Have You Heard?
Essay37 total reviews
Comment from Deborah Marie
Well penned with nice artwork. Wonderful progression, rhythm and flow as well as meaning. Thanks for sharing and keep 'em coming, Deb
reply by the author on 13-Feb-2016
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Well penned with nice artwork. Wonderful progression, rhythm and flow as well as meaning. Thanks for sharing and keep 'em coming, Deb
Comment Written 13-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 13-Feb-2016
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Thanks very much. mike
Comment from jlsavell
Well Mr. Cahill, I will look forward to your next post. You are certainly a well articulated advocate for a wonderful site. Once again, I am not on here enough to dance around the water cooler and tilt an ear to the idiosyncrancies and sinister envies which drive one to unduly criticise and scream or whisper disgruntled feelings toward another. To what purpose does this serve?
and truly if idle chatter makes one feel important, then so be it. One does not have to allow the blatherer to continue but just say.. I am not comfortable with this conversation, please do not do this.
You are right about rankings. It is my experience and observation that truly good poets and authors confident in their work and their self worth do not give a rat's ass about rankings. We are a community of writers who have one strong commonality and that is.. we must write!! It soothes our savage beast, it allows our tears to fall, and our pent up emotions to escape and release, True writers do it in a classy cathartic way. We want to share our experiences and dreams through the medium of the written word, we cannot keep silent. Reading others also enriches our lives and bring to focus another's world which may be filled with inspiration. It sharpens our self awareness, embues our imaginations, and commands life to carry on. It matters not what level we are on, we all need to write!!
I am quite sure friends, deep friendships are made, deep connections. I have a few and I feel blessed. It has widened my world. I, too have made a few enemies, but I suppose that is the nature of the game. I have played a sad violin over a broken heart, but I would never disclose who shattered it. But the pen allowed me to put what I feel on paper. I might feel disheartened and deflated over a review, but I would never degrade the person for it but rather seek to understand before being understood.
Yes, I even stopped posting because I was informed I was to dramatic and I sounded like I was dying all the time. well perhaps so and I had to step back, but I realize my poetry is about life captured in all of its province and perhaps I can voice what another cannot.
point taken. you are a great writer and true advocate of good will. My hats off to you.. Jimi
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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Well Mr. Cahill, I will look forward to your next post. You are certainly a well articulated advocate for a wonderful site. Once again, I am not on here enough to dance around the water cooler and tilt an ear to the idiosyncrancies and sinister envies which drive one to unduly criticise and scream or whisper disgruntled feelings toward another. To what purpose does this serve?
and truly if idle chatter makes one feel important, then so be it. One does not have to allow the blatherer to continue but just say.. I am not comfortable with this conversation, please do not do this.
You are right about rankings. It is my experience and observation that truly good poets and authors confident in their work and their self worth do not give a rat's ass about rankings. We are a community of writers who have one strong commonality and that is.. we must write!! It soothes our savage beast, it allows our tears to fall, and our pent up emotions to escape and release, True writers do it in a classy cathartic way. We want to share our experiences and dreams through the medium of the written word, we cannot keep silent. Reading others also enriches our lives and bring to focus another's world which may be filled with inspiration. It sharpens our self awareness, embues our imaginations, and commands life to carry on. It matters not what level we are on, we all need to write!!
I am quite sure friends, deep friendships are made, deep connections. I have a few and I feel blessed. It has widened my world. I, too have made a few enemies, but I suppose that is the nature of the game. I have played a sad violin over a broken heart, but I would never disclose who shattered it. But the pen allowed me to put what I feel on paper. I might feel disheartened and deflated over a review, but I would never degrade the person for it but rather seek to understand before being understood.
