My Writing Stinks!
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
Singapore
September 16, 2008 9:18am CST
Someone criticised my writing at Triond and that was exactly what he wrote. He said that my writing stinks!
This person, nicknamed "the editor in me" left the following comment on my article Nine Legitimate Writing Sites Which Pay. You can view the actual comment here. Just scroll to the bottom.
http://www.writinghood.com/Online-Writing/Nine-Legitimate-Writing-Sites-Which-Pay.199101
He said,
[b]"Nine Legitimate Writing Sites Which (SHOULD BE THAT NOT WHICH OR WHICH, PAY AND THAT WOULD NOT MAKE ANY SENSE WOULD IT?) Pay
I was looking for legitimate writing sites which (AGAIN THIS SHOULD BE THAT NOT WHICH) compensate authors. Writing sites like these are mushrooming and there are worries of scams amongst them. Triond has been on the top list of writing websites which (NEED I SAY IT AGAIN?) pay me dutifully every month. But I decided that I need to look at other sites to earn more from my freelance writing activity - thus, the search for legitimate writing sites.
Here is a short list of get-paid-to-write sites which (YES, SHOULD BE THAT AGAIN!) I know for sure has actually paid its authors.
It's hard to take writing advice from someone who does a poor job of writing a simple intro. I would wager you have only published online on sites that let anyone post. I stumbled upon this site and thought I had discovered a new resource but frankly I am not impressed. Your writing stinks."[/b]
I'm devastated. I may have problems with "which" and "that" but don't you think that he's a bit too much when he's merely commenting on just one of my mistakes? Have you had any comments like that before? How do you feel about it? Should I delete this comment or leave it be?
18 people like this
46 responses
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
17 Sep 08
Bah, and I thought I knew people who were grammar nuts!
As long as a sentence is legible, in modern English -- then there's no problem whatsoever with your writing. You level of excellence it determined by the individual. Perhaps your critic was an insecure writer themselves?
Don't worry, Sydney. I thought your article was lovely.
I wouldn't delete it. I mean all feedback is valuable, even the negative. Sometimes it helps us deal with future...and particularly enthusiastic...critics later on.
3 people like this
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
17 Sep 08
Btw, we all have our personal bad habits with writing! Mine tends to be things like reusing a couple words a little too often. Doesn't help certain keys on my keyboard sticks, probably makes me prefer to stick to habit in my subconscious or something, lol.
2 people like this
@xParanoiax (6987)
• United States
18 Sep 08
Well, if I were a writer of articles I'd feel better about it...but repetition is something that's important to avoid when you write books (that's mostly what I do) heh ^_^ but yeah, as long as it doesn't sound awkward and is legible.
@aj2006 (1534)
• Philippines
17 Sep 08
Hi Syd! Hope you are feeling better now as you read my post my friend...well, just don't mind it, take it as a challenge and just be yourself, I always believe that if you are intelligent enough to criticize one's work, it should be done in a positive approach, you should be corrected in a humble manner, its like sharing what you know. Each one of us here, has no right to insult anyone because we should treat others as you want to be treated, it's the golden rule friend! Have a great day!
3 people like this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
17 Sep 08
Hi AJ, thanks for your words of wisdom! I'm taking it all in good stride and actually enjoying it. There has been comments on the "editor" which is quite funny actually. It seems that that comment has become a focal point of discussion on my article! 
I will still continue to learn to improve on my writing...
I will still continue to learn to improve on my writing...1 person likes this
@pumpkinjam (8528)
• United Kingdom
17 Sep 08
I would delete the message but not before reporting him if possible. People with comments such as that are really not worth listening to. I can't really see what his point actually is and, surely, if he was a decent writer, he would be able to give constructive criticism and tell you how he thought you might improve rather than throwing an insult. By the way, I am an expert in the English language and I still get things wrong and I am not sure whether "which" or "that" is correct but I would have used "which" because it sounds better. Anyway, that seems to be what he is complaining about so he is obviously not worth listening to.
