Cherry Picks

That is true; of my work (most of which is undeserving of being cherry--picked) are stories, but only one of the poems has been chosen. It might be that people find reading poems easier than slogging through reams of description, or it could indeed be the preference of the editors.

There is always an exception to the rule. I am 3-1 in favour of prose. I may not have so much in the way of poetry up now, but I have in the past. I think it also probably depends on many factors, how good the piece is overall, and if an individual author is showing a vast improvement, but still not on a par with a more experienced writer. But, I've never been an editor, so to clear it up completely, you'd need one of them to speak up! Lisa

I've posted both poetry and prose in an approximately 50-50 split. Most of the prose has been cherry-picked and none of the poetry. I too would be interested in what (if any) thought process goes into the cherry-picking. I suspect it's all completely subjective, and swayed by mood-swings, etc. The editors are only human, after all.

There is, of course, subjectivity in the cherry picking process. But I think that some of the Eds are tougher than others - and I'm probably the most generous (but I have been doing it since the day the site began). We have always recognised that it is a subjective process - but it is also a way or picking out good and improving writing. I'm also surprised at the poetry/prose mix you point out. I tend to cherry few poems as I find them difficult to judge. But we do have some very fine poets in particularily good form at the moment, so that could account for it!

ggggareth I think you are right. It is all about how an Editor sees or feels about a piece of work at the time they see it. A year ago I posted six pieces of work, four of them were awarded cherries...I was delighted of course. Then I had to leave the site for a while and deleted all my work. Having maintained an interest in what the site was doing I returned a month ago and put back all the work I had removed together with quite a lot more. The postings included those that had been "Cherried" last time. None were picked this time though they had not been altered in any way. So it is clear that certain types of work become more, a la mode, so to speak to those that read them and that stories or poems are time sensitive. In other words writing, like anything else, has fashions. You are either in fashion or you are not......it isn't always how good a writer you are so I wouldn't worry too much if I were you. Just write what you want to write and say what you want to say like everyone else does.

i don't believe i know enough about poetry to cherry it, so i stick to prose. What i look for is progresion in someones writing and any story that does not start with a long and often tedious intro before getting going - sci/fi and fantasy are particularly prone to this. But it is a very subjective process, some editors cherry work that i wouldn't and i am sure they think the same about some of my choices. Attention to detail such as spelling and punctuation i do take seriously. If a writer hasn't bothered to spell check his/her work then it tells me they have dashed it off and stuck it on without the necessary editing process. Prose takes a time to construct even flash - polished work reassures me the writer has slaved over every sentence. Juliet

I've had cherries at the same percentage on prose and poetry although I write more of the latter. It depends on who the editors are at any time and their own preferences. Standards also vary. It's always nice to receive a cherry but in any group of eds there are usually one or two from whom a cherry means a lot because they are hard but fair critics. I always appreciate the editor emailing me to say it was they that cherried the piece and why. Fergal always used to do this and others do from time to time.

I don't feel I know enough about prose to cherry it. I get bored easily and start to feel dizzy reading prose on a computer screen. I do try to read prose however but must admit I find the reams and reams off putting. I suspect I may get shot for admitting to this, sorry sorry sorry. I very simply prefer poetry by a million miles. I have no idea how to even begin writing a piece of prose and so leave it well alone, I dont feel able to judge something unless I understand how it has been made up. As for how I decide when to cherry, I do it for two reasons. 1. Because a poet has improved and I want to shout out over this way this way! But I still hestitate in admitting that as who am I to make judgement, it is simply my opinion. 2. If something makes me want to read it twice. The way I really really know if something deserves a cherry is if I wish I had written it and get that uncomfy and delightful feeling of excited nerves. I personally am a bit slack on grammer and punctuation and spelling. Someone can write a perfect piece nad it can have no energy. Obviously things should be perfect but I have not non cherried because of it. I have to go write a sonnet now for homework and it is making me want to cry. If I can persuade someone to do it for payment let me know. Span

Oh and Jingle, although I am sure your pieces were extremely cherry worthy, the editors change every six months or so. Also different editors are more or less active at varying points. I thought that might explain for the discrepency. Span

Ah, another thing I realised has an effect on cherrying is how many pieces an author has posted per day. It shouldnt change anything, but of course if you read lots of one voice or style it may start to lose its cherry appeal. Right, I will leave now. Sorry to keep returning with add ons. Span

You don't have to know about poetry to cherry it, or slag it off. You don't have to know, or care, about iambic form , or whatever it is, to know if it rings your bell. It don't matter whether it ticks the boxes of poet pedantics, to make it a good 'un.

