Share your day October 2013

Well, I am ... exasperated? Despaired? Caught upon the horns of a dilemma?

I submitted an article last night to an online magazine located in Missouri. Now, I don't know much about Missouri other than they used to have a battleship named after them and its nickname was "Big Mo".

I certainly have no knowledge of the average reading comprehension levels of its residents.

But when the editor let me know that my writing, while "brilliant", was at too high of a reading-level I had to investigate. To be fair, the target audience is lower-to-middle-class working folk.

I ran my article (a satire piece) through an online analyzer that gives a rough estimate of what grade level your article is at. It reported that my piece was at a 10th grade level. The editor had suggested that I either rework the piece or submit another, and rather than play Scrabble with my masterpiece I decided to whip up another one.

This one tested at 6th grade level, which I hope is good enough, otherwise I'm going to have to do a Dr. Seuss-style article ...

"One Mo, Two Mo, Red Mo, Blue Mo ... "

BTW: I just ran this post through the analyzer and it gave me a 48% readability score (the higher the better) and a 7th-grade level, for what that's worth.
 

Have I ever just given that link a workout!

Bookmarked !! Thank you.

Best my offerings graded was 6th but readability hovered around the 60 mark so that'll do I guess.

To be honest I'm still not sure what they and how they score. But, we have to write for the reader unless it's in a diary.


... I've just remembered, I joined a writer's forum once. Now if only I could remember what it was, and what my username and password were ....
 
Going to the Fall Fair tonight! Yay!!!!!!!!!!!! Lots of horses, big and small, cows, chickens, dog shows, the works.

This is a 5 day Agriculture fair that is held here every year. I'm more than excited as this summer has been one of sickness and unexpected deaths for my family so I'm hoping
the smell of farm animal pulls me out of my funk. I can smell that lovely horse smell whenever I want, but I love all the rest of it too. I know - some of you won't agree but that's OK.

Hope your ribs are better Rky!
 
Rkunsaw, hope your ribs heal quickly and your injury isn't too serious...I'm sure it hurts more if you breathe hard or cough. :love_heart: TICA, hope you have a ball at the fair and enjoy all the wonderful animals there! ;)
 
rkunsaw said:
Mowing yesterday and stopped to move the boat and canoe into the water so I could mow close to the lake. I got the boat moved, turned the canoe over and was pushing it toward the water when my foot slipped out from under me. I fell on my side right across the edge of the canoe. My ribs are so sore I can hardly move.

I took my chainsaw to Fort Smith Monday to get it worked on and now I have to drive back to town to get it. I guess I'll be able to drive okay, but I don't think I'll be using the saw for a while.

Phil that's the kind of razor I've always used. I have two or three of them. Of course I only shave my neck area a couple of times a month.
Larry
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How are you doing, RK? Fractured, stressed, whatever happens to get us into sore ribs mode is no fun at all. You know they don't heal overnight, but hopefully by the weekend you'll be moving more easily. I feel bad for you knowing you're so active and does this mean you may get to skip your day to cook? (wink!) Wishing you well....
 
SifuPhil said:
Well, I am ... exasperated? Despaired? Caught upon the horns of a dilemma?

I submitted an article last night to an online magazine located in Missouri. Now, I don't know much about Missouri other than they used to have a battleship named after them and its nickname was "Big Mo".

I certainly have no knowledge of the average reading comprehension levels of its residents.

But when the editor let me know that my writing, while "brilliant", was at too high of a reading-level I had to investigate. To be fair, the target audience is lower-to-middle-class working folk.

I ran my article (a satire piece) through an online analyzer that gives a rough estimate of what grade level your article is at. It reported that my piece was at a 10th grade level. The editor had suggested that I either rework the piece or submit another, and rather than play Scrabble with my masterpiece I decided to whip up another one.

This one tested at 6th grade level, which I hope is good enough, otherwise I'm going to have to do a Dr. Seuss-style article ...