Perhaps you could put some of your writing on here for us to see. I know of a couple of sites which may be of use to you. Let me know if you want a link to them.
By the way, I have had some terrible comments in different places, mainly from people who didn't understand what I was saying. The worst one was on a site where the people are usually good but this particular one had, apparently, joined the site for the sole purpose of criticising my writing. I reported him and, I think, they left the site. Basically, it wasn't even a comment they had written, it was an entire article all about how my article meant something else and it was all wrong. Anyway, it did upset me but then I just realised that that person must have just had nothing better to do than rip apart a perfectly good article with something which, a) didn't make sense and b) was against the site rules anyway.
2 people like this
@pumpkinjam (8528)
• United Kingdom
18 Sep 08
I do agree with you, some who like to call themselves critics really aren't there for any reason other than they have no better use of their time. A friend of mine here on mylot has had horrible comments about things. It seems he also had someone who created a whole new identity for the sole purpose of insulting him. Fortunately, he could delete and report the comments.
Don't worry about your comments though, any decent person reading it will dismiss such comments anyway.
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
17 Sep 08
I can't report him, PumpkinJam! Anyone can leave a comment at Triond without leaving a trace. There is no email either.
That was what I felt when writing the article. To me, there are some things which sounds better to me, so I use those words. Thank you for being on my side for that one.
I'm a little shy to put up my writing here. But most of my articles are at Triond. You can view them at http://www.triond.com/users/sydney+hazelton. I will PM you about the websites. Thank you!
I think some of these critics have way too much time on their hands, don't you think?
2 people like this
@jaypeemanuel (1005)
• Philippines
17 Sep 08
Sometimes, intention matters more than the way it was written. Grammar plays a vital role in your chosen recreation but what that idiot found was just a very small pot. Nothing to care about.
2 people like this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
17 Sep 08
Thank you! I shall not bother about his comments after this. I think it is such a waste of time. I will learn from my mistakes and move on.
1 person likes this
@paid2write (5201)
•
16 Sep 08
There is nothing wrong with what you have written - or should I write "that which you have written"? 
There is no need for him to be critical. It is perfectly acceptable, even if it is not perfectly grammatical, to write about sites which pay.
To say your writing stinks is not exactly good writing either. It is a meaningless phrase. 
You don't have to write in standard textbook English, and you do write in a way that all English speakers understand, so you are writing well.
I don't think this person knows what he's talking about. There is a big difference between writing articles for website content and writing articles for publication in serious journals or textbooks.
You could delete the comment, but if you leave it, most people will be on your side and will think he is plainly being offensive. 
There is no need for him to be critical. It is perfectly acceptable, even if it is not perfectly grammatical, to write about sites which pay.
To say your writing stinks is not exactly good writing either. It is a meaningless phrase.
You don't have to write in standard textbook English, and you do write in a way that all English speakers understand, so you are writing well.
I don't think this person knows what he's talking about. There is a big difference between writing articles for website content and writing articles for publication in serious journals or textbooks.
You could delete the comment, but if you leave it, most people will be on your side and will think he is plainly being offensive. 3 people like this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
16 Sep 08
Thank you so much for backing me up, paid2write. 
I'm so touched by all the support I get here at myLot. 
You always make sense! I intend to leave the comment anyway. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I always like to give my readers different perspectives. It does hurt a little though when he says my writing stinks 
I'm so touched by all the support I get here at myLot. You always make sense! I intend to leave the comment anyway. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I always like to give my readers different perspectives. It does hurt a little though when he says my writing stinks 2 people like this
@Dday50627 (359)
• United States
16 Sep 08
First of all, there is nothing wrong with "constructive" critism. However,to belittle a persons writing skills is unacceptable for anyone. I am a published author of two novels and two more on their way out. I have recieved only one really bad review and it was so cruel it almost stopped me from publishing my second novel. I am thankful I had a good encouraging support team behind me. I went forward and published the second novel and the reviews have been nothing but perfect.
