how do i get readers - Page 4 - Writers Forum

Ilasir Maroa · 03-02-2008, 05:41 PM

It's a lot easier to learn when there's someone with experience who can tell you when you've got it right. Try learning calculus with just a book and no human interaction. Boring and pretty hard. People can learn a lot fater if they start out with "teachers", so it's really how you weigh the amount of time they'll lose learning it without help, vs the amount of time you'll lose by helping. Sometimes, it's a hard line to draw.

The Backward OX · 03-02-2008, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baron

when an embryo is developing in the womb the very first part to form is the intestinal tract, beginning with the anus.

I never knew that!

The Backward OX · 03-02-2008, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ilasir Maroa

It's a lot easier to learn when there's someone with experience who can tell you when you've got it right. People can learn a lot fater (sic) if they start out with "teachers", so it's really how you weigh the amount of time they'll lose learning it without help, vs the amount of time you'll lose by helping. Sometimes, it's a hard line to draw.

Bit like learning how to copulate, really.

Ilasir Maroa · 03-02-2008, 06:18 PM

Well, I suppose it is... but I'm straddling the fence on which one is more fun to learn on your own.

Archer · 03-02-2008, 08:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ilasir Maroa

Try learning calculus with just a book and no human interaction. Boring and pretty hard.

Try getting somebody to teach you calculus (for free) when you haven't even bothered to learn to add, subtract, multiply, and divide.

Of course I'm playing devil's advocate here. I just get a bit perturbed when I see people complaining about a service they are getting for free. And I get quite perturbed when it appears the complainer has put in zero effort on their own.

I would never tell others not to critique a poorly written piece. I am only presenting the extreme case.

Please note I am speaking purely in generalities. I am not referring to the original poster, or anybody else in particular. The case I'm speaking of is definately the exception.

But the question of how do I get replies is answered here: http://www.writingforums.com/writing...our-posts.html

Ilasir Maroa · 03-02-2008, 11:39 PM

And of course, people don't usually learn any kind of math on their own. And it's not free, you have to respond to get responses and/or become an active and known member of any community. But that's just ditacticising. I understand and agree with your point to a certain extent. I wouldn't quite categorize this thread as complaining. At least they're looking for some enlightenment instead of imitating other members and ranting on the subject in a big "Goodbye, this forum sucks!" thread. I'm sure this person has gotten the picture and hopefully they wil start to implement some of the suggestions here, and in that thread you linked to, though I'd be surprised if many people bothered to read it.

And, having done a lot of internet searches, and having read most of the "Writing 101" threads here before posting myself, I sympathize with you wish that people would take some initiative and reading before creating threads like this.

Olly Buckle · 03-03-2008, 03:51 AM

Now, now boys, don't get nasty. Perhaps we could prepare a standard list of suggestions for beginners, like explaining spell check in single syllable words and references to a couple of simple punctuation works, check the appropriate boxes and then copy and paste. Seriously, I posted a story early on (Moon light holder) that was practically all one sentence with commas (I have re written it and deleted the original it was that embarrassing). However I would never have realised this weakness if some one hadn't pointed it out. Furthermore I continue to be criticised for over long sentences sometimes, even though I make a point of checking for them. Some people will never be good writers, just as some kids are ugly, but they need our tolerance and help just as ugly kids need education and love. Now the snotty gits who always know better and spend most of their life in debate creating nothing, them I ignore until some one sends me a message as a staff member. Mind you even then Foxee usually deals with it first and better.

Olly Buckle · 03-03-2008, 03:53 AM

Oops I was still on page three.

winner · 03-03-2008, 05:50 AM

eggo · 03-03-2008, 06:39 AM

Wow,

I totally disagree. The way to get readers is to crit. It not only is the single best tool to improve your writing, it will gain you a circle of freinds that will crit your writing and help you improve.

The single biggest mistake I see quite often is that people will reveiw work. Reviews help, but crit is a tool that will help you improve. And by offering meaningful crit, people will see that you understand how the pieces are put together and read your work.

Sometimes the best crit I have gotten is the one where a question was asked. Why did you make the main char limp? or such like.

That gives the writer an opportunity to explain the inner machinations.

As far as controversial goes, those that tend to be that way are childish. So if you want childish crit, by all means, be irritating. The crit they recieve is usallly done in spite.

As far as saving my work for editors publishers, I haven't met one yet who has had the time to offer crit, just "No".

Baron · 03-03-2008, 06:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winner

The people here on the forum who's posts get answered are generally those individuals who choose to be controversial, argumentative, debating, attacking, emotional, etc.

Many times I don't get a response and I don't because I tend to want to stay out of the meat of the fight. I enjoy the debating and I put in my two cents worth but I reserve my comments quite a bit. Here I don't want to fight. Here I want to socialize and give and get support and advice.

I also don't want to have my work critiqued here on the forum by various so called 'writers'. Many here are real writers and many have no idea what a writer is. Thus, I myself, choose to reserve critiquing for agents and publishers, etc. Experts in the field whose opinion I will listen to. But not amateurs, high school kids, etc.

A value of those that you describe is that they are potential readers. I would not accept any advice on a forum that contradicts advice that I have from professional sources but I still value input and opinions from those who respond to my work.

Ilasir Maroa · 03-03-2008, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winner

The people here on the forum who's posts get answered are generally those individuals who choose to be controversial, argumentative, debating, attacking, emotional, etc.

Many times I don't get a response and I don't because I tend to want to stay out of the meat of the fight. I enjoy the debating and I put in my two cents worth but I reserve my comments quite a bit. Here I don't want to fight. Here I want to socialize and give and get support and advice.

I also don't want to have my work critiqued here on the forum by various so called 'writers'. Many here are real writers and many have no idea what a writer is. Thus, I myself, choose to reserve critiquing for agents and publishers, etc. Experts in the field whose opinion I will listen to. But not amateurs, high school kids, etc.

Then why post work here? Do you really expect many agents and publishers to frequent this sort of site? How can you really tell who here is worthy of your attention? I can undertsand if you choose not to listen to some critiques; I certainly ignore those I disagree with, but this is a critique forum at heart... and the purpose of most people for being here is to improve. Giving and recieving "critiques" is part of that process. if not for the responses, why are you here?

Or am I misundertsanding your meaning?

winner · 03-03-2008, 01:25 PM

Olly Buckle · 03-03-2008, 02:41 PM

So I noticed

Ilasir Maroa · 03-03-2008, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winner

I don't post work here.

Ah, well then, ignore my previous post. Sorry.