  Noticing Newbies
This week: Three Stars = Average Edited by: Brooke  
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My Noticing Newbies Newsletter's goal is to make the newer members feel welcome with useful information and/or links to make navigating Writing.com easier. Although, I believe many Writing.com members of all ages and experience levels can find useful information here. If you have specific questions, try visiting "Writing.Com 101" and/or "Noticing Newbies" .
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Three Stars = Average
In my last newsletter, I encouraged members to review. This month I'm focusing in the reverse and looking at receiving reviews.
The title of this article was a part of my handle a couple months back. Some moderators still carry it or have included it in their signature. A number of authors wondered why it was there and others misconstrued the meaning behind the statement entirely as the idea morphed into different versions such as "3 stars is good" and "3 stars is not bad". It all began when I joined in on a conversation with other moderators on the subject of reviewing and how people respond to ratings, specifically three star ratings. Without going into great detail, that is what sparked the "3 stars is Average" message. The idea wasn't to encourage people to be average; it was rather to show that three stars is not an insult as some members take it.
If you have never really sat down and read exactly what the star ratings mean, I highly suggest you take a few minutes to, it's important information. "Comment-In-A-Box" and "The Star Rating System" should answer any questions you may have but if not, don't hesitate to contact a moderator or staff member for clarification.
Before I go any further, I know a review doesn't have to be three stars or below to be insulting. It can happen with a variety of ratings and is not condoned nor rewarded on this site. If you have questions about how to handle a negative review, this entry in "Writing.Com 101" might help: "How To Deal With Negative Comments" On that same note, some people are offended at anything under five stars. Those people (in my opinion) aren't looking for true, honest reviews/opinions to grow and improve as an author. They're looking for praise and compliments only.
I've received hundreds of reviews in my years here and some of the best reviews I've ever received have been under five stars. I enjoy reviews that tell me strengths and weaknesses along with what the reader enjoyed most. Sometimes I take the advice a reader gives me and other times, I don't. This is free knowledge and my only responsibility is to thank the reviewer for their time. A review is truly a gift. Oh, I hear you out there, I've received some reviews that most certainly were not gifts.  True, there are some reviews that have made me laugh out loud, roll my eyes and even furrow my brow in anger. However, even published authors get bad reviews. Don't allow a single low rating or review discourage you. All reviews are the voice of your audience as an author, but remember it is just an opinion and you have to weigh and measure how much each opinion means to you. If you trust the reviewer's knowledge and want to try their suggestions or use their edits, wonderful; that means you place a high value on that opinion/review. If you don't, well that's your right also and you can place a low value on that opinion/review and ignore its suggestions. The beauty of it is, you never have to change your work; that's one of the many joys of being an author. From the moment you set pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) it's yours, so it's completely up to you. Of course, this is especially easy if you don't have to rely on editors or agents or the general public to purchase your work.
Getting back to how this affects ratings, defining your goals for your writing will help you decide what kind of feedback you need. That knowledge helps you choose how to publicly list an item for review here. There are many choices when you post your work that can help reviewers understand exactly what you're looking for in a review. As I touched on in my last newsletter, you can choose reviews without a star rating, including a star rating, a rating that requires a review or the opposite end of the spectrum requesting no reviews or stars, only comments. You can find a detailed explanation for all these choices in "Rating/Reviewing Preferences" . There is also a wide variety of helpful extended statistics available to authors that have purchased an Upgraded or higher membership, which can give you real insight into the people that are not only viewing your items but also rating and reviewing them. If you're interested in learning more about the Extended Statistics and how they work, check out this helpful item: "Item Statistics"
Just remember, you can't please everyone all the time. If you get an unwelcome or even angry response to a review or receive a review you don't necessarily find helpful, do your best not to engage the author in an argument, just move on and share your time and talents with someone else. Our community is full of wonderful authors (and reviewers!) just waiting to meet you.
Until next time, keep writing and reviewing. 
Brooke
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"Reviewing News and Views" by Storm Machine 
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 I've received review responses from all of these authors already. They all appreciate reviews and I'm sure they would love to hear your feedback. Thank you in advance for welcoming these new authors to our wonderful community. 
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Excerpt:
They wear a fashion that they think is very chic and cool.
It's designed to knock the eyes out of their closest friends at school,
Like ankle boots and long black skirts and colours that don't mix,
In fact they look like down-and out's from nineteen forty-six.
My thoughts: Humourous and dangerously realistic Check out this author's port - chock full of great reads.
~ ~
Excerpt:
The boy turned around, and Leon could have sworn he heard a snicker as he walked away. Leon just couldn't shake that chilly feeling from his mind. It wasn't like a normal "Oh sorry, man" bump, but instead a full on shove. Leon doesn't even know him, so why would that boy be out to get him? He felt paranoid. He shrugged it away to the back of his mind so that he could go see Evangeline.
My thoughts: Interesting characters. I don't see many stories that showcase a main character with disabilities.
~ ~
Excerpt:
Behind this window was a modest sitting room. A dilapidated gold sofa sat near a brick fireplace. One side of the sofa had a slight indentation; the kind that forms after years of succumbing to a welcoming rest, a good book, and a warm fire. A lamp stood at attention directly behind the sofa, casting a ring of light around the remaining furniture in the room. Accompanying the sofa was a worn cedar chest, a small wingback chair, and a bookshelf that consumed an entire wall.
My thoughts: The descriptions are well-written and paint a vibrant picture for readers. This was an enjoyable first chapter and made me want to read more.