The point here is that many times, people that have it in their heads they are some great author often criticise others writing to make themselves feel worthy. If this person is published than they know the lows of being rejected or having someone say "No thanks" to their writing. You should delete the words from both your mind and your write and move on. A bad comment such as that one is only discouraging and if you look at it every day, you will struggle to move forward. It is one persons words and one persons opinion and not worthy of taking you down. Smile at yourself, remind yourself that you are good and that your passion is writing and go for it. No one has control over how you feel unless you give it to them. Good luck with your writing and always, always, think only good of your writing. Darrel
2 people like this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
16 Sep 08
HI Darrel, I'm glad that you did not just stop at your first novel. I think that these negative comments are out to destroy one's confidence and if we listen to it, we will never be able to follow and achieve our dreams. I do wish to be a published writer like you. Maybe one day, my drea will be fulfilled.
I intend to keep the comment there. I know that there will be someone out there who will support me. That was what happened with another negative comment I received. That was more constructive than this one. I'm not going to rad it everyday. I will forget about it in a few days' time, I'm sure and move on to more writing. There was once someone said that if you can't stand criticism, don't get published. People are entitled to their opinion. I will remain strong despite all this.
1 person likes this
@gimmeadream (44)
• Canada
16 Sep 08
Darrel is right! Delete it and put it out of your head. That type of negativeness can only do harm to you and for your readers.
1 person likes this
@Dday50627 (359)
• United States
16 Sep 08
You will do it because you want it and believe in yourself. Hugsss to you and I will be the first to buy your novel. I know the feeling of that first sale smilesssssssssssssssss
1 person likes this
@rogue13xmen13 (14403)
• United States
16 Sep 08
I know that I have times where my writing stinks, but I also have times where my writing is great. Everyone can always use improvement on their writing. Even professionals can always use help on their writing.
@rogue13xmen13 (14403)
• United States
18 Sep 08
Yes, there are always more professional ways to address bad writing.
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
17 Sep 08
Even when someone's writing stinks, there are more professional ways to address the matter, don't you think? IN terms of the information I gave my readers, I think that my article was great. Too bad he thinks otherwise. And do check out his own mistakes!
2 people like this
@MsTickle (25180)
• Australia
28 Sep 08
How strange...you received over 100 responses to your
article ....responses which (there's that word again,
lol) were very positive...extremely positive actually
and yet you chose to mention the only response that
criticized you.
Why did you do that?
Why did you do that?@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
28 Sep 08
I guess, when someone criticises my writing, I tend to question myself as to whether I'm really qualified to write. It makes me feel that my language is not good enough. BUt I have to be confident and learn to trust myself.
1 person likes this
@worldwise1 (14885)
• United States
17 Sep 08
Your "critic,' everyone wants to be one, Sydney, sounds like an annoying nit-picker to me. I read your article and thought it was informative, concise, and well presented. It would be a huge benefit to anyone considering testing the online writing waters if they have no experience. I would not worry about what this guy said. Who is he to judge if the site doesn't have a problem with your material?
2 people like this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
18 Sep 08
Thank you for your compliments. I do hope my article benefits new online writers. Triond does not have a problem with my article, but they are probably more concerned about the content rather than the grammar. I'm not going to lose sleep over this. I'm going to forget about it and move on from here.
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
27 Sep 08
I used to correct students papers in college all the time. I wish that, "which and that" were their major problems. I think the person is being very picky and petty. Some people can only make themselves look better by putting other people down. This is how he "comes off" to me. I don't know much about the site, but if deleting isn't held against you and you can delete the comment, then delete it. But make sure you change all your whiches to thats so if the person writes again, people can look and wonder what he's talking about. There are ways to do constructive critism with out putting someone down. If the writer wanted you to change your "whiches" to "thats," then why didn't he personally message you and ask you to change them. Your writing may be mildy techincally off, but I hardly think that qualifies as "stinks." Perhaps you should ask him how writing can stink when it does not emit a smell? He's technically off by a mile, don't you think?
