Advice to New Fanstorians
Viewing comments for Chapter 2 "Suggestions for New Writers."Tips and advice for the new members
23 total reviews
Comment from karenina
Great job, Beth! I'm learning as much as anyone between you and Helen thus far. I suspected "banners" didn't do anything, but you've confirmed it's not a good expenditure. I do skim prior reviews before I write. It's enlightening to see how others perceived a work...and I don't want to take the time to be the fifth person to say "Please check your spelling in line four)-- (LOL)
It's a member-dollar-driven site, for sure. I agree it's important to promote, to reciprocate, and to enter contests if that's your thing...
Thanks for jumping in with great advice!
Karenina
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
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Great job, Beth! I'm learning as much as anyone between you and Helen thus far. I suspected "banners" didn't do anything, but you've confirmed it's not a good expenditure. I do skim prior reviews before I write. It's enlightening to see how others perceived a work...and I don't want to take the time to be the fifth person to say "Please check your spelling in line four)-- (LOL)
It's a member-dollar-driven site, for sure. I agree it's important to promote, to reciprocate, and to enter contests if that's your thing...
Thanks for jumping in with great advice!
Karenina
Comment Written 11-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
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Thank you Karenina. I appreciate the review and comments. I left out the best part. If the new writer can make it a couple of weeks without giving up, they are bound to meet some really neat people.
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Very true!!!
Comment from damommy
I wish they'd do away with the ratings altogether and just give good, honest reviews. If we didn't have to choose how many stars, we might review better.
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
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I wish they'd do away with the ratings altogether and just give good, honest reviews. If we didn't have to choose how many stars, we might review better.
Comment Written 11-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
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I agree. FIve stars only means we've read it and and six stars if we really liked what we read only there are enough of them to do much with.
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I agree. FIve stars only means we've read it and and six stars if we really liked what we read only there are enough of them to do much with.
Comment from T.A. Walk
I like this, too bad I didn't see this when first I started again lol!!
I'm going to suggest my daughter reads this to learn a few things!!
Thank you for sharing!!
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
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I like this, too bad I didn't see this when first I started again lol!!
I'm going to suggest my daughter reads this to learn a few things!!
Thank you for sharing!!
Comment Written 11-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
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If I've said something anyone finds helpful, I am pleased.
Beth
Comment from Debbie D'Arcy
Well, this is very clear, Beth! Thank you for posting and clarifying. Though I'm not exactly a newbie, I sometimes feel like one! I'm completely blown away right now by this mad scramble to post anything and everything so your third para from the bottom resonates well with me. Have absolutely no idea what the banner advertising is all about and keep collecting those ridiculous leprechauns which, again, make no sense whatsoever, to me:)) Thanks again Debbie. PS Couldn't we expect some input about all this stuff from the site owners at the start of our membership? Take care Debbie
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
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Well, this is very clear, Beth! Thank you for posting and clarifying. Though I'm not exactly a newbie, I sometimes feel like one! I'm completely blown away right now by this mad scramble to post anything and everything so your third para from the bottom resonates well with me. Have absolutely no idea what the banner advertising is all about and keep collecting those ridiculous leprechauns which, again, make no sense whatsoever, to me:)) Thanks again Debbie. PS Couldn't we expect some input about all this stuff from the site owners at the start of our membership? Take care Debbie
Comment Written 11-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
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Thank you Debbie. Being new on the site can he confusing and discouraging. If I said anything helpful, I'm glad. It is from my experience and my opinion and not necessarily the way FanStory would want it stated.
Comment from Ric Myworld
These type books are great for new FanStorians and every tip can make a big difference to those just starting. I almost quit my first week on the site, but thanks to Gayle (Showboat) who owned G&J publishing company (I think was the name) who did most of the books for FanStory writers, she asked me to post on her Multi-Author book. I barely knew a noun from a verb, but I added my thoughts any way. The post's name was "Reasons to the Write thing." Thanks for sharing.
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
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These type books are great for new FanStorians and every tip can make a big difference to those just starting. I almost quit my first week on the site, but thanks to Gayle (Showboat) who owned G&J publishing company (I think was the name) who did most of the books for FanStory writers, she asked me to post on her Multi-Author book. I barely knew a noun from a verb, but I added my thoughts any way. The post's name was "Reasons to the Write thing." Thanks for sharing.
Comment Written 11-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
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This site can be confusing and discouraging for new writers. Particularly the rating system which doesn't really make much sense. The best part is all the really neat people you get to know if your stick with it.
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Yes, I agree, it's hard in the beginning and sadly a lot of people give up too soon. But if they'd stick around there are some nice people like you. :-)
Comment from davisr (Rhonda)
All good advice, Beth. I like what you said about looking at other people's reviews first. I do that sometimes when I'm not real clear on the message in, say a poem. So I look to what other's say. But for Newbies, it would be a good learning experience all the way around.
Promotion is good advice as well as entering contests, but being sure on the rules.
Thank for sharing your advice, good for all of us, not just newbies.