Yes, I even stopped posting because I was informed I was to dramatic and I sounded like I was dying all the time. well perhaps so and I had to step back, but I realize my poetry is about life captured in all of its province and perhaps I can voice what another cannot.
point taken. you are a great writer and true advocate of good will. My hats off to you.. Jimi
Comment Written 09-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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Mr. Cahill ... Now, that's a little chilling for me, usually means big trouble. Ha! So pleased with your detailed input, thoughts and comments. I agree with almost every word. So true about the rankings. I found them fun in the beginning and certainly a great excuse to write like a madman and learn. Cramming was something I needed, so the mad dash was suitable for my needs at the time. Honestly I was too green to know I was stepping on toes and trampling on haloed ground. Duh!
You are correct though, the better writers don't really care about it. It's nice to see top writers compete, it's exciting and raises the bar. Before long though the jealousy factor kicks in and the games get nasty. Oh well, it's the sites loss. Most of the best writers here write in relative obscurity and are satisfied to do so. The best part is the friendships and indeed some are close and satisfying. Even that leads to speculation like it's anyone's business.
You are NOT too dramatic by the way. Yep, I have read your work. We often read each other without leaving a review for whatever reason, laziness in my case. But many of us may not know another artist, but we know OF that artist. That's what makes losing on much bigger than it might seem.
Thanks a million for the support and the compliments too. Wow. So appreciated. I've admired you from a distance. mike
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oh my, never knew anyone admired me from a distance. What a compliment.. thank you.. I, too, have read many of your works and have not reviewed. My time is sporadic on this site.. life.. I have this certain life to attend which demands my time and my heart.. well thank you.. really really thank you.. Jimi
Comment from Robert Louis Fox
Essay or a diatribe? Ã?;-)
I'm with you. The vanity aspect is a distraction that has manifest in interesting and personal ways. For folks who will never succeed in the real world of writing, FS is place where they can rise to the top--not to mention it's fun to write. As for me, I would swap being the best at everything on FanSpace to have one story published in Glimmer Train.
Hopefully, the vanity component makes FS profitable enough to sustain. I want to hang out for a while. If I ever get to the Indiana Review, it will be because I had a chance to practice writing reviews on this handy website.
Michael, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and insights. Keep up your good work. Best regards, BobFox
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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Essay or a diatribe? Ã?;-)
I'm with you. The vanity aspect is a distraction that has manifest in interesting and personal ways. For folks who will never succeed in the real world of writing, FS is place where they can rise to the top--not to mention it's fun to write. As for me, I would swap being the best at everything on FanSpace to have one story published in Glimmer Train.
Hopefully, the vanity component makes FS profitable enough to sustain. I want to hang out for a while. If I ever get to the Indiana Review, it will be because I had a chance to practice writing reviews on this handy website.
Michael, I appreciate you sharing your thoughts and insights. Keep up your good work. Best regards, BobFox
Comment Written 09-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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We're completely on the same page. All the resources for growth and improvement are here, so it's an invaluable place for that. It's a fun place as well to socialize with my own kind so to speak I must admit. The pettiness and all of that I can do without and the sad thing is it drives away potential good writers and people that might be nice to have around. Well, some of us shoot are mouths off once in a while to let them know they have back up here. The response shows that. Thanks a million, Bob. mike
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I ran across a troll on my first day at FS. I almost moved on, but luckily, I also bumped into Humpwhistle. Thank you for being a friend and fellow writer, Mike.
Comment from Pam (respa)
-Thank you for writing about the people and things that should be important on this site.
-It is much appreciated by those of us who care.
-I don't want to see people I like and whose writing I like to see posted leave or scale down what they do.
-We can never be in someone else's shoes, but it is a shame that the bad apples spoil things for people who truly enjoy what they do.
-You have to wonder what effect anything has on some of these people you mention, the gossipers. They are drawn to that stuff like bees to honey; it's unfortunate, but like many things, it, too, is everywhere.
-It seems the more the site grows, the worse some of these poor attitudes get,
but maybe the best thing we can do is what we do best--write, share ideas with those who care about the site and feelings of each other, and support those people whenever and however we can.
-Thank you for sharing, it is much appreciated.
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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-Thank you for writing about the people and things that should be important on this site.
