Wasn't He Tarred and Feathered?
A Delicate Treatise on Togetherness82 total reviews
Comment from rama devi
Potent rant, dear Mikey. I am sorry you feel so disillusioned with Fanstory. I went through that too but decided to stay (well, er, visit on occasion) because of the relationships here and because of the pluses that still remain. I think people have different constitutions and natures, and just because not everyone gets angry and rants publicly doesn't mean they do not care. I find that provokers like those kinds of reviewers thrive on attention--whether it is positive or negative does not seem to matter to them.
I personally also like to give the benefit of the doubt and offer such people a chance to change thier ways through kind word and helpful advice. if heeded, wonderful! If not, then I go my own way and steer clear. It's not my nature to pick a fight or jump in the fray but to try to send loving compassion to ALL involved, including the instigator, because only a person suffering intense pain and lack of love within would behave in such a manner...and i am sure that, if i knew thier entire story, I'd feel they are also a victim in life and the only cure is LOVE!
I believe many people have indeed complained to Tom about this person (and others) and, unless I misunderstood the discussion in the forum, Tom's stance on ratings and reviews is that if it does not attack the writer personally, it is permitted...even a one star.
So, reporting it would not help this issue--but complaining to Tom about the rules, would...asking him to be more stringent in what kind of feedback should be allowed. Perhaps he can give a warning to problematic reviewers? Or a boot?
I already took reviewing notes and then got to the end where you say not to bother to review--but since I did already, and I know you would not possibly mind, I will share those notes:
a greedy individual(,) who only sought to be number one on the sight(,) and an individual whose judgment was clouded by a fear of growing old. This opinion voiced by a complete stranger. Hmm. Makes one wonder who planted that idea in the reviewer's head(,) doesn't it.(?)
Well, the list goes on and on(,) and I'm sure you are adding to it even as you read.
You like those(,) don't you.(?)
But, hey, m(M)ikey won a few contests.
Love ya!
I am also less active here...and will have bursts of intermittent activity but not a steady presence. Glad to see you will also pop in on occasion. You have my email, I believe, so do stay in touch off site, if you like.
Thanks for all your energy invested here...I believe it has positive ripples in many directions...and even this rather pissed off rant could prompt a few people to consider perspectives...
xxoo
Warmest Hugs,
rd
PS--great title!
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Potent rant, dear Mikey. I am sorry you feel so disillusioned with Fanstory. I went through that too but decided to stay (well, er, visit on occasion) because of the relationships here and because of the pluses that still remain. I think people have different constitutions and natures, and just because not everyone gets angry and rants publicly doesn't mean they do not care. I find that provokers like those kinds of reviewers thrive on attention--whether it is positive or negative does not seem to matter to them.
I personally also like to give the benefit of the doubt and offer such people a chance to change thier ways through kind word and helpful advice. if heeded, wonderful! If not, then I go my own way and steer clear. It's not my nature to pick a fight or jump in the fray but to try to send loving compassion to ALL involved, including the instigator, because only a person suffering intense pain and lack of love within would behave in such a manner...and i am sure that, if i knew thier entire story, I'd feel they are also a victim in life and the only cure is LOVE!
I believe many people have indeed complained to Tom about this person (and others) and, unless I misunderstood the discussion in the forum, Tom's stance on ratings and reviews is that if it does not attack the writer personally, it is permitted...even a one star.
So, reporting it would not help this issue--but complaining to Tom about the rules, would...asking him to be more stringent in what kind of feedback should be allowed. Perhaps he can give a warning to problematic reviewers? Or a boot?
I already took reviewing notes and then got to the end where you say not to bother to review--but since I did already, and I know you would not possibly mind, I will share those notes:
a greedy individual(,) who only sought to be number one on the sight(,) and an individual whose judgment was clouded by a fear of growing old. This opinion voiced by a complete stranger. Hmm. Makes one wonder who planted that idea in the reviewer's head(,) doesn't it.(?)
