Writer’s Workshop: How to Give (HELPFUL) Feedback Plus More Fun (31 Unique Searches, Part 5)

So, what are we going for this time? Humor? That’s was great, but we need to find other things just as great. Another writer’s workshop? Mmmm…That was incredibly helpful, but I want something else…How about we start with this: how to give helpful feedback. I think all of us could use a refresher course in this area. While it may seem boring or redundant to some, I think your friends will truly appreciate it.

 

21. http://resourcesforwriters.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_to_give_feedback_to_writers

This site is a good brush-up on the basics and follows an ingenious theory: “the key to a great critique is finding the balance between positive and critical feedback.”

 

22. Here’s another:

http://www.med.wright.edu/aa/facdev/_Files/PDFfiles/MakingFeedbackHelpful.pdf

This is really an article addressing behavioral feedback, but it translates fairly well to any field. The writers of this piece quite windy, being MD’s and all, so I’ll help by offering you a summary applicable to writing:

             1. Helpful feedback is descriptive (describes your opinion), not evaluative (labels your opinion as absolute). For example: you should say “I don’t agree with this,” versus, “this is wrong.” The first example will help to avoid defensiveness in the writer.

             2. Helpful feedback is specific. Say, “Your vocabulary is amazing! The word mystical fits so well into the paragraph describing the waterfall,” versus, “your vocabulary is amazing.” On the other hand say, “I believe you meant it’s instead of it’s in the third paragraph, second sentence,” versus, “I think you need to brush up on your grammar.”

                 3. Honest and sincere. No sugar coating, no buffering. In other words, don’t say, “Oh, this is so wonderful! I loved every minute of it!” when you were actually ready to gag through the whole thing. Then again, don’t be cruel either; find your happy medium here. Tell them what they do well and what they could improve.  Along the same line, don’t use sentences to ‘soften up’ the writer, such as, “I love this, however…” No one ever believes that you like it after hearing however…

                 4. Express your feedback in terms that are important to the writer. If you are reading poetry, don’t be a stickler for capital letters and punctuation. As long as the writer’s style is consistent throughout the poem, then it is usually ok. Likewise, specific types of short stories have formats that you may not be aware of. Don’t give advice on something you don’t know about. Now, I don’t mean not to give any feedback at all.  You should express the impact the piece made on you at a personal level; but don’t judge them on a professional level.

                 5. Timely. Give the feedback directly after reading the piece-it will help you to remember the details.

               6. Desired by the receiver. Don’t give it unless it is asked for. This doesn’t mean you have to specifically ask, obviously if it is ‘posted for feedback’ then they want it.

               7. Usable. This pretty much sums up all of the above. I cannot get better if you simply state that I suck.

 

Okay, I think that covers a little more than the basics. Now, let’s get onto something more fun!

23. This guy’s right-I don’t want a totally clean-cut man, but these ‘staches are ridiculous!

http://www.listlovers.com/2009/02/25/unique-funny-weird-beards-moustaches/

24. A bank robber drops his ID in the bank lobby; a burglar gets stuck in the bathroom (or cornered by a cat)-Who doesn’t love hearing about stupid criminals? It never gets boring, does it? Here’s a whole site devoted to funny and weird news stories:

http://www.funnyweirdnews.com/

25. How about a complete mix of all things unique, weird, funny, and otherwise amazing? This link contains strange facts, funny stuff, and cool links.

http://www.squidoo.com/wierd_things

 

I would have had this blog up days ago…but it seems my new high-speed hookup isn’t any faster than the old dial up…hmmm….

For Writers (31 Unique Searches, Part 4)

Here we go, one more time, I won’t stop until I have followers; here we go now.

16. Here is a list of practical and indepth writing tips for any level of writing:

http://www.poynter.org/column.asp?id=78&aid=103943

If you are writing your first story, this will help you to keep on track, ensuring you incude the necessities and avoid common mistakes.

If you are an advanced writer, it just may help you find that ‘one thing’ that you feel is missing.

2. I got pointed in the direction of this site by a friend (Molly Swoboda of http://cartoonwoman .blogspot. com) and found it so helpful that I wanted to share it.

http://editorunleashed.com/2009/01/15/twitter-tips-for-writers-25-good-follows/

It is put together by a former editor-in-chief of Writer’s Digest and is a “wonderful resource for all-things writing.” It also has a list of 25 people that all writers should follow-I’m talking connections here, so lets get clicking on this link (and don’t forget to thank me for passing it on…and Molly…).

