Creative Reviews discussion

Hi, guys!
Long time, no see! I have been in an editing cave now for months, with no real end in sight (which I am not complaining about), but I needed to come back. :)

I have really missed you guys...BUT...and you always know there is a BUT when I have to post in the "read here first" folder. I have gotten some EXTREMELY disturbing emails about the group.

So - I will say I am here to stay to at least moderate if I can't always participate.

First off - Don't SPAM my group...PLEASE. If you put your stuff in the group - that rocks! That is what we are here for. But you DO NOT need to put up your stuff in EVERY folder (even folders its OBVIOUS it doesn't belong in) and then catch the first train outta town. It doesn't work like that here, folks! We are a community. We work together; we laugh together; we share together; and we help each other out. We don't shove a pile of crap under our friend's noses and then head to the hills. It's rude. It's annoying. And to put it simply - I HATE IT. So I will be watching the threads closely. If you spam my group, I will send you a warning. Then you can choose to remove said SPAM or I can do it for you. Either way, the clutter will be removed. There are over 1000 people in this group. Be considerate.

Secondly - I want EVERYONE to go look at the rules of my group. I HAVE ONE RULE...Seriously. Just one. BE POLITE. I'm so disappointed with a few of the members of this group. You may think you are being "sneaky" with the back-handed compliments, but they aren't slipping by as well as you think they are. They are rude comments, meant to hurt other people, and to make them look bad - all the while you think you can claim innocent about the comment. Come on, guys. We are all adults here. We know how the game is played, and it isn't happening here. Don't make me call you guys out. I WILL. Don't get me wrong. I don't WANT to, however.

NONE of the things in this group are supposed to be a competition, none of it is to make anyone look better or feel better about themselves. If your only way to do that is to figure out snarky little ways to belittle someone else under the guise of being "nice," I will call you on it. NO MORE WITH THE RUDENESS. Once again, I will say there are too many people here to keep track of, and I won't have my friends, new and old, being made to feel they aren't welcome because some people have an attitude problem. Remember, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all."

OH - and last time I checked, this is MY group. Cambria and Jenn help me moderate it, so they have pull as to what is going on in here too, but I don't need posts in the group saying what I should be doing - or what they should be doing; by the same token, I don't need nasty emails telling me what I am doing wrong or how bad the group sucks. If you have a suggestion, by all means, email me. I love hearing suggestions from everyone in this group. I have taken loads of suggestions from people an integrated them into the group, but don't be a jerk and make out like you know better, or that we are doing a bad job. If you don't like the group, or what is being done in the group, you have every opportunity every time you come in here to remove yourself. It's really easy. I'll show you where the button is myself.

I have no idea what number I am on now, so I will just point out a few more things. Post your posts in the correct folder. There is a folder for just about EVERYTHING. If you don't know where it goes, ask...or I can move it to where it belongs, but I prefer for you to do it yourself. It's just easier, and that way, you know exactly where your stuff is.

AND LASTLY!!

There seems to be a bit of a snippy, underground war between trad pubs and indie pubs. WHY IS THIS??

Are you both authors?? YES.

Have you both worked really hard to get your book out there to the public?? YES

Are you both extremely proud of the work you have done?? YES

Should we be supportive of our friends and the community of authors we associate with?? DAMN STRAIGHT.

I've gone through the posts, and I will say, while there are many people who are supportive of everyone, the undercurrents of negativity are running like a disease. And it is obvious to me from the emails I have been getting and the feedback told to me, that things need a face lift here.

Just call me Dr. Amy.

I know nothing about underground wars except for the ones we fight with moles, but if I ever put anything in the wrong folder, please feel free to bonk me over the head or move it...or both.

I try to be mindful of that, but sometimes I misplace things. Then I start for a room that I think it's in...and I forget what I came for. Now, what was I saying???

Oh, yeah, sorry for the bad stuff, but I'm glad to be part of Creative Reviews. It's the only group here I've really felt good about so far.

Mysti

That is how I felt too - I love this group, the people who are in it and the things we have been able to do with and for one another. I just don't want it to end, and I had enough complaints that I thought something needed to be said.

I don't want people to think of me as the big, bad wolf - because I'm not...but after so long, if I don't address the issues people bring to me, they start to think that I am not listening. Which I am. Cambria and Jenn listen too, and we want everyone to know that we are here, and we want everyone to feel comfortable here.