-It is much appreciated by those of us who care.
-I don't want to see people I like and whose writing I like to see posted leave or scale down what they do.
-We can never be in someone else's shoes, but it is a shame that the bad apples spoil things for people who truly enjoy what they do.
-You have to wonder what effect anything has on some of these people you mention, the gossipers. They are drawn to that stuff like bees to honey; it's unfortunate, but like many things, it, too, is everywhere.
-It seems the more the site grows, the worse some of these poor attitudes get,
but maybe the best thing we can do is what we do best--write, share ideas with those who care about the site and feelings of each other, and support those people whenever and however we can.
-Thank you for sharing, it is much appreciated.
Comment Written 09-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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Wonderful supportive response. I'm sure any newbies are getting the idea by now that they are not alone here. Yes, we're here to write and read good writing and improve. Sure, we meet great people and form friendships, that's a great bonus I think.
Like you say, no one is going to mess with that, and we DO have each other's backs. Thanks a million, mike
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You are so very welcome, and I appreciate your wonderful reply.
Comment from rspoet
It was the poverty.
Similar to the poverty of spirit and thought the underlies
the envy and jealousy, bias and greed
that infiltrates the site.
I said in the contest you ran a few months back
that the site is a microcosm of the society in which we live
with the same problems.
Should a group of artist be better, do better?
One would hope so,
but the larger the group, the less likely it is.
I know, as I'm sure you and others do,
who the best writers and reviewers are,
the most helpful and encouraging.
I find it interesting that the "top" reviewers
are the ones who give the shortest, most
meaningless reviews and are rewarded
with the symbol of Death with a scythe
So much for encouraging, positive reviews.
Still, I enjoy the good aspects of the site
and the talented and encouraging writers and reviewers.
Hopefully, they don't leave,
for if they do, there won't be much reason to stay.
Looking forward to your "creative " writing.
Well done.
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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It was the poverty.
Similar to the poverty of spirit and thought the underlies
the envy and jealousy, bias and greed
that infiltrates the site.
I said in the contest you ran a few months back
that the site is a microcosm of the society in which we live
with the same problems.
Should a group of artist be better, do better?
One would hope so,
but the larger the group, the less likely it is.
I know, as I'm sure you and others do,
who the best writers and reviewers are,
the most helpful and encouraging.
I find it interesting that the "top" reviewers
are the ones who give the shortest, most
meaningless reviews and are rewarded
with the symbol of Death with a scythe
So much for encouraging, positive reviews.
Still, I enjoy the good aspects of the site
and the talented and encouraging writers and reviewers.
Hopefully, they don't leave,
for if they do, there won't be much reason to stay.
Looking forward to your "creative " writing.
Well done.
Comment Written 09-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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You've put it out there beautifully and I'm in full agreement. Most appreciated. Yep, back to "creative" writing. I'm delighted you're calling it that. HAHAHA!! Thanks so much, mike
Comment from rhymelord
Dear Michael,
Golly, I knew there were undercurrents of dissent, but never imagined they were as so well established and insidious as you portray. I also realise (who doesn't) that "crossbackscratching" is also a feature in the scoring of points for rankings and that some lucky(?) members have enough real money to buy membership dollars to have their sometimes less than perfect work displayed on the front page. Being old and cynical, I tend to see this as a cross section of human behaviour and hence to be accepted, but also ignored. You have written a most stimulating piece, however, which has stirred my torpid soul and made me think enough about it to write this review. Thank you for the adrenaline rush.
By the way, I like your prose also.
Regards
Reg
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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Dear Michael,
Golly, I knew there were undercurrents of dissent, but never imagined they were as so well established and insidious as you portray. I also realise (who doesn't) that "crossbackscratching" is also a feature in the scoring of points for rankings and that some lucky(?) members have enough real money to buy membership dollars to have their sometimes less than perfect work displayed on the front page. Being old and cynical, I tend to see this as a cross section of human behaviour and hence to be accepted, but also ignored. You have written a most stimulating piece, however, which has stirred my torpid soul and made me think enough about it to write this review. Thank you for the adrenaline rush.
