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I am a 63 year old husband, Father, and Grandfather, I had four children but sadly, lost my youngest daughter Vickie in December 2013 from Leukemia,I am trying to express how I feel, sometimes through my poetry.I live in Worcestershire, England.
I love writing story poems, maybe not too well but hey!
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Eric1:
Hi Everyone,
I came back on here today with a view to boosting my dollars by reviewing and then to start posting again.
I am astonished to note the amount of contributers who have copied and pasted their replies to reviewers.
This is a terrible practise and makes a mockery of the whole site, it says to me that the person hasn't read my review but just gone through all posts 'copying and pasting' the exact same words.
I have had in excess of 100 reviews on some of my work and have always attempted to reply to everyone individually and honestly, otherwise WHAT IS THE POINT!
Please, let's all stick together and stop this lazy practise.
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 September 30 at 4:51AM
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| Jannypan (Jan) : You are right. I would rather not get a review like what you described. I also don't like a review that looks like this: ty Jan
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September 30 at 9:08AM
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FanStory wrote to Eric1:
Congratulations! The Gardener is the new Poem of the Month!
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May 14 at 12:13AM
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| Dean Kuch: Congrats, Eric. Well deserved, my friend.
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May 14 at 12:17AM
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| I am Cat: congratulations, Eric!
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May 14 at 1:10AM
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| sandramitchell: Huge congratulations, Eric!! So deserved it was brilliant!! xxx
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May 14 at 2:18AM
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| Gloria ....: Way to go Eric! Awesome poem, you. :))
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May 14 at 3:24AM
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| michaelcahill: Well, it's about time, yes? Awesome work, Eric. well deserved. Congrats to Gloria and Dean for second as well. What a field this month. You should all be proud. mikey
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May 14 at 3:31AM
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| Mary Wakeford: Congratulations, Eric! Well deserved!
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May 14 at 4:18AM
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| giraffmang: Woooooooo, and indeed, Hooooooooo
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May 14 at 10:14AM
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| boxergirl: Great poem, Eric! Congrats!!
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May 14 at 11:10AM
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| rama devi: Congrats! Much deserved. Wonderful poem. :)
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May 14 at 11:22AM
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RGstar: Go,Go,Go Erik..I said you'd win one soon.
Well done...good to see.
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May 14 at 12:31PM
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| Eric1: Thank you so much everyone for your kind words, and to the committee who gave my poem seven stars. I am overjoyed.
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May 14 at 1:17PM
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RGstar: I rarely enter the usual contest which are far more easy to win as you could be up against sometimes even 5 other poems if not full, and having many rosettes from these kinds of competition do not truly give confidence in gauging my worth. That's just a personal preference, even though it is great reviewing some of the different forms that help to give more knowledge and learning, and dare say, some excellent forms that I would not have dreamed in knowing. A lot of the time it may only take a few votes to win them. The emphasis for me is to produce the best work one can for that moment, and when something is good, it will eventually pay off, if repeated again, and again. What is good for one is, not necessarily good for another, but there can be no doubting the fact that the Poem of the Month, along with book and story of the month are the fairest and most effective, if not abused with asked votes. Regardless of who is nominated ( I think nomination the best part, as it tells you your work is being recognised time and time again) Our fellow authors vote...and there can be no fairer way. We already have good committee led contests, so I say...Keep the Poem of The Month Strong, and gauge well from it, for it is a marker indeed...we are the ones that choose the winner from those that are nominated...and we have to trust those who nominate do a good job...and I may add, it is extremely rare that I have seen any bad poems nominated...perhaps only once in three years. I say to all, put some good work together, strong and lyrical, with soul, imagery and poetic devices...and you will see them where they should be...sooner or later. Know your strength, and if you carry it through, week in and week out, you will be noticed... for all see. I have seen work written and predicted a few that would be nominated...and they were, so it is not difficult to see or read something good and know it is good. Keep believing, Eric, for I believe in you...and many others whose turn have yet to come, and will. Poem of the month, as well as book and story should never be knocked, for even though I have been nominated, I think 13 times, and won six its not so much about the winning, but the nomination, and as well the views of many dear authors here, it's a reflection of hard work and faith in ones own ability to walk through doubts and be endorsed by authors themselves...what could be a bigger honor? Keep writing everyone...get the work out there for I am so happy to see good work, it gives a lift as if it was my own...that's the truth.
Beast wishes.
Bravo, Eric
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May 14 at 1:26PM
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| nancyjam: Congratulations Eric. it is a beautiful poem.
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May 14 at 1:45PM
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| Ideasaregems-Dawn: SO well-deserved for this masterpiece, Eric! Congratulations! :)
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May 14 at 9:56PM
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heyjude: Congratulations!!
