Wasn't He Tarred and Feathered?
A Delicate Treatise on Togetherness82 total reviews
Comment from sandragee
So there is hope for humankind. I read your update, and I must admit that I was surprised and pleased that there were those who came forward to admit their errors. I commend them. I've read your work and enjoyed it. I hope you will stay, but in good conscience, I must warn you of something first. There are some on this site who will read your piece and pretend it is not about them.
reply by the author on 28-Jan-2016
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So there is hope for humankind. I read your update, and I must admit that I was surprised and pleased that there were those who came forward to admit their errors. I commend them. I've read your work and enjoyed it. I hope you will stay, but in good conscience, I must warn you of something first. There are some on this site who will read your piece and pretend it is not about them.
Comment Written 27-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 28-Jan-2016
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We made some progress and mainly we discovered that we're not alone. I guess that's the most important thing of all. I will stay. Every balloon needs some hot air. Ha! I just made that up. Writers, eh? Yes, I know, some will read it without a clue. Ha! We'll have to keep working on them. Thanks a million. mikey
Comment from judiverse
Interesting points in this, Mikey, and I certainly understand where you're coming from. People are running over each other to get to the top, and some reviewers are putting a foot in their path. It seems like the competition this year is worse than ever. I haven't had any experience with stealth reviewers so far this year, but I have had in the past. They're the ones who join, don't write or review enough to receive any recognition, give a few "1" ratings, and then disappear form the scene. I agree that people should report any unfair or nasty reviews. I'm feeling that lack of enthusiasm you seem to have. I've done the requisite 6 posts for poetry and scripts (no one reads scripts) but haven't written a single short work so far. Thanks for airing your views, Mikey. Writing should be a joy, not cut-throat competition. judi
reply by the author on 28-Jan-2016
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Interesting points in this, Mikey, and I certainly understand where you're coming from. People are running over each other to get to the top, and some reviewers are putting a foot in their path. It seems like the competition this year is worse than ever. I haven't had any experience with stealth reviewers so far this year, but I have had in the past. They're the ones who join, don't write or review enough to receive any recognition, give a few "1" ratings, and then disappear form the scene. I agree that people should report any unfair or nasty reviews. I'm feeling that lack of enthusiasm you seem to have. I've done the requisite 6 posts for poetry and scripts (no one reads scripts) but haven't written a single short work so far. Thanks for airing your views, Mikey. Writing should be a joy, not cut-throat competition. judi
Comment Written 27-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 28-Jan-2016
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It's been pretty nuts, you've got that right. Jeesh. Well, I guess people have had enough for once. There's about twenty pieces posted on this subject. I've never seen the like here. So, at the very least we know we're not alone. I've been reluctant to join in. But, I have to write, so slowly a piece here and another there I'm adding a few. I think the wise thing to do is let this first month pass and when the dust has settled we can jump back in, yes? Thanks for your thoughts and input. Good to know you're out there. :)) mikey
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Hi, Mikey, and you are very welcome. Now that the new members have made their mark, maybe they'll be persuaded not to do it again. judi
Comment from foxangie123
That person was me and how you know I have no idea. If you are looking at stoves and all they have is puppies, will they cook your dinner. How do you rate a poem that isn't. Now this is directed towards me which is not nice. Write with facts okay because I am far from what you portray me to be so list this as fiction and I'll raise your stars. Otherwise it is a pack of false info...
I'm allowed to rate as I so see fit. I'm a professional Dude......you aren't.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
reply by the author on 27-Jan-2016
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That person was me and how you know I have no idea. If you are looking at stoves and all they have is puppies, will they cook your dinner. How do you rate a poem that isn't. Now this is directed towards me which is not nice. Write with facts okay because I am far from what you portray me to be so list this as fiction and I'll raise your stars. Otherwise it is a pack of false info...
I'm allowed to rate as I so see fit. I'm a professional Dude......you aren't.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 27-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 27-Jan-2016
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Well, hi there. I thought if I was a bad boy you might drop by to give me a spankin'. And boy do I deserve it. I've been very bad tryin' to point out unconscionable acts of mendacity and the like. Now, you're dazzlin' me with the puppies in the stove metaphor. Yeah, I'm feelin' ya there. Mmmm mmm mmm. Yes, ma'am there will be some cookin' goin' on. Uh uh...
You may be correct to confer amateur status on me. I suppose this is an avocation or a predilection as it were. As I get older I'm beginning to think that perhaps I should indulge my predilections with a professional such as yourself. But I suppose it's my pride and stubbornness that thinks myself still with enough fire in the old tank to merit notice just on looks and charm alone. You do admit I'm charming, yes?
Your offer to raise my stars which I take to be another thinly veiled metaphor is pretty exciting as well.
