Topic: Things that's great about the new TNBW

It's a bit belated, but please feel free to add to this thread what you consider to be great about the new site. I have seen some scattered messages around, but if we can have several threads dedicated to whining, sorry, suggesting improvements, we should also have a dedicated thread to let Sol and the team know what have achieved with the new site and that we do appreciate all the hard work happening in the background.

Personally, one of the best improvements is having the chapter I'm reviewing next to the regular review box and I don't have a lot of up and down scrolling to do any more. And I appreciate Sol's willingness to take our suggestions to heart and for listening. smile

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Re: Things that's great about the new TNBW

I am in total agreement. This site is so much less cumbersome for me. Navigation is a breeze. Thank you. Sol, for all the hard work.

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Re: Things that's great about the new TNBW

For me, it's inline reviews, especially now that we can see/print all inline feedback at once. Love that!

Dirk

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Re: Things that's great about the new TNBW

I appreciate the ease in making connections as well as the messaging system. The home page is well organized and I can go where I want easily. And I love the option of inline or regular review. Much has improved and I'm getting better at navigating.

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Re: Things that's great about the new TNBW

I love being able to have a cover with our work. It gets me motivated to write. The in-line reviews are amazing. I love that I don't have to search through for the nits people point out. And Sol is on top of technical issues.

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6 Reply by max keanu (edited by max keanu 2015-06-13 23:31:46)

Re: Things that's great about the new TNBW

I love the ability to give harsh and perhaps demeaning reviews with the expectation of being blocked so I don't have to be tempted to give more harsh and demeaning reviews to those whom I feel might prosper or need to get a life... kidding.

Also, I love love the SPRY functionality in the main forum that allows multiple subjects to be explored at a glance. And, as I stated in whining verse and posetry in other threads, I love the verisimilitude of the truth or dare avenues to explore in the main forum.

And I love JP.

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Re: Things that's great about the new TNBW

One huge advantage is the fact that we're not waiting years on this new site while navigating the glitches and shortcomings of the old. Improvements from our suggestions can be made (or not) without waiting for this place to come into existence. It is here now to tweak and make even better as our voices are heard and answered with a dash of wisdom and a pinch of economics. Take care. Vern

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Re: Things that's great about the new TNBW

The feedback and the relationships developed.

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Re: Things that's great about the new TNBW

Nope, the best part is Sol and his team of magical elves! :-)

Hah! I said it first.

Dirk

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Re: Things that's great about the new TNBW

Good one, Dirk.

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Re: Things that's great about the new TNBW

The inline review was a major jump forward. I especially like the X-line when I look at a response. And the messages are easy to edit for spelling. I really find it interesting when people respond to my suggestions. I like getting the feedback on my feedback. Usually people are pleased when I have spotted something that is clearly wrong. Other times people will explain why a sentence is written a certain way. Even if I have made some rather sharp remarks people usually react in a civilized way. I believe the quality of cirques and/or reviews have improved.

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Re: Things that's great about the new TNBW

I like the in/x-line reviews too. I also really like the private messaging.

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Re: Things that's great about the new TNBW

The best improvements are:

1. The in-line/x-line reviews. When you're reviewing, they allow you to post notes immediatly upon bumping into something. When your work is being reviewed, you receive a pretty good ammount of suggestions and comments, much more than when regular reviews are posted.

2.  The messaging tool. Formely, you could only contact other authors through the Forums. I know some people long for those Forums where everything was public, even when John Hamler asked  GP what time it is, but the current messaging system is way beyond that old communication mean and allows us to expand over a partricular topic with another author.

3. The covers are a minor point, because they are not absolutely needed for reviewing, but I must admit I live them.

Kiss,

Gacela

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Re: Things that's great about the new TNBW

The functionality to indicate which reviews had been incorporated (the "applied" buttons). It's brilliant!

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Re: Things that's great about the new TNBW

I have only been here with the new site.  Don't know what the old was like.  This has meant so much to my writing.  The bonus is the relationships that I have made here.  I never expected to make a host of friends while reviewing writing.  Sol has been so helpful with his teaching and fixing the requested glitches.  It's a happy place.  Mike

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Re: Things that's great about the new TNBW

I love the new site. I think I've figured out most of the bugs, many being just my lack of understanding. Those that were real bugs, Sol et. al. have worked hard to fix. My last concern about renewing my membership was laid to rest on the 3rd when putting in my new billing info went smooth as satin. The feedback, the folks, the forums, etc. just work so well now that I've played and learned to navigate. Thanks, to everyone for making this site work.

