Politics Of WC

This is an older piece...but still valid- mostly ;)

I have been wondering what the cafe represents lately. Is this place for writers or for those that need their ego stroked? Do I need my ego stroked? Do you?

 

I LOVE to write. I write in my sleep, no lie! Sometimes I wake up, reach under my bed and grab my notebook. I atleast write a skeleton of an idea I conjured during slumber. It's that intense for me! Yet after I post things here lately, my excitement fizzles rather quickly. I start wondering what people will think of what I write...will they rate it accordingly or will someone with a personal vendetta come along and rate it to zero for their own ego. Hmmm...I think the fact that someone CAN do this is problem enough.

 

There has been many pieces about the politics of this site lately and I have responded generally the same on all that I have seen. The only thing I haven't said is this:

 

I think it is ridiculous that one has to come on here and entertain SOMEONE ELSE'S idea of a good poem or story. I think EVERYTHING that is written is sacred and valuable. I don't think there should be ANY ratings available at all. That's why I have decided to leave off that option from here on in regarding all of my works.

 

Originally I had this stupid idea that people were here to be read. Maybe because I saw this place as an oasis for serious writers and not another glorified myspace. Now before any of you myspacers get your britches in a bunch, please understand. There is a place for everything and there is nothing wrong in theory with myspace. However, when I think of a place to read good poetry, myspace is not the first place I think of. That being said, my point is basically that Writers Cafe is looking more like a "look at me" site than a place for artists.

 

Not for nothing, the top lists on both the writers and the writings page leave a lot to be desired. I have been up there many, many times. Now, I am not so eager to be there. Reason? There is no credibility there. If someone gets 5 reviews on 2 of their pieces and their overall score is over 95%, they will appear on the board....so? So what this means is that your writing isn't necessarily being rewarded, it's more like your friends are rewarding you for probably reading them earlier that day.

 

Now I know that is not true ALL of the time, as there are SO MANY genuinely talented writers on here...but seriously, how many of them are there. I used to think that others who felt this way were just being bitter for NOT being up there themselves. BUT, I have since changed my mind...I am up there a lot and I don't like it.

 

There's only one problem though. Like EVERY WRITER, I want to be read. Now how can new eyes see a new piece of poetry if I close off the ratings? They can't, only those on my friends lists will ever see anything...hmm...I love all my friends, but I like fresh perspectives too. You may be saying to yourself, "Yeah, but friends can send your work to others." THIS IS TRUE. BUT- This site took away the "send to all your friends" options. This means that someone would have to go down their entire list, picking, clicking and choosing who to send a work to. Do you think most would do that? I don't think so. I have come across some really great pieces and wanted to pass it along to everyone...but I always stop somewhere around "d," it gets tedious!

 

Anyway, my whole point of this vent is to express my displeasure at the inner works of this site. The badges, the ratings, the lists...but most certainly not the people. Let it be known, I like coming here and reading everyone, that is not the issue. The issue is simply the politics. I wish in this coming new year for a better, more peaceful environment to write. Where I can feel free to voice my opinions and still be respected...

Reviews

[H. A. M.]

This place is a far cry from what it used to be when I first got here. It was pleasant sure enough but there was still room open for sabatage as I saw from reviewing and having my review being slamed and messing up my stats. (That's when I really cared about that.) Fabian G was another guy on that same piece that got slammed and I couldn't figure what the problem was on that. He's no longer here and I wonder does this place chase away good writers for poor sports.

"I think it is ridiculous that one has to come on here and entertain SOMEONE ELSE'S idea of a good poem or story. I think EVERYTHING that is written is sacred and valuable. I don't think there should be ANY ratings available at all. That's why I have decided to leave off that option from here on in regarding all of my works.

With the ratings system as it is now I wonder is it too sensitive. I've rated three writers only to get a response like I just threw there score in the basement. Not my intent and never will be. None of the ratings were harsh or below what I thought was fair in 'my' eye. Yet it seemed to do a huge amount of damage. I do wonder how anybody can be knocked off the page by one rating not far below 95. Also if the ratings slide is open then it's fair game for a legitimate rating and not intended to be used to slam someone.


"Not for nothing, the top lists on both the writers and the writings page leave a lot to be desired. I have been up there many, many times. Now, I am not so eager to be there. Reason? There is no credibility there."

Until there is a foolproof system to rate without bias then it's hard to say. I've seen it said by one that the same people are always up there. My answer was it can be cliquish at times but then they put in the work. Anybody who puts in the work can get up there. It's hard to see your worth if people become to agreeable or harsh. So why are we really writing? The best reason I have because it's touching somebody. My greatest moments have been when someone tells me the printed out my work to hang up on their door or someone I don't know from off the site decided to leave a comment saying they liked what I wrote. Those are my little special moments that I won't get a star or any points for. It sticks with me better.
I wonder what's going to happen now.
Charles could find out who has more than one profile easily I think. He could look at the IPO number to the computer and see who's got more than one profile. I don't know what software he would use but then I think that may just ruin the site all together. I wish I could be on the show but second shift is ruining that idea. There's really a lot more I wanted to say.

[Gandré]

Hello Jenny, my dear,

I definitely think - this top writing shall be renamed into: Popular Writing.

Otherwise, kudos. great piece, you had to say it. I agree with everything. happy new year sweetie. kiss.

[Chloe..Across the Unive..]

Jenny, I think you read the rating game i wrote about the rating system.. i think it is more of a popularity contest of late..but there are some worthy top writes .. many though are not..
I feel the same about sending read requests.. i did send some for a couple of poems i wrote that i felt strongly about .. i just want to read and be read and critiqued. I am trying to learn to write (for some reason i hear that as pee wee herman saying, i am trying to use the phone).. got off track...like you sometimes i close my eyes and see or hear a poem in my head.. i love writing ,, i hope some things i write people can relate to, make them think, feel.

