Reviews from

Wasn't He Tarred and Feathered?

A Delicate Treatise on Togetherness

82 total reviews 
Comment from nomi338
Excellent
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Bravo. It took a lot of courage to say the things you said. I have been burned by some of the unfair criticisms as well. The thing that gets me is you receive over 30 positive reviews and then from out of nowhere you get a reviewer who can find nothing good about your poem, spotty rhythm, corny ideas, childish word choice, you name it. You wind up scratching your head in wonderment, what the hell gives? If I come across a poem that does not interest me, is not something that i can fairly comment on, I simply move on to the next poem, I do not feel a compulsion to write a review for ever poem submitted to the site.

 Comment Written 26-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2016
    No matter what any of us say, it is the one that sticks in our craw. No amount of logic changes it either. And that's the power these clowns have and why we need to band together to stop them. I've see two close friends devastated by careless thoughtless words here. These happen to be really stellar people who would do anything for anybody to help them. Thus, the source of my anger. Your approach is right on the money. Geez. Some of this stuff I have to scratch my head and move on by. Hey, maybe it's me. Who knows? :)) Thanks a million for the great input. mikey
Comment from Leineco
Excellent
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We, who endure the flippant, judgmental, condemning reviews from people who can only say - "I didn't understand the words you used, so this poem is not successful" or "I don't like reading about YOUR pain, it's doesn't impact me in any way" Thank You for speaking for us in this 'rant of truth'

(I must admit, I wondered why you have been so absent so far this year)

I did one time, rate a poem badly for vernacular I could not understand, but explained I searched the online dictionaries for definitions. Found none and therefore could not score the poem highly because it was like reading a foreign language for which there were no translations available. But I said it as nicely as I could, expecting an explanation would be returned so that I could re-assess. I don't think I acted with malice or prejudice. . .but perhaps I am wrong. Maybe I should have merely "swiped left" and left it alone :-(

But I actually do believe in letting a writer know how their writing failed, in this instance and I always offer to re-read on the basis of either editing or explanation they can supply.

It's hard though - considering how these days a rating of 4 stars is deemed "rude" or "arrogant", even when concrete examples are noted. I've been active here since 2010 - but lately, like you, I am becoming less and less willing to participate in the glad-handing and sniping :-(

The truth is, I have no idea anymore if my writing is improving - or - declining.

 Comment Written 26-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2016
    It's funny, but the people who worry the most, like yourself, are the people who have to worry the least. You are known for going WAY out of your way to be fair with your reviews. Geez, it's almost agonizing to watch you fret about it sometimes. Ha! You're one of the very best here, so not declining I assure you. I don't review much lately, but I still love to read good stuff. :)) You always leave an out for the writer to make adjustments and that's more than most do. We just need to keep these REAL idiots from ruining it for all of us. It's easy enough for us to get discouraged as it is. We don't need ABSURDITY on top of it. Great insights and input. I hope people are reading these reviews. There's more here than there is in my rant. That's what I was hoping for. Thanks a million. mikey
Comment from Dawn Munro
Excellent
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Mikey, my friend, first I must address content somewhat - I'm all for powerful writing, but (and here's the big 'but') some of us may have tried, time and time again, to report ridiculous (unfair) reviews only to be shot down. After awhile, it's a case of take the lumps both ways or decide to leave. (Just saying...from my own experiences - get your head smacked often enough you learn to keep it down - weigh your priorities)...

If I may, let me give you one of my favourites of the West Indian slangs passed on to me: "Donkey say dis worl' nah level." It's been my experience that the FS world isn't exactly fair either, not just the world at large - that's not to say that management has never been of help to me, but...(yeah, another 'but')...

BUT (and this one is a GIANT 'but' you'll notice) you're right about the fact that non-reviews need to be reported.

Now, enough limb-dancing (and hoping it's not cut off...) On to my review of the actual writing of your editorial (which is what we are SUPPOSED to review) - I have a couple of suggestions for edits:

1) Then there'(re) the other..." - needs the plural abbreviation of 'there are' since there are more reasons, yes?
2) "You like those, don't you(?)" Rhetorical or not, I'd use a question mark here.

As to the rest of what you've written - dynamite. You've taken the words right outta my mouth.

Just one thing more this 'weary and disgruntled' member has to say about "taking this place back" - BANNING is something real, and it's happened to me more than once, so yes, I WILL stand up for a friend (when I know it's happened - we can't know if we haven't read the work or that friend's review), but my friend, I have learned to be VERY careful about how I do it.

