Boo Hoo to One and Two
A poem about reviewers' preferences.24 total reviews
Comment from Y. M. Roger
Makes me completely crazy when you get reviews of "I would have used [insert word here]" or "think the style would have been better with abab".... and that's just for poetry.........not gonna get into the prose side..sigh. :) :) And then we have the opposite side where you read things and all the reviews before have been 5-stars with no suggestions and, well, let's just say, there are glaring suggestions that need to be made for the person to 'learn' ... again: sigh. :) ;) This is an awesome offering, L-M -- I like the varied format as it works will with the points you're making! ;) :) thanx for sharing! ;) :) Yvette
reply by the author on 07-Sep-2019
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Makes me completely crazy when you get reviews of "I would have used [insert word here]" or "think the style would have been better with abab".... and that's just for poetry.........not gonna get into the prose side..sigh. :) :) And then we have the opposite side where you read things and all the reviews before have been 5-stars with no suggestions and, well, let's just say, there are glaring suggestions that need to be made for the person to 'learn' ... again: sigh. :) ;) This is an awesome offering, L-M -- I like the varied format as it works will with the points you're making! ;) :) thanx for sharing! ;) :) Yvette
Comment Written 06-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 07-Sep-2019
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Thanks for your comments here, showing we have all at times been subjected to other's sometimes odd, ignorant or vicious ideas of what a review is.
Comment from Janice Canerdy
WOW! You have cleverly, skillfully, and creatively covered a wide range of
reasons for giving not-too-stellar reviews! I laughed out loud at some of them. I read your notes about good poems not getting a lot of reviews because of "low pay." Just speaking for myself--I spend a LOT of time writing coherent, on-target, accurate reviews. I use what I "earn" to promote my poems. Therefore, I do not write reviews for two cents. Please
don't take this as a rant. I'm just sayin' . . . .
reply by the author on 06-Sep-2019
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WOW! You have cleverly, skillfully, and creatively covered a wide range of
reasons for giving not-too-stellar reviews! I laughed out loud at some of them. I read your notes about good poems not getting a lot of reviews because of "low pay." Just speaking for myself--I spend a LOT of time writing coherent, on-target, accurate reviews. I use what I "earn" to promote my poems. Therefore, I do not write reviews for two cents. Please
don't take this as a rant. I'm just sayin' . . . .
Comment Written 06-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 06-Sep-2019
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I hear you Janice - and your individual, personal, well thought out reviews are a joy to receive. I am always grateful when you review my work as I know I haven't been able to promote it to much monetary reward. It does annoy me when I see what I perceive to be crappy poems with high review values getting fawned over with 5 stars while better ones languish with minimal reviews. The "All Time Best" list is studded with many (to my mind) average works, just because they passed that magical 25-reviewers mark. (This might be a case of jealousy - I have only ever attracted that number once!)
I, too, have gone for the big-value works to review when I need to promote my work and I haven't got all day to sit around reviewing lesser paying items. It still doesn't seem fair though.
Comment from lyenochka
I see the humor but I'm also appalled. I don't think anyone should give you a 1 or 2 or 3 or even 4 because your work is always super and I'm usually out of sixes! I like what you say about instruction and I wish they'd just do away with the silly rating thing. Very few among our reviewers have been writing judges.
reply by the author on 07-Sep-2019
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I see the humor but I'm also appalled. I don't think anyone should give you a 1 or 2 or 3 or even 4 because your work is always super and I'm usually out of sixes! I like what you say about instruction and I wish they'd just do away with the silly rating thing. Very few among our reviewers have been writing judges.
Comment Written 06-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 07-Sep-2019
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I wonder what would happen if reviews were rated by the recipients rather than the poems - put the shoe on the other foot - writers now only have limited chance to commend a review for being helpful. Maybe folks would be more diligent about their reviewing.
I have never received a 1 or a 2 but have had the odd 3 and 4, usually by someone ignorant of understanding or pushing their barrow about something.
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I think the only two times I've gotten anything lower than a four was when the topic was offensive like my not letting a cat in. One reviewer who isn't here I don't think have me the most unhelpful reviewer wrote, "Meh." You can always block reviewers.
