Generally I don't zap comments that offer up differing opinions from my own UNLESS the writer is making statements that simply aren't correct, and would lead a reader down the wrong path. An example of that kind of statement would be "when publishers buy first publication rights, you can't sell them to anyone else."
That statement is wrong because publishers don't buy anything, they license rights (but that's a quibble, and not likely to get you zapped) but also wrong because there's no such thing as "first publication rights" in a book contract. Those might exist in a contract from a online site wanting to publish a short story, but it indicates the people writing the contract don't know what they're doing.
I do zap comments that seem to be geared toward stirring the pot rather than furthering discussion. Fortunately, those comments are few and far between as most of the blog readers here value the community (as I do) and the ability to discuss things without everyone going crazy.
I do zap comments with links to contests or other opportunities if they are things I would not recommend. I'm very careful about what appears on this blog because casual readers don't remember if someone other than me posted it. They think "I saw that on her blog; it must be ok."
If you have any questions about what's ok to link to, drop me an email. I'm always glad to take a look. I value the chance to see and hear about things I don't know about, but I just want to make sure they are things we DO want to see!
I do try to let you know if your comment has been zapped. Those of you who do not have contact info on your website, or linked to your posting name---well, I try but don't always succeed.
Any questions?
38 comments:
Janet, thanks for looking out for us.
Thank you for making this such a fruitful place to swim, your Majesty.
With regards to "first publication rights" in short story publishing (online or otherwise), I take that to mean "we don't want reprints", which is also typically stated somewhere...like in the section where they say how much they pay.
If there isn't one of those sections, or a section that starts with "unfortunately at this time, we cannot--", I seek a different market for my submission, or consider whether it's worth it to submit there for reasons other than/in addition to monetary ones.
Hey boys and girls, I got zapped.
Many years ago I complimented a commenter, as being a hell of a writer.
I thought she was a very, I mean a VERY bazillion dollar famous writer who showed up one morning and commented as if she were one of us. I know there are famous 'reiders' but that writer was like having Mr. King help you fill out a post-it note grocery shopping list. I was astounded by her presence.
Zapped.
Janet emailed me and explained that the comment was ABOUT the famous writer not BY the famous writer. She spared me the slings and arrows of shame by way of being corrected by 'reiders' who actually paid attention to what they read and not skim like I did.
Thank you Janet because on that day I had been hit by the stupid-stick and you saved me.
I got zapped for being off topic, but I didn't know it was against the rules to be off topic.
Am I still on topic? We'll soon find out!
Now I'm worried my disappearing comments were pot stirs. I thought blogger ate them.
She has let a few of my Duesie's slide on occasion...but as to all the comments above. YES!
My experience is that Janet will let you know if she zapped your comment. Yes, she has zapped one or two of mine in the past, and she has always let me know why. Of course, as she points out, if you don't have contact info in your Blogger profile, it's hard for her to tell you why your comment disappeared.
Tip: If your comment didn't ever post, assume it got eaten. If your comment posted, and then vanished, replaced with a message that says something like "This comment has been deleted by the administrator" then Janet zapped it. If she doesn't get up with you about it, contact her if you want to know why.
What does she zap? Historically, (as she said) comments that are false, or misleading presented with confidence as gospel truth. Also, comments that are nasty--thankfully these are rare.
As for OT comments, it seems to depend. If the comment box is getting out of hand (lots of comments, and only a handful on-topic), she'll put her foot down. OT comments to celebrate a Reider's success (agent, sale, etc.), however, are actively encouraged.
Hope that helps, especially if you're fairly new to commenting here.
Janet, feel free to zap this comment if I'm wrong. :D
I got zapped for requesting comments about a WIP. Love that word, zapped.
I'd like a picture of a stern-faced animal with that "Any questions?" please.
I was zapped once for making a snarky comment about op's spelling. Thank God Janet quickly deleted it. I was not only truly sorry I had posted it, I was humbled when Janet didn't rip me a new one.
Susan Bonifant I'm shocked, shocked! you didn't see the kitty!
;)
Speaking of "stern faced animal," Grumpy Cat won over $700k yesterday in Santa Ana in a copyright lawsuit. Here's the story in my local newspaper
https://www.ocregister.com/2018/01/24/grumpy-cat-said-to-be-vindicated-by-santa-ana-jurys-copyright-lawsuit-award/
Janet, you really need this shark asking, Any more questions?
*raises hand*
In a simpering voice of a secondary, undeveloped TV character, "How come I've never been zapped? Did'ya ever think I might want to be zapped?"
Kudos to Colin and his Treasure Chest.
Thanks, Kregger. And here are some linky links:
Dena's link: https://www.ocregister.com/2018/01/24/grumpy-cat-said-to-be-vindicated-by-santa-ana-jurys-copyright-lawsuit-award/
And here's where you can find the Treasure Chest.