Such a shame that someone who - honest-to-God - just seeks to hone a craft has to resort to 'craftiness' to get what she's paid for...

I'm a lot less involved with the place I once loved too...

Great rant, and (mostly) sound advice. If only...

p.s. - I've written similar things several times, so although I support your cause, I doubt I have anything more to add to what I've already said - anything additional I tried to write would undoubtedly bore the socks off too many reviewers I respect - but I'd happily post this review as a companion to your piece if I could. *smile*


 Comment Written 26-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2016
    The getting shot down is the straw isn't it? Hell, we'd just as soon go to the forum and throw down. Reviews are public things, yes? So and So, said this to So and So. Why is So and So's name a mystery all of a sudden? You know reading this how BADLY I wanted to put some names in. Hahaha! You also know how TAME it really is compared to what I'd really like to say.
    Reporting, like you say, is REAL and we should be doing it. That's a legitimate call to action there.
    Yes, getting banned is in the back of my mind. So, shhhh....
    Well, you and I both have written a lot of this before. I'm like you, way more likely to speak out for a friend, and that's what I'm doing really. I didn't get any bad reviews. In fact I received six stars from the worst one. :))
    I am hoping that the responses are read. That is my great wish, because the content is way more interesting than the piece. It's the discussion that matters. There is a lot of people jumping in for a change, other pieces being posted, a strong response, even an apology. So, maybe a little improvement I hope. Thanks a million. Great ideas and input as always. mikey
reply by Dawn Munro on 26-Jan-2016
    Oh, I'm so glad we're in agreement, and you understand my concern with respect to banning - I, too, would LOVE to name names, AND relate some of the stories I could!

    I've actually gone into an old rant (my first on the subject) and made some changes, added a bit. I'm not sure how to post it, because when I tried to re-post a book's chapters the system messed up totally. Complaining to management did nothing to help. I explained that as far as I am concerned there is no valid reason to re-post something UNLESS it's to put it out for reviews because we've improved it, but bottom line is, some chapters gave me the option for a Revive certificate, and some didn't. Tom insisted those were "new", and told me I must remove them. I ended up losing about $100 bucks worth of funny money over it...sigh...a lot of work for naught, too. Time is such a precious commodity for us - to lose so much of it makes me extremely hesitant to try to post this piece now. I don't have the funny money to promote it as you all have done for your pieces either. I NEVER can accumulate much, but I dare not complain about that after years of a dry spell/writer's block. LOL. The flow has been great so far and I want NOTHING to interfere with it. I haven't even been editing as I should, nor submitting. (Yikes! LOL.) Anyway, I do support you all completely!!!
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2016
    Would LOVE to see a piece from you. Give me a heads up when you post. We've pretty much blown our wad, but we may be able to help pump it up a bit anyway. :))
reply by Dawn Munro on 26-Jan-2016
    No worries about promoting if you don't mind reading for diddly-money. LOL. I am going to TRY to bring it out with a Revive, as it should be (IMO). ?? Cross fingers please - just adding all the names to the notes and it'll be up. It's called "Are You A Writer?"
reply by Dawn Munro on 26-Jan-2016
    Posted. (and thanks for the vote of confidence!)
reply by Dawn Munro on 26-Jan-2016
    An added note: If reviewers can be so unconscionable (for whatever reason) HERE, how about one who intentionally goes onto Amazon to pan books you've self-published. THAT to me is as low as an FS member can sink - no names, of course - after all, that member made sure to write the reviews under an 'assumed'/anonymous name.
reply by the author on 26-Jan-2016
    God. That's the lowest. That is worth researching and seeking vengeance on. I'm down for it. :))
reply by Dawn Munro on 26-Jan-2016
    I will PM you.
Comment from Jumbo J
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hey Mikey(((((((((((((((... hearing the echoes traveling the valleys and corridors... yes, even to the ears hiding behind the door out of fear of rejection... well, you gotta be real careful who you piss off... they might have power? Hmmmmmmm, what a conspiracy theorist? Who me?

Look, we came on the scene not too far apart and we've both experienced the reviewer who marks down with no excuse...my favorite are the cut 'n' paste reviewer who are only after the funny money... the ones who mark without explanation or cause are ignorant and yes,
the sit should do something.