I have a suggestion: that the editor that gives a piece a cherry should not remain anonymous -- not hide behind the royal 'we' as if they have a combined taste (as we see from above they don't). But they should stand as individuals with names. so we can see the chaff in the wind, so to speak. We could get rid of the cloak if not the dagger. If a judging system is in place, (and I’d rather there wasn’t), shouldn’t every one be able to see who is judging who? So we can judge the judges, too. Which would be more transparent, and make them more accountable. The Lone Groover

Yes, it used to be this way, Chris, an editor ID number accopanied your cherry. They were anon but it didn't take long to work out who they were. ABC openly announced its new editors a year or so ago ... some turned out to be good and some bad (no names no pack drill but AG and Chimpy *cough*). I thought the last bunch were not bad but it appears, from recent threads, that they have changed again (the time limit seems appropriate) and yet, Span (from her last post - complete with her ever present spelling mistakes and prediliction for cherrying her mates) seems to still be an editor whilst others seem to have changed. hrm, time for a new thread.

Lots of long pieces being posted these days. When I commit to reading a story, I make sure I have the time. These days, I have little time. I tend to stay away from poetry, but I have cherried a couple of poems - I don't think one has to understand everything about the poem to like it. Grammar, spelling and punctuation are huge for me, as well as (I know, I've said this before) an over-use of LY adverbs - those things just bug me. I do get a bit put off by multiple postings in a single day. It doesn't change the quality of the writing, but it does change my perception of the author. I'm yet to email anyone I've cherried. I enjoy receiving such emails, but I just don't have the time to send them. If you really want to know, become an editor and then you'll be able to see who has picked what... foster.

I am ever grateful to the volunteer editors whomever they may be. I don't take a cherry as a sign that my piece is brilliant. I take it to mean somebody has enjoyed it. From certain editors a cherry also means it is technically sound. I would like to do a stint as editor but since I have no education in the field, past GCSE English (other than reading lots), I have not had the confidence in what I can offer.If I cannot give valuable crit then taking an volunteer editors job would surely be a disservice? I'm doing a course at City Lit in the Summer term and the syllabus(sp?) says, By the end of this course you should be able to: - respond to and assess pieces of writing with sensitivity and insight; - participate constructively in a workshop setting; - respond to and assess poetry with critical insight; - read and write with a more advanced understanding of the key features of a poem If I feel I can do all these things at the end of the course I will volunteer my services! jude "Cacoethes scribendi" http://www.judesworld.net

Well said, jude! I am eternally grateful to the Editors. It's interesting that the only sniping piece in the above comments was from someone who chose to hide his/her real identity. Plus ca change. I do think the 'editor number' thing is a good idea but it does take a code change in drupal and our very long suffering techies do this mainly for love - so it may have to wait a while. Of course if donations go upwards then who knows?

Got a funny idea exactly who the anonymous person is and I wish very simply one thing... that if someone is going to behave like a t**t that they hold their hand up to it. I am annoyed at myself for rising to this so I will post this and then not reply again. Its true I cannot spell and am often so silly busy that I forget or do not get a chance to spell check my posts. I am dyslexic but am very grateful that it does not get too much in the way of writing. As for cherrying my mates that is simple and pure unadultered shite. There may have been a time when that rang true, as the pieces that my mates were writing were in my eyes more cherry worthy being of the type of thing that I enjoy reading. You really cannot discriminate personal preference. I apologise for taking over this thread by doing battle with a loser. Span