Take care,
Rhonda
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
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All good advice, Beth. I like what you said about looking at other people's reviews first. I do that sometimes when I'm not real clear on the message in, say a poem. So I look to what other's say. But for Newbies, it would be a good learning experience all the way around.
Promotion is good advice as well as entering contests, but being sure on the rules.
Thank for sharing your advice, good for all of us, not just newbies.
Take care,
Rhonda
Comment Written 11-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
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Thank you Rhonda. I appreciate the review. I did follow my own advice on this since it was a part of a multiple writer book. It does pay much.
Beth
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Okay, thank you!
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Thank you for sharing this post. It has valuable information in for people new to the site. I get so frustrated when I've reviewed like ten or more posts and each of them were 1point 2. I always try to post high, so people get rewarded for reading me.
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
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Thank you for sharing this post. It has valuable information in for people new to the site. I get so frustrated when I've reviewed like ten or more posts and each of them were 1point 2. I always try to post high, so people get rewarded for reading me.
Comment Written 11-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
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Thank you, Barbara. I love it when you have something posted. I'm always entertained and well paid. I wish everyone one was like you.
Beth
Comment from royowen
I must admit I worked it out fairly quickly when I started, I enjoy being ranked, and others will approve your work, (although I got a one star review yesterday , along with a lot of literary malarkey yesterday by a standard member, who thought I should be grateful, heh heh, I've had about three of those) beautifully wrutten, some good advice, although some never promote their wirk. Beautifully written, blessings Roy
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
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I must admit I worked it out fairly quickly when I started, I enjoy being ranked, and others will approve your work, (although I got a one star review yesterday , along with a lot of literary malarkey yesterday by a standard member, who thought I should be grateful, heh heh, I've had about three of those) beautifully wrutten, some good advice, although some never promote their wirk. Beautifully written, blessings Roy
Comment Written 11-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
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I got two stars on one I won the $100, gift certicate on and 7 stars from the committee because it didn't appeal to the reviewer. She was new to the site.
Beth
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I?ve had three one?s and a few twos heh heh, one yesterday.
Comment from patcelaw
This is a very thoughtful writing about tips for new fans to be able to promote their work. I appreciate it so much and I agree with the things that you have to say. I wish you a very good day. God bless. Patricia.
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
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This is a very thoughtful writing about tips for new fans to be able to promote their work. I appreciate it so much and I agree with the things that you have to say. I wish you a very good day. God bless. Patricia.
Comment Written 11-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
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Thank you Patricia. I really appreciate the review and comments.
Beth
Comment from Brett Matthew West
While you make some viable points in this piece, have to say four things:
First - it is my firm belief the FanStory Good Ole Boy rating system needs to be completely eliminated. Period. End of statement. Five and six stars mean very little under the current rating system and how most members abuse them.
Second- almost all members, of course there are some exceptions, take personal offense to receiving any less than 5 stars regardless how poor quality their writing is, or if helpful suggestions are offered and a change of stars would be presented. Never have, and not sure, I would change a rating I gave.
Third - One should always be proud of their writing, however not of the mind one can not put out a high volume of quality writing.
Fourth - do not believe the length of a piece of writing should be limited to anything less than required for the piece, not some scale most FanStory members want to go for in support of chasing Funny Money.
Now, a couple minor tics noticed:
In P3 "want get" should be won't get.
In last P - "is good way" should be is a good way. And "Fanstory" should be FanStory.
(Just because we have slightly different theories about some points does not mean I do not think, like your writing remains, that this is not a good piece. It is.)
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
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While you make some viable points in this piece, have to say four things:
First - it is my firm belief the FanStory Good Ole Boy rating system needs to be completely eliminated. Period. End of statement. Five and six stars mean very little under the current rating system and how most members abuse them.
Second- almost all members, of course there are some exceptions, take personal offense to receiving any less than 5 stars regardless how poor quality their writing is, or if helpful suggestions are offered and a change of stars would be presented. Never have, and not sure, I would change a rating I gave.
Third - One should always be proud of their writing, however not of the mind one can not put out a high volume of quality writing.
Fourth - do not believe the length of a piece of writing should be limited to anything less than required for the piece, not some scale most FanStory members want to go for in support of chasing Funny Money.
Now, a couple minor tics noticed:
In P3 "want get" should be won't get.
In last P - "is good way" should be is a good way. And "Fanstory" should be FanStory.
(Just because we have slightly different theories about some points does not mean I do not think, like your writing remains, that this is not a good piece. It is.)
Comment Written 11-Jan-2024
reply by the author on 11-Jan-2024
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Just my opinion. Not rules that apply to everyone.
I do agree with you first point. The rating system means nothing but I don't think it wll change. I don't think most people or capable of rating anything fairly. If it doesn't happen to be something they don't personally find interesting they would like to give it a low rating. Skip the ratings. Something I wrote didn't appeal to someone and they said it didn't interest them and gave me two stars. It won first prize with the committee and they gave me seven stars and a $100. gift certificate.
Thanks for pointing out my tics.