So, thank you Mysti - you are such a good egg! I so love that about you!! :)

Aw I love this group, but I feel oblvious because I haven't noticed >_<

Well, I'm glad you haven't noticed!! That is a good thing! I'm hoping many people haven't and that this will only really apply to a few people. That would make me a very happy panda! :)

I'm new to this group, but I haven't noticed either. The comments I've seen seem pleasant and constructive.

Yeah I've had a major issue in another group that's why I like this one.

I have found this to be the most supportive group I've come across. I'd run a mile if posts became heated and personal. As you say there is no need. I'd like to post something about 'Indie Authors Unite' a group I just joined. Where do I post that?
Thanks, Georgina

You can put that under exciting news if you would like, or you can put something up in the attic for that as well. :)

I am happy to hear that maybe this is only a situation for a few people...It makes me smile to know that not everyone was having these same problems. You guys are amazing!!

Thanks Amy! Will put it under exciting news. I think this is a great group and I'm very glad to be part of it!
Georgina.

Hi, Amy -

My main question is regarding the 'type' of book we review, and which Discussion Group it belongs in.

Specifically, a book that crosses over into two (or more) areas. For example, a Fiction book that is also heavy in the romance department and could also be considered Historical Fiction. Or a fiction book that centres heavily on spirituality. And I don't mean a Spiritual Fiction book, that happens to contain one kiss. I mean a serious cross over.

How do we know which folder to use, that will most benefit the author?

That is, if I am correct that the purpose of posting reviews here is to sell books.

Also, one other thing that I have never been clear on: Do all 1000 members receive all the posts for all the discussions?

One of the reasons I am asking is that I am also part of the Goodreads Authors/Readers Group, and the Review areas seem to be less defined - or maybe it's just me misunderstanding what I see.

I posted a review tonight in both groups. In Creative Reviews, I posted it in two folders - one of which I have now deleted. In Goodreads Authors/Readers I posted it three times. If all CR 1000 members would get two copies; then all GR members would get it three times - is that correct?

If so, then I think I am guilty of the same sin on previous posts. For which I do apologize.

As far as rudeness, I have only encountered it once in the six months I have been hanging around GR - and that was in neither CR or the GR group. And after realizing the character of the person involved, I simply left the group. Which clearly was their loss......!!

Thank you for clarifying, Amy.

Patricia

Must admit I hadn't really clocked any major wars going on, but then I'm jumping in and out a bit at the moment as loads going on.

If it's anything to do with me and I've been inept somewhere, do tell me who to apologise to!
JAC

I don't know that I'd call it an underground war. There have definitely been some struggles for relevance between Indy proponents and those who favor Traditional publishing. Usually it breaks down to arguments for and against having gatekeepers to publishing.

I look at it as a case where the debate itself is relevant, but neither side is right. Usually this is an indication that something new seems to be developed.

But as long as folks are respectful in their debating, this shouldn't be a problem. Both sides have advantages and disadvantages and each person needs to choose where they want to position themselves at any particular time.

Doc

I know there is in a wider sense but so far we've been pretty free from it here. After all, we're all in the same game - bringing our books to readers - and working together is bringing us much more benefit than sparring between ourselves.

Out in the wide world things can be pretty vicious, but this has always been a really supportive and nice group for that sort of thing.
JAC

Hi, Patricia!

To answer your questions, we don't actually post the reviews in here to sell books. When I started this group, it was originally for GoodReads members who loved to read and write reviews. It has obviously grown to so much more than that!

But I wanted people to be able to come in and post their reviews, get some exposure for them, and get a few tips on how to write better, more effective reviews...and also to share their reading experience with others who love doing the same thing.

So if you aren't really sure where to post it, just think about where you would look for the book if you were in a bookstore. Whatever fits closest to you - go for it. :)

And your posts have been fine with how you have been doing it! You have no worries on that! I think how people receive alerts in this group depend greatly on how they signed up when they first joined.

@Doc - I agree with your position that neither side is right. They are both just different. One type is for one type of author, the other is for the other. I mean, it really is as simple as that. Both have great advantages, and they both, of course, have their disadvantages. But I have to see anyone upset because they feel "wrong" for choosing whatever route they have chosen. And that has been happening - and I don't want to lose good people over opinions.

We can all share our opinions, but when it comes down to it, sometimes we will just have to "agree to disagree" and not make one another feel "stupid."