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
27 Sep 08
Thank you writersedge. He's just being petty about my grammar error. Well, you want me to be picky, what about his punctuation errors! Thanks for responding!
1 person likes this
@pkraj111 (2458)
• India
16 Sep 08
Huh dont mind him. He is just being sarcastic. I am not sure about triond posting the email address of the one posting a comment. If they do just write a mail to him, thanking for his comments and asking him how to write better. This is the way I deal with my critics and it would puzzle them.
Also for deleting the comment, I suggest you leave it. Let him know you are not afraid of these critics. All the best.
PS: I think the article is good. So dont worry and keep writing. Dont let negative comments affect you.
Also for deleting the comment, I suggest you leave it. Let him know you are not afraid of these critics. All the best.
PS: I think the article is good. So dont worry and keep writing. Dont let negative comments affect you.2 people like this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
16 Sep 08
Anyone can post a comment at Triond's partner sites like this one. You don't need to leave an e-mail. So I can't thank him personally. I was thinking of leaving a comment for my readers about his comment on my writing and yes, thank him for that actually. I have never deleted any comments whether negative or positive, unless it is spam. I'm very sure I will keep it there. I like my readers to weigh the matter themselves. Thank you for complimenting on my article
I like my readers to weigh the matter themselves. Thank you for complimenting on my article 1 person likes this
@yadav8797 (1211)
• India
17 Sep 08
friend.i don't have heared about triond like pkraj.friend, its great opportunity to earn money online by writing the things on different.its very happy to hear.this will be always a very special news for me to getting paid from writing sites.tell me the names of hose nine sites which names are tel by that man.are they really paying sites or just scam.first,clarify your doubt on these sites and then,reply me/this is my 200th post.congrats to reach here for me.
@gimmeadream (44)
• Canada
16 Sep 08
Like the others who have commented, I'd say, ignore the SOB. I read your article and was impressed with the research and format. It was easy to read and informative, which I believe was the point to the discussion, was it not? Perhaps you would not have received an A++ from your high school English professor, but the point was loud and clear to the reader. If the readers were supposed to be editors, then there would be no reason to write. That's my 2 cents worth.... (I'm a photo/journalist and not an editor, but without my editor, I'd be out of business..., LOL!)
2 people like this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
16 Sep 08
You made me laugh with your opening sentence. I wrote a simple and straightforward article. I did my research and all. I guess he did not see those things. I agree with your opinion totally. Thank you for your comments and all your generous support!1 person likes this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
17 Sep 08
Hi Gimmeadream, I just saw your "equally mean" comment on my article. I LOVE IT! Thank you so much for leaving the comment. I hope the "editor" reads it.
Thank you so much for leaving the comment. I hope the "editor" reads it.1 person likes this
@AndrewFreyne (6281)
• United Kingdom
23 Sep 08
Just delete the comment. Keep up with your writing and you will always get better and better. I'm sure that you will turn out all the stronger because of this. Good luck with your writing. Andrew
2 people like this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
24 Sep 08
Thanks Andrew! It's still up there by the way. I have friends here from myLot who has backed me up and I do feel better. You keep on writing too!
1 person likes this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
17 Sep 08
Thank you ashakki! I do believe that my writing needs improvement in the grammar he mentioned, and am willing to learn. In fact, I'm alsready searching for my grammar book to find out more about that and which, so that I won't make such a mistake again. Thank you for vote of confidence. Will you buy my bestseller? There are already two mylotter who said that they will buy my novel if I come up with one
1 person likes this
@Wanderlaugh (1622)
• Australia
17 Sep 08
SydneyHazelton
For one thing, that comment is grammatically incorrect; "which" is quite all right. Use of "that" is also right, but but it's nitpicking. They relate to objects. Colloquially they're now interchangeable. The insistence on "that" is an anachronism, and it's an almost unbelievably trivial point.
Use of anachronisms is bad grammar of itself.
"A company which..." "A company that..." Not much of an issue.
I'm an editor every once in a while, and a professional freelancer. There's nothing wrong with your article.
