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Harmonian
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Just had a review that was moderately positive and made some valid points for improvement but I was surprised and grumpy to find some really low scores amongst the ratings. On a whim I had a look at the reviewer and found to my surprise that I'd recently reviewed his submission and was the only reviewer (and I think that has been deleted from his reviews now!). I gave four stars mostly as the work was pretty good and when I had another look at the extract I found he'd implemented almost all my suggestions, to the point of even changing a character name. I think i'll take that as a small victory and comfort myself that I'm so low down the charts that the star ratings dont really count for me anymore
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Ruth F
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You should comfort yourself with the fact that you give really good reviews yourself - the review you did of my book was constructive, positive and supportive - I took a lot from it and implemented a lot of what you suggested. Recently i have had a string of pointless, 100 word mutterings which tell me my own plot (yes i know it's an adventure story which will appeal to children - I wrote it!!) And even one which was complementary all the way through, didn't mention one problem and then gave me really low ratings (now deleted). I think the value of this site lies in the - unfortunately few and far between - conscientious reviewers, like yourself, who have definitely helped me to pull my writing socks up. so chin up, thanks for your support and when I get a chance I will happily give you a free will (don't have time at the moment obviously as I am drivelling on here) R. x
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Athene
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If you're talking about the one I think you're talking about ... he always gives very low scores. You're lucky that at least the review contained some helpful points. In the last one I had from him he spent most of the bare 100 words saying he couldn't see why he should bother to review my work since I clearly wasn't going to take any notice of what he said, as I'd described my piece as a Final Draft. To me, "Final Draft" means the last draft before you make the changes that will create the finished work, but never mind. At least I didn't have to waste any time working out which review to delete as soon as I got the chance.
Scias te fortasse Romanum esse si animal convivialissimum arbitreris esse caprum (Henricus Barbatus) my website
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Harmonian
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Well at least i'm not alone, but I've come to realise the real benfefit of YWO isnt the star ratings anyway, its the feedback which shows you things you often miss yourself. I'm glad you found my review helpful, Ruth. I had another read of your story a few days ago and the changes you made work really well and although they were minor I found them them to have a positive effect on the overall feel. Continue in that vane and you're well on the way to a top piece of work IMO
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RobertB
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There's no consistency in star ratings, so don't bother about them. If you amass enough reviews for them to become statistically significant they might tell you something, but only if you don't edit the book meanwhile.
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Turnip
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yeah, but what number is statistically significant?
Back to my roots.
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sulcus
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Quote: Turnip, Friday, 3 Sep 2010 00:11yeah, but what number is statistically significant? 42
"A,B&E", "Not In My Name" and "52FF" (flash fiction anthology) all available on Amazon Kindle"How a psychopath makes sweet love. I can get you ringside. Royal box even."
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Turnip
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thanks for all the fish
Back to my roots.
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Athene
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Quote: Harmonian, Thursday, 2 Sep 2010 23:25Well at least i'm not alone, but I've come to realise the real benfefit of YWO isnt the star ratings anyway, its the feedback which shows you things you often miss yourself. .... Well done for grasping that point after fewer than four months on YWO! It is difficult to ignore rotten scores, but when you look at some of the excellent work that doesn't make it in the charts, and look at some of the pretty poor stuff that sometimes does, you realise that the charts are no clear indication of excellence. Mind you, for most of us, I think that getting a rotten score will inevitably sting a bit, just as getting a good one will boost morale.
Scias te fortasse Romanum esse si animal convivialissimum arbitreris esse caprum (Henricus Barbatus) my website
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KLM7640
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Quote: RobertB, Thursday, 2 Sep 2010 23:40There's no consistency in star ratings, so don't bother about them. If you amass enough reviews for them to become statistically significant they might tell you something, but only if you don't edit the book meanwhile. Yes, it's definitely down to a bit of luck - getting a run of several people who love it AND are "high scorers". If you make the edits you think are good suggestions - including a huge overhaul if necessary - then upload your story again it could make a big difference in your ranking. It did for me!!!
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