Well, the list goes on and on(,) and I'm sure you are adding to it even as you read.
You like those(,) don't you.(?)
But, hey, m(M)ikey won a few contests.
Love ya!
I am also less active here...and will have bursts of intermittent activity but not a steady presence. Glad to see you will also pop in on occasion. You have my email, I believe, so do stay in touch off site, if you like.
Thanks for all your energy invested here...I believe it has positive ripples in many directions...and even this rather pissed off rant could prompt a few people to consider perspectives...
xxoo
Warmest Hugs,
rd
PS--great title!
Comment Written 25-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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I'm very behind but catching up and I see the light at the end of the tunnel!! Wonderful comments and compliments. We are, of course, on the same page down the line. Being late means I can report results, so a good thing in that regard. It ended up being twenty or so posts all over the front page on this and related matters. Apologies were received and even a suspension or two. The absurd reviews have all but ceased. So, for now, a victory. :))
Of course I want a review and corrections. That's just my fabulous dramatic flair. HAHAHA! I promise I will get to corrections. I'm almost caught up. Yay! Hugs, mikey
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Yay! You do have fabulous dramatic flair, Mikey! :-)))
Comment from Taffspride
Mikey, Here we have a very powerful piece of writing. You have encapsulated all that is happening on the site.
I have not been around much lately, and after reading some of the forums am beginning to regret returning.
When I joined FS several years ago it was to learn from folks who knew more about the craft of writing than I. For a time I was happy.
Marking a work down for not understanding a word, or for that matter a colloquialism is totally ridiculous. These people obviously have computers. Look it up folks.
Holding a grudge and revenge reviewing is simply not on either.
Well done for this excellent essay. Hopefully those who need to get their head around what they have been doing will read it and take it to heart. I hope this work is front and center for some time.
Thank you.
Iechyd da
Ann
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Mikey, Here we have a very powerful piece of writing. You have encapsulated all that is happening on the site.
I have not been around much lately, and after reading some of the forums am beginning to regret returning.
When I joined FS several years ago it was to learn from folks who knew more about the craft of writing than I. For a time I was happy.
Marking a work down for not understanding a word, or for that matter a colloquialism is totally ridiculous. These people obviously have computers. Look it up folks.
Holding a grudge and revenge reviewing is simply not on either.
Well done for this excellent essay. Hopefully those who need to get their head around what they have been doing will read it and take it to heart. I hope this work is front and center for some time.
Thank you.
Iechyd da
Ann
Comment Written 25-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Thank you so much. We are totally on the same page point for point. I'm so behind that I can report some results. :))
An apology received, a suspension and a general end to absurd reviews at least for now. Lots of posts on this matter and for once the whole family stood up and said, "NO". So, pretty encouraging. We'll see, yes? Thanks so much, good to hear from you. mikey
Comment from patcelaw
Michael, to this I say a hearty amen. I have had a few times when someone has written a very critical review to one of my pieces of work. Jealousy, may be the case in some instances. I do not know. All I do know is the kind of reviews you refer to are totally uncalled for. Some of the newer writers have a lot they need to learn and I for one try my dead level best to encourage them in a nice way. I have been on the site for almost 18 month and I have seen some real improvement in the works of some new poets and writers of prose and stories who are becoming true gems in my book. Bless you for writing this. It is something that needs to be said, and I appreciate you saying it. Patricia
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Michael, to this I say a hearty amen. I have had a few times when someone has written a very critical review to one of my pieces of work. Jealousy, may be the case in some instances. I do not know. All I do know is the kind of reviews you refer to are totally uncalled for. Some of the newer writers have a lot they need to learn and I for one try my dead level best to encourage them in a nice way. I have been on the site for almost 18 month and I have seen some real improvement in the works of some new poets and writers of prose and stories who are becoming true gems in my book. Bless you for writing this. It is something that needs to be said, and I appreciate you saying it. Patricia
Comment Written 25-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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It's often jealousy. Sometimes a desire to get ahead dishonestly. Sometimes just a mean streak.