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Re: Things that's great about the new TNBW

I've been slow to dive into the new site, so I'm still exploring. I think I've figured out how to do everything I need to, so far anyway. I love the inline reviews and the ability to message the reviewer with explanation or followup questions. I'm still trying to find some of my connections from the old site, but that's coming along, too. Overall, good job!

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Re: Things that's great about the new TNBW

dagnee wrote:

Their opinion of your subject, but nothing about about how to make your writing better.

Well then, critiquing a blank page suits your purpose perfectly. No spelling, grammar,or punctuation errors there.

Bad ideas can only be expressed poorly. This is more obvious in non-fiction than fiction but for the latter it is true but usually hidden, perhaps even unknowingly by the author who may be "educated" in bad ideas and does not know better.

One could not have made Herr Hitler's writing better, and it is certainly a moral error to critique Mein Kampf only on the basis of his turgid and impenetrable style, and Steinbeck's content problem is an issue even if expression of that content into language by grammar, spelling and punctuation is not.

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Re: Things that's great about the new TNBW

dagnee wrote:

Charles,

If I write a poem on growing old, I don't see how a reviewer's opinion of growing old would improve my writing. As for Hitler, that example further proves my theory if you have a good plot writing style does not matter.

big_smile

Perhaps they might say something about growing old that makes you rethink how to write your poem. Or perhaps you build a relationship that leads to better and ongoing feedback. ... Now you're going to block me, aren't you? tongue

As for Mein Kampf, it's heartening to know even psychopaths can write bestsellers. There's hope for me yet!

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Re: Things that's great about the new TNBW

In other words, are you guys saying the reviews on the new site is also much better because of all the hard work by Sol and the team?

*cough-cough* don't make me send anyone to the naughty corner in this feel good thread, okay? *scowls* smile

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Re: Things that's great about the new TNBW

Charles_F_Bell wrote:
dagnee wrote:

Their opinion of your subject, but nothing about about how to make your writing better.

Well then, critiquing a blank page suits your purpose perfectly. No spelling, grammar,or punctuation errors there.

Bad ideas can only be expressed poorly. This is more obvious in non-fiction than fiction but for the latter it is true but usually hidden, perhaps even unknowingly by the author who may be "educated" in bad ideas and does not know better.

One could not have made Herr Hitler's writing better, and it is certainly a moral error to critique Mein Kampf only on the basis of his turgid and impenetrable style, and Steinbeck's content problem is an issue even if expression of that content into language by grammar, spelling and punctuation is not.

Charles,
I think you misunderstood. dags wasn't proposing to criticize the subject of another's work. Such a critique, without helpful suggestions, was one item in a list of reviews she finds less than useful. There's no need to jump on everyone who just might not agree with you.

We do agree that even authors who have a wonderful command of language can write crap, and that no amount of skill will turn crappy ideas into beautiful writing. (Same thing, said twice--what do they call that?)

I do have a question, though: what was Steinbeck's content problem?

Affectionately, JP

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22 Reply by max keanu (edited by max keanu 2015-07-09 16:34:57)

Re: Things that's great about the new TNBW

I like the 3-D, holographic aspect to the site. I can reach in and actually touch the words and tickle or smack the writers. As to Herr Hitler, well because of him, Dad met Mom in England during War-War 2, and the rest is my history.

I'd like to see "Bumpy-Dumpy Points" added to this and other forums. By Bumpy-Dumpy Points, I mean that if any post to a forum is exceptional, the poster/originator gets itty-bitty "Bumpy" points added to their review point totals, as do all exceptional responses. Conversely, if the RESPONDER is a dullard or argumentative or just plain moronic, "Dumpy" points are deducted from their review point totals. These point are provided by the members, in variously named checkboxes, under ALL posts. Such as: Exceptional [], Superlative [], Writerly [], Moronic [], Dastardly [], Odin would be proud of you []... etc.

Democracy in action, etc.

I'm thinking fractions of points, say a one-hundredths of a point, which over time slowly add up to build confidence, or become a virtual ruler on the knuckles of the offensive and become virtual wardens over the rambling dilettantes who deal in provocation and forum subversion (such as this ramble, lol).

I would also like to see direct, emailed response to reviews. Again, that "must respond" function was on the old site.

BTW Janet, shouldn't it be: Things that ARE great... etc.

Love you, max

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Re: Things that's great about the new TNBW

j p lundstrom wrote:
Charles_F_Bell wrote:
dagnee wrote:

Their opinion of your subject, but nothing about about how to make your writing better.

Well then, critiquing a blank page suits your purpose perfectly. No spelling, grammar,or punctuation errors there.

