Have You Heard?
Essay37 total reviews
Comment from doggymad
Thank you for sharing this one Mikey. Well written and a nice wake up call for some people. I have been lucky to have the support of many great people here, and have not been the victim of any of this nastiness
hugs
Freda
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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Thank you for sharing this one Mikey. Well written and a nice wake up call for some people. I have been lucky to have the support of many great people here, and have not been the victim of any of this nastiness
hugs
Freda
Comment Written 08-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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We've all got each other's backs. No one is in the slightest danger here. Hugs back, my friend. mike
Comment from giraffmang
Hi Mikey,
Another passionate piece you have wrought here.
I have heard a lot about this behaviour before but wasn't actually sure if it did go on. recently I have no doubt about it.
I have some great friends on here, people I respect and trust, but I am not part of some clique or cabal behind the scenes. It is deplorable. I may have mentioned dissatisfaction to one or two others, but not at this level, and that would just have been venting.
I tend to get pissed off, write about it and stick it up for everyone to see! I find that cathartic. The other is just vindictive and unhealthy.
I finished fifth last year and I worked my ass off for it, but I am under no illusions as to the 'position' I have achieved. It is a game, but one I like to play for FUN, and with integrity and a degree of honour, otherwise what is the point?
You put this across very well and with conviction. It is that conviction that lends weight and substance, and makes this a compelling and constructive piece.
G
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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Hi Mikey,
Another passionate piece you have wrought here.
I have heard a lot about this behaviour before but wasn't actually sure if it did go on. recently I have no doubt about it.
I have some great friends on here, people I respect and trust, but I am not part of some clique or cabal behind the scenes. It is deplorable. I may have mentioned dissatisfaction to one or two others, but not at this level, and that would just have been venting.
I tend to get pissed off, write about it and stick it up for everyone to see! I find that cathartic. The other is just vindictive and unhealthy.
I finished fifth last year and I worked my ass off for it, but I am under no illusions as to the 'position' I have achieved. It is a game, but one I like to play for FUN, and with integrity and a degree of honour, otherwise what is the point?
You put this across very well and with conviction. It is that conviction that lends weight and substance, and makes this a compelling and constructive piece.
G
Comment Written 08-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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I was thrilled to see you finish in the top five. You earned it fair and square and everyone knows it. That's what these people don't get, we're not stupid. Every single one of us KNOWS what goes on. We know who can write and who can't. No one is fooling anyone. No one is in the slightest danger her. We have each others backs big time. Some of us, like you and I, can't wait to kick some ass. HAHAHAHA!!! TRY US. :)) Appreciate the great input and compliments too. I think I'll write about sexy aliens now ... yeah, one's that want me. mike
Comment from AnnaLinda
Mike,
You have an excellent write here and you wrote it as you see it.
Good for you! Should we be paranoid now? LOL I think you have
the key here: "It's just like the real world, just a little more petty and vicious."
and how you mentioned just do what you love and don't let the 'stuff' get
to you. That's a decision I've tried to make...
I like your coined "vanity site"...if you did just coin that? I appreciate your
author notes and "don't be excluded" I see you dropped some of your humor
in this as well...and ego...what is that?
Great job on this!
Linda
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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Mike,
You have an excellent write here and you wrote it as you see it.
Good for you! Should we be paranoid now? LOL I think you have
the key here: "It's just like the real world, just a little more petty and vicious."
and how you mentioned just do what you love and don't let the 'stuff' get
to you. That's a decision I've tried to make...
I like your coined "vanity site"...if you did just coin that? I appreciate your
author notes and "don't be excluded" I see you dropped some of your humor
in this as well...and ego...what is that?
Great job on this!
Linda
Comment Written 08-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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I didn't coin the phrase, no. But it's a phrase that's used incorrectly around here. It's used to describe the majority of writers. They post to get some false praise etc. The truth is it applies to the few who want to hold on to their little iconic positions and exclude everyone else from getting there.
