In writing a review, quoting from either the story or other sources is
permitted, but said quotes are not to be counted toward the final score.
Otherwise it is likely that much of the story might end up being quoted merely
to artificially bloat a score, and we want to score the review based on the
reader’s personal, original reaction to the story, not on quotes from the story
author or others.
Many of us find particular phrasing from the story we particularly appreciate,
and we want to share our pleasure with others who may be reading through our
reviews before reading the story for themselves. In that case, in copying the
text from the story make certain it is enclosed in square brackets, as shown
here:
“I was particularly moved when the author used such phrases as: [healing was in
his hands, and a light shone about him.] It reminded me of a quote by Milton in
which he stated: [insert quote of your choice here.]”
The text enclosed within the brackets is not counted toward the final score,
allowing the final score to be based on your own writing, not on that of others.
If it is noted that someone is quoting material and not using the square
brackets, the reviewer will be asked to revise the review; if the practice
continues or the reviewer repeatedly fails to use the square brackets it may
lead to the offending review being removed, causing the story to lose the points
for that review.
It is also a rule that you must write a new, original review to each story you
read. Although you may lift portions of responses you have written for the same
story on other archives and include them within the review you write for the
MEFA board, you may NOT duplicate the material from one review to another in
your MEFA reviews, or copy from other reviewers. Again, it is expected that
each review be an original one for each story. If it is noted a particular
reviewer is duplicating reviews, the reviewer is likely to receive a request to
revise the reviews in question so as to assure they are indeed original;
recurring offenses may lead to the offending reviews being removed, again
costing the author to lose points for the story. So, please, from the beginning
remember not to duplicate!
Finally, if in reading through reviews once they become public it is noticed
that there are extensive quotations within a particular review that are not
marked by square brackets, be certain to notify the MEFA administrators by email
at
mefasupport@mefawards.com so that they can check into the situation. Include
the title and author of the story being reviewed and its ID number, and the name
of the person whose review failed to use the square brackets or appears to have
been a duplicate of other reviews. Usually the offense is due merely to
forgetfulness by the reviewer, who is often trying to write swiftly while the
thoughts are still fresh, and a simple request by the site administrators is
enough to get the situation settled with a minimum of upset or discontent.
Again, we treasure originality in both our authors and our reviewers. Happy
reviewing!
Bonnie L. Sherrell
Teacher at Large
"Then do not be too eager to deal out death in judgement. For even the very wise cannot see all ends." LOTR
"Don't go where I can't follow."