By the way, I love it when you call me Dude. It's kind of cute.
Well, I'm glad we met. You've assessed me correctly. Alas, I am poor. But, I have a way with words and a charm that draws the ladies. You'll find that after an hour or so with me, you'll be completely sated. Thanks for stoppin' by, Darlin', mikey
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Glad to meet you too. I'm a very caring person but a person that does what is asked. If it says poetry, that is what I expect. If it isn't, it is deceiving and a lie, right. Friends xo..
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Let me try to be clear on what the problem is and why people are angry.
What is important to my friend is the very life and suffering of her friend.
That is what is important to every person on this site. We don't care if the
posting is a poem. We care that our friend is in terrible pain and needs our prayers and good wishes.
We care about each other. My friend is a caring and loving individual, one of the most caring and loving people I have ever met. She wasn't seeking stars or reviews or praise by posting. She was only informing her friends here about the urgent need of another fellow friend to us all. The person she was telling us about is also a dearly loved and beautiful person and it breaks our heart to hear that she is suffering in horrible pain and near death. This is all we care about.
All you care about upon reading this news is that the posting is not a poem. Your glee and uncaring joy in bestowing a penalizing one star review is shocking to say the least
We find that to be beyond belief that a human being could react in such an unfeeling and uncaring way.
This is the source of my anger towards you.
There are many other issues concerning your total lack of proper reviewing procedures. I'll leave that to others if you're interested.
Mine is not the only posting dealing with this matter. You are not the only person that we take issue with. I'll add a list of writers and their postings if you care to read them and respond.
Remember, all reviews are public and there for every member to read. Whatever you say to one member of the community, you say to all of us. You tell my friend to go to hell, you tell me to go to hell. I hope I've explained this to you properly.
It is my hope that you will consider that you have made a huge mistake with your actions
and apologize to my friend. Since you insulted her publicly I think it would be appropriate to apologize publicly. That, of course, is entirely up to you.
Regards, Mikey
These are all articles relating to reviewing and many of them address this
issue and others involving YOUR reviewing or lack thereof ability.
It's good reading. You may want to read and respond.
Gloria - "The Reviewer"
pantygynt - "The Reviewer, Reviewed"
giraffmang - "Seriously"
mountainwriter 49 - "Clarity"
michaelcahill - "Wasn't He Tarred and Feathered?"
I am Cat - "Believe This..."
Rosalyne - "Social Interaction and Communication"
frogbrook - "Rant from a Newer Ranter"
sarkems - "Thoughts on Reviewing"
doggymad - "Bribery or Generosity"
l. raven - "Read FanStory Laws"
ideasaregemsdawn - "Are You A Writer" (You may have to go to her profile as it's a revived piece and not on the front page. DO SO. It's paying and well worth the trouble, believe me.)
lightnk - One Word, Two Words (Dr Seuss-Style)
barkingdog - Just Sayin'
Brenda Bickers - "Just A Word"
Mrs. Majors - "My Thoughts On Reviewing"
MissCookie - Let's Get It Together
Nor84 - "Let's Look at Reviewing"
Comment from --Turtle.
Hi, Mikey,
I read through this movement making piece. I thought it was really well articulated in serving a rallying voice. The format is a blog-style engagement, informal to read with the intent to draw others in and express a concern, thoughts, and inspire others on the same course.
The thoughts as I got to the end: in some ways, the shape of fanstory is in the hands of the community, Tom can do so much it seems, though sure there are maybe more things that can be done, and when not done, then still can be done on a community level. (If that makes any sense) But the point is, I thought as I read this, the community can demand of everyone what they expect... what is acceptable, what is not, in different ways. In that guides how the Fanstory tool is used. Not to bop people over the head, but to stimulate and share.
Many know to go with the flow, some seem to show up and swim upstream in a way that messes with the ecosystem.
One thing that writers do is write.... And it makes sense that writers exercising their 'write'
can cause changes. If anything, it sets the tone and pace of the drum for all the fish in the pond.
I don't know if I could ever promote anything so high, but that those who can, have, is showing of the passion involved.
A few things I noticed when I read, for when you get to editing the piece:
poetry, prose, books, rants, raves, lunacy, whatever ... write, write, write. But, hey, mikey(Mikey?)
(wondered if you meant the lower case mikey here. Later it was capitalized.)
To the weary and disgruntled, like myself, I say, lets(let's) take all of these
(grammar nit: need to correct the lets to let's)
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Hi, Mikey,
I read through this movement making piece. I thought it was really well articulated in serving a rallying voice. The format is a blog-style engagement, informal to read with the intent to draw others in and express a concern, thoughts, and inspire others on the same course.