By the way, I like your prose also.
Regards
Reg
Comment Written 09-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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Hi, Reg.
A most thoughtful response and most appreciated. Yes, as with anywhere folks gather, all of this exists here. I think the main thing is to let THEM know that we know. Also, for new people coming on board it's a chance to see that it's here and more importantly, there's a lot more people who will get their back then there are who will stab it. Ha! Thanks for the great input. Appreciate the compliment too. mike
Comment from Realist101
Hi Mikey...I really like how you jump to the truth and aren't afraid to beat around the bushes! LoL! Yes, I find myself up to number 10, now 11. So that desire to be 'up there' starts to kick in. And it's fun, I admit. I was number one in shorts for two years, but it took posting two things a day almost every day. This system is designed to make us work, and to of course, make money. We just have to be realistic/ pardon the pun? And know our own worth. Know our own goals. Your strong suit to me, is posts like this. I think you would be a great news reporter! Someone who could really speak, /or write columns!/ to the masses and set it all straight. Just a silly thought maybe. I promise to try and not let the rankings get to me Mikey. :) Stay calm, and WRITE. AND do your music too!! Your friend, susan
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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Hi Mikey...I really like how you jump to the truth and aren't afraid to beat around the bushes! LoL! Yes, I find myself up to number 10, now 11. So that desire to be 'up there' starts to kick in. And it's fun, I admit. I was number one in shorts for two years, but it took posting two things a day almost every day. This system is designed to make us work, and to of course, make money. We just have to be realistic/ pardon the pun? And know our own worth. Know our own goals. Your strong suit to me, is posts like this. I think you would be a great news reporter! Someone who could really speak, /or write columns!/ to the masses and set it all straight. Just a silly thought maybe. I promise to try and not let the rankings get to me Mikey. :) Stay calm, and WRITE. AND do your music too!! Your friend, susan
Comment Written 08-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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I went nutty as a loon in 2014 and was number two author and novelist. Yep, two a day, reviewing everyone on Earth. CRAZY. Ha! It was fun and I was brand new and had no idea I was treading on sacred ground. Ignorance was lovely bliss. I even backed off number one author to let a more worthy candidate win. I really wasn't the best author. HAHAHA! Yeah, I KNEW that, duh.
It gets crazy and I worry about the newbies. This is to let the backstabbers know, we KNOW about you and to let the newbies know, there are more people who've got your back then there are who will stab it by miles. Okay, I'm calm now. Thanks so much, my friend. mike
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:) I hope all is well Mikey! I was all adither while the NH primary was going on because of the people reporting it. They just sometimes start to blather! Is that a word? Lol! Keep warm! s
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YES! Blather is certainly a word. It's my main form of communication. :))
Comment from Ric Myworld
It truly is sad when people become so obsessed with rankings on a writing site, and I'm not meaning the ones who do it as fun. Some like the competition, just like playing baseball or kickball in the backyard against friends or a game of quarters around the kitchen table. But there are always those who take everything to extreme until it's completely out of control. Obsessed is a bigger word than someone needing something. Obsessed usually means that someone is willing to do almost, if not anything, to achieve what they want. That's scary! And, those people are sick! I wish there was a way to weed these types out and remove them from the site, which would motivate and encourage those who are truly here for the fellowship and to improve their skills the opportunity to do so in a pleasant environment. But, until that can happen, the good people just need to stick together as best they can, and, maybe, in time the nasty connivers can be made to feel so unwelcome that they leave on their own. There is safety in numbers. Those few who use the clicks, multiple sites, and so on are still the minorities whether they think so or not. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and I hope they will keep the good people thinking. I'm personally not much help. I don't go on the forums or get in the pissing matches; however, I'm not immune to some of the nasty reviews or comments. But, I'm here to read and write, and I'll continue to do so as long as I can stand to deal with these detractors. Wishing You the Best! :-)
