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Printed from https://writing.com/main/newsletters/action/archives/id/12703
Noticing Newbies: September 25, 2024 Issue [#12703]




 This week: We Are All Stars Here
  Edited by: Annette 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

Grades don't measure tenacity, courage, leadership, guts or whatever you want to call it. ~ Thomas J Stanley


Word from our sponsor

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Letter from the editor

We Are All Stars Here


Items that are posted here on Writing.Com can be graded through the Star Rating System.

In simplest terms: five stars are the best, a half star is the worst.

The Star Rating System can be a good indicator how someone is doing. It does have the potential to hurt some feelings. So when sending off a review with the intention to send a low star rating, be certain to read up on what those stars really mean.



As a reviewer: Give detailed feedback for a low rating. If you are convinced that something is a mistake, tell the writer how to fix it. There is no need to send a full-on edit style review that highlights every single possible mistake, but it's good form to point out where something is clearly spelled wrong and if there is a recurring mistake. Always make sure that you account for the differences in English. A US based writer uses different spelling from a UK or OZ based writer.

Be willing to go back and change your Star Rating if the writer asks you to take another look after making edits. It's easily done and it erases the low stars.

Always be tactful and keep in mind that the writer whom you're reviewing has feelings for that piece that they put up for your review. That's their best at this time. Warrant the work and care that went into what's presented.

If you feel strongly that a single star or two stars are the only valid ways to rate the item, you can send the writer and email with a few comments that tell the writer that the piece needs a lot of work. That way, instead of slapping a very low rating on someone else's writing, you show that you care to help and not just put down.

As a writer: If you don't want your items to be graded with stars, disable the Star Rating for your items in Edit Mode. There is a detailed article on how to do that in the Editor's Picks below.

If you get a low star review, read the review that goes with it carefully. What kind of mistakes are there that you can easily fix? Spelling? Punctuation? Missing quotes around spoken words? There are many small things that can go overlooked in a first draft.

Speaking of first draft. Don't publish your writing until you are sure it's in the best form that you can put it in. That means, if you are still writing, add a disclaimer: Work In Progress. Astute reviewers will always find something to comment on, so set yourself up for the highest possible success.

Accept that a lot of the star rating is just personal preference. Writing trends come and go. Some people are allergic to a certain point of view. Others hate to read a certain tense. Some will be offended about the genders and ethnicities of your characters. There are reviewers who always review harshly and always give very low stars to writers who write in a different style. As you get reviews and ratings for your stories, poems, and other pieces, you will find those reviewers whom you will ask to give you comments again and those whose reviews you will learn to overlook.

Remember: aside from clear spelling or grammar mistakes, creative writing can't really get "graded" with stars. Write what you want to write. Give it your best and hope to find an audience that enjoys your stories.

Have you received a review with very low stars for an item that wasn't THAT bad?


Editor's Picks

 How To Dis-allow Star Ratings Open in new Window. (E)
Tutorial on how to disallow the star ratings.
#1643683 by A Christmas Carol St.Ann Author IconMail Icon

 How Should I Rate Items on Writing.Com? Open in new Window. (E)
Wondering how to approach the rating system on Writing.Com?
#544855 by The StoryMistress Author IconMail Icon

 Nick's Newbie Guide Open in new Window. (E)
How I got started on Writing.Com. I followed these steps and found it very successful.
#1169342 by Nicholas Holder Author IconMail Icon

 Invalid Item Open in new Window. (E)
This likes 1 star ratings (hint hint)
#714530 by Elisa: Snowman Stik Author IconMail Icon

 why are you looking at me Open in new Window. (E)
I wrote in high school after a rough patch with my crush who happened to be staring at me
#2325112 by sapphire kuyeus Author IconMail Icon

 Caleb stops at a gas station Open in new Window. (E)
How can stopping for gas be such a battle? So many decisions in a single moment.
#2325146 by Curtis Author IconMail Icon

 The Scary Dark Open in new Window. (E)
The night is here, and I am left to face it alone. Will I make it through?
#2325181 by Akan Author IconMail Icon

 Dancing in the rain  Open in new Window. (E)
I want to capture that feeling as a little girl in summer, Dying to do this again.
#2325276 by Barbara Williams Author IconMail Icon

 Fake it till you Make it Open in new Window. (E)
I am curious about the theory of speaking it into existence.
#2325289 by Lizard Author IconMail Icon

 Assassination Open in new Window. (ASR)
About a person about to assassinate the duke.
#2325361 by Cian Author IconMail Icon

 
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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!
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Ask & Answer

Replies to my last Noticing Newbies newsletter "WritingML and Templates for Reviews" Open in new Window. that asked Do you know the difference between WritingML and templates?

none

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