Well, as you've discovered already. There's no danger here in the slightest. We've all got each other's backs and some of us are itchin' to brawl. HAHAHA! Thanks a million, Linda. Appreciate the input and compliments. mike
Comment from Pantygynt
I can't wait for your next post, Mikey. It sounds a real gas. Meanwhile keep stirring the shit you're quite good at that. If you think that a bunch of amateur writings gnawing at each others throats is harsh drop in on the backbiting that goes on amongst the inhabitants of the senior common rooms in our universities. It would fry your sweetmeats to a cinder.
This needed saying. Now you've said it you can get back to that draft of "The rise of imperialism in post-modern Lancaster, California. Did the influx of the Irish truly influence potato sales in the Antelope Valley, or was poverty the real impetus? " Just remember to write on one side of the paper only.
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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I can't wait for your next post, Mikey. It sounds a real gas. Meanwhile keep stirring the shit you're quite good at that. If you think that a bunch of amateur writings gnawing at each others throats is harsh drop in on the backbiting that goes on amongst the inhabitants of the senior common rooms in our universities. It would fry your sweetmeats to a cinder.
This needed saying. Now you've said it you can get back to that draft of "The rise of imperialism in post-modern Lancaster, California. Did the influx of the Irish truly influence potato sales in the Antelope Valley, or was poverty the real impetus? " Just remember to write on one side of the paper only.
Comment Written 08-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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Thanks a million, PG. Yeah, I like to blow off some steam once in a while. Ha! The main thing is, the should know that we KNOW they're out there and we have each other's backs. Not a single one of us are going to get a scratch on us. They're wasting their time. Yep, on to more exciting things like the fabulous desert I live in. OOOHHHH the tales!! mike
Comment from Sandra Stoner-Mitchell
We have lost a few lovely people from this site, Mikey, and I agree with everything you have written. I stupidly read some reviews of a poem someone else had written and found myself mentioned in one. Hurtful is not the work I like to use, but it was and it was worse. I don't know what I have done other than post my work on here, yet it seems...really, it doesn't matter. I was going to leave straight away, I showed my husband and he told me I was only doing what they want. Why???? I will just ignore them and not review them anymore. If they read your reviews, they will recognise themselves and know I know what they said. I loved this site when I first joined and I've made loads of friends, and I will not be pushed out because of a couple of stupid nasty people. (My husband won't let me! lol) Thanks for writing this, Mikey, let's hope some recognise themselves and stop! xsx Sandra xx
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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We have lost a few lovely people from this site, Mikey, and I agree with everything you have written. I stupidly read some reviews of a poem someone else had written and found myself mentioned in one. Hurtful is not the work I like to use, but it was and it was worse. I don't know what I have done other than post my work on here, yet it seems...really, it doesn't matter. I was going to leave straight away, I showed my husband and he told me I was only doing what they want. Why???? I will just ignore them and not review them anymore. If they read your reviews, they will recognise themselves and know I know what they said. I loved this site when I first joined and I've made loads of friends, and I will not be pushed out because of a couple of stupid nasty people. (My husband won't let me! lol) Thanks for writing this, Mikey, let's hope some recognise themselves and stop! xsx Sandra xx
Comment Written 08-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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We've lost toooo many great people all due to petty bullying. I just hate it. It does hurt like hell even though we know with our brains it's a bunch of nothing. Our hearts just don't quite have that kind of understanding. I've seen my name too especially when I was rank crazy a couple years back. Jeesh what a rotten guy I was. HAHAHA! Never leave, you are cared about much more than you realize. I knew OF you long before I met you. Lots of people here are in that category. How many of us were truly close friends of Brookes? But she means the world to us anyway. No one should be chased away by some petty idiots. They won't be if we keep our eyes open and keep getting each others backs. I sure make a lot of speeches don't I? Ha! Thanks so much. mike
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Thank you, Mikey. I couldn't leave, I love it on here and will ignore the silliness. And for the record...You a rotten guy??? NEVER!! Such a sweetie!! xx
Comment from Rosalyne
Hi, Mikey.