3. I had to add this one because I always second guess myself on it; do you underline the title of a magazine? Let’s go all the way and find a site that tells us specifically what to quote, what to underline, and what to italicize.

http://web.cn.edu/KWHEELER/documents/Punctuating_Titles_chart.pdf

This one is simple and ok, but could use more detail.

http://www.ehow.com/how_2052964_use-underline-titles.html?ref=fuel&utm_source=yahoo&utm_medium=ssp&utm_campaign=yssp_art

This one doesn’t go into specifics either, but with the two combined, I think you have it down.

4. Oh,  here is an amazing site! 101 best sites for writers, put out by Writer’s Digest. This could be completely invaluable!

http://www.internet-resources.com/writers/

Make sure you scroll down, that’s where the links are.

5. I personally love this site. It is a HUGE list of literary magazines that has links and details on each, including how and when to submit your work to them.

http://www.newpages.com/litmags/

 

Not so entertaining this time, but I hope you have found it useful nonetheless.

My Adventures in Surfing (31 Unique Searches, Part 3)

Oh, I am not doing so well this morning…I am so close to finishing the final round of editing that I am pushing myself way too far…Anyway, you will not suffer from it!

6. Wierd Furntiture. Some of it is just undescribable, but here are a few examples: cardboard street seats, accordian dressers, jigsaw puzzle bureaus andStar Trek doors and accessories. There are also links on this page to other wierd furniture sites.

http://manolohome.com/category/weird-furniture/

7. I wanted to look up “world’s wierdest pets,” but was sidetracked by this: “British Vets List the 10  Wierdest Items Eaten By Pets.” A kitchen knife? Ouch.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/unleashed/2008/12/british-vets-li.html

8. Okay, how about the wierdest looking animals on Earth? I know someone that wished she looked that good! I know, that was mean…but so is she. Anyway, some of these animals are strange looking, some fairly mundane, and others just plain cute. If you scroll down to the comment section, it gets even more entertaining.

http://www.sharenator.org/Worlds_strangest_looking_animals/

9. Now this is hilarious! It has pages of unique gag gifts: a crime scene towel, bacon and egg bandaids, a tie with printed instructions, and so much more!

http://www.baronbob.com/gag-gifts.htm

10. And since I’m in that kinda mood, I’ll add this great site:

http://www.weirdpicturearchive.com/

From humans to animals, street signs to headlines, it’s all there.

I’m sure I’ll be posting another blog later; I’m going to take a nap!

My Adventures in Surfing (31 Unique Searches Part 2

Here we go again!

1. Difference between it and it’s-that’s right, I will admit, I occasionally have this problem. But now I won’t cause I pinned the answer to my bulletin board! The answer on this site is plain and clear!

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-difference-between-its-and-its.htm

2. How about affect and effect? Though I am beginning to understand, I have fought with this one my whole life.

http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_difference_between_the_words_’affect’_and_’effect’

That helps, but I think I’ll still make sure through a grammar check!

3. Looked up a band I saw last night. I also wrote a blog called “No Warning”  about them if you want to check it out-they’re great!

http://www.myspace.com/nowarningbandme
4.  Ever been told someone’s name and though, What were their parents thinking?Yeah, me too; but I don’t want to hurt their feelings, so let’s see the anonymous ones…like Seymor Butz. Wow, some of these are horrible!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/23631411/

5. Okay, this is totally random and slightly disturbing, but I’ve always wondered…How does a Unick work? Is their…you know…is it cut off or what?

Amidst this search I found several funny things. Did you know there is a brand of clothes called “Unick Clothing and Shoes, Unlimited?” Holy crap! Do they need special clothes? And why would they ever need different shoes?! Ha, jk, I’m sure it has nothing to do with actual Unicks, but still…

Here’s what I learned: the original spelling was Eunich. The new spelling is slang. This site provides both definitions. I rate the page PG-13.

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=Unick

 

So, I guess I’m doing these in fives cause it really takes more time than you would think. Happy surfing! Hope you are enjoying this.