Anonymous sniping makes me sick, anonymous or non anonymous cherries make me smile - everyone should have a cherry, it's encouragement. What has gone on, on these forums has so disgusted me in the past, that i have not been up to getting involved with any of it - I wonder if the lack of commentary, crit and discussion of writing on this site may be a little something to do with all that - a comment, crit, tough crit, praise, is as good/better that a cherry - sniping from the safety of a secret hunting hut, is sad, is disheartening - and as much as we can ignore blah blah blahs, it can hurt. I'd like to thank the editors for their time and efforts -cheers - Nicky x

Little Ditty, I know where you're coming from regarding the silly stuff that happens on the forums (I've found myself less inclined to enter into "general" conversations as a result), but I for one feel that the amount and standard of crit has improved immeasurably in the past few months, and TC and the editors deserve some credit for that.

I notice that Tony Cook, having shot me down for not using my real name, then addresses my editor ID question (the only pertinent Q in the whole thread). Well done! - look at the content, not at the poster. Span's response proves my point about her predilictions. However, all this is bullshit. Who removed my thread about the editors? Well? I haven't had an email. If it was Tony, I'm sure I'd understand (but he would e-mail) but if it was someone else - without emailing - I suspect someone is overusing their editorial privs. Please have the guts to email me. Quote "Loser" End quote.

I don't understand how this thread escalated into personal retribution, except that cherry picking can be seen as devisive. However, that says as much about how a cherry is received, as it does about the technicalities of how cherries are awarded. Poetjude seems to have the right idea – a cherry means an editor has enjoyed it. That is good enough for me. I put my writing on this site both to share it and to see if someone feels moved to give spontaneous (hopefuly positive) feedback. A cherry is positive feedback from someone who has taken the time and trouble to read my stuff. I am grateful for that. Any system for rewards, acknowledgements, or accolades, however transparent, will attract question and comment. So it's proabably not worth the effort. I don't need the process to be formalised, formualised (yes I know its not a word) or any other form of ised. Sincere positive feedback is enough. Thank you.

Thankyou - that's encouraging. We do all try very hard to be positive and utterly unbiased. Good writers who have been on here for some time know that they have to work very hard for a cherry as well know that they are good. New writers may find that cherries come a little easier - that's as it should be. A cherry is not an absolute, it is subjective and it is designed to be an encouragement. I am very very happy with the standard of editors at the moment and have been for a long time. I am delighted that there are sufficient people who are willing to give of their time and intellect to help others - it's what a community site is all about. So let's stop any silly sniping and just get writing!

tcook, 'So let's stop any silly sniping and just get writing!' Excuse me! I don't care how much you want to play the condescending spin doctor, but I don't think asking for more openness is sniping. I made a suggestion...? A few weeks ago you were asking for suggestions. I'm not criticising the editors, but the system, there is a difference. 'A cherry is not an absolute, it is subjective...' Then there should be no problem to show us who made that subjective choice. Pure-zen, 'Any system for rewards, acknowledgements, or accolades, however transparent, will attract question and comment. So it's proabably not worth the effort.' Question and coment is just what this forum is all about. It's what you are doing here! Why is there all this Paranoia about dicusion? THE LONE GROOVER

......cat got your tonge? 'A wind within a wind unable to speak for wind.' --Henry Reed

Me o my, you are an aggressive fellow. Your idea has been accepted and it is on the list of things to be done. It should appear shortly.

Thank you very much. That didn't hurt now did it.... I thought I was being quiet reasonable, while been unreasonably ignored. As my mum used to say, ‘You get nowt if you don't insist and insist....’ Yours gratefully Chris Whitley

As my mum used to say,'That Chris Whitley is a bit of a wanker ain't he?'

Anna, is your mum's smudge of thought a part of the above wind, or do YOU have something to say? By the way 'Masturbation is the thinking man's television.' --Christopher Hampton Give your mum my best regards. Get well soon... Chris

"A quote by any other name is still as cheap." -- Uncredited. I just wanted to add my two pence. and a poem for all of those with more than four fingers. Those impared in this dimension can just have the second, fourth and sixth lines. They are all yours. My disgust: Fornication May digest: Fornication. Maybe my energy: Fornication Might be better spent: Fornication Elsewhere.