Thank you for posting your article, one that is important and continues to raise the issues that keep surfacing on the site. You stated well the cattiness and judgement made behind the scenes. So much of this reminds me of high school.
You said something I agree with and am doing, write because it's something that is important to you. We can't stop the pettiness or the gossip. Sadly, there will always be jealousy and meanness. On the other side, there are those who are super supportive and friends on the site as you shared in the beginning.
I agree with all you've said and what you shared in the note at the end. Vanity stifles creativity. When an artist's ego becomes too big, it takes away from their creative voice. They become stagnant and improving stops. Those who are open-minded and willing to see they aren't perfect will keep improving and surpass the egomaniacs.
Thank you for posting the article! Your words are well spoken and an important message to all.
Bye
Rosalyne :)
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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Hi, Mikey.
Thank you for posting your article, one that is important and continues to raise the issues that keep surfacing on the site. You stated well the cattiness and judgement made behind the scenes. So much of this reminds me of high school.
You said something I agree with and am doing, write because it's something that is important to you. We can't stop the pettiness or the gossip. Sadly, there will always be jealousy and meanness. On the other side, there are those who are super supportive and friends on the site as you shared in the beginning.
I agree with all you've said and what you shared in the note at the end. Vanity stifles creativity. When an artist's ego becomes too big, it takes away from their creative voice. They become stagnant and improving stops. Those who are open-minded and willing to see they aren't perfect will keep improving and surpass the egomaniacs.
Thank you for posting the article! Your words are well spoken and an important message to all.
Bye
Rosalyne :)
Comment Written 08-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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Hi, Rosalyne. I'm so pleased with your input and support. I hope people are reading your words and I think by the response that they are. We are all in this together and have each other's backs. That's what these morons better get through their heads. None of us are going to get a scratch on us. They're wasting their time. Thanks a million. mike
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I agree with you!!! Friends stick together support and encourage one another!
Comment from Scarbrems
This site is a microcosm, Mikey. Bitching like this happens just about everywhere, especially in small communities like this one. Have you ever worked in a theatre? I have. It's one of the bitchiest environments I have ever known. The so-called 'artistic temperament' is a load of balls. It's an excuse to be nasty.
When I was here a few years ago, there was a lot of trouble over a group messaging eachother to rig contest voting. 'Vote for me, so such and such won't win', that kind of thing. Like it is the biggest deal on the planet if you win a contest here.
I've asked for people to look at reviews I've written, and responses, mostly to make sure I haven't broken any rules, or been unjust. If somebody reacts badly to something I've said, I tend to think I need to look in the mirror, first, to make sure I've not deserved it.
This was a good ol' rant, my friend.
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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This site is a microcosm, Mikey. Bitching like this happens just about everywhere, especially in small communities like this one. Have you ever worked in a theatre? I have. It's one of the bitchiest environments I have ever known. The so-called 'artistic temperament' is a load of balls. It's an excuse to be nasty.
When I was here a few years ago, there was a lot of trouble over a group messaging eachother to rig contest voting. 'Vote for me, so such and such won't win', that kind of thing. Like it is the biggest deal on the planet if you win a contest here.
I've asked for people to look at reviews I've written, and responses, mostly to make sure I haven't broken any rules, or been unjust. If somebody reacts badly to something I've said, I tend to think I need to look in the mirror, first, to make sure I've not deserved it.
This was a good ol' rant, my friend.
Comment Written 08-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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True, it is a microcosm and I'm foolish to expect anything different. But it's such a loss to lose an up and coming artist. We're insecure enough without having bullies stomping around with their egos trying to crush them. Well, we've got each other's backs and they need to know that. They won't leave a scratch as long as we keep our eyes open and stick together. It's always the most considerate person like yourself that has the least to worry about. Thanks so much. Glad you liked this. I've got hot air enough to fuel a balloon race!! mike
Comment from Domino 2
A VERY well-written and interesting post, Mikey - it had to be to retain my goldfish reading attention spell for that amount of time - time wasted when I could have been gossiping, now I think of it. That's all your fault, so I'm going to put you through the ringer with my member friends. Oh, shit, I just realised I don't have any. ;-)
Mind you, seriously, most of us here have had a bad few words to say about someone else behind their backs - EVEN YOU AND ME by PM recently - remember - 'Miss I'm Honest Bullshiter'?