The thoughts as I got to the end: in some ways, the shape of fanstory is in the hands of the community, Tom can do so much it seems, though sure there are maybe more things that can be done, and when not done, then still can be done on a community level. (If that makes any sense) But the point is, I thought as I read this, the community can demand of everyone what they expect... what is acceptable, what is not, in different ways. In that guides how the Fanstory tool is used. Not to bop people over the head, but to stimulate and share.
Many know to go with the flow, some seem to show up and swim upstream in a way that messes with the ecosystem.
One thing that writers do is write.... And it makes sense that writers exercising their 'write'
can cause changes. If anything, it sets the tone and pace of the drum for all the fish in the pond.
I don't know if I could ever promote anything so high, but that those who can, have, is showing of the passion involved.
A few things I noticed when I read, for when you get to editing the piece:
poetry, prose, books, rants, raves, lunacy, whatever ... write, write, write. But, hey, mikey(Mikey?)
(wondered if you meant the lower case mikey here. Later it was capitalized.)
To the weary and disgruntled, like myself, I say, lets(let's) take all of these
(grammar nit: need to correct the lets to let's)
Comment Written 27-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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I usually put my name in lower case, false humility. Ha!
Good points. Yes, we are writers and we should write. This turned into a group effort with about twenty pieces on the front page. Lots of help promoting each other's work and some very positive results too. So, the pen cut deep for once. Thanks for the great input and insights, most appreciated. mikey
Comment from pattipac
Mike, you have written a welcomed essay on the cruel and unjust reviews that each of us have recieved on our writing.Those of us who write to feed our inner most passion, for healing, and a means of witnessing our faith In our creator-God, who declared our world and its inhabitants as being "Good", applaud you. I will no longer allow a reviewer to denigrate my, or anyone else's writing unjustly without taking action.
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Mike, you have written a welcomed essay on the cruel and unjust reviews that each of us have recieved on our writing.Those of us who write to feed our inner most passion, for healing, and a means of witnessing our faith In our creator-God, who declared our world and its inhabitants as being "Good", applaud you. I will no longer allow a reviewer to denigrate my, or anyone else's writing unjustly without taking action.
Comment Written 27-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Good for you. It's just wrong to judge anyone period, let alone for their beliefs-especially when they're heartfelt and positive. Thanks a million for speaking out and this awesome review. Blessings, mikey
Comment from Drew Delaney
Right on, dude. I can so connect. I have been here off and on for years. Love it as much as the next guy. When jealousy jumps in, don't run. Fight the bad ass. If we all would quit, eventually we become the losers, and the haters, winners.
I joined a site a few years back that got me to quit because I just couldn't get it all right. They were all striving to get not self published, but traditionally published. Some are good enough to make it, but let's face it, many are not. Certain reviewers blew the wind out of my sails. I quit writing altogether. Then one day, I rejoined Fanstory. It's an awesome site. I know from experience that there are worse.
So Michael, write on. And post. We need you here.
You are an awesome writer that just has to get over a few hiccups. Trust me! You won't be sorry.
Drew
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Right on, dude. I can so connect. I have been here off and on for years. Love it as much as the next guy. When jealousy jumps in, don't run. Fight the bad ass. If we all would quit, eventually we become the losers, and the haters, winners.
I joined a site a few years back that got me to quit because I just couldn't get it all right. They were all striving to get not self published, but traditionally published. Some are good enough to make it, but let's face it, many are not. Certain reviewers blew the wind out of my sails. I quit writing altogether. Then one day, I rejoined Fanstory. It's an awesome site. I know from experience that there are worse.
So Michael, write on. And post. We need you here.
You are an awesome writer that just has to get over a few hiccups. Trust me! You won't be sorry.
Drew
Comment Written 27-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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I get those hiccups, yep. :)) I love to hear your thoughts. You sound so much like me and that's a great comfort to know i'm not alone. The people here really stood up together this time. Twenty or more posts all over the front page devoted to this topic. Wow. Got results too. Thanks a million, Drew. mikey
Comment from ellie6
Hi, Mikey.
I admire your courage for putting our thoughts (most of us) into writing. For my part, I always welcome comments pointing out my many typo's and the odd missed punctuation. What pisses me off is those people who correct my spelling without first referring to a dictionary. There are two ways of spelling the English language - the American English and the British English. Both equally valid. I advise these writers to first check the dictionary before wading in - It's in the book! Apart from that beef, I love the platform FS provides for me to stretch my imagination.
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Hi, Mikey.
I admire your courage for putting our thoughts (most of us) into writing. For my part, I always welcome comments pointing out my many typo's and the odd missed punctuation. What pisses me off is those people who correct my spelling without first referring to a dictionary. There are two ways of spelling the English language - the American English and the British English. Both equally valid. I advise these writers to first check the dictionary before wading in - It's in the book! Apart from that beef, I love the platform FS provides for me to stretch my imagination.
