Contests & Activities: July 29, 2020 Issue [#10289]
<< July 15, 2020Contests & Activities Archives | More From This Day | Print This IssueAugust 5, 2020 >>




 This week: Be Honest but Kind
  Edited by: spidey Author IconMail Icon
                             More Newsletters By This Editor  Open in new Window.

Table of Contents

1. About this Newsletter
2. A Word from our Sponsor
3. Letter from the Editor
4. Editor's Picks
5. A Word from Writing.Com
6. Ask & Answer
7. Removal instructions

About This Newsletter

header for my C&A Newsletters
Welcome to the Contests & Activities Newsletter. I'm spidey Author Icon, and I'm your Editor this week!



Word from our sponsor

ASIN: B07RKLNKH7
Amazon's Price: $ 0.99


Letter from the editor

Honesty

Honesty is the best policy. That's what they say, and for the most part, I think that's true.


However, honesty doesn't have to be cruel. A big part of my personal reviewing style is to include honest feelings and criticisms, but to also include positive notes. When you are judging a contest entry (or if you are a participant reviewing a contest or activity itself), there may be times you disagree with something or really dislike something. You may want to say something about it. After all, being honest and giving criticism is for the writer/host's benefit, right?

Well, there are some nicer ways to offer criticism!

*Idea* Bracket your criticism with praise. When I review an item, I try my best to find at least one thing I enjoyed about the item, even if that thing is the title, that it is rated properly, the genres are well-chosen, or that it doesn't have many grammatical errors. There should be something you can find that works! Start with that. Then offer criticism on what you think could be improved.

*Idea* Your advice is an opinion. Admit (at least in your mind) that you could be wrong. There are times, like with misspellings, grammar errors, etc., where the writer is just plain wrong. There are other times, though, that the writer could be attempting to create their own style, or maybe you just missed something. Offer your opinion as a reader, but admit to yourself that there are all types of readers and writers. Maybe this one just isn't your cup of tea. I think it's a good idea to offer up "suggestions" rather than taking the tone that the writer is "wrong," you know?

*Idea* Offer to re-consider after editing. Some members put a lot of importance into those ratings stars, and they might be upset if they don't get a perfect score. Particularly in the case of typos and errors, offer to re-read and re-rate based on edits if you're willing to take the time to do so.

*Idea* Be encouraging! All writers continue to grow and hone their craft! No one is perfect, so try not to expect perfection. Understand that there is a human being behind the words and the point of this site is to grow and learn. That goes for the writers and the reviewers, in my opinion!



As always, keep on writing! *Quill*



purple flower sig


Editor's Picks


Official Writing.Com Contests & Activities:

 
Image Protector
Good Deeds Get CASH! Open in new Window. [E]
Write reviews to win cash prizes!
by Writing.Com Support Author Icon

 
Image Protector
Rhythms & Writing: Official WDC Contest Open in new Window. [E]
Use the music provided to inspire your writing!
by Writing.Com Support Author Icon






Contests/Activities:

Image Protector
The PET NEWS CONTEST Open in new Window. [E]
CLOSED
by 🐕GeminiGem🎁 Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

Image Protector
Thriller Short Story Contest Forum Open in new Window. [ASR]
Have you been frightened by something lurking at you?
by Beacon's Anchor Author Icon

 
Image Protector
You're The Judge! Monthly Contest Open in new Window. [18+]
A unique writing contest where everyone is the judge! Monthly flash fiction contest!
by IceSkatingSugarCube Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 
Image Protector
Trinkets on Display Open in new Window. [E]
Missing Trinkets? Check for them here...
by ruwth Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor




Some How/To Items that might help you:

 Step By Step Signature Set Up Open in new Window. [E]
Step by step instructions on how to set up your signature.
by Rhoswen - Relentless Victory Author Icon

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On Giving Reviews Open in new Window. [E]
Are you speechless when you stare at that little reviewing box? Here are some tips.
by Roseille ♥ Author Icon

Image Protector
Helping Links Open in new Window. [ASR]
'Help Links' for Newbies and all other members who are still learning
by Maryann Author Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. []

by A Guest Visitor



Some contest resources:
How to Create a Contest Open in new Window. [ASR]
Things you need to know before you open a contest. Includes a contest template.
by Angels in my Ear Author Icon

"Create/Edit a Message ForumOpen in new Window.
Newbie Hyperlinking 101 - Bitem Format Open in new Window. [E]
Learn the ins and outs of creating a link using the bitem format.
by NickiD89 Author Icon





Know of some gems that deserve exposure? Submit them in the feedback form or submission form at the end of this Newsletter, and I'll put them in my next one!




 
Submit an item for consideration in this newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Word from Writing.Com

Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
         https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form

Don't forget to support our sponsor!



Ask & Answer


My last newsletter, ("Contests & Activities Newsletter (July 1, 2020)Open in new Window.), and it discussed adapting to changes and dealing with challenges. Here is some feedback from last week's Newsletter readers:

I love the advice to "Give it time." This is a lesson for life in general, but works very well in professional situations. Stop, pause to think and walk away for a while if needed before responding. I hope your health issues resolve in a positive manner. Thanks for giving the readers great advice.

~ Diane Author Icon

Thanks! *Smile*

But here is some feedback to a recent newsletter on judging systems, "Contests & Activities Newsletter (August 28, 2019)Open in new Window.

I've judge entries for Western Fictioneers' Peacemaker Awards for the last two years. My process is very similar to yours.

Since these are all published works, I include editing in my scoring system. I allow up to 5 points each for Hook, Story, Denouement, Grammar/Punctuation, Emotional impact, and since they're historical or westerns, historical accuracy.

I generally write up my impressions in each of these categories and submit them with my choices for winner and two runner's up.

~ SmokeyMtn Author Icon

Sounds like a great system that's working well for you! I love it! *Smile*




How are you honest but kind?

*Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet* Don't Be Shy! Write Into This Newsletter! *Bullet* *Bullet* *Bullet*

This form allows you to submit an item on Writing.Com and feedback, comments or questions to the Writing.Com Newsletter Editors. In some cases, due to the volume of submissions we receive, please understand that all feedback and submissions may not be responded to or listed in a newsletter. Thank you, in advance, for any feedback you can provide!
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Word from our sponsor
ASIN: B01DSJSURY
Amazon's Price: $ 5.99

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