Reviewing with River

Yeah Eliz, great response. I too will point out a few of one kind of error then advise them to edit it again. Sometimes, and I guess this would be with my "The 4 Controversies Contest"  because I take the controversial subject matter seriously (and people perhaps writing about their opinions for the first time) I will usually tell them everything I can possibly tell them. Actually, you've won and placed a couple times I think so you know But each review can be a work of art in that, and I think it DOES help the majority a LOT because they come back for another round! Even those I've rated at 3.5 which is low for me as it's about what I say more than stars of course.

I think we as reviewers are moody! I know I am. Sometimes an item deserves MORE than I give it but I do the best I can for the time I am in Other times I know I've said too much but I feel meh if they entered my contest then I assume they've read ALL the rules and ALL the guidelines (a lot) (but much IS common sense) (I think) so I consider it permission to say basically whatever I want in the most HONEST and constructive manner I can. Sometimes that honesty is just my personal opinion, other times it has more to do with meeting the assignment. Reading directions and comprehending them aren't always so easy I've found so I encourage questions via email.

That wasn't the question was it? I'm still trying to wake my brain up though I awoke at dawn.

Oh. On topic—I look for WHY it isn't a five star write in non fiction. I basically take off in my mind some star points for grammar and presentation and following the rules and then I go into emotion and stuff. Sometimes I really have to ask myself WHY is this not jiving with me? What is missing, what needs to be added? And I tell them perhaps what I was expecting (from their title and introduction) and didn't feel I got. It's all quite subjective but it works for me. The time and effort come from me trying to always be so authentic. I'm a stickler for making myself say stuff that might hurt a bit at first, but usually makes total sense. And I don't go back and re-read them unless I am asked to, and if changes make it better I always re-rate.

You can see why I haven't had a round in my contest for many months! October is what I am shooting for. The Fall is good to me.