I noticed another two rating being handed out with mean intentions this week... yeah, no explanation on why... other than they thought it was just words strung together... I read the very same author and I can tell you, by no means were words just strung together... but this author chose to take the higher ground... 'cause he's a true gentleman... just so happens he was the same dude I PM'd a months ago outlaying reviewing protocol... he didn't write back, but also didn't listen... so if we have rules to abide by... guidelines... shouldn't there be ramification to the blatant disregard? You know... first time -warning, second funny money fine... and then suspension... something along any lines.

I've gone to bat more than a few times for friend/fans over the years... and even a couple I didn't know... 'cause I can't stand bullies, not now, not ever.

So My brother of the pen, I could keep rambling, but just know this... your absence is noticed... envy and jealousy will always be the chosen tool of those who lack character or any hint of integrity... they expose themselves all the time... that is when the ah ha moment occurs... the reveal of a weak minded person who wished he or she were the one sitting pretty in your shoes... but are they willing to dedicate the amount of work needed to survive in the grown up world? I think not!

Never be, feel or take a back seat to your standing, placing or how much you've worked to get to where you have on site... yeah, I have been a tad distance... but we've already talked about the restraints of life and what it causes to one's ability to be there for everyone... well, now, it's still my case... as my catch words for this year is Change and Challenge and yes, in very big ways... but could I go by and not comment on this or anyone who may be slinging negativity your way... hell no!.. I respect you too much and the enormous amount of quality prose and poetry you have so tirelessly kept submitting... hell, you're like the energizer bunny... and for you and this write, well, straight-shooting essay, I say kudos for having a truthful shout -out... that in itself shows the quality and quantity of your worth as a writer and more importantly, human being... yes, BRAVO my Bother!

With our thoughts we create,
the code of our integrity,
James.

 Comment Written 26-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2016
    Hey, great to hear from you. I'm lurking around. :))
    Loved every word of this. I'm hoping the responses get read and the discussion receives the attention it should. There's quite a few who've taken up the sword and posted their own pieces and the response has been amazing. So, maybe this time, yes?
    No one is actually bothering me. But, they are bugging my friends and I think we're the same in this regard, I don't stand for that. That's the source of my anger. Well, already an apology and a section removed. So, that alone is worth it. Awesome input as always. "The code of our integrity". Yep, that's it right there. I'll be around, my friend. mikey
Comment from Jannypan (Jan)
Excellent
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I am in full support of everything you so eloquently stated. Your essay makes many valid points. While I have not been here as long as some, I try to be positive in all of my reviews [although I have some that were not so to me].

Everyone has a unique style of writing that we should all share in their accomplishments [or just read and enjoy their posts].

I was really hurt about that review for the message to pray for a member who is very sick. Even though it said do not review it, I did because I wanted to add my positive review and acknowledgement that the post was important. It did not matter that the post was not a poem.

I have enjoyed your work as you are a very talented writer. Good job on this post for allowing all to read how our words whether a post OR a review affect the author.

Thanks for sharing and caring.

 Comment Written 26-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2016
    Thank you so much for the nice compliments. We all started here as newbies and most of us remember it well. You have the perfect attitude and you're already known as a valued member here. There's always going to be the rogue reviewer who doesn't care or wants to have the spotlight on themselves for whatever reason. We just have to remember to stick together and look out for each other. I know you are one who does. Thanks again. mikey
Comment from JTStone
Excellent
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Mike
I want to thank you for this post. I wrote an apology to Gloria before coming back to write to you. I was the one who wrote the review that mentioned her.
I was wrong in what I did. I'm not here to make excuses. I'm here agreeing with what you are saying, And I'm sorry for my part in it.
Jimmy

 Comment Written 25-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 25-Jan-2016
    Hi, Jimmy. Your apology is accepted and I extend my hand to you in friendship. It takes a real man to step forward and I honor you for that. You sound like the kind of man we could use in kicking ass on some of this other bullshit going on around here. We'd be honored if you'd join us. Thanks so much. That section of my piece no longer exists. mikey
reply by JTStone on 25-Jan-2016
    Thanks Mikey
    I learned a valuable lesson here.
    And that is why we are here, to learn.
    You are a good man
    Thanks again for posting. This place will be better for it.
reply by Anonymous Member on 28-Jan-2016
    Thanks Mikey
    I learned a valuable lesson here.
    And that is why we are here, to learn.
    You are a good man
    Thanks again for posting. This place will be better for it.
Comment from DonandVicki
Excellent
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I agree with you Mike, I have been away for awhile and when I came back, My first post I got a one star slam because he or she did not like my style. At that point I seriously wondered why I came back at all. I will let you in on a little secret, If I do not particularly like someones work, I will not review it (Who am I to judge). Good to see you again.