"One Mo, Two Mo, Red Mo, Blue Mo ... "

BTW: I just ran this post through the analyzer and it gave me a 48% readability score (the higher the better) and a 7th-grade level, for what that's worth.
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Hmm; say what, Phil??! I'm in MO; don't see that anyone (that I've met) is not a good reader, but then, what do I know. I do remember hearing years ago that employers in the South were happy to see people who have relocated from another area, as they were 'usually' better educated. Although...there is a lot of poverty-stricken areas, and some don't get a chance to attend college. There are families who still live in very run-down places for generations, and never seem to get out for a better life. I guess if it's all you know, you just accept the circumstances and live with it. It's hard to see the girls marry right out of high school and never really know anything else before that.
I'm sure it's the same everywhere; just that we don't always 'see' it.
 
Phil: I ran my article (a satire piece) through an online analyzer that gives a rough estimate of what grade level your article is at. It reported that my piece was at a 10th grade level. The editor had suggested that I either rework the piece or submit another, and rather than play Scrabble with my masterpiece I decided to whip up another one.

This one tested at 6th grade level, which I hope is good enough, otherwise I'm going to have to do a Dr. Seuss-style article ...

"One Mo, Two Mo, Red Mo, Blue Mo ... "

It has to be very frustrating determining the exact level they're looking for, but the idea of having to resort to Dr. Seuss-style is hilarious. Good luck!
 
Anne said:
Hmm; say what, Phil??! I'm in MO; don't see that anyone (that I've met) is not a good reader, but then, what do I know. I do remember hearing years ago that employers in the South were happy to see people who have relocated from another area, as they were 'usually' better educated. Although...there is a lot of poverty-stricken areas, and some don't get a chance to attend college. There are families who still live in very run-down places for generations, and never seem to get out for a better life. I guess if it's all you know, you just accept the circumstances and live with it. It's hard to see the girls marry right out of high school and never really know anything else before that.
I'm sure it's the same everywhere; just that we don't always 'see' it.
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I have nothing against Missouri - I'm sorry if it sounded that way. Magazines always have a target audience, and one of the more common ways they employ to hit that target is to figure out the average education levels of their readership. They often get that info from surveys or the subscription forms, and the editors will then use it to shape the articles for their "average" readers.

Besides - if anything, Pennsylvania would be MUCH lower than Missouri on the reading scale! :playful:

Katybug said:
It has to be very frustrating determining the exact level they're looking for, but the idea of having to resort to Dr. Seuss-style is hilarious. Good luck!
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That's just my typical hyperbole - I mean, my typical exaggeration. ;)

Any writer worth their salt should be able to substitute words to make them more or less challenging for their readers. As an example, when I read about politics (a VERY rare event, believe me!) I am usually lost because of all the words they use that I don't understand, so I would be considered perhaps a 3rd-grade reading level. But on a martial arts board I would be put into the 12th-grade level.

It isn't about intelligence per se; it's about getting your message across to your readers. I tend to use $5 words here just because it's what I do in my regular writing, but when the occasion calls for it I should be able to tone it down or kick it up.

Dr. Seuss is one of my writing muses, so I often channel him. :eek:
 
Middle of the month already - I can't believe how quickly this month is moving along. The trees seem to have turned color so quickly and now the lawn is covered in leaves. I've had the fire going about 3 times and although the temp today is mid teens, it is crisp and chilly out there. Yesterday was Thanksgiving and also my Mother's birthday. She amazes me everyday. Still lives on her own in spite of two knee replacements in the last 3 years and considerable discomfort when walking. She never complains about the pain although we know she does have pain. I hope I'm as brave when I reach her age.

I'm going to register for some on-line courses through Guelph University today. They don't start until January, but want to make sure I get a spot so will give them a call this afternoon. That was one item on my "bucket list" so time to get the lead out and get going.

Hope everyone has a great day!
 
Diwundrin said:
What kind of courses are you doing TICA? I'd thought of that but then discovered the joys of rambling on forums and that doesn't leave me the time.
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Horse stuff. One is "Management of the Equine Environment" and the next is "Equine Health and Disease"

They have certificate, diploma and degree programs. I don't care about having the paper to show I did it, I'm just interested in learning more so am taking the courses that interest me. If nothing else, I want the books that go with the courses. :)

Winter is coming so this should keep me busy and give me a good excuse for staying home in the house with the fire going!!
 
I've been hibernating all week. My ribs are still sore but seen to be getting better. We're getting some welcome rain today.