Kathy Joyce said...
Steve, if one wanted to take up this offer, how would one do that? You're a forthright guy, gotta believe you'd give an honest opinion. That's gold in the writing biz.
Hi Kathy,
I had trouble finding your e-mail address. Just send an e-mail to:
stevestubbs1 At gmail DOT com
The at sign (@) goes where the word "At" is above. Be sure to get it right or the e-mail will go to someone else. If I see it, I will acknowledge it.
Attach a writing sample or MS and some words about what you are looking for if it is not obvious.
I can't comment on genre rules if I am unfamiiar with the genre (i.e., if you are writing about passionate encounters between porcupines or how to make garlic more palatable to vampires) but I should be able to spot hinkies that may get you rejected by an agent.
Give me a couple of days to respond.
Steve
Thanks Steve.
Kregger, No zap? Ya need snap. Eschew pap. Enrage rap. Deny nap, scrap. Make a flap. Throw crap. Slap. Whap. Forget being a chap, kneecap.
The Celestial Lightning has zapped a couple of my comments, blogger glitches have doomed a lot more.
Never have any of my dissenting comments disappeared from the face of this blog. The ones that did get zapped tended to be those where I stepped off the deep end and swam off at a tangent. I will admit that a couple times a year my emotions get away from me.
Usually those that I have noticed go away look more like advertisements than comments.
Dissenting comments can sometimes have a vein of truth in them. The writing business can be very subjective and just writing well may not be the only cause of a lack of response or negative responses.
Steve: is that offer open to others, or just Kathy at this time?
Ah, I wasn't the OP yesterday. That's who Steve offered to help. My post yesterday was like Craig's question: Is Steve open to doing this for others? Sorry for the confusion.
Whenever I try to [REDACTED] , the next thing I know [REDACTED] happens.
Once I [REDACTED] , and [REDACTED] . No kidding.
I got fin-slapped for that one. But nothing for [REDACTED] .
I will add to the Colin Treasure Chest kudos. I try very hard not to get zapped. It sounds like it could be painful!
Tim: Trust me, once you've been to Carkoon a few times, a little zap ain't no big thing. ;)
Colin,
Speaking of Carkoon, I'm going to go ahead and buy myself a one-way ticket. Maybe Janet could linkify your treasure chest on the main blog page somewhere? I sure had a hell of a time finding it in a hurry the other day. ;)
Tim: That is Janet's call. You're not the only one who has asked me why there isn't a Treasure Chest link on the main blog page. Again, Janet is welcome to do that if she wants. But she is QOTKU, so if she doesn't want to for whatever reason, I'm not going to argue with her. :D
BTW, a reminder to those new to the comments: If you want to be added to our List of Blog Readers and their Blogs (which is linked on the top right of the blog), drop me an email with your social media details and I'll be glad to add you. :)
I don't *think* I've ever been zapped . . . looks around nervously . . . but I have deleted quite a few comments of my own before hitting that publish button.
And since we're all sort of off topic here today, are we allowed to call out fellow writers for the good news they've shared publicly elsewhere but not here?
For instance:
Timothy Lowe has some very good news.
And Donna has some great news.
Congratulations to both of you!!
Yes, kd - I shared it on Twitter but not here: After 4 years of querying, I accepted an offer of rep this week!
And, yes, Donna's on fire!
Woo-hoo! Congrats Timothy!
So happy and excited for you.
Colin, Maybe you could add Davey Jones in the list of blog readers, with a link to his treasure chest.
Donna and Timothy, yeehah!
I don't recall getting zapped here. By an electric fence? Oh, yeah. Wall current, check. 300VDC inside a guitar amp, sure. High voltage Van de Graaf generator? Yup. Janet? Not so far.
Congratulations, Timothy!
Yeah Reiders, very good news for Donna. I MEAN VERY GOOD NEWS. Yup that was me shouting from the rooftops.
*Happy dancing* Yeah for all!
Congratulations Timothy! What do you write? Where can we get more info - your digital trail stops at your blogger profile... Anyway, VERY EXCITING, well done!
Donna - great news about TRTB. And we’ll deserved. That’s one unputdownable book!!
*well deserved
😳
Congratulations Timothy and Donna. I'll be even more excited when I find out what Donna's news is.
That's one fierce looking cat, Janet. I'll be on my best behavior.
You mean that was a Van de Graaf generator and not celestial lightning? Well, damn.
Timothy: Congratulations at last
Donna: That is wonderful
Hope you all have a great weekend. Personally, I have to stop bitching and go do some fishing.
wait! what was the news about Donna? I love good news about the Reiders! Sorry I have not been swimming here lately, but trying to get actual work done. Imagine that!
Where DO you find these cats in hats. I am impressed.
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