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May 14 at 10:08PM
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mrsmajor: I really enjoyed the poem Eric, a poem written with elegance and beauty...
A big Congratulations!...and a Hug!
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May 14 at 11:57PM
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| tfawcus: Congratulations, Eric. A fine poem indeed!
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May 15 at 1:12PM
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| Ulla: Congratulations, Eric, so well deserved.
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May 15 at 2:00PM
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zanya: Eric
Congrats - a worthy winner Zanya
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May 15 at 2:03PM
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| Lovinia: Congratulations dear Eric. This is a wonderful poem. I'm thrilled to see you up in the winner's circle. I really came over to congratulate you for your selection in POM again ... this time with "Goodbye". Hugs - Lovi xoxoxo
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August 26 at 11:41PM
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Eric1:
Having over the last few weeks sorted out all the negative reviews through wonderful poems and blogs on here, I feel that the issue of response overall should now be addressed, I have just recieved a wonderful 100+ reviews for my latest poem 'The mighty Yew', but I am so disappointed that over a third of those reviews do not even mention the poem itself but go off on a tangent about another tree or something like. I don't mean to whinge or complain but it is so frustrating to spend hours trying to get a poem or other work right just to have a reviewer say something like 'We had a Yew in our garden as a child'.
Am I alone in this view or am I just a miserable old git lol!
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February 14 at 9:14AM
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I am Cat: I completely agree!
How nice it would be to have comments on the writing, of all things! Poetic devices and the like! What's that you say, Eric? An actual review over a commentary? ;)
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February 14 at 10:46AM
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| giraffmang: Hi Eric, one of the problems is that most people don't actually have a clue about poetic devices. Don't get me wrong as there are knowledgeable people out there, but most don't. I'm not a poet so really what can someone like me offer other than saying that I liked it or how it made me feel. I actually made a genuine mistake in my review and wrote oak, meaning yew! lol If you want those more genuine responses then the best thing to do is ask for it in the author's notes. I have done this several times. It severely limits the amount of reviews you get, but hopefully you will get the right ones reading. Maybe I should just give poetry a miss entirely! G
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February 14 at 11:02AM
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F. Wehr3: I completely agree with your assessment.
Allow me to turn the table. You received over sixty helpful reviews. I would kill, not literally, for that many helpful reviews.
Is the glass half full or half empty? We have so many different levels of reviewers on this site. When we don't have the technical ability to give detailed feedback, we put on our readers hat and tell you why we liked the piece.
Sometimes it's a personal connection with the subject matter. We read what we like. Just my perspective.
So, no your not a miserable old git, but take a look at the bounty before you.
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February 14 at 11:17AM
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FanStory wrote to Eric1:
Congratulations! Medals of Honour? is the new Poem of the Month!
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December 26 at 12:13AM
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| Gloria ....: Way to go, Eric! It's a wonderful poem. :))
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December 26 at 12:52AM
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| giraffmang: Awesome. Well deserved. G
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December 26 at 1:02AM
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RGstar: Hey, Eric. Heehaw...Proud of you, my friend. Happy. Well done.
Bravo.
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December 26 at 1:18AM
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| Jay Squires: Congratulations, Eric.
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December 26 at 1:39AM
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| mfowler: You deserve this for your storytelling, your creativity, your perseverence. Terrific result for you and FS. Congratulations.
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December 26 at 2:19AM
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Dean Kuch: Hey, great work, Eric. Your poem Medal of Honour was truly worthy of the win. A hearty congratulations, my friend.
~Dean
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December 26 at 2:30AM
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| IndianaIrish: Congratulations on your wonderful win, Eric!
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December 26 at 3:00AM
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| IndianaIrish: Congratulations on your wonderful win, Eric!
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December 26 at 3:10AM
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| michaelcahill: Great job, Eric. So well deserved!!
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December 26 at 4:23AM
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| tfawcus: Many congratulations, Eric. A fine poem.
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December 26 at 4:49AM
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| mrsmajor: Congratulations, on the win, Eric, the poem was well written and worthy of the win...Hugs
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December 26 at 7:20AM
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| Adri7enne: Way to go, Eric!
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December 26 at 9:36AM
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| Ben Colder : Congratulations, well deserved.
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December 26 at 11:18AM
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| I am Cat: Congratulations Eric! Mwah!
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December 26 at 11:44AM
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| Ulla: Congratulation, Eric. So well deserved. It's a great poem. Ulla:)
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December 26 at 12:23PM
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evilynne: Congratulations! Evi
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December 26 at 12:34PM
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| Ideasaregems-Dawn: Congratulations, Eric - well-deserved! Woot-woot!
