Comment from damommy

Excellent

I see your point. Perhaps you should suggest some of those topics to Tom. Craig, you and I have "chatted" enough that I know you to be a fair man. I think it might be good for everyone on here to see the other side of the coin. Probably why it seems FS is biased toward Christians is probably the majority of people here are Christians. Don't let that stop you from having your say. I think you will find more fair-minded people than you think.

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2023

Hi Yvonne. There is no shortage of fair-minded people, many of whom, like yourself, I consider friends. Unfortunately, the site and its committee representatives seem to take a different view. Who knows, perhaps one of those people will see your suggestion and see fit to be more accepting of different viewpoints. And perhaps pigs might fly ;-) Thanks for your comments, which, even when we don't agree, as in our occasional exchanges on the forum, are always appreciated :)

reply by damommy on 09-Oct-2023

Friends don't always agree with each other. t hat's what makes life interesting. I do think you need to pitch your idea to Tom. Regarding the committee, I don't trust them anymore. I do agree that some of the poorest writing get the best reviews.

Comment from Iza Deleanu

Excellent

I agree with you faith is different for each of us and judging each of us only for the rainbow view is not fair. Thank you for sharing and good luck with your writings.

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2023

Thank you, Iza.

Comment from Claire Tennant

Excellent

Technically, a subject of Faith has options, though is often based on religion. Here, you express yourself in truth. You have faith in your ability, and clearly, your success, like a cloak, is a good standby. Living in Australia, you have to have faith in something. I speak from experience: floods, bushfires, etc., you have to believe you will get through the rough times. Whatever you do, be yourself.

 Comment Written 09-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2023

I think I'm realistic about my abilities. I don't consider myself one of the more talented writers on this site (though there are plenty worse), and I'm in awe of the abilities of some. My point is that of what little success I might have achieved, absolutely none of it has come when I choose to challenge sacred cows.

I think your closing sentence sums it up perfectly. If we can't be ourselves, if we only live to win the approval of others, there's little point.

Many thanks for these comments :) Craig

Comment from lyenochka

Excellent

Hi Craig,
You know I respect your opinion but of course, would love that you believed because I want to finally meet you in Heaven. But I don't presume that I know all the requirements because God has a sense of humor. He could surprise you and we will meet because I do believe each human is so much more than our physical beings.

Okay as to your contention that only Faithful posts won, I am certain that those that question faith also have won like Kiwisteveh's poem "Faith is a Wraith"

Anyway, I'm sorry to see you go and I hope you find a writing site where you will feel free to express your beliefs or non-beliefs and find yourself completely accepted.
Keep in touch when you can!


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 Comment Written 08-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 09-Oct-2023

Hi Helen,

Thanks for responding. I think you know I enjoy reading your work, and our frequent exchanges. I haven't decided yet whether I just need another break to recharge the batteries after long enough banging my head against a brick wall, or if I've reached the point where enough is enough.

Yes, Faith is a Wraith won the contest. Steve has won the contest with other poems, too. I can only speak for my own experiences, and I can tell you that out of maybe a couple of dozen contest placings, not a single one has ever been on a religious theme. Why would that be, do you think?

The site makes its bias clear in terms of the contests it promotes. Then again, I guess it just follows the money. After all, it's a business.

Cheers, Craig.

reply by lyenochka on 09-Oct-2023

I think it takes some OCD behavior to keep reviewing to earn to post so that cycle can get wearying. So maybe a break would be good? But you did place second a month ago for "Balance" and "Asphodel Meadows" won 2nd in a member contest. I think for someone who has been away much of the year, you have had much more success than most.

reply by the author on 09-Oct-2023

Not to mention "Anthropophobia", which won the site acrostic contest just before the two you mention.

I'll ignore the OCD comment, as I find it untrue, unnecessary and unkind.

Helen, I'm sorry, but I think you miss the point, which I made quite explicitly.

I know I've had some success, and I'm not complaining about not enough "wins".

What I find galling is that taking a particular viewpoint on certain topics virtually guarantees you're out of consideration. I guess it's OK if you're one of those who benefit from this bias.

reply by lyenochka on 09-Oct-2023

Well, I still disagree. But if you're right about the bias, then I can't convince you. Take a look at Ulla's essay "Faith's Many Faces." She doesn't believe in God and that has not affected her successes here. I think it's the friendships we have here that keep us going. And that's the other thing about some ratings. Sometimes, I may give a higher rating because I know something about what the writer is going through. It's not fair but it's also human. We must have compassion guide us.

reply by the author on 09-Oct-2023

You're twisting the facts here, Helen.

Did I ever say not believing in God stopped someone from being accepted here? Sure, they won't get the automatic sixes some reserve for those who share their world view, but in the main, the few of us who take a different tack are tolerated -- providing we don't get out of line.

Ulla's piece is indeed a fine piece of writing. Did it win the contest? Did it place? If not then I don't get your point, but you may very well have made mine.

If we truly were interested in being compassionate, then we would treat every person fairly, and that means not automatically crossing them off the list because they're not one of "us".

reply by lyenochka on 09-Oct-2023

You know that's not how I feel about you, Craig. Anyway, I'm just sad that you feel this way. If you were leaving for other reasons, it wouldn't bother me.

reply by the author on 09-Oct-2023

I'd rather you were sad that it is this way than that I feel this way, Helen. That would be a better reflection of reality.

reply by lyenochka on 09-Oct-2023

Oh, and I consider myself OCD - to me, that's not a bad thing. Those of us who feel compelled to get through our Inbox do suffer some level of compulsiveness.

Comment from pome lover

Exceptional

Well, I hope you will continue to write on this site, and I will look forward to reading more of your posts. I give you a 6.
I am a lapsed Episcopalian, for several reasons, and at present am very angry at what those in power in my country have let and are letting happen to us. I think if there was ever a time for the clergy of all denominations to unite and speak up against the spreading of socialism , here, and address the problem and let their faith in God STRENGTHEN people to rise up against those bent on destroying us. But no. They refuse to get "political." It's not political. it is love of country and standing up for it - being brave, doing something!
I do not like the idea of being humble and turning the other cheek. People need to be strong. NOW.
I think you're right about those who (religiously) think my way or no way, but I am just as put out with those in power here who have that same syndrome.
Anyway, sorry to be so long winded. I liked you post.
Katharine

 Comment Written 08-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 08-Oct-2023

Thanks for the kind and supportive remarks, Katharine. Most grateful for the generous gift of stars as well. I hope things return to some semblance of normal for your country before too long. Cheers, Craig

reply by pome lover on 09-Oct-2023

Thanks, Craig. If they don't, we won't have a country. I think we now have several million illegals, including terrorists, etc, and the powers that be in some states are giving them the right to vote, which is the whole purpose of their not closing our borders.

Comment from Teri7

Excellent

Craig, this is a very well written poem about the way things are done on this site when it comes to faith. I do have my beliefs as do you, my friend. If I have said anything not nice to you about any of your posts, please forgive me. I don't remember doing that, but I can't remember all the works I have reviewed for people on here. I do have my belief in the Lord, Jesus Christ. It is not a religion, but a relationship. That is between me and the Lord, not anyone else. I am sorry if some have not been nice to you or fair! Blessings, Teri

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 Comment Written 08-Oct-2023

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reply by the author on 08-Oct-2023

Teri, you have never been anything but extremely kind to me. Please rest assured you have nothing to be sorry for. I regard you very highly and would never want to upset you. Cheers, Craig.

reply by Teri7 on 10-Oct-2023

I feel the same about you Craig. I hope you have a wonderful day!!!