tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55282503134540185.post3516483371678825918..comments2023-11-02T06:50:17.503-07:00Comments on <ul>Fantasy & SciFi Lovin' Reviews</ul>: Are Reviewer-Bloggers Spoiled Brats?SQThttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04251030404220909306noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55282503134540185.post-77770287945540861162010-06-06T04:57:18.746-07:002010-06-06T04:57:18.746-07:00Thanks for sharing this story SQT! I wonder what t...Thanks for sharing this story SQT! I wonder what they're teaching journalism students now that the industry has changed since the old "print days." Most people my age read the news (and reviews) online. But there is still something magical about seeing your name in print and holding the article in your hand.Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06039130895443623988noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55282503134540185.post-19180969269579182752010-05-25T23:47:32.154-07:002010-05-25T23:47:32.154-07:00Jocelyn-- I totally agree. Better communication wo...Jocelyn-- I totally agree. Better communication would have made it a non-issue. Thanks for the compliment too!SQThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04251030404220909306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55282503134540185.post-31584315842704012042010-05-25T23:38:34.142-07:002010-05-25T23:38:34.142-07:00I'd say the real issue here is communication--...I'd say the real issue here is communication--a quick message from the editor with a "Here are the changes I'm thinking we should make..." outline would have opened the door for dialogue and turned the final piece into a collaboration more than you putting something out only to feel that it was altered unfairly.<br /><br />Completely incidentally, I really enjoyed your writing here--so open and honest.Jocelynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03227519811818290510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55282503134540185.post-73495682588620714842010-05-25T11:33:58.898-07:002010-05-25T11:33:58.898-07:00Harry-- I can see their point of view to an extent...Harry-- I can see their point of view to an extent, but I think you're right in that they should try a little harder to make the bloggers happy. We save them the cost of books and shipping, have experience and donate our time for a very small reward. It doesn't take long, under those conditions, for someone to decide to move on if there's no further incentive to continue. I think I did pretty good for hanging in there as long as I did.SQThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04251030404220909306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55282503134540185.post-14219000551778943832010-05-25T04:11:15.330-07:002010-05-25T04:11:15.330-07:00Yes, I have been thinking about this and yes, they...Yes, I have been thinking about this and yes, they acted inappropriately because you placed them first with no reward than seeing your name in print. It seems weird that they are not trying their best to keep people at their side, given that they are taking labor in turn for almost nothing. <br /><br />You acted accordingly to the situation.Harry Markovhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09140305922494369576noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55282503134540185.post-47337636178141487762010-05-24T19:58:36.410-07:002010-05-24T19:58:36.410-07:00Individualist-- I should also add that if I want t...Individualist-- I should also add that if I want to be paid in the future, I need to have <i>good</i> work to submit. If what's being put in print isn't worth showing to anyone, then there isn't much point. I have quite a few clippings from the time of the previous editor that I think represent my work at its best, and that's all I really wanted out of the relationship. I am actually trying to be practical in my approach to this and bear in mind what might lead to a paying job, and what they're allowing in print right now won't get me anywhere.SQThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04251030404220909306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55282503134540185.post-47041193009237036232010-05-24T19:47:28.307-07:002010-05-24T19:47:28.307-07:00BStearns-- Thanks. There really wasn't a reaso...BStearns-- Thanks. There really wasn't a reason for a drawn out discussion. I knew I wasn't going to be comfortable with the current arrangement, so I figured I'd leave before more resentments could set in. <br /><br />Individualist-- No, they didn't notify me, which was definitely a problem. I suspect they will have more issue with the current editor because I think they're over estimating their skill and judgment. Just my personal opinion, but I've learned to trust my gut. I would have tried to negotiate some kind of better arrangement if it were a paid position. But as it stands I'm basically donating my time and books only to end up kind of embarrassed with the results. Just doesn't seem worth it.SQThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04251030404220909306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55282503134540185.post-30388430808704921682010-05-24T19:16:11.839-07:002010-05-24T19:16:11.839-07:00SQT