There is so much info on the internet I never even thought of online courses. I don't usually spend that much time on the computer anyway.
 
rkunsaw said:
I've been hibernating all week. My ribs are still sore but seen to be getting better. We're getting some welcome rain today.
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Ribs take a LONG time to heal, bro - been there, done that. The "floaters" seem to be slower at healing than the attached ones - I'm wondering if those are the ones you injured.

I'll write you a prescription - take two Thai masseuses and call me in the morning. :love_heart:

There is so much info on the internet I never even thought of online courses. I don't usually spend that much time on the computer anyway.
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It's a booming field right now. I have a high-school friend down in Miami who spent his life in the education field and is looking to start up an online learning program for medical marijuana dispensaries - he wants to offer everything from the history of marijuana to the marketing and legal considerations of opening a dispensary.

Guess who he tapped as an expert weed-curriculum writer? :playful:
 
Yes TWHR - on-line through the University of Guelph in Ontario. Canadian courses. I will post in the horse group to let you know how it goes but they don't start until January. I'm really looking forward to it - you know - keep the old brain working etc. etc. :)


I put the links to the courses and newsletter in the horse group.
 
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Woo Hoo! Gots me new tires this morning. Now, I'm ready for drivin' through them mountains this winter.

Fast-pit-stop-tire-change.gif
 
Back in Florida and lots to do. Got up early and trimmed my palm trees before it got to hot. Went to Aldis and Publix to get groceries. Went to my reliable barber and got a decent haircut for a change. Going to order a pizza from Papa Johns soon and then call it a day.
 
Sounds like everyone is getting ready for Winter ....
I'm waiting for the next cool down to come through SE Texas. I want to do some holiday decorating soon and can use some more rain and nice cold mornings to get in the mood for this.
 
TWHRider said:
Phil, I don't know if this site is to be trusted but it looks to me like the good folks in Missouri aren't too stupid. http://www.sq.4mg.com/IQ-States.htm

Might want to make use of this site, before submitting your articles ORRRRRR run them past your good friends on this forum. We all seem to be a pretty savvy and intelligent Lot:cool:
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According to the source for the SAT scores (which by the way are NOT designed to test IQ), the calculated IQ's for Missouri are "questionable" because less than 22% of the graduating seniors took the SAT. Also the last year of usable SAT scores according to that site was 1998 - 15 years ago. The substitute ACT scores they use are from 2004, a "mere" 9 years ago.

In any case, the listed IQs range from 100 to 109 - that's well within the range of "average".

And finally, you probably missed my disclaimer that I had posted after that original post - that in the publishing world targeting a specific group of people is not seen as prejudiced or politically incorrect; in fact it is just business.
 
TWHRider said:
^^^Give that a little more time. Somebody will figure out a way to get that one into court:rain:
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Yeah, you're probably right. It would be a shame too, because every successful business has "profiled" their customers to some extent. Ask the owner of a jewelry store who their target audience is - I'm sure they can tell you. A comic book store - totally different demographic, but they know what it is and how to find them.

Even when I ran my martial arts schools I profiled potential students: in fact, I had different profiles for self-defense classes and T'ai-Chi classes, even though they contained many of the same movements. For the self-defense classes I targeted Yuppies that were fearful of commuting to work in the city; for the T'ai-Chi classes I looked for middle-income students aged 50+ that wanted to protect / regain their flexibility, posture and breathing.

It's the same with magazines, whether real-world or virtual. Very few magazines have a "general" readership, and a start-up is not likely to crack that market - the big boys are just too well-established and powerful. But even those general-appeal mags do profiling - Woman's Day might seem to be for every woman, but it's actually targeted at a very select, very specific audience. Popular Mechanics - same thing. Playboy - even though every man in the world is horny they're targeted toward a specific age, educational level and income.

So I think any potential lawsuit would need to attack the entire publishing world, and I haven't even mentioned how books are targeted yet! Think Twilight ... 50 Shades of Gray ... Dr. Seuss Eats A Moose. Each has a very narrow readership profile.
 
Thursday 17th Oct. Going to be a hot day here in Sydney Australia 34deg C.once I have some time on the computer I'll be into the pool with my two young Grandchildren.:cool1::bounce:
 

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