  Noticing Newbies
This week: Edited by: esprit  
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Random FAQ Question of the Month
Could you explain how the number beside my name is calculated and what increases it?
I'm curious. Thank you. Coolhand
Greetings! It's as simple as clicking on the number itself. When you click on that number, a narrow window will pop up, and you'll see "Community Recognition Details -?-" at the top. The following text is from the pop-up accessed from the "?":
Community Recognitions are an overall summary of a member's presence within the Writing.Com community. Recognitions are calculated by adding together the numbers of referred members, qualified merit badges and Bonus Recognitions.
Likewise, the window itself contains links that specifically explains Bonus recognitions. It also lists the qualifying merit badges a member has.
Elisa: Snowman Stik 
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Thoughts on Star Ratings
I decided to take a random question that many wonder about and use it as this week's topic.
Question:
I just joined the site and have been reading the forums on reviewing, trying to get an idea of the PC of the star system. I’m interested in improving my editing skills while helping writers in any way I can. I think I’ve read through too many forums though, because now I’m nervous about giving that first review. I sure don’t want to offend anyone or squash a writers confidence with a low rate. The posts I read were old, over a year I think, so they may not be applicable now, but are most works still given 5's just to encourage, regardless of errors?
Which do you fear more - reviewing or rating? It’s scary to post your work to be read, but there is a different kind of fear when you decide to review another writer for the first time. You might feel dread if you haven’t reviewed before. What if you find errors? Will you destroy their confidence with a low rate? You want to give constructive reviews that helps the new writer improve, but you don’t want to hurt their feelings.
It's not easy to get an handle on how to rate, is it? We all like lots of stars, the more the merrier; and when we don't get them our feelings are hurt. It's natural, but the review is the important part.
We rant and moan about the stars, but never come up with something everyone can agree to. The rate system is in place and I like it. I think everyone likes it. It's one of the things that gives the site its unique personality.
How you choose to rate is up to you. It depends on how you review to a large extent. If your intention is to read and comment only, high rates are reasonable. It's easier on your stress level to rate high and your writers will love you for it.
But, if you intend to give serious constructive reviews to help a writer grow, and this is definitely the direction we hope you take; it makes sense to use the star system as it was meant to be used. The Content in a Box (link below) guidelines are what I chose to follow as a new member. It's a good place to start.
If you read enough forums, you’ll find rants of reviewers and writers alike, all giving their opinion on how it ‘should’ be done. You’ll probably be posting your own opinion at times. Most rants are written in spur of the moment emotion to soothe the stings of skin thickening caused by low stars. It works. Critiquing (reviewing) other members can make you better at receiving criticism as you learn what a sensitive business it really is.
 Don’t be too kind by giving false praise and high rates. This is almost as bad as calling a piece rubbish; neither is constructive. It can make them feel they are doing better than they are. Being fooled into thinking their work is publishable is not doing them a favor.
Reviewing is learned by doing, and there are stages. Some members remain at the first stage of giving a few comments only. Others go on to become extensive reviewers, consistently giving rates to match the review. A bonus of reviewing actively and honestly is that you will become a better writer and reviewer. Giving and receiving feedback and lower rates is difficult and complex. How we do it boils down to a personal decision only you can make.
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SUBMITTED ITEMS
Submitted Item:
Submitted Comment:
This is the best poem I've probably written, and since I'm a newbie I wanted to see if it had a shot at the newsletter.
Submitted Item:
Submitted Item:
Submitted Comment:
I see that Darash submitted their story to this, and I was wondering if it was possible for me to do the same.
Submitted Item:
Submitted Item:
Submitted Comment:
As a new aspiring writer, I believe this poem to be my best work. I edited it from all angles, put a consistent syllabic rhythm to it which I had surprisingly never done to any of my other poems, I kept a consistent rhyme scheme, and I did all this without losing the meaning of the poem. With all things considered, this poem has changed the way I think about writing poetry.
We love to place your items into the newsletter, thank you! I just wish we had room for them all.
Remember to read your neighbor’s work too!
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helpful links
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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
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Comments on "Invalid Entry"
Submitted By: Gen
Submitted Comment: Another bullseye for you, Esprettia! It is so good to be able to say, "Aaahhh, a kindred spirit. She KNOWS!" Here's my two cents on "action/reaction"; These are pivotal and important chapters. "Cause" must be subtly weaved throughout them. Write in the form of a "screenplay". You can "flesh" things out later. Eventually, your actors and screenplay scenes will start to come alive pretty much on their own in the form of a novel with realistic characters and settings.
Carry on, Soldier.
Gen
Good advice, Gen. Thanks!
Submitted By: Puppycat
Submitted Comment: thank you. This was really helpful.
Thank you. It's important for us, as editors, to know we struck gold. 
Submitted By: ashraf_letters
Submitted Comment: I say this "Write Your Novel One Line at a Time" is very straightforward and would give every writer a solution and a sigh of relief. Good job!
Submitted By: lulubelle
I hope so, lulubelle- thank you.
Submitted Comment: This was a great newsletter! I hate it when I get stuck writing a novel, and I usually do write scenes if I get in a tough spot. Thanks for the great read!
Ashton Rose
It is my pleasure, Ashton Rose - thank you for reading.
Submitted By: Coolhand
Submitted Comment: Greetings esprit,
I certainly add my voice to those who have expressed their appreciation for your efforts, and will look forward to future newsletters. I'm thankful that you have featured my work. The response has been rewarding.
Best regards, Coolhand
Wonderful, Coolhand! Thank you.
Submitted By:
Submitted Comment: I am floundering around with this idea for a book and this article shows up. It gives me new ideas for where to go and how to get there. Just what I am looking for. Thank you.
Haha! I keep saying I can read minds, this is another reafirmation. I'm glad it helps.
Submitted By: casper-writer
Submitted Comment: I second everything Maria, Joel, Tigger, Life07 and kansaspoet have already said; and I want to add my thanks for the generous gift of your time, talent and wisdom. Thanks for sharing.
I'm paid very well through comments of appreciation like yours, Casper-writer. Thank you!
Submitted By: Lady Jaela
Submitted Comment: Thanks for the great advise. There's never enough of it!
You're welcome. Did you know there's stacks of newsletters in the archives? Lots of good advice there too.
Submitted By: Phoenix
Submitted Comment: I usually don't read newsletters, thinking I have better things to do; however, this one encouraged me a great deal! I actually have been attempting to write a novel. My friends and I started a contest amongst ourselves. It's been on for weeks and only today have I thought of a good enough concept. Your words on how to go about writing a novel were uplifting. I was going to just jump into it, and as I hardly ever edit anything I write, this made me feel the need to and not feel bad about it or discouraged because of the need. Thank you!
How exciting! Most people dont't write perfect fiction, that's why feedback is so important. Never feel bad as long as you know you're doing your best. This is a 'learning' site, and we've all been in the same boat.
Submitted By: Helen McNicol
Submitted Comment: Some great tips there for that first draft of a novel. I was on a website a while ago for a prolific New Zealand Author and she made the comment that she felt as if the best place to start a first draft was not at the beginning. It's almost as if you need to start somewhere later, then go back and write the beginning when it all starts to gel.
That's right. Since the opening is so very important, write, rewrite it later, after you know the story. First lines are hard! 
We always appreciate the feedback, thanks!
Editors:
CHRISTMAS cub-BELLS R RINGING! 
Puditat
laurencia
Your host this week is esprit
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Noticing Newbies: January 30, 2008 Issue [#2195]
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