I'm so delighted that sooooo many folks jumped in with their own posts and made this a real family affair. It worked too. The streets of Dodge are quiet for a change. We can get back to what we love. :)) Thank you so much, mikey
Comment from teols2016
Powerful emotions...I've certainly shared your feeelings, both about FanStory and other things. You make many good points. I came on this site to improve myself and pass on whatever wisdom I happen to find in the attic that is my brain, collecting dust, and help someone else out. I haven't gotten one of these negative reviews you've described, but I suppose I might not have been on long enough. I have had some outlyers in the crowd and sometimes they're right...I'm actually amazed when they're the only ones who pick up on the particular issue. Again, you make many good points. I hope you'll stick around anyway as you strike me as a good writer, especially if you wrote this piece as is of the top of your head.
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Powerful emotions...I've certainly shared your feeelings, both about FanStory and other things. You make many good points. I came on this site to improve myself and pass on whatever wisdom I happen to find in the attic that is my brain, collecting dust, and help someone else out. I haven't gotten one of these negative reviews you've described, but I suppose I might not have been on long enough. I have had some outlyers in the crowd and sometimes they're right...I'm actually amazed when they're the only ones who pick up on the particular issue. Again, you make many good points. I hope you'll stick around anyway as you strike me as a good writer, especially if you wrote this piece as is of the top of your head.
Comment Written 25-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Thanks a million for your thoughts and encouragement. Sorry to get back to you so late. I'll be around. It was heartwarming to see the support and I'm pleased to report it had a positive affect. mikey
Comment from giraffmang
Hi Mikey,
As you know I had already posted a few thoughts on this in 'Seriously'. I have had enough too. have repeatedly reported a particular member to Tom so I hope something will be done. The last straw for me yesterday was a "Muslims have to go back" statement. I know all too well first hand about bigotry.
I will be writing more on the subject, as I am fucking furious at the moment. I haven't been here that long but the 'dip' is horrendous. The site is rapidly losing ANY credibility at all.
I will do my best to pump this up so others will read it and hopefully get off their arses and write - It's kind of what we do!
G
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Hi Mikey,
As you know I had already posted a few thoughts on this in 'Seriously'. I have had enough too. have repeatedly reported a particular member to Tom so I hope something will be done. The last straw for me yesterday was a "Muslims have to go back" statement. I know all too well first hand about bigotry.
I will be writing more on the subject, as I am fucking furious at the moment. I haven't been here that long but the 'dip' is horrendous. The site is rapidly losing ANY credibility at all.
I will do my best to pump this up so others will read it and hopefully get off their arses and write - It's kind of what we do!
G
Comment Written 25-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Wow. It took off didn't it? A hell of a team effort. Glad to be a part of it with your and everyone else. It worked too. The streets of Tombstone are quiet tonight. :)) mikey
Comment from Dean Kuch
I know better than to ask you who it was that got cut down because she felt the need to ask for prayers of healing for a dear friend, or who it was did the cutting. Suffice it to say that I think that's just INSANE in the MEMBRANE! Hey, karma's a bitch, Mikey, and you gotta believe that what goes around, comes around. Eventually...maybe...we hope.
I recently received a two-star rating in a 3-5-3 contest because the gal (who is a purported professional reviewer and editor, by the way...ahem)...said she didn't like the picture I'd used. She also went on to say after I let her have it with both barrels, that she didn't even like horror stories or dark poetry. So, why the hell is she reviewing it if she can't do so without making a biased decision? We ALL list the appropriate categories that our writing falls under. So why not forsake your own narcissistic need for self-promotion of your work, skip my hard-earned member dollars that I scraped, scrimped, and saved by hours upon hours of seemingly endless hours of reviewing, and used to promote it, and move on down that gilded highway? It defies all logic or reason to me. If you're an atheist and you don't like reading about God, skip the religious, faith based offerings. If you detest romance stories and find them terribly boring -- git along, lil' doggie. You ain't hurtin' my feelings none.