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December 26 at 1:37PM
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| Dorothy Farrell: Congratulations Eric - a worthy win.
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December 26 at 2:51PM
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| rama devi: Congratulations! Yay! :)
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December 26 at 5:17PM
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| RodG: Congratulations, Eric. Your poem is outstanding and deserves the ribbon AND a medal.
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December 26 at 5:58PM
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| Writingfundimension: Congratulations on your well-deserved recognition, Eric.
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December 26 at 6:34PM
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barkingdog: Congratulation, Eric! Well deserved recognition.
:) e
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December 27 at 2:22AM
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| Eric1: Thank you all for your wonderful messages |I am overjoyed.
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December 27 at 5:28AM
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| wordspinner314: Congratulations on getting Poem of the Month! You are truly deserving, my friend!
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December 27 at 3:35PM
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Eric1:
Am I the only one on here who thinks that the Member cent pumps are becoming less and less, I have just completed what must be about 15 hours of reviewing in a 5 day period, I always review in bonus reviewing, during this time I have amassed about 1900 points, yet I have only
received a total of 10 member cent pumps, My latest session this morning covers 2 hours, about 60 reviews most of which were 50% yet I was rewarded with just 2 member cent pumps, what's going on? Is anyone else getting this problem?
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November 10 at 2:18AM
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| I am Cat: I spend so much time playing catch up to review my fans work inside my inbox, that I don't get much chance to go for the free pumps... maybe once or twice a week... (if I'm lucky)... mostly I try to catch the messages before the site erases them... most of them pay 2 cents by the time I get them. I alternate going from front to back page and that will often get me a few cent pumps... but not as many as I'd like. lol Today I went through all those Picture This Challenges... and I think i got ONE. :( bummer.
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November 10 at 2:55AM
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ann marie mazz: Good Morning Eric
Yes. I too spend much time reviewing entries worth 2 cents than any other amount. Thus the time never equals our should equal a good amount for member dollars. This seems to be the system and set up. This is even true with contest entries. Although we vote and support the contestants many are worth 2 cents as well.
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November 10 at 4:13AM
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Eric1: Oh well Ladies, it's back to the drawing board then!
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November 10 at 7:44AM
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Pyrrho: If I review late at night I find that I occasionally get rewarded with three cent-points in a row.
I do not believe the system is random. E.G. when I choose to review poems only (they are always the highest cent-pumps offered) I never get a cent-pump award.
I've taken to reviewing only at night.
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November 28 at 6:37PM
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| rmj09: Eric 1, you are right, I r/r 40 to 60 a day and I'm lucky to get 3.00 to 4.00 pumps and many are authors who are popular. I tend to do a short version of my r/r on these and complete on those who earn it. Thanks again for your r/r. Rita
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December 8 at 9:26PM
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| Phyllis Stewart: Tom has insisted the odds are as stated, but we all know he is wrong ... and clearly doesn't care. I'm not saying he cheats, but he doesn't want to look into what really IS a problem. Could that be due to the fact that he can make money if we are forced to buy our pumps and may have to buy FS dollars to do so? I am not accusing, but I know for a fact that the odds lie. Maybe Tom thinks they are correct because he has never checked. Or maybe he doesn't want to know the truth. All businesses exist to make money. FS is no different.
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December 27 at 1:04AM
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| wordspinner314: I was noticing the same thing! I used to get several a day, but now find that I only get a few a week.
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December 27 at 3:38PM
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Eric1:
I really cannot for the life of me understand why a few reviewers took my latest poem 'A Decent Bloke' as offensive, One person was downright offensive, It was a tongue in cheek poem written as a humorous piece, not meant to cause offence , annoy or take liberties with women.
I haveread stuff on here full of offensive language including the 'C' word, but I have not lambasted the poet for it, I have politely pointed out that I don't like the words.
I am seriously considering my future on here, it seems that we are not allowed to defend ourselves anymore.
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September 24 at 5:40PM
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| TAB_that's me: I didn't find it offensive at all. I found it be rather true in this day with many women. Not all or not even close to all women but... hey it was just a fun write. Women put down men in poetry all of time and don't think a thing about it.
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September 24 at 6:07PM
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Taffspride: Oh Eric, I do hope that the rather inane review of one person will not affect your decision to stay on the site. I read your poem and besides being tongue in cheek humor, it does (I hope) give in insight to the way of far too many women today who have as little respect for themselves as they do for others.
I read the review in question, and quite frankly found it worthless, it was not a review of the poem which it is supposed to be, but just the personal opinion of one woman. Something that is discouraged.
