B - Reviews 6th Nov 2002

WHAT I READ TODAY:

Wind by miss~tree

http://www.abctales.com/abcplex/viewstory.cgi?s=29437

This much controversial piece has a thread with some 27 responses (at
last count) - to "cherry" or "not-to-cherry", that is the question. I
feel far from qualified to pick the cherry winners here, but I really
loved this poem. I much preferred the original version however, which I
believe Chant has posted on the message board. I think the updated
version has lost some of the passion and uniqueness that I admired
prior to the changes.

miss~tree, please tell me you didn't change it in the quest for the
ever-elusive cherry??

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G: Today's Event by jab16

http://www.abctales.com/abcplex/viewstory.cgi?s=29533

Inspired by the newest competition, this piece takes a seemingly
meaningless, mundane event and turns it into a meaningful source of
inspiration. The whole point of the competition right? I thought this
story was really well written and no-one can argue that jab16 has
shares in the talent stakes.

I was a bit confused by the second last paragraph though, and didn't
quite grasp the subtleties of why the character went quickly inside. I
formed my own interpretation, which is what you do as a reader, so
nothing was lost.

P.S. Smoking is a health hazard.

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D ~ Gogatsu by henstoat

http://www.abctales.com/abcplex/viewstory.cgi?s=29511

Okay, I'm trembling in my boots (or slippers, as the case may be) as I
try to give a humble opinion on the working mind of the great henstoat.
This poem is a somewhat jaded view of the corporate world of
advertising, told from the viewpoint (I think) of an ambitious
advertising shark. Feel free to correct me if I'm wrong, Henmeister.
I'm not sure where the Japanese culture bit fits in, but my guess is
it's because they are world leaders in business and technology? They
are the corporate giants of the world. That's the grasp I had on it
anyway. I read this piece a couple of times, and came to the conclusion
that I liked it.

And just for the record, I'll fight anyone to the death if they try to
take my CK away from me!!

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Eternal by poetjude

http://www.abctales.com/abcplex/viewstory.cgi?s=29530

I really enjoyed this poem. The grief was palpable and you're left with
feelings of hope and concern for the character. I loved the verse
pertaining to the fallen angel. I thought it was clever and well
constructed.

My only complaint here is the poem's title. I'm sure the author has her
own reasons for the name, but I almost didn't click on this piece
because the word "eternal" ignites thoughts of cheesy, big haired girls
with hooped earings and loud jewellry singing on a beach. But maybe
that's just me.

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Bric-a-Brac by berniem

http://www.abctales.com/abcplex/viewstory.cgi?s=29532

This is one of those short, quirky pieces that you just love to find.
I'm not sure what the statue of Athene is, but it sounds important. And
priceless!!

Nice work.

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I: Today's Event by gail

http://www.abctales.com/abcplex/viewstory.cgi?s=29521

Another piece inspired by the new competition. A journal type entry
which captures the jitteriness one feels during those horrendous job
interviews. It had a mild "bridget jones" quality, and I thought the
author's personality shone through her work.

I would have preferred to read the piece without all the
"aaarrggggghhhhhh"s, as I felt they served no purpose and in fact took
away some of the quality of the finished piece.

Otherwise, well done.

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Question of Virgins by jonsys

http://www.abctales.com/abcplex/viewstory.cgi?s=29512

On your bike!! Another short, quirky piece which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Had a giggle to boot. Boys sure are encumbered with their own set of
problems as they grow to manhood.

It makes you appreciate being a woman!

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Nice Man by Alp

http://www.abctales.com/abcplex/viewstory.cgi?s=29508

There was nothing really passionate or outstanding about this poem. It
was a nice poem about a nice man and it was NICE. I get the impression
that's how the author meant it to be and it works well when you think
about the subject matter.

It was short and subtle. Kind of sweet. I liked it.

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Photo Gallery by a_harmless_poet

http://www.abctales.com/abcplex/viewstory.cgi?s=29332

I read this poem a few days ago and I loved it. I went back for another
squiz. You can almost feel the museum-ish quality the author is trying
to portray. Life frozen in the moment. It was kind of eerie, and I
think that speaks for itself.

Well worth the read.

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AUTHOR'S NOTE:

While I've got your attention, I would like to say that I'm undertaking
these reviews mainly for my own benefit, but if it helps you too, then
that's a double bonus. I am trying to appraise work in a way which is
honest and constructive. It may also entice people to read and respond
to my own writings. I put my work on this site for people to read, and
as such I consider it to be "fair game". I will take any criticism on
board that is thrown my way.

There are many readers and writers at ABCtales and it is clear from the
message board that not everyone agrees on the same things. And that's
what makes things interesting.

Remember, my opionions are just that.....opinions. Very humble ones, I
might add. My comments are not meant to be in any way harmful or nasty,
and if there is anyone who would prefer I don't review their work, then
please let me know.

Thanks for reading.

Appleblossom