1 Reply by C W Colin

(17 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

As a new member myself, I'm finding that the genius of this site is in the currency of its economy.

Points are only the beginning. I would argue that the more valuable currency is actually generosity.  It's brilliant, because while you need points to publish to certain groups, points alone are not enough to get what you really want. The best reviews are going to come from people who genuinely care about you; and you're not going to get anyone to care by fishing for points.

Call it Karma Economy.  I could follow up with all the benefits (for your own craft) of deliberately practicing good review writing--but nobody likes a windbag.

A few years ago, Adam Grant wrote a book entitled, "Give and Take: Why Helping Others Drives Our Success," in which he argues that there are 3 kinds of people: Takers, Matchers, and Givers.  You get the idea.  It's super interesting.  While Takers may do well in the short term, Givers (when they understand how not to be doormats), actually far out-succeed the general population.

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2 Reply by C W Colin

(5 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Thanks for the welcome guys!  The rewrite is coming along. But it's fighting me every step of the way. But the feedback I got has really turned this into the perfect exercise to oil the gears and kick off this rust.  It's been awhile.  And it feels like it.

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3 Reply by C W Colin

(5 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

Thanks Norm!
I was wondering about that. I'll check that out.  Being new, you wonder about a lot of things like that.  One thing at a time.

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4 Topic by C W Colin

(5 replies, posted in TheNextBigWriter Premium)

People here are clearly way too generous.

Here’s my gripe. I’m on the last day of the initial 7-day free Premium trial, and already have significantly improved my writing—AND I HAVEN’T EVEN POSTED ANYTHING IN THE PREMIUM GROUP YET!!  I’ve only posted in the Basic group!

The basic group doesn’t award points for reviews, so I thought it perfectly reasonable NOT to expect any.  Within one day I’d gotten two detailed in-line reviews on 1,500 word story.  By the fifth day I’d received one more.  For those counting at home, that’s three people who went out of their way to help a complete stranger with his writing—for absolutely nothing! 

And not the vague, “Great story! Really liked it!” kind of feedback either.  No, these were specific, targeted, out-of-this-world helpful info-bits that if taken seriously will strengthen not only this story, but the rest of my craft . . . forever!! I have no idea how long it took them to do this, but I can imagine at least half an hour!

That’s ridiculous! (I know I’ve already exceeded Elmore Leonard’s quota of exclamation points, but it’s hard for me to express the extent of my incredulity any other way.)  I am blown away and forever grateful.

Initially, I hadn’t planned on doing anything with this story. It was one I pulled out of the dusty files, unpublished, and written god knows how many years ago.  I’d only posted it because when you join as a newbie the site encouraged you to post something.  So I did.  But now, with the feedback I’ve gotten, I plan on reworking it and then posting it to the Premium site.  And if I can improve it further . . . who knows? I might as well submit it someplace, right? 

Which brings me to the purpose of this post, which is: first, to express my sincere and enthusiastic appreciation; and second, to ask anyone else who might consider reviewing my story to NOT DO IT!  I’ve got more than enough feedback to work through.  Please wait until I rework the piece and re-post it to the Premium Group where you can be properly rewarded for the hard work of writing workshop.

Thanks again to those who have left me reviews (you know who you are).  You’ve shown me how it works around here.  I hope I can honor you by properly paying it forward one day.

Chris

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