@JA - I think the majority of us are very supportive, I hope that I came across that way in my "rant." I know the majority of you well, and have called your friends for a while now, and there are many more that I want to get to know as well. But I think sometimes one or two people can ruin things for a great many people, and when I get multiple complaints about things - then I think it is my duty to step up and say something about it. I don't want to upset or offend anyone this doesn't appply to - about 97% of the people in here, but that 3% just need a warning that I am still around and watching...LOL

Amy, I missed you! :-) Glad you're back. I don't have any complaints and hope nobody has complained about me - if I did upset someone, like JAC I'm ready to apologize - and this is still one of the few GR groups I'm still part of, as I left most of the others for lack of time. So yay for hearing from you again! :-) Love YOUR group!

Doc, I TOTALLY agree with what you wrote. That's always been my point: do what is right for you! There is no right answer that covers everyone.

That being said...as simple forum members, why not contact the person who has offended you directly? Ask for a clarification before kicking it upstairs to Amy or the other mods. I would bet that 90% of the time, the problem is REALLY a misunderstanding. I would bet that most "problems" are really mis-communications. (or simply ignore the offender lol)

C'mon. Group hug. Let's sing a campfire song.

Splitter

Anyone who says silly things deserves this picture:

Splitter, you forgot the s'mores with that campire!

Heheheh ottilie I have no idea whether that sentence makes sense in American or whether it was a wittily placed miscommunication but I was baffled!!
loving the irony!
JAC

*campfire haha sorry. Haha splitter mentioned getting along and having campfire songs, how can you do that without s'mores?

Mysti wrote: "Anyone who says silly things deserves this picture:

"

I love this so much. I wish it were made into a t-shirt. It would save me a lot of grief in real life.

Sorry, Ottilie, got the campfire bit - what are s'mores?

J.A. wrote: "Sorry, Ottilie, got the campfire bit - what are s'mores?"

+1
(us Europeans are soo dense! ;-p)
And I'm all for the group hug - so Galaxy Quest! :-D

S'mores are a GirlScout tradition that has been stolen by the rest of us. Toasted Marshmallows, Hershey Chocolate bar (like four squares), and graham crackers. You make a sandwich out of it and enjoy the sticky, gooey excellence.

Unfortunately, the chocolate always runs out first :(.

Splitter

Barbara - LOVE Galaxy Quest!

Splitter - thanks for the explanation. Assuming that graham crackers are like cream crackers, that sounds like some messy food! Always good....
JAC

I'm sure you've heard the old expression: 'You can take the girl out of sales.... but you can't take sales out of the girl'!? (Keep it clean, people!)

"That is, if I am correct that the purpose of posting reviews here is to sell books."

From Amy: "To answer your questions, we don't actually post the reviews in here to sell books. When I started this group, it was originally for GoodReads members who loved to read and write reviews. It has obviously grown to so much more than that!"


I guess my words came across too cut and dried. I did not mean selling books was our only reason, in fact what I meant would have been closer to: reading each other's reviews and sparking each other's interest in certain books. Thus selling a book for the author, but at the same time enjoying each other's writing, and broadening our own scope of books of interest. I know that is how my TBR list has grown to half a million, (more or less).

Amy, if I understand you clearly, when you say "Goodreads Members" - you mean Goodreads the discussion group, correct? If so, that explains alot, especially why both groups exist. I certainly have felt that the CR group is closer to what I was looking for, and maybe being in both groups is not what I need.

Thank you for clarifying some stuff for me, Amy.

@Mysti - I am usually the person who gets all the jokes, not the one that needs them explained, but it has taken me about (an embarassingly) ten reads to 'think' I understand the picture! Something about the picture makes about as much sense as 'whatever has just been said'.....?!!

@Splitter - since I cannot eat chocolate the marshmallow and graham crackers sounds pretty good to me..... I will clean up around the campfire....


Patricia

P.S. @ All: "I know that you believe you understand what you think I said, but I am not sure you realize that what you heard is not what I meant".

Yah, I think that's what the picture means. When someone posts something that makes you go, "huh?" or "what the heck?"...you give them a bunny with a pancake on its head.

It's as silly as the Knights Who Say Ni.

Mysti wrote: It's as silly as the Kni..."

okaaay..... Sorry, but that, I really don't get....!!