I am not qualified to judge you about writing...SQT<br /><br />I am not qualified to judge you about writing or your devotion to artistic "truth" except to say that there are probably in history many artists who held true to their talent at all costs that died broke. Then again it wasn't a paying gig so......<br /><br />The one thing I am curious about is did they make the editorial change and publish it under your name without notifying you and gaining your approval. It was my impression that the editor had to get the journalists sign off on the story if they had the byline. Still sending you the copy before publication as acourtesy would be polite. That is the only thing that seems to be out of line to me.<br /><br />The rest seems to fall under the category of "free will".Individualisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11005025873042230314noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55282503134540185.post-20308194316693623592010-05-24T18:13:19.693-07:002010-05-24T18:13:19.693-07:00I think you handled it masterfully. Having just st...I think you handled it masterfully. Having just started my own blog, I know that I need editing help and such, but I to would be upset if they altered my meaning. The fact that you handled it gracefully, didn't demean the editor, and didn't go out of your way to draw the issue out says a lot about your character. I find too many people are willing to draw out these sort of problems, especially when they are handled via email. I find it childish and doubt said people would do the same in person. It says a lot about the type of person you are to just let it be, and not have it drawn out. Kudos and keep up the great work!BStearnshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00110189767629308496noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55282503134540185.post-40645852018721218792010-05-24T17:56:31.969-07:002010-05-24T17:56:31.969-07:00Kendall-- Their response wasn't bad at all. I ...Kendall-- Their response wasn't bad at all. I just thought it was interesting that they specifically mentioned reviewer bloggers. I can see where they're coming from though. Reviewer bloggers have an outlet other people don't have to get their opinion across. And we have access to books.<br /><br />I really wasn't one to complain and I'm sure my decision to leave seemed abrupt. But knowing that my name was on a review that, in my opinion, was cringe-worthy, wasn't an experience I wanted to repeat. I know they ultimately have to side with their editor and there aren't likely to be any personnel changes anytime soon-- so why stay? I have a feeling this is a situation that would repeat itself and I prefer to avoid the frustration.SQThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04251030404220909306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55282503134540185.post-41467005884045979482010-05-24T14:52:20.866-07:002010-05-24T14:52:20.866-07:00SQT: Thanks for the additional info. It makes mo...SQT: Thanks for the additional info. It makes more sense now.<br /><br />To those dissing the response she got (which wasn't bad anyway): Look at it from their point of view (no prior complaints, etc.). There's more to the story, sure; but if they're unaware of that.... ;-)Kendallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09127409362906807882noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55282503134540185.post-48516000862441050182010-05-24T14:12:53.762-07:002010-05-24T14:12:53.762-07:00Carol-- It was my first attempt to do something ot...Carol-- It was my first attempt to do something other than the blog since I decided to be a stay-at-home mom and I suppose it's been good in a way. It was an easy way to try something that was out of my control and I think it has broken me in a little bit for the next outing. My only concern was that their quality was slipping a bit and I don't know if/when they're going to get it back.SQThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04251030404220909306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55282503134540185.post-41848398665843182562010-05-24T13:46:57.577-07:002010-05-24T13:46:57.577-07:00I think you were reasonable. The example you gave ...I think you were reasonable. The example you gave definitely changed the meaning.<br /><br />On a side note, I'm spoiled and personally I like it that way. But I also don't leave my own little space in the world.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55282503134540185.post-67567348987058769512010-05-24T13:03:31.581-07:002010-05-24T13:03:31.581-07:00S.M.D.-- It was the Sac Book Review. Lol.S.M.D.-- It was the Sac Book Review. Lol.SQThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04251030404220909306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55282503134540185.post-21473047551574997482010-05-24T12:58:24.560-07:002010-05-24T12:58:24.560-07:00Harry-- It's a strange situation. The "jo...Harry-- It's a strange situation. The "job" was a small one and won't make a big difference whether I keep it or not. Maybe I'd consider it a resume filler, but most likely it wouldn't amount to much. So my tolerance level here was low. If I'm going to work for free, I guess I prefer the level of freedom I have as a blogger. <br /><br />Kendall-- I was already on the fence on whether or not to keep doing the reviews. I felt the overall quality of the publication was going downhill-- no doubt due to the current editing. So I already was uneasy about staying. This was a final-straw thing and it just reinforced what I was already wanting to