we think, and fail to appreciate that a five does translate to excellent, which is nothing to be sneezed at. I've never fully understood why being "recognized" or on the "all time best" list means so much to many folks. Sure, it's an honor when people take the time to read something you write, but if you are on Fanstory for a length of time and build up a following of fans, many will come through with a review when you post. The number of reviews, in my humble opinion, shouldn't supersede the quality of the work. This was a fun poem to read!
Comment Written 06-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 07-Sep-2019
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Thanks for your considered response, Carla. I totally agree with the point you make: 'The number of reviews, in my humble opinion, shouldn't supersede the quality of the work." That should not be the yardstick - it is reduced to a popularity vote.
Comment from karenina
Ah. You've gone and done it now! Truly, this debate about reviewing the poems that pay out the most has been lobbed back and forth so much it ought to have made it into a Tennis championship by now! I KNOW---and yet, while I will read most of the poems on the list of poets I have "fanned"--and the ones I miss are because of time restrictions--regardless if they pay two cents or over a dollar--AND I will spend easily two hours reading from the "READ-enjoy it" tab--where many two cent masterpieces go to wither on the vine...the site is driven by member dollars and I confess, unapologetically to ALSO frequently going to the home page and reading those poems which pay the most. If I did not I don't think I'd ever have enough to promote my work. As it is I review FAR more than I post for just that reason (well...and that stubborn muse.)---- NOW--as for your "ones and twos"---THAT burns me up. I don't see why one would take the time to write any review at al if they found the work or the theme THAT disagreeable... Better to say nothing than be cruel and crush a budding writer's spirit! I also don't believe people should ever be "marked down" for religious, political, societal reasons... If it offends a reader that I have faith, be faithful to yourself and stop commenting negatively because of THEME! A review can be very helpful--that would be the point wouldn't it? IF the tone is "therapeutic" rather than punitive! Wow I'm getting dizzy standing up here on this soap box! I think you'll find most will agree with your opinions here--and every now and then it's wise to remind us to "Do unt others...."----Karenina
reply by the author on 07-Sep-2019
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Ah. You've gone and done it now! Truly, this debate about reviewing the poems that pay out the most has been lobbed back and forth so much it ought to have made it into a Tennis championship by now! I KNOW---and yet, while I will read most of the poems on the list of poets I have "fanned"--and the ones I miss are because of time restrictions--regardless if they pay two cents or over a dollar--AND I will spend easily two hours reading from the "READ-enjoy it" tab--where many two cent masterpieces go to wither on the vine...the site is driven by member dollars and I confess, unapologetically to ALSO frequently going to the home page and reading those poems which pay the most. If I did not I don't think I'd ever have enough to promote my work. As it is I review FAR more than I post for just that reason (well...and that stubborn muse.)---- NOW--as for your "ones and twos"---THAT burns me up. I don't see why one would take the time to write any review at al if they found the work or the theme THAT disagreeable... Better to say nothing than be cruel and crush a budding writer's spirit! I also don't believe people should ever be "marked down" for religious, political, societal reasons... If it offends a reader that I have faith, be faithful to yourself and stop commenting negatively because of THEME! A review can be very helpful--that would be the point wouldn't it? IF the tone is "therapeutic" rather than punitive! Wow I'm getting dizzy standing up here on this soap box! I think you'll find most will agree with your opinions here--and every now and then it's wise to remind us to "Do unt others...."----Karenina
Comment Written 06-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 07-Sep-2019
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The tennis match goes on! Thanks very much for your soap box oratory... my poem was of the same ilk. Your considered comments are spot on with my thoughts - I too spend a lot of time reviewing in the quest for member dollars to promote my own work, so I am very grateful that some writers can afford higher rewards than I can!
Reviewers who judge others' work by their own religious, political, or societal opinions have a confused idea about the role of a review.
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There are infrequent debates especially on the forum about how we might fix this...but actually, with member dollars being the only way to promote and one must either review to earn them, win a contest to earn them or pay for them with real dollars (which is out of my range)--it comes back to trying to balance reviewing via chance for two cents or a bit more and dipping into the "money well" by reviewing the poems that are promoted to over a dollar or more... It's the way the FS machine runs...Karenina
Comment from Sankey
Good work and you can see one of the reasons I am getting out of this place. You know I love your writing poems or prose. I will miss you when I go. Great pic as well.
reply by the author on 06-Sep-2019
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Good work and you can see one of the reasons I am getting out of this place. You know I love your writing poems or prose. I will miss you when I go. Great pic as well.
Comment Written 06-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 06-Sep-2019
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Thanks for the compliment. (Which reason did you feel was relevant to you?)
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Low points for weird reasons. Also people rating low if they don't understand nothing to do with errors. Also if they don't agree with what we write...Sigh!
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Oh those people are really giving a rating to their own ignorance and bias. The low rating reflects on them, not on YOUR writing. It is painful though.
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Charley Lewis former FSer either passed on or just deteriorated in health and not around says we promote according to belief in our work and I think some of these lousy reviewers don't believe in much themselves.
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I think that is rather unfair on those of us who don't have much money. It gets to be very expensive when it is just a hobby and we are not actually earning money unless we review a lot. I review as often as I can but most of my effort goes on writing my own poetry, which is time-consuming. I think some writers put a high value spend on their work trying to get it recognised or listed as best; it isn't necessarily a reflection of quality. Yes, a high value can be seen as the writer backing themselves - putting their money where their mouth is. I have a belief that my work is of merit, but I can't get past the fact that I am poor.