I enjoyed your take on the politics here.. you are one of my favroite writers.. many are..this site has many really good writers, and many you will not see on top reading so i suggest you look around, or we look around. A nice read and many good points, Jenny.
Especially about thinking everyone's thoughts being sacerd and valued.. as they are!
Some just articulate better, still the thoughts are sacred.

Happy New Year!

Chloe
xoxo

Read H.A.M's comment and i miss Fabians writing so much.. he was very upset about the ratings ..and the subs being gone and off he went..

[Siobhan MacIntyre]

Amen, sister! And--did anyone else find it amusingly ironic that this piece is in the Top Writing? LMAO!! Perhaps it's just my completely twisted sense of humor that makes me find that really funny.

The Ratings Game...MySpace Cafe...just a couple of the spiteful (but true) names bandied about in regards to this place. I come to write. I like to be read--mostly because I like to "see" your little faces when I've managed to entertain you. If I can take you out of your world and into one of mine, I have given you a piece of myself--a very personal piece--to allow you to know me better.

I've been on the Top lists. It's generated lots of Friend requests but generally nothing more. I've taken to accepting most Friend requests just so I can see people's comments back and forth--I want to see the real you, people, not the plastic you in your bio!!! I don't leave here because I'm here to entertain you. Writing is as necessary to me as a pulse, but it's all for nothing if it means nothing to you, my readers. I'm selective in what I review because I absolutely refuse to read MySpace poetry and Friendster stories from people with no desire to better their talents--if they have any to begin with--and chips on their shoulders when you try to help them. This site used to be about serious writers--and filled with serious writers...until the inception of the Ratings Game and private profiles.

Which brings me to another bit of angst I've been carrying along in my briefcase...those stinking "private" profiles. It's such a MySpace tactic, I was embarrassed when they employed it. I like to see what a person is about, and I see that in their comments, not in their bio. Biographies...I don't know--am I the only one who feels like a plastic a*****e when writing her own bio? (pardon my French there). You'll notice my bio section is filled with mostly useless crap. That's because you won't get to know me by me telling you what I want you to know. I'll tip the scales in favor of my more attractive qualities, and then you'll see something I've posted elsewhere on the site (such as this rant disguised as a review) and think, "Gee, I never knew old Siobhan was like THAT!" (and let's clarify, while we're speaking of it: it's pronounced shi-VOHN, not SIGH-o-bonn!!)

And don't even get me started on the demise of the forum....grrrr!!! *jumps off soapbox and stalks away, little jets of steam coming out her ears*

[Blackbirdsong]

Bravo Jenny and bravo again!

This site has been wonderful in so many ways, and in others not so wonderful. I have met people I truly can say I care about, my writing has improved because I've been challenging myself in ways that I hadn't before and I've gained insight into that writing and myself as well. What hasn't been so great is everything you mentioned above. What I also hate are those who use this site for the sole purpose of ego and send out requests as a way of getting views and reviews so that they remain perpetually in the top 10 or get a badge or whatever pointless thing they are seeking.

For me writing is about craft and sadly I don't see a lot of that in the top 10 pieces. Some yes, but theyare not the majority. I don't agree that all writing is valuable, but I believe all writing has the potential to be just that. Sadly many on this site aren't willing to work at their writing, but only (at least this is how it seems to me) to be out for the instant gratification of ratings, badges and good words for work that doesn't deserve it...yet.

Anyway this was a stellar vent my friend and I look forward to hearing you this Friday on your show, VentRadio.

:) see I even gave you a plug

[JC]

As all our moms would say, nothing is perfect. Ignore that which displeases you and concentrate on that which does. As for the myspace. If I did not have a my space page, I wouldn't have found this site and therefore not be in the presence of great writers and opportunties.

That said, thank you for having the guts to post this.

[Ryan McAuley]

Well said.

[Nicole (Carpe Diem)]

i dont like the ratings thing... its kind of intimidating... to give someone that kind of power to say the percentage your writing has... sigh...
i enjoyed reading this piece... your argument is well stated...

[Angelheaded Hipster]

You have my permission, and my blessing Jenny Benny. I dont like how things are going either, but then, I keep out of such things, and just read people, and review what ever. I never rate, and I dont want mine rated either. Course I leave the ratings open, but hey.
You know me, Im with you. I eat, sleep and dream writing and reading. I love the people I have gotten to know here, and there are so many different voices here, and they all deserve to be read and whatnot.
I dont know whats going to happen to this place, but I dont want it to go away, and I want people to be free to write their feelings and thoughts without fear of getting low ratings and silly trite things.....

Youve made a great point and stand Jenny

[Crazy Cat Man]

This site took away the "send to all your friends" options. This means that someone would have to go down their entire list, picking, clicking and choosing who to send a work to. Do you think most would do that? I don't think so. I have come across some really great pieces and wanted to pass it along to everyone...but I always stop somewhere around "d," it gets tedious!

I actually like it that they took away the "Send To ALL Your Friends" option. In just 3 days i got over 800 Read Requests cuz everyone was pressing that button.......if u really want to send others your work or send others, others peoples work then send it individually.......its no hard in taking a couple of minutes to click and send works to others.........I didnt like the SEND TO ALL option becuz it overpiled my Read Requests.....thats why Read Requests are turn off until im done reading those pieces.....i actually deleted half of the 800 works and i tried to get through the 500........but now i have 7 left :) interesting debate