Comment Written 27-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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You'll find a whole slew of posts and quite a few of them mention DICTIONARIES. Ha! We all love it hear, but every once in a while we have to blow a cork and route out the dummies. :))
Thank you, mikey
Comment from ~Dovey
Hi Mikey,
Thanks for making a stand on behalf of everyone who has been wrongfully reviewed. With any luck Tom will recognize the importance of this issue to the collective community and do something administrative (be it rules, a message of expectation for joining members, or a golden laminated copy of the reviewing standards given to EVERY member.) I hate to think that FanStory has been reduced to an attitude of 'take the money and run' administratively.
I'm highlighting this as a most important passage in your rant, don't lose it if you edit:
We are supposed to be artists. It's supposed to be a THRILL when a fellow artist busts out with an awesome piece of poetry or prose. You aren't supposed to be pissed at it or be jealous of it. You aren't supposed to hate it, you're supposed to LOVE it and celebrate it. (I would add that giving the best advice and encouragement we can give is an expectation of each of us.)
Thanks,
Kim
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Hi Mikey,
Thanks for making a stand on behalf of everyone who has been wrongfully reviewed. With any luck Tom will recognize the importance of this issue to the collective community and do something administrative (be it rules, a message of expectation for joining members, or a golden laminated copy of the reviewing standards given to EVERY member.) I hate to think that FanStory has been reduced to an attitude of 'take the money and run' administratively.
I'm highlighting this as a most important passage in your rant, don't lose it if you edit:
We are supposed to be artists. It's supposed to be a THRILL when a fellow artist busts out with an awesome piece of poetry or prose. You aren't supposed to be pissed at it or be jealous of it. You aren't supposed to hate it, you're supposed to LOVE it and celebrate it. (I would add that giving the best advice and encouragement we can give is an expectation of each of us.)
Thanks,
Kim
Comment Written 27-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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I certainly wasn't alone this time. Wow, twenty or more posts all over the front page on this and other related matters. It sure felt like a family again. Some good results too.
I'm delighted you chose those words to highlight. We are totally on the same page and indeed I would certainly include the words you added. Thanks so much, Kim. mikey
Comment from MacMhuirich
Hi Mikey, I have read quite a few of the posts on this subject. I won a years subscription to the site and I intend to use it to better myself (hopefully), none of us are perfect that's why we strive to learn and progress but the bad reviews do slow the progress down. Often a reasonable excuse isn't given for the low rating, if it's a technicality - help someone, all this negativity isn't good for the learning process.
Well done for highlighting this and for making your stand.
Bless you
John
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Hi Mikey, I have read quite a few of the posts on this subject. I won a years subscription to the site and I intend to use it to better myself (hopefully), none of us are perfect that's why we strive to learn and progress but the bad reviews do slow the progress down. Often a reasonable excuse isn't given for the low rating, if it's a technicality - help someone, all this negativity isn't good for the learning process.
Well done for highlighting this and for making your stand.
Bless you
John
Comment Written 27-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Hi, John, and welcome. This is an awesome place and you'll love it here. This is just a little house cleaning we do from time to time. Just like you say right on the money, a low rating is one thing, but give a reason and offer some help. That's exactly what all of us expect and vow to offer each other. There's been a few running around marking down pieces because THEY didn't understand a word. LOL. Look it up, right? That's all this is. Not the norm, but speak up if you aren't being treated fairly. There's plenty of us here that will back you up. Thanks for responding. Blessings, mikey
Comment from Phyllis Stewart
Well said, Mikey. I don't see any more idiots here than usual. Maybe they're just more noticeable in a cluster and will fade for a while. You can't change people, so you either have to kill them or ignore them. Murder gets you life in prison, so I just ignore the fools. Every site has them. The good news is they don't stay around very long. The bad news is there is always another waiting to join when one leaves. It's just one of the many challenges of life. :)
reply by the author on 27-Jan-2016
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Well said, Mikey. I don't see any more idiots here than usual. Maybe they're just more noticeable in a cluster and will fade for a while. You can't change people, so you either have to kill them or ignore them. Murder gets you life in prison, so I just ignore the fools. Every site has them. The good news is they don't stay around very long. The bad news is there is always another waiting to join when one leaves. It's just one of the many challenges of life. :)
Comment Written 27-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 27-Jan-2016
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Hi, Phyllis. Yeah, same old, same old. But a particularly nasty infestation at the moment. Plus, I HAVE to shoot my fat mouth off once in a while just because. I must say, the response has been amazing. I guess everyone is fed up with this bunch. There's twenty pieces running on this very thing right now. Oh well, back in my cave. Great to hear from you. Everyone seems healthy here for a change. Maybe I can get something done. mikey