I agree. One shouldn't jump to conclusions until they know what's really going on, plus who's to say if the person is well versed in English? Maybe it's their second language? How can one learn if they're shot down all the time?

I can't recall if I know the review that you are talking about, but I know that I rate the reviews all the same way. Whether it is someone's 1st or 101st review, it shouldn't matter. I will provide the same feedback. I don't really notice if it is someone's first review or not, although if it is a poor review I will sometimes take note that they aren't at the advance level yet and form my own conclusions off that, that they may not be experienced in writing reviews.

Usually in my comment I will suggest the mentor program. However I am not here to baby someone either. If their review is awful I don't think I should have to treat them with baby gloves so they don't get offended. There are many first reviews on here that are awesome. All it takes is a bit of time to read some reviews to see what is expected. I don't think it is out of bounds to say that someone is submitting a review for points if that is how it seems.

As to if I would want to do another review if I was 'welcomed' that way... Well my feelings don't get hurt easily, so it probably wouldn't stop me. However I do know that other people aren't like that. Hopefully if that person was doing the review for the right reasons they would use it towards creating a better review next time. Realistically that might not be the case and they might leave, but I don't think that should be on my mind when rating or critiquing a review.

I hope you guys can find the review, read it for yourselves, and make up your own minds about it.

I have yet to encounter such a review, but when I encounter seriously flawed fanfiction, I send constructive criticism privately and keep public comments much more neutral. For example, find the best feature of the piece, compliment that as realistically as possible, welcome the newbie to the comm, and invite them to seek a beta reader (here, I guess that would be a mentor.)

There are people out there who will completely fall apart over having a few typos pointed out, or having a single word choice questioned. There are also people out there who will fail to comprehend any criticism no matter how it's phrased. My suggestion is to aim your personal policies regarding concrit at the folks who fall in between, and just tolerate the more extreme ends of the spectrum as best you can.

I look at things like this on a case-by-case basis. When there seems to be any sincere intention in a thread or review, I am hopeful that they're trying to do well, and not point-farming. Unfortunately since there has been such an influx of people doing so on this site, it's become pretty easy to spot, both in reviews and in forum discussions. I read the review I believe Laurel is referring to and also saw the two threads started by the new reviewer and in my opinion, it's obvious that this was not a well-meaning attempt. This irritates me to my very core for the simple fact that the company is trying to do something great for it's hard working community members, and people are simply trying to take advantage of it and abuse the system any way they can.

I have seen reviews by new reviewers that weren't great - face it, who out of us started at the level we're at now? I think MOST new members deserve the benefit of the doubt that they're trying. But I think there are differences between reviews written with good intentions that just need work and those written with only selfish intentions, and the bare minimum of info and words included.

No matter how useless we find someone's contribution, no matter if we believe they may be "cheating", no matter how it angers and insults us, it is never okay to be insulting in return or to chastise another reviewer.

Let's please leave that to those who are paid to do it, hmm?

Rating a review is one thing. Chastisement is completely different.

I've people accuse people on the forum of point farming and what not.

My following statement has nothing to do with Lauren at all so I just want to make that clear, this has something to do with the community as a whole not any member o members individually.

I have felt recently,there is a witch hunt of sorts over Eden points. Makes me wonder If I should stop getting them because I may be accused of point farming. How do we determine if someone is Point farming? I mean the point of the system was to encourage activity.

I understand follow, and unfollow. I understand the spam posts (even though someone may be LEGITIMATELY bringing up something). But If I get a lot of points, say I follow a lot (or my limit) and send articles to my friends, does this make me a point farmer?

Does maxing out on your points make you a point farmer? or a great addition to the community. There is reason there is a cap, they felt that the cap was enough for a day, so they must feel that is an acceptable amount.

Its tricky, and I sometimes think... should I stop? I tend to send alot of Sexis articles to friends. I tend to "like" things, and show my friends what I like. Am I a point farmer?