She was the ONLY member I've muted in my three years since I came here, and part of the "new & improved" crowd that's been blowing in of late. I've since unmuted her account, only because I want a clear record in that regard.
You're absolutely correct; this is "supposed" to be a fun, helpful, and friendly site of like-minded individuals who all share a love of the written word.
But it is slowly and surely becoming something all together different lately. Like Frankenstein and little girls with flowers, it ain't a good thing, either!
~Dean
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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I know better than to ask you who it was that got cut down because she felt the need to ask for prayers of healing for a dear friend, or who it was did the cutting. Suffice it to say that I think that's just INSANE in the MEMBRANE! Hey, karma's a bitch, Mikey, and you gotta believe that what goes around, comes around. Eventually...maybe...we hope.
I recently received a two-star rating in a 3-5-3 contest because the gal (who is a purported professional reviewer and editor, by the way...ahem)...said she didn't like the picture I'd used. She also went on to say after I let her have it with both barrels, that she didn't even like horror stories or dark poetry. So, why the hell is she reviewing it if she can't do so without making a biased decision? We ALL list the appropriate categories that our writing falls under. So why not forsake your own narcissistic need for self-promotion of your work, skip my hard-earned member dollars that I scraped, scrimped, and saved by hours upon hours of seemingly endless hours of reviewing, and used to promote it, and move on down that gilded highway? It defies all logic or reason to me. If you're an atheist and you don't like reading about God, skip the religious, faith based offerings. If you detest romance stories and find them terribly boring -- git along, lil' doggie. You ain't hurtin' my feelings none.
She was the ONLY member I've muted in my three years since I came here, and part of the "new & improved" crowd that's been blowing in of late. I've since unmuted her account, only because I want a clear record in that regard.
You're absolutely correct; this is "supposed" to be a fun, helpful, and friendly site of like-minded individuals who all share a love of the written word.
But it is slowly and surely becoming something all together different lately. Like Frankenstein and little girls with flowers, it ain't a good thing, either!
~Dean
Comment Written 25-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Sorry to get back to you so late, but this year I've vowed to get back at least. HAhaha! Well, the results are in and WOW, everyone jumped on this bandwagon. Apology received. Suspension issued. Fluff fives in everybody's inbox. Well, until next time. Thanks for the great input and response. Hey, I've almost caught up on my responses. MIRACLE. mikey
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Haha, you're more than welcome, Mikey.
~Dean :}
Comment from Rubylou
Yep, I get negative reviews here and there. I received a 1 star and when I replied with a reference to the review being a joke, I received a notice telling me I should not 'attack' a reviewer.
If the person would have read the author's notes, maybe they would have 'gotten it.'
...but then again, maybe not.
Also when giving a '1', a detailed review should be submitted with it according to the reviewing guidelines. That didn't happen in my case. So, I replied to Fanstory, in one word, "noted", and ignored the 1'er.
I know in my heart that I didn't deserve it.
One time (and I had to laugh), someone wrote that they were in a plane while reviewing and my image made them feel like the plane was going to crash. REALLY??? LOL
What can I say?
I appreciate the time you took to voice this concern. I'm sure many, many, authors feel the same.
Rubylou
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Yep, I get negative reviews here and there. I received a 1 star and when I replied with a reference to the review being a joke, I received a notice telling me I should not 'attack' a reviewer.
If the person would have read the author's notes, maybe they would have 'gotten it.'
...but then again, maybe not.
Also when giving a '1', a detailed review should be submitted with it according to the reviewing guidelines. That didn't happen in my case. So, I replied to Fanstory, in one word, "noted", and ignored the 1'er.
I know in my heart that I didn't deserve it.
One time (and I had to laugh), someone wrote that they were in a plane while reviewing and my image made them feel like the plane was going to crash. REALLY??? LOL
What can I say?