do. <br /><br />Sullivan-- I think editing is hugely important. If this blog were bigger and I could pay the contributors, I'd tighten up my content and figure out some way to have all our work edited. At this point, it isn't practical so I keep it casual. <br /><br />Alex-- it's supposed to be kept to a minimum and that kind of word-change should be approved. I think I have been so quiet all this time that they assumed I'd go along with whatever they chose to do. <br /><br />SciFi Gene-- I agree, a good editor is worth their weight in gold. But a bad editor can drive you crazy. I <i>have</i> tried to read self-published work and it didn't take long before I had to say <i>no more</i>. I'm getting to the point where I do want to branch out and write for more sites and/or publications and I'm sure I can live with the editing. I just need to know that I'm dealing with someone I trust and respect. <br /><br />Jennifer-- I tell you, I never thought one little word could rile me up so much. But "enchanting?" It was so inappropriate to the context of the review. I generally don't use that word and if I did, it would be for a frothy, romantic kind of book. Not a murder mystery!<br /><br />FB-- I agree. Editing is very important. A <i>good</i> editor is <i>really</i> important. <br /><br />Stewart-- You're right, she does look like Chloe. <br /><br />I have no qualms about submitting work to you and having it edited. But then, I have had you read my work and give me feedback before, so I trust your judgment. I also doubt you'll be throwing the word "enchanted" around out of context. I'd like to do more with my writing. I just didn't feel like doing the reviews was adding much value to my overall experience level. <br /><br />Neth-- I definitely think they were getting the better end of the deal. They weren't <i>too</i> rude, I just thought it was interesting that they threw in the comment about reviewer bloggers. Seems they've had some head-butting going on there. But mostly I think they're having a hard time keeping reviewers, some of the emails have hinted at that, and they're short handed right now. I don't mean to add to their problems, but I don't like that I can't trust what kind of content is going to have my name next to it. <br /><br />Lavona-- Oh man. I don't know how you don't go postal over something like that. Nothing like having someone steal your work to make a profit.SQThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04251030404220909306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55282503134540185.post-7592821267438130282010-05-24T12:52:57.351-07:002010-05-24T12:52:57.351-07:00Honestly, I don't think you were overreacting....Honestly, I don't think you were overreacting. They were being idiots and treating you with disrespect. The fact that they decided to say you're right and a pain in the ass for it shows that they really don't give a crap about you or your work. If they did, they would have apologized and left it at that.<br /><br />So, screw them. Find somewhere else to send your reviews to. Sacramento Book Review, perhaps?Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13571452656553970472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55282503134540185.post-12466305208601724022010-05-24T10:08:54.341-07:002010-05-24T10:08:54.341-07:00Good for you! I have a different experience, that ...Good for you! I have a different experience, that of a book author that had an editor a) insert mistakes into a technical book, major ones, and b) then take about 5% of my work and publish it as a "quick start" kind of book, same publisher without any benefit to me.<br /> Seems that copyright didn't apply because it was "technical how to" ..<br /> Editing is important, and valuable, but can also be totally wrong.Lavonahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18363990657173316219noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55282503134540185.post-4639910893693161422010-05-24T09:52:27.435-07:002010-05-24T09:52:27.435-07:00For those interested, I added a "post script&...For those interested, I added a "post script" to the post with a little more information about why I left. Thought I should mention that I didn't leave over one little thing. It was more of the "final straw" kind of thing.SQThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04251030404220909306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55282503134540185.post-88794084301779949512010-05-24T08:49:29.987-07:002010-05-24T08:49:29.987-07:00Naw, you're not spoiled, you just value what y...Naw, you're not spoiled, you just value what you do. First, I think that all bloggers could really benefit from an editor. The few times I've had my reviews edited, it's made them a lot better. However, in both capacity as a blogger and someone who writes technically for my day job, I believe that all edits should be reviewed before something goes final. <br /><br />Since it wasn't a paid position, I can understand not wanting put up with the crap. If it were paid, I'd have probably given them another chance, but it did seem a bit ungrateful of this organization to treat you the way they did. You are volunteering your valuable time to help them out - they should have been much kind and appreciative rather than sulky/bitter reaction they seem to have given.Nethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16963540055415924510noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55282503134540185.post-49814890215474989682010-05-24T07:09:10.370-07:002010-05-24T07:09:10.370-07:00I should probably mention that this wasn't a p...I should probably mention that this wasn't a paid position and that I had been chafing at some of the constraints for awhile.