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Three rejections=banned?

Posted: Wed Aug 12, 2009 10:59 pm
by writingmom
Hello!

I'm pretty new to CC and have just sold my first article. I needed some help and clarification on one issue, though. Will I be banned if 3 articles (in total) are rejected by CC, or when 3 articles in a row are rejected or when the same article (resubmitted) is rejected 3 times?

3 articles in total is pretty steep, especially for a writer like me, who is just getting the hang of things. Please clarify.

Re: Three rejections=banned?

Posted: Wed Aug 12, 2009 11:23 pm
by Celeste Stewart
There are a lot of misconceptions about the "three strikes" rule here. I believe that this rule is more of a guideline that is open to interpretation by the CC staff. In some cases, it's obvious within three submissions that a writer's work doesn't quite jibe with the site's requirements - shoot most of us can tell by viewing each others' forums posts who has a grasp of basic English and who doesn't.

From what I've seen, CC understands about the initial learning curve and gives new writers slack as far as format, file types, and other nuances and site quirks go. Where the slack isn't so loose is with grammar, punctuation, and a lack of basic English comp skills - especially if these problems have been pointed out and have not been corrected. If you have strong writing skills but have trouble at first with CC's requirements and guidelines, you'll likely be fine so long as you take the comments to heart and address the issues. If you receive a rejection because you didn't use a 12-point Times New Roman font at first but then make the appropriate adjustment I doubt that anyone is going to hold a strike against you.

A good attitude and active steps toward rectifying any issues pointed out really help in overcoming this initial "three strikes" hurdle. Re-read all guidelines and try to look at any rejection notices objectively. Since you've had articles accepted and sold (yay!), you're doing great. Keep focusing on the positive and take any rejection notices to heart with an open mind and I'm sure you'll be just fine. I doubt anyone at CC's keeping track over minor infractions.