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September 24 at 8:55PM
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| evilynne: I thought it was pretty funny.
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September 24 at 10:53PM
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trimple: Dear Eric
I think you will find that almost every member will at some point receive a dodgy review and that most likely, as is in your case, from a member that has written sod all in their profiles...
Chin-up sunshine. You're not alone :)
hugs
xxx
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September 24 at 11:29PM
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giraffmang: Eric, let them get on with it. I read through the reviews. The 2 star was a complete joke and CANNOT be taken seriously. They haven't posted a thing yet either - degree or no degree. You know there only 3 who gave less than 5 stars. There are over sixty reviews meaning this represents less than 5%. A 95% approval rate is validating enough, my friend. Don't be going anywhere.
G
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September 25 at 12:31AM
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I am Cat: Just ignore them Eric! It was a fine poem...
F*ck 'Em if they can't take a joke
(Maybe they resembled that) 😜
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September 25 at 1:39AM
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| mrsmajor: I most certainly hope you will not leave us because of a review that was so without merit...there are time one must just ignore things, and go on...to be quite frank, how can one get upset by what in reality is true...some woman do fit the picture, I see it every day...thin skin, is what some people have...I enjoyed the poem, had myself a good laugh, and went on my way...If you even attempt to leave I will personally hunt you down, and bring you back...and that's a promise...You have a place here, and don't you forget it...some people have small minds...no matter how smart they Think they are...(please don't leave I'm too old to be running after you)....but I will!!! LOL
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September 25 at 8:49AM
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Taffspride: Mrs Major was right Eric, the review was without merit. Women who are comfortable in their own skin thought it humorous, and none of us took offence. The person(s) who did are simply not worth bothering about. They obviously have an axe to grind, and it would not be just because a man wrote the poem, they would have done so even if it had been a woman writing it. They have
1) no sense of humor
2 no sense of self esteem
3 have tunnel vision
You are wanted here, Please stay.
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September 25 at 12:55PM
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nor84: Eric, the review in question is from a STANDARD member, which means someone who doesn't pay site dues. Some are good reviewers, but many are like this one - dropping one or two stars. Next time you post, BLOCK STANDARD MEMBERS. There's a place where it asks if you want nonwriter reviews (or something like that) click around the posting screen until you find it. The default is Yes. Change it to No. Check back the next time you post to be sure it doesn't switch back to the default.
And NEVER enter into a back-and-forth argument over the review. Just don't allow standards. As for the dues-paying members, you can 'mute' up to six of them.
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September 25 at 3:55PM
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| Word Doctor Carson Volk: ANY kind of creative and/or artistic expression is not to be criticized for the simple fact that it "offends" certain people. If it does, so be it. What you want to express should not be censored in any way, shape or form. Keep writing what YOU want, keep penning what thoughts YOU have, and do not let anybody get you down! I have yet to read the poem (although I plan to as soon as I am done typing this comment), but I know for a fact that even if I find it offensive (which is HIGHLY unlikely), I would not base a review on that lousy fact. Keep sharing whatever you please, forget the Debbie Downers!
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November 2 at 3:35PM
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| livelylinda: Eric: there is someone on this site who is a complete mystery, has posted nothing and has no info about them in their profile. This person goes throughout the site "reviewing" good writers. I've had my best work (I have one of those every now and then) slaughtered by this unknown person when it was not called for. My Halloween poem they made comments that my picture wasn't scary and nothing about the poem was scary. They actually sound to me like a 13 year old. The remarks they make have absolutely nothing to do with the actual poem. I have told them to grow up and go away. They must be a depressed person trying to make the rest of us feel miserable, too. Or maybe it is a person with multiple personalities whose main personality is a good member here but the mean personality comes out now in then. I'm sure there is one such person on this site. Whatever, don't take those kind of "reviews" to heart. They are not a true refection of your work. Happy Holidays! livelylinda
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November 23 at 8:20AM
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Eric1:
I would like to thank everyone on here for their wonderful words of support and sympathy after I posted my daughter Vickie's tribute, also a big thank you for all the sixes it received, it somehow didn't seem appropriate to send thank you's in the normal way, once again thank you all from myself and my family.
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July 28 at 4:20AM
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| I am Cat: (((((( big virtual hugs ))))))
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June 26 at 4:19AM
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| Jackarrie: A sad poem Eric written from the heart, Vickie is gone but never forgotton. xx
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July 30 at 6:18AM
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Eric1:
Well friends I have received a letter today from a well known publishers, asking if they could include my poem, 'Forgotten Soldier' in an anthology to be called 'Flanders Fields- A Collection of Poetry,this book will be sent to the British Library and Librarys all over the country, it will also be available in bookshops, I am over the moon!