 Comment Written 25-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2016
    Great to see you back again. It's been awhile. Any snowman poems in our future? Ha! See, I remember fine literature.
    Yeah, those one star, two star reviews kill us and it doesn't matter how many five and six stars we get. I guess it's the injustice of it all. I'm with you and I wish everyone else was too. Just pass it by. I've no problem it someone doesn't want to hear me blathering away, just slip on by. Ha! It really isn't for everyone. :)) Thanks for the input. It's still snowing here and there. mikey
reply by DonandVicki on 27-Jan-2016
    I will see if I can "roll out" a snowman in the near future.
Comment from Linda Engel
Excellent
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I read this post and all of your reviews. Very interesting and i am so glad the members have and will rally around those who have been hurt and confused by unwarranted low ratings. I know Gloria has been hurt and I've read some of the poetry and pose in support of her. I am floored when I read your reviewers' tales of the low ratings they had received. No one should have a low score for personal reasons from a reviewer. So wrong. I am tickled that you received money to promote this. It is well written and needed to be said.

 Comment Written 25-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2016
    Thanks a bunch, Linda. I'm most pleased that so many have jumped in with support and their own pieces as well. The top of the poetry listings looks like a wall of talent and solidarity on this subject. Whew. Pretty scary for a petty reviewer to try and take that on. :)) I was surprised to receive the support for this. I guess I'm not alone. That's a good feeling. Some apologies have already been made and that's awesome. Always pleased to hear from you. mikey
Comment from l.raven
Excellent
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HI Michael, you are so right...and thank you with all my heart...I felt so sorry for the poet who had the ass give her two stars because he is stupid the look in a dictionary...and the one that got three stars because he went back in history passed to write his poem...when I first started here...people got booted for less than that...and some of the remarks that are being given are hurtful...and just nasty...I am so glad you showed the ones you did...and you are so right...time to stand up and defend our FanStory family...the writers on here take a pride in how they write...good or bad...they write from the heart...and should not be beat down for it...Michael...you are should brilliant writer...and I say that only because it is damn true...and you have a lot of fans and friends on here...don't let the garbage coming in here run you out...and a few that are permanent cranks... it's just wrong...we have to much fun for you to leave...even for a minute...so unpack your bags and stay...I'm sure your story will spark some pens...on my way...love ya Linda xoxo

 Comment Written 25-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2016
    Hi there Queen of the sweetest of the sweets. :))
    It's been pretty maddening to see some of my favorite people slammed by fools with no purpose but to hurt. Especially folks I know go way out of their way to spread love and caring to everyone. Yeah, I get a teeny bit pissed. Ha! I guess it's a good thing I don't know where everybody lives.
    I wouldn't leave with dolls like you here. I'm not crazy ... well, I'm not THAT crazy. Hahaha! Thanks so much. If anybody looks at you cross-eyed, you know where to come. Yep, come to me and I'll call Gloria!! mikey
reply by l.raven on 26-Jan-2016
    LMAO, your tooooo funny...oh my gosh...you two are two cute...thank you so very much...and glad you are staying...didn't want to have to call Gloria on this end...LOL...have her shake you up...LOL...to many nasty reviews out there now...love your reply you...and you are so very welcome...goodnight sweetie...on my way out...love ya Linda...xxoo
Comment from reconciled
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

"were so supposed to be artists, thrilled when another busts out with awesome"..."were supposed to celebrate it"....Damn right Mike. certainly not be allowed to disrespect it. I mean where is your mind when you can gain attention on a writing site is be infamous for disrespecting them. Okay so now what....everybody know you now. I dont know dude....this place has changed. Appreciate you Mike my Brother of the pen. love Michael

 Comment Written 25-Jan-2016


reply by the author on 26-Jan-2016
    Hey, Brother Michael. Yep, we are one the same page, sometimes scribbling in the corner, other times up in the left, always gonna surprise, yes?
    Well, it seems everybody is up in arms and it's making a difference for a change. Take a look at the top of the poetry listings. That's a pretty formidable bunch there layin' it down on this very thing. I'd hate to be one of the punks spewin' this nonesense seein' that. Well, nuthin' for us to do, but hang around and add a little pizzaz, yes. And oh yeah, WHHOOOOOOOOO HOOOOOOOO, love you!!! I've heard it said that way. mikey