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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It truly is sad when people become so obsessed with rankings on a writing site, and I'm not meaning the ones who do it as fun. Some like the competition, just like playing baseball or kickball in the backyard against friends or a game of quarters around the kitchen table. But there are always those who take everything to extreme until it's completely out of control. Obsessed is a bigger word than someone needing something. Obsessed usually means that someone is willing to do almost, if not anything, to achieve what they want. That's scary! And, those people are sick! I wish there was a way to weed these types out and remove them from the site, which would motivate and encourage those who are truly here for the fellowship and to improve their skills the opportunity to do so in a pleasant environment. But, until that can happen, the good people just need to stick together as best they can, and, maybe, in time the nasty connivers can be made to feel so unwelcome that they leave on their own. There is safety in numbers. Those few who use the clicks, multiple sites, and so on are still the minorities whether they think so or not. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and I hope they will keep the good people thinking. I'm personally not much help. I don't go on the forums or get in the pissing matches; however, I'm not immune to some of the nasty reviews or comments. But, I'm here to read and write, and I'll continue to do so as long as I can stand to deal with these detractors. Wishing You the Best! :-)
Comment Written 08-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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Yeah, Ric, it's pretty nuts. The good news is, the haven't put a scratch on any of us. All they do is show themselves for what they are. This is just to let them know, we KNOW all about them. It's also to let the newbies know, there's tons of great people here who have their backs. They don't have to worry about a few bitter idiots. No one does. Thanks for this great input and support, Ric. It's truly appreciated. mike
Comment from Ulla
Thank you Michael, for writing this well written essay that left me laughing out loud. It left me thinking of the old saying: 'Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they are not after me.'
Well, I must say that I keep well out of all this. I am here to write and to learn. And learned I have with the help of so many helping hands. I don't know what I would have done without it. Friendships have been formed and that is surely what this is about.
But it is also true that newcomers have to be helped. Heck I'm new myself, only been here a little over a year and found so much support. And that is what we must pass on to the new ones. If we stand together I am sure we can get rid of the bad weed. All the best. Ulla
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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Thank you Michael, for writing this well written essay that left me laughing out loud. It left me thinking of the old saying: 'Just because I'm paranoid, doesn't mean they are not after me.'
Well, I must say that I keep well out of all this. I am here to write and to learn. And learned I have with the help of so many helping hands. I don't know what I would have done without it. Friendships have been formed and that is surely what this is about.
But it is also true that newcomers have to be helped. Heck I'm new myself, only been here a little over a year and found so much support. And that is what we must pass on to the new ones. If we stand together I am sure we can get rid of the bad weed. All the best. Ulla
Comment Written 08-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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Hi, Ulla.
It's so nice to hear from you and listen to your calming words of encouragement and support. Believe me, when new people read all of this they know they are not alone. Yes, there's some idiots here and now they know that we KNOW they're here. We also know there are tons more of us and we have each other's backs. We're all safe as can be. Thanks a million for responding. The best to you too. :)) mike
Comment from brenda bickers
Hi Mikey.
another interesting post. I have not been hear very long as you already know, but I am getting a little nervous at what is supposedly happening as regards reviewing other peoples work.
I just want to post my writing and receive good honest reviews about how I can improve my work and reach a good acceptable standard.
Brenda
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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Hi Mikey.
another interesting post. I have not been hear very long as you already know, but I am getting a little nervous at what is supposedly happening as regards reviewing other peoples work.
I just want to post my writing and receive good honest reviews about how I can improve my work and reach a good acceptable standard.
Brenda
Comment Written 08-Feb-2016
reply by the author on 09-Feb-2016
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Hi, Brenda
No need to be nervous. We just want to let these fools know that we KNOW they're out there. There's a million more of us and we all have each other's backs. We're here to do just what you say, post our work, get some honest reviews and improve. You're doing a great job of that and no one is going to get in your way. :)) mike
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Thanks Mikey,
for your reassuring words. Will keep writing.
Brenda