Reciprocal Reviews

I was going to say, given the comparatively-astronomical fees this competition charges compared to others, with only the top couple finishers getting a high payout, most of the prizes being software downloads, and the allegedly-professional feedback being of limited to no value most of the time, and their pushing the forums as one of the 'benefits', updating it something more stable might be a reasonable use of their entry fees. If they can afford to make donations for show, they can use that percentage to think about an upgrade instead. 

(Seriously, actually FREE boards I've been using for years have updated their platforms.) 

 

I admit that I have some misgivings about reviewing first for a reciprocal.    I overthink and run worse case scenarios in my head (anxiety issues).    It's nothing anyone has actually done, but I fear an almost strange bias that sinks in.  

For example, if I'm commenting about any kind of errors that a fine tooth comb is run over my story and I get the sugar coated equivalent of a failing grade on a school paper. 

The problem with this is that there are just SO MANY good stories to read, how will people pick your story out of the many to read. The one thing you see time and again is “I came for the title and wasn’t disappointed” / “your title really grabbed me”
 

Nowadays, I take my sweet time returning reads, lol. It's not that I won't, it's just that I have learned we have over a month (sometimes longer) to return reviews. So, what's the big rush? I just don't kill myself to review/return reviews like a madwoman anymore. I generally spread them out up until the next round.

Of course my new method means I don't get nearly the number of reads I used to, but it's okay. I still get what I want out of the contest (fun challenge, reading great stories, meeting other writers).