Of course, there are degrees, and our exchange was very brief, so I forgive us both. LOL.
Through my entire life, I've never been part of a clique or 'follower of fashion', as I'm too much of an individual - maybe to the point of a weirdo or a rebel just for the sake of it.
I suspect there are a few cliques on here, and I've felt victimised in the past, rightly or wrongly - and sometimes of my own making for being controversial and not buttoning my lip (and maybe starting the fuss at times, LOL) - but I can stick up for myself, and if anyone has a go at me, I fire back both guns blazing, though often in a sarcastic and hopefully subtle way. I've certainly never let these creeps get me down - in fact I've always enjoyed the 'battles', even though they often got me into trouble with Tom.
However, I realise there are many more sensitive types who let this crap get to them, and of course that's not right and should be stopped. If all the shit was reported to Tom, that would help, but again I suspect many 'timid' types can't face that fuss and maybe even leave the site.
It's not only gossiping, but I suspect also contest cheating that goes on behind the scenes.
Anyway, as you say, there's nothing can be done about it, and I bet there are hundreds who are jealous of ME, and understandably so. Haha.
Top post, my friend.
Cheers, Ray.
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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A VERY well-written and interesting post, Mikey - it had to be to retain my goldfish reading attention spell for that amount of time - time wasted when I could have been gossiping, now I think of it. That's all your fault, so I'm going to put you through the ringer with my member friends. Oh, shit, I just realised I don't have any. ;-)
Mind you, seriously, most of us here have had a bad few words to say about someone else behind their backs - EVEN YOU AND ME by PM recently - remember - 'Miss I'm Honest Bullshiter'?
Of course, there are degrees, and our exchange was very brief, so I forgive us both. LOL.
Through my entire life, I've never been part of a clique or 'follower of fashion', as I'm too much of an individual - maybe to the point of a weirdo or a rebel just for the sake of it.
I suspect there are a few cliques on here, and I've felt victimised in the past, rightly or wrongly - and sometimes of my own making for being controversial and not buttoning my lip (and maybe starting the fuss at times, LOL) - but I can stick up for myself, and if anyone has a go at me, I fire back both guns blazing, though often in a sarcastic and hopefully subtle way. I've certainly never let these creeps get me down - in fact I've always enjoyed the 'battles', even though they often got me into trouble with Tom.
However, I realise there are many more sensitive types who let this crap get to them, and of course that's not right and should be stopped. If all the shit was reported to Tom, that would help, but again I suspect many 'timid' types can't face that fuss and maybe even leave the site.
It's not only gossiping, but I suspect also contest cheating that goes on behind the scenes.
Anyway, as you say, there's nothing can be done about it, and I bet there are hundreds who are jealous of ME, and understandably so. Haha.
Top post, my friend.
Cheers, Ray.
Comment Written 08-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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Well, we're two of a kind no doubt. Revered and loved and of course envied by the wannabes and never could bes. HAHAHAHA!
But, we can always set our squabbles aside with whomever and come to the aid of whomever needs it and that's the great thing about this place. We DO have each other's backs. Just try and get to one of us and you'll find out in a heartbeat. Hey, how can they help but envy us. Poor things. Thanks a bunch, mike
Comment from Gypsy Blue Rose
Hello, Mikey :)
Interesting stuff, I get what you're saying. I hate gossip and gossipers. Why don't they think of something better to do? I'm pretty sure fanstorians talk about me behind my back (well, at this site you don't need a back). It's partly my fault for being an open book. But I don't loose any sleep over it. Maybe when I was younger but now I don't waste time with people that play games. Good Essay, thanks for sharing.