Bad ideas can only be expressed poorly. This is more obvious in non-fiction than fiction but for the latter it is true but usually hidden, perhaps even unknowingly by the author who may be "educated" in bad ideas and does not know better.

One could not have made Herr Hitler's writing better, and it is certainly a moral error to critique Mein Kampf only on the basis of his turgid and impenetrable style, and Steinbeck's content problem is an issue even if expression of that content into language by grammar, spelling and punctuation is not.

Charles,
I think you misunderstood. dags wasn't proposing to criticize the subject of another's work. Such a critique, without helpful suggestions, was one item in a list of reviews she finds less than useful. There's no need to jump on everyone who just might not agree with you.

We do agree that even authors who have a wonderful command of language can write crap, and that no amount of skill will turn crappy ideas into beautiful writing. (Same thing, said twice--what do they call that?)

I do have a question, though: what was Steinbeck's content problem?

Affectionately, JP

Rather than go into the weeds on what could be an essay ("How Hitler and Steinbeck are the Same"), I'll stick to the issue that Blocking a reviewer because of his review for the reason he is obnoxious has flipside that suggests that the author/Blocker is insensitive to criticism on the basis of disagreement on content, and I think polite criticism of content is a valid criticism, even without particular authoring suggestions, and it is rude, unhelpful, and anti-social to block someone on that basis. Or for that matter, to block anyone for any reason other than truly obnoxious behavior.

Disagree or agree as far as that goes?

Yes, there is a difference between :  "How dare you claim kittens are cute and cuddly!"  and "How dare you suggest genocide!"

What do you think of blocking someone with whom you have had no interaction at all -- as some sort of pre-emptive strike? And yes, that has happened.  Or blocking without explanation on what was so wrong with the one and only review?  And yes, that has happened.

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Re: Things that's great about the new TNBW

Amazing how even a thread that is supposed to be positive degenerates into this.

Quote Post 24

Re: Things that's great about the new TNBW

Charles_F_Bell wrote:
j p lundstrom wrote:
Charles_F_Bell wrote:

Well then, critiquing a blank page suits your purpose perfectly. No spelling, grammar,or punctuation errors there.

Bad ideas can only be expressed poorly. This is more obvious in non-fiction than fiction but for the latter it is true but usually hidden, perhaps even unknowingly by the author who may be "educated" in bad ideas and does not know better.

One could not have made Herr Hitler's writing better, and it is certainly a moral error to critique Mein Kampf only on the basis of his turgid and impenetrable style, and Steinbeck's content problem is an issue even if expression of that content into language by grammar, spelling and punctuation is not.

Charles,
I think you misunderstood. dags wasn't proposing to criticize the subject of another's work. Such a critique, without helpful suggestions, was one item in a list of reviews she finds less than useful. There's no need to jump on everyone who just might not agree with you.

We do agree that even authors who have a wonderful command of language can write crap, and that no amount of skill will turn crappy ideas into beautiful writing. (Same thing, said twice--what do they call that?)

I do have a question, though: what was Steinbeck's content problem?

Affectionately, JP

Rather than go into the weeds on what could be an essay ("How Hitler and Steinbeck are the Same"), I'll stick to the issue that Blocking a reviewer because of his review for the reason he is obnoxious has flipside that suggests that the author/Blocker is insensitive to criticism on the basis of disagreement on content, and I think polite criticism of content is a valid criticism, even without particular authoring suggestions, and it is rude, unhelpful, and anti-social to block someone on that basis. Or for that matter, to block anyone for any reason other than truly obnoxious behavior.

Disagree or agree as far as that goes?

Yes, there is a difference between :  "How dare you claim kittens are cute and cuddly!"  and "How dare you suggest genocide!"

What do you think of blocking someone with whom you have had no interaction at all -- as some sort of pre-emptive strike? And yes, that has happened.  Or blocking without explanation on what was so wrong with the one and only review?  And yes, that has happened.

Seems time for new thread, Charles. Start one about the blocking BS. As far as I know, I've only been blocked by two people on the site. I could be wrong. I haven't blocked anyone. Even if their reviews are hurtful (which some have been), rude (which some have been), vindictive (which some have been), I haven't blocked a soul. I might not recip on a very unnecessarily cruel review but once, but I do recip. A few people need to learn the difference between constructive criticism and bitchiness (male or female). By the same token, if you stay at writing long enough, someone is going to hurt your feelings. SUCK IT UP, BUTTERCUP! As writers, we'd best grow thick skin. Yes. sounds like it's time for a new thread. This one has taken a nosedive.

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