<br /><br />I would often turn in 3-4 reviews a month. Which meant that I was prioritizing their reviews over what I needed to get done on the blog. So that sometimes puts me behind on what I want to do here. That would have been okay, except they would take those reviews and only choose one or two to put in print. So that's frustrating because I just wasted time reading two books I could have put aside until later.<br /><br />Then the "new" editing came into play. I don't mind being edited as long as what I'm writing isn't being substantially changed. There was just something about the tweaking to my work that made me uneasy. I didn't trust that the editor knew what they were doing. It didn't <i>feel</i> right, if that makes sense. I could have stayed, but there was no upside to it. I know my work would be continued to be edited in a way that made me uncomfortable and I'm pretty sure the finished product is something I won't want my name attached to.SQThttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04251030404220909306noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55282503134540185.post-9879774219458608252010-05-24T06:56:59.174-07:002010-05-24T06:56:59.174-07:00First, that picture looks like a child version of ...First, that picture looks like a child version of "24"'s Chloe. Second, let's talk about editing and writing. <br /><br />When I pass off something to an editor, I expect change. I have little ego about my work. I'm fortunate in that most of the editing changes anyone has suggested to me or made has in fact made my work better. I'm grateful for that. As for reading my work and finding changes have been made without having first let me know what the changes were, that is something I've never experienced, and something which would be difficult.<br /><br />As you know I am taking a shot at being the blog editor of Elder Signs Press' revamped site. I've considered what this might mean to people. Ultimately, I've decided I want to see and hear the different voices, to feel the texture that is the genre community. My goal is merely to provide and suggest some topics and to make changes that would either remove passive voice or improve clarity.<br /><br />It's a hard relationship at times. One based on trust. It sounds like your trust has taken a slight jarring, but I think you had the right idea in expanding your reach and think you should continue to do so.Stewart Sternberg (half of L.P. Styles)https://www.blogger.com/profile/00895152179113722902noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55282503134540185.post-42612711533928379922010-05-24T06:12:42.570-07:002010-05-24T06:12:42.570-07:00Editing is normal, but normally, it's done to ...Editing is normal, but normally, it's done to better a piece not make it grammatically incorrect or incoherent. Hate the player, not the game in this instancefuriousBallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11158133736035219163noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55282503134540185.post-59798725679731589362010-05-24T06:12:25.953-07:002010-05-24T06:12:25.953-07:00I personally find that upsetting. Had "time a...I personally find that upsetting. Had "time and again" been changed to something equivalent - no problem. "Engaging and enchanting" is something else entirely.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09876184821140692572noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55282503134540185.post-56401286332119928482010-05-24T06:05:36.977-07:002010-05-24T06:05:36.977-07:00$0.01: I think in the example you gave, you were c...$0.01: I think in the example you gave, you were completely justified - this sounds exactly like you said, someone inexperienced making a totally inappropriate change. I'd have argued it too.<br /><br />$0.02: In general though, a good editor is priceless, and their work may be anything from keeping an article's meaning intact while reducing the length by 50%, right through to turning an awful manuscript into a readable final novel. As a reviewer I don't know if you've ever had the pleasure of reading a self-edited novel. I have and God can you tell! <br /><br />$0.03 I get how you feel. I've been blogging single handed for a year and a half & enjoying the sense of complete freedom. This week I submitted an article to a group blog for the first time & I'm really nervous about it being edited even by fellow bloggers.<br /><br />$0.04 I really like your writing & I don't think you should be put off writing for different sources. Maybe it's good (for both of us) to give up a little control. Best, sfgSci-Fi Genehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18038987149801517138noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55282503134540185.post-87095433486609257962010-05-24T04:39:31.284-07:002010-05-24T04:39:31.284-07:00I thought reviews weren't supposed to be chang...I thought reviews weren't supposed to be changed? Perhaps a request that any changes be ran past you first is in order. As you said, it's your name on the review!Alex J. Cavanaughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09770065693345181702noreply@blogger.com