~ ~
Excerpt:
You are lost in a haze of panic and paranoia, running with all the strength your body is able to exert, squeezing every last drop of blood, sweat, and adrenaline. Fueled by all the emotions tearing rampantly through your soul, echoing incessantly in your brain.
My thoughts: Non-linear narrative can be difficult to read for some. If you're not familiar with that form, check it out before reviewing this piece. Aside from that, the author has a psychological edge to his writing that is intriguing. He can take basic actions and turn them into so much more. Favorite line: " She flashed a quick glance over her shoulder in his direction and sort of smiled, or maybe it was a smirk, or maybe it wasn't for him at all."
~ ~
Excerpt:
But, if the rose is happy,
it will blossom and bloom,
spreading her beauty and love
through each and every room.
My thoughts: An extremely honest, romantic piece. Give this portfolio a look, you won't be disappointed.
~ ~
Excerpt:
But I sit here amongst that light that I don't really see, and I feel as if I am a prisoner of reality; as if the painful truth has enslaved me. I have no reason that makes me hold on to life, so I sit in darkness and I stretch my hand to pleed for help from a soul I cannot find. As if I shall stay entrapped in this black gown for the rest of my life.
My comment: The author has a rich vocabulary that paints vivid pictures in dark prose.
~ ~
Excerpt:
I hate being rushed. I am so tempted to postpone until another night but I really do want to see her. I just wish she had given me more time, is all. It seems I always forget something when I am trying to hurry and I end up worrying about whatever it is for the whole evening. I'd prefer to focus on her rather than the dirty sock barely visible behind my couch that I can't pick up without drawing attention to.
My thoughts: I actually don't read a lot of horror so I'm not used to detailed violence. However, that being said, holy cow, the vivid descriptions in this piece! It's like the feeling you get from a scary movie, you know something gross is about to happen but you just can't look away! I really liked this piece because of the dry, psychological edge and the expressive descriptions.
~ ~
I had a request to highlight a survey from a caring member of my group and I started thinking ... what other surveys are there out there? If you're looking for something different and like to answer questions, look no further.  Check these out!
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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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I received some wonderful feedback to my last newsletter [#3851] "Reviewing is Fun-damental!" and I'm proud to share it with you.
From A.T.B: It'sWhatWeDo 
Brooke! What a wonderful NL! Thanks for being a guest editor this week!
I can certainly remember that first positive review that came in after I joined, almost two years ago...(I can remember the first couple of not-so-nice ones as well, but those you let slide).
I try to review more newbies on average...sometimes I can, sometimes I'm just too swamped with other aspects of the site, but I know that somewhere out there is that one item from that one author, for which that one review will make all the difference in the world.
It did for me, and I'm still here (despite any number of setbacks and tragedies in life), looking for that instance where I can be the wildcard factor for an uncertain author. We all got where we are because of someone's else words; that's a simple fact. The more we give back to our newer members, the more we help ourselves and the site as a whole. Thanks again for a great NL.
Hi Andrew, I couldn't agree with you more. My first helpful review was from billwilcox and it really got me hooked on the site and it's members. I agree with all your comments. Thank you so much for writing in and congratulations on your promotion to preferred author.
From Jeff 
Congratulations on your first official NL, Brooke! It was well-written, insightful, and informative... no surprise there.  Can't wait to read your next one. 
Thanks Jeff! I really appreciate the vote of confidence.
From Steve adding writing to ntbk.
Thank you for editing this newsletter. I use them as fodder to review items here in the WDC in behalf of other groups I associate with, including Copenator's Crew which is the fledgling group I am working on building.
I enjoyed every one of these pieces and thank you for finding and presenting them here today. Your choices are all cream of the crop items. Have a blessed weekend and look forward to seeing more of the Noticing Newbies newsletters,once a week in my email.
Copenator out!
Copenator's Crew Leader
SGD Group leader.
Thank you Steve! That's great that you encourage your group to review newbies. I appreciate you and I'm sure the recipients of your reviews do also. Keep up the great work!
From NickiD89 
Great first NL, Brooke! Your explanations and links will demystify reviewing for our newest members, while provide a refresher overview for those of us who have been here longer. Thanks!
Hi Nicki, thank you so much for writing in and sharing your thoughts. I really appreciate you and I'm glad you found it helpful.
From Christine Cassello
I enjoying reviewing as much as writing articles for submission and I do the former more often. I joined the Simply Positive Newbie Reviewers and I was ranked among the top 100 reviewers.
Hi Christine That's awesome you're in the Top 100 Reviewers! Congratulations and keep up the great work and thanks for writing in!
From runningwolf04
This was an awesome newsletter and I think it does an excellent job of relieving some of the fears that new members might feel when it comes to learning the ropes of reviewing. I love the friendly tone and informational feel of this newsletter. I wish I had something like this WAY back when I joined - it sure would've helped!
Thanks Krys! I really appreciate the vote of confidence. 
From twon721
I have been reviewing from the newbies page recently and I have to say that I love it so much, I never know exactly what I will find or what I will read and by who. It's great to see and read the enthusiasm in the writings of the newbies . . I feel blessed by this. Keep it up newbies.
That's terrific. I agree with you and I'm sure the new authors you're reviewing appreciate the feedback. Keep up the great work and thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Thank you to everyone for writing in. Do you have a suggestion for a topic in an upcoming newsletters? Write me! I'd love to hear from you.
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Noticing Newbies: August 18, 2010 Issue [#3918]
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