*gypsy*
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2016
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Hello, Mikey :)
Interesting stuff, I get what you're saying. I hate gossip and gossipers. Why don't they think of something better to do? I'm pretty sure fanstorians talk about me behind my back (well, at this site you don't need a back). It's partly my fault for being an open book. But I don't loose any sleep over it. Maybe when I was younger but now I don't waste time with people that play games. Good Essay, thanks for sharing.
*gypsy*
Comment Written 08-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2016
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Thanks so much, Gypsy Haiku Queen
Well, if we're any kind of honest there's all kinds of things to find in our writing. Yeah, I could care less what they have to say. I encourage some cool rumors. HAHAHA. mike
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Yeah, I get it. Dean and I are good friends. We share a lot in common. People make comments to me that are pretty crazy. When I changed my profile picture, a writer told me that I look good and Dean was going to get in my bed LOL whatever that means. But to me my friendship with Dean is more important than the stupid gossip.
Comment from rama devi
thanks for voicing this with openness, authenticity, honesty and wit. Excellent flow, too, by the way.
Noted some nits and highlights...
With that in mind(,) a writing site was born.
*
to encourage reviews and reward quality pieces,(no ) as well (as) good old fashioned hard work and effort.
*Leaders among the membership emerged(,) and familiar names became site wide icons at the top of the list.
*
The site grew and(,) with it(,) the importance of prestige grew.
Totally agree, well said: Well, it is little in the grand scheme of things, and there is great irony in that. There is a tempest in a teapot within a restaurant supply business.
*
This is a wonderful place(,) and I've met wonderful people here.
***
False accusations and wild innuendos are the norm here. Are you aware that there is an entire network of members in communication behind the scenes of our little club?
Yes--as I've been the brunt of much of that over the years--or so I've heard. :)
Love your satirical closing note. Perfect!
While I do believe FS is more of a vanity site than anything else at this stage, there are still enough like-minded members and talented friends to make it worthwhile continuing here (at least sporadically) in spite of the rest...
Warmly,
rd
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2016
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thanks for voicing this with openness, authenticity, honesty and wit. Excellent flow, too, by the way.
Noted some nits and highlights...
With that in mind(,) a writing site was born.
*
to encourage reviews and reward quality pieces,(no ) as well (as) good old fashioned hard work and effort.
*Leaders among the membership emerged(,) and familiar names became site wide icons at the top of the list.
*
The site grew and(,) with it(,) the importance of prestige grew.
Totally agree, well said: Well, it is little in the grand scheme of things, and there is great irony in that. There is a tempest in a teapot within a restaurant supply business.
*
This is a wonderful place(,) and I've met wonderful people here.
***
False accusations and wild innuendos are the norm here. Are you aware that there is an entire network of members in communication behind the scenes of our little club?
Yes--as I've been the brunt of much of that over the years--or so I've heard. :)
Love your satirical closing note. Perfect!
While I do believe FS is more of a vanity site than anything else at this stage, there are still enough like-minded members and talented friends to make it worthwhile continuing here (at least sporadically) in spite of the rest...
Warmly,
rd
Comment Written 08-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 08-Feb-2016
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You are so correct in all that you say. With so many new people I've been getting a sense that they don't know what they've gotten themselves into. There is a lot of silliness here, but there's also a lot of good too. As long as the good people hand around, even in the background there's that person who can step up and lend a hand where needed. There's some great new talent and it would be a shame to leave them to the wolves, yes?
Thanks so much for catching the errors. I'll fix of course. Remember when your reviews were two pages long? I DO!! HAHAHA!
Don't ever leave. HUGS, mike
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Yes--exactly! Many new members are joining and leaving. I hope your post helps some to stay and give it a whirl. Thanks for your fun reply...I've definitely noticed you've improved since I first met you! Yay! I did leave, actually, but someone must have sponsored my membership anonymously, because it says I am a full member but I did not pay or decide to do that! I will be here only sporadically my visits will be intensive. Glad you're sticking around too, Mike.
Warm Hugs, rd