Comment from Diana L Crawford
awesome! I think this may be intended for a particular someone who is no longer here, but good advise to all in our community. If one cannot offer constructive criticism, then they should move on. Either praise or advise to improve should be the only thing we share on this site. love this!! i wish a certain someone could have seen it :) xoxoxo
reply by the author on 06-Sep-2019
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awesome! I think this may be intended for a particular someone who is no longer here, but good advise to all in our community. If one cannot offer constructive criticism, then they should move on. Either praise or advise to improve should be the only thing we share on this site. love this!! i wish a certain someone could have seen it :) xoxoxo
Comment Written 06-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 06-Sep-2019
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Did that person leave? I can't check if he's still posting because he muted me for calling him out on being vicious.
Thanks for reviewing.
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Yes, his profile is no longer. I?ll send a pic via email
Comment from Mrs. KT
Hello Lisa!
Woah!
I imagine your "greatly exaggerated for amusement" delightfully-composed poetic offering will resonate with many; it certainly does with this reader!
I once was criticized for a poem I presented because it lacked rhyme - which was one of four criteria the reviewer stated must be present in a poem. I responded that I felt such a criterion was rather myopic in the poetic world where a plethora of forms exist and many do not require rhyme.
I recently received another sub-excellent review from an individual who lauded me with compliments, but then pointed out that one word should not be capitalized and my title should be as she/he suggested.
So it goes...
Live and learn.
But as you write so aptly:
These all point to personal preference
getting in the way of reviewing deference
given to style and skill and art,
when a poet writes from their heart.
Last year, I wrote a sonnet that received a 4-star review from an outstanding poet on the site. I inquired as to why, and this individual pointed out where my scansion of iambic pentameter needed to be adjusted; I was incredibly appreciative of his advice and made the necessary edits.
Another instance, I submitted a poem that received a 4-star review because it required two more additional stanzas per the contest's requirements. Thank goodness this was pointed out to me! I was again, I was thankful.
There is a huge difference between reviewing with the goal of assisting versus reviewing with the goal of forwarding arrogance.
Thank you for sharing, Lisa!
Take Care!
diane
reply by Mrs. KT on 06-Sep-2019
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Hello Lisa!
Woah!
I imagine your "greatly exaggerated for amusement" delightfully-composed poetic offering will resonate with many; it certainly does with this reader!
I once was criticized for a poem I presented because it lacked rhyme - which was one of four criteria the reviewer stated must be present in a poem. I responded that I felt such a criterion was rather myopic in the poetic world where a plethora of forms exist and many do not require rhyme.
I recently received another sub-excellent review from an individual who lauded me with compliments, but then pointed out that one word should not be capitalized and my title should be as she/he suggested.
So it goes...
Live and learn.
But as you write so aptly:
These all point to personal preference
getting in the way of reviewing deference
given to style and skill and art,
when a poet writes from their heart.
Last year, I wrote a sonnet that received a 4-star review from an outstanding poet on the site. I inquired as to why, and this individual pointed out where my scansion of iambic pentameter needed to be adjusted; I was incredibly appreciative of his advice and made the necessary edits.
Another instance, I submitted a poem that received a 4-star review because it required two more additional stanzas per the contest's requirements. Thank goodness this was pointed out to me! I was again, I was thankful.
There is a huge difference between reviewing with the goal of assisting versus reviewing with the goal of forwarding arrogance.
Thank you for sharing, Lisa!
Take Care!
diane
Comment Written 06-Sep-2019
reply by Mrs. KT on 06-Sep-2019
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Well, shoot!
I went in to edit my review, and I cannot without dismantling your 6 stars...
So let me just say:
Again, I was thankful (End of long paragraph)
And add: We should all review with the mindset to aid/help as opposed to defame/tear down/?
