Why am I sending out read requests?

It is all in the story...

 

Why am I sending out read requests?

 

Some of my friends might be wondering, over the last few weeks, I tend to send out read requests every time I have written a new poem …

Though I first signed up here on October 19^th 2007, I started writing at the beginning of March 2008, after building up my confidence at more general social network sites.

Let me tell you why I signed up here in the first place: I have been writing poetry from the age of 13 – 14 on-wards. At first in my native language, later on, after I had enrolled at Antwerp University in order to study German and English, I switched to English, which was my major language. At university the vast majority of subjects were being taught in either German or English and one day I found myself at the local butcher’s ordering steak and liver … in English!

At that point you can get the picture, most of my thinking, while studying or taking exams was done in English or German!

So after my final exams at university, I wrote my first poetry in English.

For those who have read my bio (posted as a story entitled ‘Who am I’) may have gathered that I abandoned my academic studies by choice in order to study Social Work at Bachelor’s level. At the time it was both a rational choice as well as an emotional choice.

Now, 24 years later on, I have come to the conclusion that though I still like being a counselor, I do feel the need to develop myself both on a personal level and on a professional level.

To cut a long story short, also the economical situation has changed and though there will always be a need for good social workers/counselors, now while accidentally browsing job sites, I discovered a far bigger demand for translators, editors, copywriters, ghost-writers, journalists, redaction managers and administrative employees of all sorts.

All jobs listed here require an extensive knowledge of French, English or German. This was not the case at the time I left university.

Now I feel it is the time to take my chance at changing careers for I am able to offer the skills that are being asked by employers and I am in dire need of a professional challenge.

As time goes by, I am taking my writing here more and more seriously. I regard my little part of this site as my English proficiency portfolio.

I have been told that some people send out read requests with the mere intention of getting their stats up, I am doing this, because I am in serious need of honest reviews. I want to know where I stand before I present myself to an employer.

So, the next time I send out a read request, you know why the request is being sent. I do not want to annoy you; I want feed back and am always ready to return the favour.

In case I am annoying you, please tell me, I will not impose on you anymore.

 

Thank you for reading this!

Reviews

[Dani California]

This is great! I don't find read requests annoying at all. Those who don't want them, have the option of not accepting them/turning them off. We are here to read and write, so read requests are welcomed for me, however I do get buried and sometimes take longer to get to them than I'd like, or than the reader would like I'm sure.

I think we all should be looking for honest reviews, and it seems that often sight gets lost as to why we are here. It becomes more of a social site and popularity contest than an actual writer's site. I think what is important is constructive critism and inspiring and encouraging eachother's work. Helping us to improve! That's why I came here, to learn from all of the wonderful writers here, which I have and continue to do. I have also met some wonderful people here and ppl I now network with which is awesome.

I appreciate this piece and am so glad you wrote it. Again, you shouldn't have to worry about being an annoyance with read requests as this is a writer's site and why we are here! :):)

And I agree with Orlando, your English is quite good. I enjoy your work :) But I will too keep and eye out, and please do the same for me. :)

Peace, D

[Cheryl]

I think this is a great post ~ more personal and very different from the norm! I agree with the others that a review should not be a problem. This is a writer's site and that should be part of what we do. It is to our benefit to review a piece. That is part of how we learn. Feel free to send me your writings for review. I must say, though, like the others, it may take me awhile to get back to you. I don't have as much time as I would like to be here. I wish you the best in your new endeavors!

[Rockebah]

I am happy to help you out so i will review your work as long as i time. Thanks for the insight.

[Jonathan Bryant Dean]

I tend to reply slowly to any read requests. I do, however, often browse all of the writings on the site, and read any story or poem which appeals to my intellect or even my whimsical side at times.

I have also been know to read and not leave a comment or review. This is a habit of which I am attempting to rid myself.

I commend all writers who willingly share their words here in this public forum. To those of us to whom it may seem easy to pounce on the mistakes of others; I remind you that we all make mistakes. I now know that at times my reviews have seemed a bit judgmental. I am working to improve the language with which I review work. I find that suggestions are better received than derogatory comments

I too am a student of the English language. I speak American. I welcome constructive criticism.

As for your message, I agree. If ever you have something that you would like for me to read in a timely fashion, please send an email.

Your Friend,
Jonathan Bryant Dean

[Jamie]

It's nice to know your history, I've been friends with you for a while and I had no idea that you weren't comfortable with your English...I think you write well, and you are most definitely proficient, if not fluent. And your read requests aren't annoying, I just feel bad because it takes me so long to get to them!

Cheers!

[A LaDy NaMeD D]

I love read request actually it lets me know whos active or not. And it makes me feel nice knowing that people enjoy me feedback. I send them out so i too can get honest feedback and reviews *i plan on trying to be published by the end of my sophmore year in college*. So by all means if you want something reviewed...i will review it!

Danni J

[Tuff Stuff]

I like read requests.
They are good when you want to review a writing,
but you don't know which one to review.
Enjoyable read.
Send me a request whenever.

T.S.

[Emily B]

As long as your requests are balanced by your reads, there is no imposition. Reading and writing will both develop your abilities. Though, I imagine, your English is probably better than mine.

People will either read or not depending on their disposition. Good luck with your career move.

[Mysteral - Night Prowle..]

Many thanks, I appreciate the concern you feel. I will welcome your read requests, although please excuse if don't respond to them immediately.

[Siddartha Beth Pierce]

Thank you for your forthright comments. I always look forward to your read requests - keep them coming. Best of luck in your search for a new career as well. Proficiency in more than one language is something to be proud of and you will do well I am certain. Although, as a counselor you were also doing deeds that were certainly very helpful to others as well. So nice of you to post this. Very much appreciated.
Light,
Siddartha

[pal]

"So, the next time I send out a read request, you know why the request is being sent. I do not want to annoy you;"

Well, all have their reasons for being here and wanting others to peep in to their works. You have yours.

You are always welcome to sending out request, I would most willingly review them.

pal