No Warning

I close my eyes and swear I see long hair and makeup…but when I open them there stands a Larry the Cable Guy version of classic rock. Hey, who says rock can’t be redneck?! Sorry Mr. Lead singer, it’s the hat, really. Isn’t it the same one Larry wears?

Now, I mean this all in an endearing way, trust me, cause this was the best band I have seen in a while and they definitely picked the right type of music to play. I see the tense, shrugged shoulders, the wide open mouth so close to the mike you think he might swallow it. What this band has is passion; and they have every right to it because they posses something that should be shared with the world.

I give them five out of five ‘Faith Points.’

Want to hear more about this band? Stick around ’cause I will be posting an interview with them.

Link to their site: http://www.myspace.com/nowarningbandme

My Adventures in Surfing (31 Unique Searches, Part 1)

Okay, if you read my last post you will know what this is all about. After deciding I wouldn’t post all 31, well, I changed my mind ’cause I thought it might entertain a few bored people out there. Don’t worry, I’ll make sure the links are unique enough to satisfy, then I’ll get back to my investigation of mypoints.com.

1. I had to redo my computer and lost all saved data, so I’m going to try to find a tool I had before. It’s called a word frequency counter and it’s incredibly useful! Here it is:

http://www.writewords.org.uk/word_count.asp
2. I use wordprocessor, which doesn’t have a grammar check. I wonder if there are any good software downloads for that? Here’s what I found:

Don’t bother with WhiteSmoke.com, it’s not free.

Hey, this looks good. Like any grammar check, it has it’s limitations, but it is a very good place to start:

http://www.spellchecker.net/spellcheck/

 

3. Someone sent me an youtube video that was cute. It was a blue grass band that used a tractor engine as a base for their song. Let’s see if I can find it…

http://fschnell.net/WordPress/?p=1094

4. I’ve seen some hilarious street signs. I wonder if their’s a Website for that?

Some of these are great, but you gotta dig:

http://www.roadtripamerica.com/signs/signs.htm
5. How about Unique Buildings?

These are pretty cool:

http://www.hemmy.net/2006/02/17/unique-buildings-on-our-… I know I have sooo many more to do, but I have really got to get back to work on my book (www.webook.com/project/Carletta); come visit if you want and see ya later!

Investigation of My Points.com with Entertaining Intermissions

A friend told me she made a few extra bucks and received some very good discounts by participating in online surveys; so I figured what the heck, I’ll give it a shot. Now, I’m not completely stupid, I know a lot of them are a complete waste of time. I filled one out a while ago just to find out that, at the very end, you had to have a credit card-what the hell!? Anyway, I figured I might be able to save others some time by posting reviews and logs on my experiences…so here goes!

 

My Points.com 8-5-09: I’m on the opening page of the website and am a little lost on where to click for earning points that don’t require money; I thought all they wanted was my opinion? Well, I’ve certainly got enough of that to go around…I keep looking… No, I don’t want to print grocery coupons…I don’t even have a printer hooked up! Where’s a surveys that gives me points…? Why do they put adds on the top? I’m here to make money, not spend it!

Okay, so finally, I click on a button that says ”tell us and earn money,” that sound better, so I answer the question they ask and…I think I’m going to get five point…yes…no…yeah, I think I did, though another window popped up and asked me to download a ‘mypoints’ toolbar for another 300 points. What the hell, I’m in. If my computer crashes or goes crazy, at least you all will have learned…besides, I’ve got a warranty, why not test it?

So, this toolbar looks like it will make me a lot of points…75 a month just for having it on my computer, 10 for every five searches. I wonder how good their searches are? We shall see…

I can never remember, am I supposed to run or save when downloading a file? Does it matter? Whichever way it is supposed to be, mypoints provides faulty directions as there is no Install button on that box for XP.

Done downloading…now it says I have to use the toolbar for 30 days before I get the points…geesh, there’s always a catch…still, I’ll give it a go-thirty days, here I come! Oh, and here’s how you get the points (they are not 75 plus the number of searches, they are simply applied based on the searches themselves). Here’s the chart:

10 Points for 1-10 searches

25 Points for 11-20 searches

50 Points for 21 to 30 searches

75 Points for 31 or more searches

Oh, well, I’m a sucker; it’s not like they’re asking me for money yet…by the way, what can I use these points for?

