A way for those who don't use boards to get more feedback

[tomoral]

When I first came in, I would ask for critiques and not get responses. If we put our names out as willing to help others, they could let us know if they wanted our help. The thread "Looking for Buddy Groups" is often unanswered. Or at least it was with me. I found a sympathetic person who offered to proof my articles because my eyesight was poor at the time, because she reached out to me. God sent, no doubt.

The point I am so poorly trying to make is if I put my name out there, someone could let me know if they needed an hand.

[lish1936]

I like that idea, but is it really much different from the thread looking for buddy groups? But I do like it, provided my name and just one or two others aren't the only ones on there.

That's the real problem I want to solve. Is to find a way for those who might only have their article read 10 or 15 times a chance for it to get more exposure.

So here's another idea. How about during the mini break, if I contacted the people who don't have much feedback, if they would like to have me link their story to a thread on the board and ask people who have extra time because there is no upcoming articles if they would mind clicking on a few and leaving some feedback.

Shann,
This might sound a bit harsh, but as someone else pointed out, if you don't have time to "throw a brick," then there's not much you can do to reach people who won't go on the boards. My suggestion was for those who really crave feedback, have made that clear by posting on the boards, but have had little or no response. So I'm not too keen on contacting other people when the board and the threads are available to everyone. They certainly have to have some contact with the board in order to post their article.

I would revisit all requests by those who have asked to join a buddy group, just to see if they've found a group. And if not, inform them of the collective Buddy Group, should the idea materialize. Yes, the idea is a bit different than looking for a buddy group, because now, they've found one.

As for the mini break, I use that time to catch up on my other writing projects. Although, believe it or not, I'm doing it each day. However, the break affords more concentrated effort. So count me out on the mini-break idea.

But why not give the collective Buddy Group a trial run, if Deb would agree?

Blessings,

Lillian

[Shann]

I guess I may not be making myself clear or perhaps i am and I'm just totally out of the loop. My concern is for the newbies who have entered because of the four free times. We need them to upgrade to keep FW going. They aren't familiar with the boards and if they don't get much feedback, they may not upgrade. FW literally has saved my life when I didn't think I could endure one more second of pain, someone from this site was always "miraculously" there for me. Strangers prayed and friends called and one sent me a prayer blanket, another flowers. I have a hard time believing I matter and FW has come a long way in that direction. I want to do everything I can to keep it going.

But I guess I'm focusing on the wrong things or not expressing myself or maybe just plain wrong and other things are more important for members to focus on in this site. It's obvious I'm in the minority and if the other page for listing names will work for people to find buddies I'm in.

I have noticed a person with a brilliant idea in level one, she has been leaving this message at the bottom of her feedback: Have you "thrown a brick"?
viewtopic.php?f=56&t=36621

She waited until the all clear, then started including it I think it's a great idea. I wish there were a way for those who don't know how to get to it because you can't get a direct link from the challenge gold boxes but it's still a good idea.

[tomoral]

I'm beginning to see the light!

Let me be the first to say if there is a thread of other's links for critiques I will look for them every week and comment on them. I'm up for doing that.

[lish1936]

I'm still in the dark. What's the difference between looking for links to an article as opposed to reading the article in the Challenge link? Is this not duplication?

Please, please tell me what am I missing. I need a lowest common denominator explanation. Age appropriate ossification of the brain requires it.


Lillian

[pheeweed]

I just saw this thread, so I'm jumping in a little late. I don't throw a brick because I don't feel the need to request feedback. Sometimes I get a lot, sometimes I only get a few boxes. But I remember when I waited anxiously for even one box and was so disappointed when I didn't get any. So every week, I start with beginners and check the number of boxes before I read an entry. If it has 1 or 2 (or sometimes 3), I read it and make a comment. I wish I had the time to read them all, but I don't so this is how I think I can be most helpful to other writers.

Having said all that, I would love a thread that told me which entries need feedback. Then I wouldn't have to search through them. I know that's lazy on my part, but I really appreciate Shann's offer to do the work and would definitely take advantage of it.

BTW, I'm not in a buddy group because I know myself well enough that I wouldn't reciprocate. It wouldn't be fair to the other members of my group. I'd do much better with the flexibility of what Shann's suggesting.

[Shann]

Thanks i'm glad someone finally got me. i was beginning to beat myself up a bit for suggesting it.

I'm tired so i don't know that I can explain it, but like Phee said, often in the lower levels are people who are new and may only try the challenge once or twice. they don't know about the boards because they haven't been around. They enter and only get one comment and maybe 15 people read it. discouraged they leave the site and we miss the opportunity to bring a silver member into the fold and have them upgrade. Then they learn about the boards, crit groups, bricks to toss and become crazy fanatics like myself!

[lish1936]

Thanks i'm glad someone finally got me. i was beginning to beat myself up a bit for suggesting it.

they don't know about the boards because they haven't been around.

Shann, why would you beat yourself up for suggesting an idea? This has nothing to do with you personally. I know you feel deeply about Faithwriters. It comes across each time you post, but don't take opposing view points to heart. You are loved, and I hope you'll understand that my comments/suggestions are never meant to attack or denigrate. Whatever way makes for peace and harmony, I'm game.

My only question has to do with new members not "knowing about the boards" when I see them posting Newbie comments and submitting articles for the Challenge. All the threads are there, it's just a matter of clicking on whatever subject is of interest to them. So I'm scratching my head as to what you mean? But please don't blame yourself because I'm not getting it.

[Shann]

I didn't mean it literally but felt like the cartoon character banging her head against the wall because no one gets her. Believe it or not, my guess would be about half of the entries know nothing about the boards. They only come for the challenge. Or there are a lot of people who are intimidated by computers and can handle entering, but much beyond that is too scary. Very few new members actually ever go to the newbie nook. Because the site is so huge, unless they connect with someone who is willing to help, they will leave in frustration thinking no one cares.

I can't tell you how many people have said they had just decided to give up on FW until they read my comments. Maybe they are just flattering me but I see a real problem there.