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July 10 at 8:24AM
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| Pili Pubul: Wow CONGRATULATIONS my friend, well deserved... Big hug . Pili
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July 10 at 12:53PM
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Patti R.: That is fantastic! Congratulations, Eric ... number one!
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July 10 at 8:42PM
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| NurseBarb: Eric, what an honor! Congratulations my friend.
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July 12 at 9:31AM
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| innerworlds: A well deserved honor, Eric. Please let me know when the book is available in the U.S. and I'll be first in line at the bookstore!
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July 12 at 9:49AM
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| Ben Colder : If you receive too much money, I will send you my address.
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July 12 at 6:59PM
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seaglass: congratulations in your publishing of your poem and also for winning 3rd in the contest. That one was definitely a winner.
Seaglass-California
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July 13 at 1:20AM
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| Andrewajgblue: Congratulations on this achievement and also on your 3rd place, it's a lovely poem,:)
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July 13 at 5:09AM
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| Acquired Taste: Congrats Eric on your placing in the contest as well as publishing. Absolutely terrific. Kudos... Jean
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July 13 at 9:46PM
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| Pili Pubul: Congratulations on your third place..smiles.
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July 14 at 7:33AM
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| tbacha58: Hi Erik, Congratulations on this achievement and also 3rd place in the contest. Well done. Cheers. Terry xoxo
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July 14 at 10:58PM
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| Nosha17: Hi, Eric, I don't look at people's profiles, so never noticed this, how fabulous that it will be part of a collection in the British Library. It is an important part of our history in poetic form. Congratulations. Faye
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July 15 at 1:54PM
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heyjude: How marvelous! Congratulations!
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July 16 at 5:20AM
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| Capricorn30: Wonderful! Congratulations!
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July 18 at 6:41AM
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| tbacha58: Well my wishes for you came true, for publishing your poems. Well done. Congratulations. Terry
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July 22 at 2:52PM
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| Selina Stambi: How wonderful - here's to more publishing successes, Eric! To you ...
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July 22 at 8:03PM
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| BLACKDYKE: Well done Eric, we knew you'd make it!
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August 15 at 3:45PM
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| Dorothy Farrell: Well done, Eric. Good Luck to you and congratulations. Here's to even more success. Dorothy x
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August 22 at 2:25PM
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| LoannaLois: You deserve this success and much more in the future be good to yourselves...
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September 7 at 6:33AM
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RGstar: A tribute worthy of a fine father. My condolences. You are a beacon for unselfishness and valour.
Bravo, 'gentle' man
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October 31 at 11:10AM
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| damodarboruah: I have got ur msgs,but then,today or tomorrow i ll get touch with ur writing.Ur writing inspires me!!
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November 11 at 12:39AM
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| rjpurdy: I couldn't be happier for you Eric. I don't anyone more deserving. You have a powerful voice my friend!
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December 6 at 1:47PM
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| NomaFaith: Congrats, you deserve it.
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February 14 at 9:17PM
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| Nan Beeson: Wonderful! Congratulations Nan!
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May 9 at 9:51PM
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| funmom03: Awesome glad for you
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June 11 at 7:06PM
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| ProjectBluebook : That is out of this orbit. That is a dream come true for a writer. Congrats!!!
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June 23 at 4:40AM
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| I am Cat: Well that's awesome news!
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June 26 at 4:20AM
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| I am Cat: Well that's awesome news!
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June 26 at 4:20AM
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| Jay Squires: I am late in congratulating you, Eric, but just know it comes with the same enthusiasm as on the day of your announcement. Yah-heeeEEE! (I have no idea what that outburst signifies. It just seemed appropriate ....)
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July 1 at 1:58PM
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| Jackarrie: Congratulations Eric. Mary.
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July 30 at 6:19AM
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| Cletus Hardiman: I have not yet read the poem in question, however, I never get rude with anyone on the site. If I don't like something, I just move one---quietly! The one's that lash out are showing a great case of insecurity! Hope things get better, and don't let some unworthy person drive you off the site! Cletus Hardiman
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October 25 at 2:04PM
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None yet. 
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No writing posted.
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 | Goodbye. reached "All Time Best" status. | July 11 at 5:25AM
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 | Goodbye. reached "Recognized" status. | July 11 at 2:08AM
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| Such Beauty reached "All Time Best" status. | July 7 at 5:25AM
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| Such Beauty reached "Recognized" status. | July 7 at 2:08AM
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Up For ReviewStand Out WritingAdditional Reading