Use of capitals is very poor netiquette, bordering on hysteria.
So is abuse.
Ignore this idiot.
You're doing the right thing in trying to find legitimate sites for writers. Keep it up.
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
17 Sep 08
Thank you! I have been wondering the same. I thought that the two words are interchangeable. Thank you for your expert advice. I was ready to consult my grammar books for that, and still will, just to make sure. I was beginning to doubt my grammar there.
1 person likes this
@derek_a (10874)
•
17 Sep 08
One little mistake, with one little word! I would definitely not take any notice of over-zealous people like this. I have gone along to your posting and found it very good and informative so much so, I have left a comment. I have made far worse mistakes and have read articles in national newspapers with worst mistakes also. You write well... Derek.
2 people like this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
17 Sep 08
Hi Derek, Thank you so much for leaving a comment there. I saw it and I'm so touched by the support I get from mylotters here. You and everyone here are so supportive. Thank you!
1 person likes this
@positiveminded1977 (7072)
• India
17 Sep 08
This article of yours has got a number of positive comments. I remember visiting it myself and telling you that I liked it. Then bang, along comes a grammarian, and possibly a nut, because he/she doesn't even know anything about "constructive criticism" and you are "DEVASTATED"?????????? For heavens sake, wake up my friend! A writer can't afford to get devastated. You won't find only admirers in this world. You will find critics too. Do you like your article? Then it is good. Forget that others say. You can, of course, take the positive parts of this comment and polish your "that" and "which" (I have a problem there too), but forget that part about your writing stinking. :)
Cheers and happy mylotting
2 people like this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
17 Sep 08
Thank you positiveminded! Sometimes it just hurt a little with these "ddestructive criticism" but I can't shut people's mouth, I guess. I'm going to polish up my that and which so as not to make such mistakes again. Trying to put the stinky bit to the back of my mind!
1 person likes this
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
17 Sep 08
Hi sydneyHazelton, There is really no excuse for that sort of comment. Constructive criticism is one thing, but to just post a nasty remark like that is never acceptable. I would delete it and focus on the better comments that you are sure to get. Blessings.
2 people like this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
17 Sep 08
HI pose123, he was just being so nasty about a small grammatical error which some don't even consider as a mistake at all. So really, what was his intention anyway? I'm still wondering. I'm keeping it up for my readers to let them weigh the comment for themselves. There has been some interesting comments on his critic already. Cheers!
1 person likes this
@ronacruz2007 (650)
• Philippines
17 Sep 08
I thought at first that you are refering to your pensmanship being stinks but as i came to read it no its a different thing. Just take note of that so that next time you will never commit the same mistakes.
2 people like this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
17 Sep 08
There has been some debate on this. Some said that there is no mistake at all, while others say that I made a mistake in the choice of words. Nevertheless, I will proceed to check my grammar book and make sure that I do not make the same mistake (if I really did) again. Thank you for your comments!
1 person likes this
@Wordplay (239)
• Canada
17 Sep 08
Hi, Sydney
I just read your article (thank you for including the link) and thought it was great! The content was informative, well-written, and most important of all, accurate.
I also read all of the comments and out of 106 comments (so far), this critic was the only negative commenter in the lot. Boy, he sure got up on the wrong side of the bed that morning!!! Sadly, many people like to use these forums just to talk trash. They feel the need to criticize others just to make themselves feel more important.
No need to delete this person's comments. I see that other posters have already responded to his criticism and have defended your article. That speaks volumes! Others will see this critic for what he is.
In the meantime, just keep writing and honing your craft. Quality always wins in the end.
2 people like this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
17 Sep 08
Hi Wordplay,
Thank you for reading my article and all the comments there. I can't believe you did that!
You know what? The posters who responded to his critic are from here, my beloved mylot community. You guys have been so supportive! Thanks a million!
You know what? The posters who responded to his critic are from here, my beloved mylot community. You guys have been so supportive! Thanks a million!1 person likes this
