  Noticing Newbies
This week: Star ratings. Edited by: ~ Santa Sisco ~  
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Hello, everyone. I am ~ Santa Sisco ~ . I'm one of the four permanent editors of the Noticing Newbies newsletter.
My aim is to ensure you have a smooth transition into the site. I still remember my first day here. "Bitem?" Do I have to be a computer programmer to put my writing on here?  Forty-eight hours later, I realized it was a case of easy when you know how!. My biggest mistake when I joined was that I didn't take the time to read the "Writing.Com 101" . I was excited and wanted to do everything the same day. Sound familiar? 
You will see my contributions every four weeks, and I hope they help you with using this great site.
My fellow permanent editors are Brooklyn  , ember_rain, and Sara♥Jean .
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| ASIN: 0995498113 |
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Amazon's Price: $ 19.95
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Someone asked me how we assess how many stars to award an item when giving a review.
The StoryMistress  has written a guide for awarding stars. "Comment-In-A-Box" Also read "The Star Rating System" .
After being a member for a while, most people will form their individual unique system for awarding stars to reviews. Here is mine:
 I assign this rating when an item is error free and I could not/would not change a thing about the piece. I love it!
My review would read like a tribute.
 The item might have a couple of grammatical errors, or the story/poem is not as interesting or entertaining as I would like.
My review would point out any mistakes and indicate why it didn’t get five stars.
This would indicate a few errors or the item lacked something. Maybe as simple as being written in a passive voice.
My review would give suggestions for the author to improve the item.
and This item needs a lot of work to improve it. I give three or more stars to anything I believe could improve with some work from the author. I will offer to re-rate the item if the author makes substantial improvements to it.
My review would have my suggestions for improvement, and possibly a link or two would be included to show an example of something similar done well, or to any group/individual who helps with their type of writing. The item has potential. I will offer to re-rate the item if the author makes substantial improvements to it.
and This item was probably not written on a word processor with spelling and grammar checkers enabled; it will be full of errors and illegible in parts.
My review will point to free writing software and possibly a link to a group who specialize in that genre. I will offer to re-rate the item if the author makes substantial improvements to it.
to I would not review this work. I would just contact the author directly offering to help get them started on their writing journey. They need a lot of help or training.
I know that many members also have a system of awarding stars according to their rating for different areas of writing. It can be two stars for content, one star for grammar, one star for poetry form/plot, and one star for presentation. There are many different combinations used by reviewers. This system can work well, but I don’t like restricting myself to giving maybe three and a half stars when my feeling is that four stars are justified.
If someone asks why you only gave their item four stars, you should be able to justify it. More importantly, your reasons should be obvious as you should have included any suggestions in your review. 
“Why did you only give it four stars?”
“As I said in my review, you have half a dozen grammatical errors, and you have used the word ‘Murder’ thirty times in a 500-word story. I am happy to re-rate the item if you make any amendments.”
You don’t have to justify anything you write in a review, but as we are helpful to other authors by providing reviews, consider what you would ask if you received a similar review for your work.
I hope you find a system that you like and that you are comfortable with using.
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This week I have chosen a selection from read a newbie.
Community > Read a Newbie
Selections:
| |  | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#2113569 by Not Available. |
| | | Invalid Item
This item number is not valid.
#2113522 by Not Available. |
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Have an opinion on what you've read here today? Then send the Editor feedback! Find an item that you think would be perfect for showcasing here? Submit it for consideration in the newsletter!
https://www.Writing.Com/go/nl_form
Don't forget to support our sponsor!
| ASIN: 0996254145 |
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Amazon's Price: $ 12.95
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From "Noticing Newbies Newsletter (February 1, 2017)"
Joy  commented:
Great NL, Sisco. I am not a newbie in WdC, but next time I write fiction, I'll surely remember your tips.
Thank you, Joy. Oh, and I did notice you are not a newbie.
Raghav R  commented:
Yes. I agree. The characters we create in stories should be as near to reality as possible, exceptions being only in fantasies where pure imagination rules. It requires a keen eye to notice even small things and then clothe the characters in enchanting colours to make the reader interested in our work. Thanks for bringing this point through this article. Raghav R.
Thank you, Raghav. I agree with you about fantasy, but I still want to empathize with the protagonist. I find it is human characteristics, values, or emotions that make a great fantasy character.
hbk16 commented:
Thanks a lot for such advice.Indeed looking at people we learn many things about them.That is the case about their manners, characters, and behaviors.A thing which helps a lot a writer to develop dialogue and descriptions. I am always confronted by people towards my job.I love people and the most important thing is that I feel their feelings.
Thank you, K. You have a real advantage working in a customer facing environment; so much scope to do observations while being paid!
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| ASIN: 0997970618 |
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Amazon's Price: $ 14.99
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Noticing Newbies: March 01, 2017 Issue [#8159]
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