I appreciate the time you took to voice this concern. I'm sure many, many, authors feel the same.
Rubylou
Comment Written 25-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Wow. That's a new one. The plane was going to crash? If I'd received the one I don't have to speak my thoughts! Oh no, of course not ...
Well, all the ranting and raving took on a life of it's own and even got results, an apology, a suspension and everyone reporting bad reviews until there hasn't been any lately. So hopefully it will be quiet for a little while anyway. Thanks a bunch, mikey
Comment from Realist101
Well, at least you have the guts to tell it like it is Mikey...I admire your spirit and sure wish things all over would get better, on site and off. But human egos will never change and the system only acerbates that. If that makes sense. I don't know. Don't stop writing or posting? I gave up once due to certain people who really and truly hurt me. Don't let that happen to you!? Susan
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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Well, at least you have the guts to tell it like it is Mikey...I admire your spirit and sure wish things all over would get better, on site and off. But human egos will never change and the system only acerbates that. If that makes sense. I don't know. Don't stop writing or posting? I gave up once due to certain people who really and truly hurt me. Don't let that happen to you!? Susan
Comment Written 25-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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We did make a difference for the time being anyway. It was nice to see everyone out in force. The family raising hell! It does hurt, we're human, or in our case, super human, but still human. :)) Thanks so much, mikey
Comment from fimarie78
I read your piece with great interest. I am here to learn and I would much rather have less stars and a helpful review. This week, I have had some reviews offering great suggestions and I am so grateful.
When I joined, I was disheartened to find that 5 star reviews are expected. I was grading honestly then receiving emails full of abuse.
I hope you will continue to post and review, as 'newbies' like me value your expertise and enjoy learning from your work.
best wishes
Fiona
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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I read your piece with great interest. I am here to learn and I would much rather have less stars and a helpful review. This week, I have had some reviews offering great suggestions and I am so grateful.
When I joined, I was disheartened to find that 5 star reviews are expected. I was grading honestly then receiving emails full of abuse.
I hope you will continue to post and review, as 'newbies' like me value your expertise and enjoy learning from your work.
best wishes
Fiona
Comment Written 25-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 31-Jan-2016
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We're all on the same page there, Fiona. We're here to learn and the stars are secondary. Give me four stars, just tell me why and what I can do to improve. If you feel you have to give five, you can still tell me how to improve. It's the words, not the stars, right? We were all newbies and we never forget what it was like. Always feel free to call on any of us. We're writers, we love to talk. :)) mikey
Comment from Pantygynt
Good for you Mikey. What can we do about these ignoramuses. After giving her a warning that was not heeded I muted one of them. That got her out of my hair but I notice that she's still at it it, marking others down for her own ignorance. Trouble is if we all run away because we don't like what "they" are doing then "they " will have won.
Now Gloria has posted a magnificent poem on the subject. Perhaps I'll have ago.
reply by the author on 25-Jan-2016
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Good for you Mikey. What can we do about these ignoramuses. After giving her a warning that was not heeded I muted one of them. That got her out of my hair but I notice that she's still at it it, marking others down for her own ignorance. Trouble is if we all run away because we don't like what "they" are doing then "they " will have won.
Now Gloria has posted a magnificent poem on the subject. Perhaps I'll have ago.
Comment Written 25-Jan-2016
reply by the author on 25-Jan-2016
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Yes! Please jump right in. We'd love to have your pen bring it's force to bear on the matter. We just have to join together, put the pressure on the site to do something. I know that Tom doesn't have any idea unless WE tell him. I've told him things before and he's said, "Really? I didn't have any idea." Ha! He doesn't have time to follow the day to day. Great input. Can't wait for your piece. No holds barred!!!! mikey
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I have now written it and I'd love for it to go alongside Gloria's but I haven't got enough memberbucks to get it there yet. So got to review. I'll post it whatever by 5pm GMT.