Ha, I’m gonna use the search bar 31 times now just to get it out of the way.  And to bore you further (or maybe entertain you depending on…you know, the simple minded thing…which, by the way, if you’re reading this, you may want to reevaluate that…), I am going to list my searches:

1. Daisy May

     First interesting result: something about Chef Adam Perry and

      grilling fruit…sound yummy. http://www.daisymaysbbq.com/news.html

2. Silver Sulfide

       What is it anyway? And why are these people selling it?

        Sponsored By http://www.SaltLakeMetals.com/

Okay, intermission here, cause I’m confused…I just scrolled down and it says I do get 100 points for downloading the toolbar and keeping it for 30 days…So confused…but I do have 110 points since signing up…I think I got 100 just for joining…

 

 So, now my searchbar has dissapeared…what happened…? Do I need to open a new window…? Oh, yeah, hey, it came back with the new window…so on we go! (Cool side note: it displays a counter for the amount of points you have earned.)

3. dadada (yes, that’s what I put in…)

    Came up with a Police video from their song

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BMikAeK8rL0
   

     Along with the German band Trio

     http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Da_Da_Da

There is no way I am going to list all 30-something searches here…I’ll just do it really quickly and hope I keep an accurate count…where was I again?…3, right?

 

I am punching in random letters to see what happens…this is going to take forever…I’m on four, that’s progress, right?  Uh-huh. Yeah, it won’t let me do random…it says “there’s an unexpected error.” I wonder if they count that? Probably not, so 4 doesn’t count…Time to dig out the old pen and paper for a little tallying.

I’m looking up my family members’ names to see how famous they are…I mean, how famous the people who have their names are…anyway, you should try it; it’s kinda cool. Hey guess what? This girl, she’s written a really cool story on webook called Waiting for the Mailman (www.webook.com/project/waiting-for-the-mailman.com), shares my name…oh, wait that’s me! LOL! I shock myself sometimes…

Anyway…I’m at ten…still troubled about the results I got when I looked up my own name! I typed in Faith Green and it knew my middle name…so what if my x husband tried to find my address. Oh, well, you jerk, I live with my shot gun haulin’ daddy now! Haha. But really, with the economy the way it is, my parents and I ‘came up’ with the idea of living together in their 14 room farmhouse and splitting the bills. I say ‘came up with’ because I think that statement is a joke-didn’t our ancestors do this just a few generations ago? Maybe it wouldn’t work if we didn’t get along, but doesn’t it make sense on the economic level (as long as the house is as big as this one)? I mean, why waste money on seperate living arrangements and, later, nursing homes? But that’s for another blog…here we go again…

While waiting for my search to go (it’s actually quite fast by the way) I found a summary on my account page. Here is what I have gotten points for so far:

1. Pending (06-07-09)

   Publishers Clearing House Web Offer Registration

   Earn +100 Points

             (When did I do that? Oh, wait…I think that’s the very first thing I did. 

              I didn’t realize it had anything to do with this site…sorry guys. I

              think it comes up as a window when you go to mypoints.com)

 

    2. 05-07-09

        New Member Profile Completed

        Earn +5 Points

        (Now that I did do. It’s just filling in your name, etc. when you

          sign up.)

      3. 05-07-09

           MyPoints Toolbar

           (We know I did that; we’ll see if they come through on their end 

           of the bargain…)

       4. 05-07-09

              MyPoints Questionnaire

             +5 Points

             (that was the few questions I clicked yes or no to under ‘tell

              us and earn money’)

Back to searching…

‘Sorry, there were no results returned for frog.’ Can you believe that?! What, there are no websites about frong-I doubt that.

Did you know you can type the word rewards with very few fingers and only one hand…the word only too…that’s kinda cool…simple minds…

Up to twenty, I need to stop getting side-tracked. It’s almost eleven pm and I need to finish this before bed…sigh…

Another cool thing: there is a web search and a merchant search, so if you like online shopping, the toolbar may really be worth it.

On a totally seperate note…I really like my Acer computer mouse. I’m using it on my bed, on top of the comforter, with no solid base, and it is working very well…the little things in life….ahhh.

Omg…I just thought of something…I’ve been using the search bar on the website instead of the one on the toolbar…I don’t know if that makes a difference, but I don’t want to take any chances…I’ll pick this up again in the morning…Night all!