Take Care!
diane
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
This made me smile! A reviewer gave me a low score once because they hated sonnets! He he he. If a reviewer is helpful and has a valid point then I am all ears! Your poem is light hearted and funny Lisa, I hope you get more than 'one' star for this one! Love Dolly x
reply by the author on 06-Sep-2019
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This made me smile! A reviewer gave me a low score once because they hated sonnets! He he he. If a reviewer is helpful and has a valid point then I am all ears! Your poem is light hearted and funny Lisa, I hope you get more than 'one' star for this one! Love Dolly x
Comment Written 06-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 06-Sep-2019
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If i get a 1 I will persuade myself it is because the reviewer was eating a crumpet and had butter on their finger when scrolling the review rating list of stars.
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I like your attitude Lisa x
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and I like crumpets.
Comment from June Sargent
I know where you're coming from. If you "just don't get it" or if it's "not my cup of tea" - then simply skip it. Why is it necessary to give it a bad rating? They don't even bother to read the notes regarding the format and assume everything has to rhyme or be in couplets. Aggravating, but what can we do. Thanks for highlighting this issue!
reply by the author on 06-Sep-2019
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I know where you're coming from. If you "just don't get it" or if it's "not my cup of tea" - then simply skip it. Why is it necessary to give it a bad rating? They don't even bother to read the notes regarding the format and assume everything has to rhyme or be in couplets. Aggravating, but what can we do. Thanks for highlighting this issue!
Comment Written 06-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 06-Sep-2019
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A lot of people reveal their ignorance or biases or hastiness when reviewing.
Thanks for your review and comments.
Comment from RodG
I did enjoy this poem, Lisa, cause the reviews were "greatly exaggerated, " but your message does come across: review with kindness and encouragement in mind, or don't review at all. Rod
reply by the author on 06-Sep-2019
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I did enjoy this poem, Lisa, cause the reviews were "greatly exaggerated, " but your message does come across: review with kindness and encouragement in mind, or don't review at all. Rod
Comment Written 06-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 06-Sep-2019
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Exactly. It's pretty easy to be kind. We can still point things out for correction or suggestion diplomatically, or just don't even go there.
Comment from Mark Valentine
I like the light-hearted take on a subject that will strike a chord with some. I've gotten a few 1s and 2s and they usually had less to do with the writing and more to do with the opinions expressed in it. I do love getting helpful criticism (I always like when Rama reviews my work for example), and I'm not offended when someone just says something nice for the money. I always find your work well-written, so I can't imagine you've gotten many below 5 ratings.
reply by the author on 06-Sep-2019
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I like the light-hearted take on a subject that will strike a chord with some. I've gotten a few 1s and 2s and they usually had less to do with the writing and more to do with the opinions expressed in it. I do love getting helpful criticism (I always like when Rama reviews my work for example), and I'm not offended when someone just says something nice for the money. I always find your work well-written, so I can't imagine you've gotten many below 5 ratings.
Comment Written 06-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 06-Sep-2019
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I think if someone dislikes something to only give it a 1 or 2 they should not review it. Rama is an excellent reviewer - very thorough in her critique. I've been told off for not offering 'enough money' and have had a couple of 3 and 4 reviews from hit-and-run reviewers who don't seem to write anything of quality themselves.
Comment from Mystic Angel 7777
I agree, especially with your notes. It is a shame about the number of good pieces that go unnoticed simply because the author can't afford to promote them. I've been attacked for not making it worth a person's while to read my stuff LOL - I say don't read it if you have to be paid to do so. Every word of this well penned piece is very true and I hope it will put reviewing in a new light (especially for those just starting here). Well done an thank you very much for sharing it.
reply by the author on 06-Sep-2019
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I agree, especially with your notes. It is a shame about the number of good pieces that go unnoticed simply because the author can't afford to promote them. I've been attacked for not making it worth a person's while to read my stuff LOL - I say don't read it if you have to be paid to do so. Every word of this well penned piece is very true and I hope it will put reviewing in a new light (especially for those just starting here). Well done an thank you very much for sharing it.
Comment Written 06-Sep-2019
reply by the author on 06-Sep-2019
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I think one of the drawbacks of this site is the money aspect of it. I can't afford to keep buying member dollars but it takes ages to review enough to add up. I am prolific so I find I am spending a bit more than I envisaged I would be. The easy answer would be : don't post so many items, but I have developed a habit of writing now and I find I have some things to say that I like getting feedback about.