dealing with rejection

[constant-content]

To all concerned: When it comes to implementing and then executing editorial rulings the following must be true for the system to work: 1) The decisions are assumed by all to have been made without whim and are not simply the capricious fancy of a power hungry mad-man/woman. 2)They are to be viewed as constructive and should be acted upon as such. 3) Any concerns about the validity of the editorial rulings should be directed to support@constant-content.com.

The usage of the forum should be to help writers glean information from each other in regards to clarifying the rules or asking for suggestions about how to avoid future non-compliance. The essential problem with debating the editor's decisions, and dragging in other writers to the fray, is that a basic asymmetrical knowledge error occurs. As our example here illustrates: Celeste is trying to help someone that obviously feels upset about the situation they find themselves in, and that is a great thing, but the problem here is that the only person who knows all sides of this situation is the ed. The editor has the onerous task of evaluating all the implementation of the writing rules, and sometimes will not have the time to educate each person on each situation. So I beg of all of you, respect the decisions made, and help each on substantive and stylistic problems, and avoid giving advice on procedural matters, since it tends to muddy the already murky emotional waters of sometimes difficult situations.

[grouchy]

I, and I'm sure the others, really appreciate your communication efforts. At the risk of sounding dense ( and I'll just claim a senior moment), I'm not real sure about what you're warning against, and I'm sure it's very important since you mention that you're "begging." Can you say more, or say it in another way? I don't want to be an unwitting offender.

Thanks a lot,
Marge

[Ed]

One of the strongest elements of CC is the willingness of authors to help each other and the collective experience the writers on CC have. I, personally, am very appreciative that writers would take time to help each other and offer advice. In this case, I think the point being made is that sometimes, in an effort to help an author regarding rejection, forum members can make things more complicated for both the author whose article has been rejected and the editor. As an addition to The New Constant's post, I'd also like to respectfully ask CC members not to suggest the use of Copyscape as a writer's tool.

Thanks,
Ed

[grouchy]

OK, gotcha. Thanks, Ed.

[Ed]

Whatever you call yourself, you'll always be "grouchy" to me.

[Celeste Stewart]

My bad.

I didn't mean it as a tool as in how to get around plagiarism or anything like that. Only as a way for her to see that her text was indeed showing up elsewhere and where (since she didn't seem to believe it was possible) - perhaps on her own website. Thought it would help. Sorry.

[Ed]

I know, Celeste. Other CC members have done this in the past. It's all good - I'm just asking not to do this in the future, as an aside to what David said.

I'm not referring to this author, but previous authors to whom this has been suggested have been unscrupulous, even though they may have sworn to have 3 PhDs, 50 years experience, and 200 published books to their names. It's just something to keep in mind.

Thanks. Now go get some sleep!
Ed

[grouchy]

Ed - c'MON - I'm trying to impress the new guy. (Don't worry - Grouchy will be back soon enough.)

[jak]

Oh dear, I just mentioned copyscape to someone asking in another thread, before I read all this. Slapped hands and promise not to do it again.

[Ed]

Well, it's no big secret that we use Copyscape, but in the case of *some* rejections, it's better if the submitters (I'm not going to call them writers - plagiarists aren't writers) in question aren't given any ways around our system.

But if someone asks outright, it's cool.

This thread really isn't about Copyscape, though. I know sometimes I make mistakes - and in those cases please elbow your way in and give me my medication - but sometimes the explanations for rejections should be kept as simple as possible. Sometimes authors have to accept that their articles could not be accepted by CC according to the system we have here, which focuses on digital content and the interests of our customers.

When I reject, I really have to use my judgement when Copyscape brings up hits, and I'll investigate if what it's telling me isn't clear. I compare the text that has been submitted through CC to the Copyscape hit and consider other factors as well. I'm not going to reject simply because there are matches in Copyscape, but if something doesn't feel right, then it oftentimes isn't. Forum members can't tap into that, so sometimes I need to be able to just do my thing. Whatever that is.

Thanks,
Ed

[Elizabeth Ann West]

I think for some of us it's hard because submitters who are rejected are not always the happiest of forum writers. The writers here are very territorial about our professional workspace, and I know I for one hate to see poor ED yelled at when he does a wonderful job. Then again, he is paid to get yelled at, so I shouldn't feel too bad

It can be so frustrating when someone writes "You didn't accept my amazing article, this place is so unprofessional, and never helps new writers, and you probably jay walk too (or something like this).." The regular authors do have a tendency to sweep in and try to set the record straight, after all that's OUR CC this person is dragging through the mud! Remember how angry everyone got about the incorrect and unflattering review on some website?

But I remember the advice then too, we all just have to let the naysayers have their say and let them go away. It is true none of us can say with accuracy why an article was rejected.

I know I am one of the culprits, so I will do my best to stay out of the rejection section, and help writers in the other forum topics instead.

Always Smiling,
EAW

[Ed]

I know . . . I know. Some people are trying to save face - they really do know that their work isn't up to standard but feel embarrassed. There also seems to be an attitude that there is more of an obligation on CC's part to accept work because this is an internet, rather than print, outlet.

Everyone feels embarrassed or frustrated by rejection notices at one point or another, but it's not a "me against you" sort of situation. The work submitted is measured against CC's requirements and customers' needs. I don't even look at writers' profiles - the work is judged on its own merit, and rejections are directed at the work, not the writer.

Anyway, we're going to try and do a better job of answering rejection question privately rather than on the forums.

Ed