An Open Letter To All First-Time Writers

[Epmd607]

It's like a chiropractor going around and practicing his craft on random people he thinks might benefit. Just because someone with suspect posture is out and about doesn't mean they're presenting themselves for aid and assistance. Pedants want to practice their study of grammar on other writers because they're driven to do so by Ego. All I want is a pat on my back for my dirty stories. If I wanted help with my grammar I'd read a book on it or get a serious editor to edit my text.

 

[MlledeLaPlumeBleu]

I completely agree with this.

But then I've never been a fan of the "you shouldn't have worn that dress..." approach to unsolicited encounters of any kind.

 

[driphoney]

True: everyone who posts work in a public forum is aware they are making themselves open to potential criticism.

Accepting and being aware of the possibility of something occurring as a result of an action undertaken is not the same thing as elicting it.

Well stated. As are the previous four or so comments. I do pass my stuff around privately for serious editorial comment, but I'm careful as my ego's fragile. I get honest feedback, but like to ask those who leave the sledgehammer behind. When I'm ready for a real public raking, I'll sign up for a creative writing course.

If I got constant feedback that reminded me of high school English, I'd stop posting. Most would.

You want this thread to die? Whatever for?

Then what we will talk about?

 

[sr71plt]

Then what we will talk about?

Whether that drip of honey will ever hit the floor?

 

[unknown1506]

this is somewhat on topic, i have a question.

how long does it take for story to be approved? i uploaded mine yesterday and it is still pending. i didn't use .doc/.docx/.txt or anyother kind of text file because it said those formats take longer (they are added manually!?) to get approved.

approx time please, thanks! (first submition, that's why i ask such a newbie question)

edit: thank you sr71plt.

 

[sr71plt]

this is somewhat on topic, i have a question.

how long does it take for story to be approved? i uploaded mine yesterday and it is still pending. i didn't use .doc/.docx/.txt or anyother kind of text file because it said those formats take longer (they are added manually!?) to get approved.

approx time please, thanks! (first submition, that's why i ask such a newbie question)

usually three to five days. If you click on the pending button for your story on your submissions page in the meantime, the story will start at zero again on the three-to-five-day wait.

 

[foldedpaper]

This is a great thread, bringing to light the challenges of the "traditional" writer and reader and the more recent "digital natives." I see the same conflict in my "real" life, where audio quality is now aimed at MP3 player in mobile phones, rather than the full blooded and full range sound inherent in a well recorded CD (or even vinyl - does anyone else remember that?)

Put me in the full range camp on this one - I think a well written, well punctuated story, where care and craft are evident, is a pleasure to find. The alternative, where the reader is expected to do most of the work because the author assumes that the reader will "get the idea" despite their failings or shortcomings, is usually a cue for me to move on.

Punctuation and grammar are the scaffolding that supports a story (IMHO) and without it you have an indecipherable pile of rubble.

 

[sry2bthryou]

This is a great thread, bringing to light the challenges of the "traditional" writer and reader and the more recent "digital natives." I see the same conflict in my "real" life, where audio quality is now aimed at MP3 player in mobile phones, rather than the full blooded and full range sound inherent in a well recorded CD (or even vinyl - does anyone else remember that?)

Put me in the full range camp on this one - I think a well written, well punctuated story, where care and craft are evident, is a pleasure to find. The alternative, where the reader is expected to do most of the work because the author assumes that the reader will "get the idea" despite their failings or shortcomings, is usually a cue for me to move on.

Punctuation and grammar are the scaffolding that supports a story (IMHO) and without it you have an indecipherable pile of rubble.

Exactly the point I've been going for! You just say it way better than me