You'd have to be a Monty Python lover. I wrongly assume that everyone is :)

Never mind me. I'm completely wonky. Carry on...

Mysti wrote: "You'd have to be a Monty Python lover. I wrongly assume that everyone is :)

Never mind me. I'm completely wonky. Carry on..."

Safe assumption with me ;). 'Tis but a flesh wound.

Splitter

It made me chuckle, but then I'm a big Monty Python fan.
Georgina.

We want....a shrubbery!

BTW, has anyone seen Spamalot?
Treemendous!
JAC

Haha sorry JA for not explaining what they were

Oh a picture and everything! Thank you Ottilie!

I swear, I love this group! Learn something new every day! Just you wait, if I ever get back across to the States I shall be familiar with cooties, smores and grits - what more vocab can a girl need??

....er....

JAC

Haha no problem I'm a visual person I get it :) They are fun to make in the microwave just have to make sure that they don't explode...

Hahaha cooties! Not much other, except anything with chocolate ;) hehe i love this group too!

They explode too? Okay NOW I'm sold!
Well, so long as I don't have to clean the microwave afterwards, that is....
JAC

I make them over the gas range or in the oven. Never tried the microwave. Now I"ve been forewarned :)

haha yeah marshmellows if you leave them in the microwave too long explode! haha if you open the door before it explods they still get big it's funny.

They make square marshmallows now just fyi ;)

I love the pancake bunny! I love this group! I love books!

LOL

I hadn't noticed anything tense here...but I've been off the grid for so long...I'm finally back. I won't list my woes, but *sigh* it feels good to be back.

Mysti wrote: "Yah, I think that's what the picture means. When someone posts something that makes you go, "huh?" or "what the heck?"...you give them a bunny with a pancake on its head.

It's as silly as the Kni..."

I haven't gotten through all the comments on here yet, BUT I HAD to stop at this one!! OOHHH - I thought I like you before but you threw in a Monte Python reference. You now have a lifelong friend!! :)

And not too long ago, I'm pretty sure Ottilie and I created a new candy with a marshmallow peep as the main part of it. We added chocolate and all sorts of other yummy goodness...

@ Patricia - you understood GoodReads members correctly. :)

Thanks, Barbara! I missed you guys, too! It has been too long since I have been here. Sometimes you get too wrapped up in work and forget about the fun things that makes going back to work easier, knowing you have fun things to do later!!

And I'm glad to see so many of the members are coming back after a break! Hopefully everyone's lives settle down a bit and we can get back into the swing of things!!

ooooh I just got my book 2 back after the first edit and my editor liked it! Corrections all over, obv, but pretty clean copy for a first pass!



BTW Amy it is nice to have you back, you know. Are you loitering for a bit or busy and dashing off again imminently?

JAC

they make squared marshymellows?! yes i am aware i spelled it wrong that's what i call them. i know they make jumbo ones my grammy got them once they made BIG mess Aw congrats JA!! :D yay for more then just tuesday nights with amy!

Ottilie wrote: "Haha sorry JA for not explaining what they were "

S'mores are tasty. Mmmm.

This has been like my new home. I come here to this group more than my own blog. If I did anything offensive, I apologize. I started a thread about my book giveaway this past weekend. I hope it wasn't spam. I'm not good at marketing myself and don't always know what to do. I always try to return the favor. I hope things are cool cause I kinda missed you being around. I figured you were pretty busy, especially after the Christmas lites. That was probably a lot work and I get the impression that everyone, including myself really appreciates you and all of the moderators. So, welcome back?

Bill, creating a thread about your blog is fabulous! Now you have a place yto post all your blog related things. Its exactly what we want everyone to do!!! Thank you and you are a stellar member of our group!

@Cambria - is anyone with a blog allowed to create a thread for updates on their blog or are there special allowances? I always get confused where to go when I want to let people know about new posts on my blog :S

You might just want to make a general blog thread.

Mysti wrote: "Anyone who says silly things deserves this picture:

"tooo funny!

Hi, as a new member, and an author how is a member of several other groups on GR... I always read the rules first. This is a great idea for a group, as most of us authors have a hard time collecting reviews for our books, and in my case my e-books... Which are doing well, if I do say so myself, BUT, I have a heck of a time getting ppl to write a short review. If anyone looks at my page, you'll see I read and write reviews for other authors, thereby helping out.