commenting on applicants' posts (ignore this where posted under "week 1")

I posted this inadvertently under an earlier post called "week 1" - oops. Wrong place. & haven't discovered how to delete it yet. So, am reposting as a new thread. If this helps at all re. finding time to comment directly to the writers:

I realize many of us do not have a lot of time. This is a lot of time to read apprx 6 entries/week & evaluate them judiciously! In the interest of saving time, engaging w/ the applicants & networking, this has become my approach so far. I'd be interested to hear yours also.

I open the page/link for the writer's entry & read it.
I open the blank evaluation form page at the same time.

As & after I read, I make comments as they come to me on the applicant's page, below her entry. It actually helps me get a handle on the entry, since some are a bit confusing. Or sometimes I have to highlight something to make it stand out in my own mind, to see if it fulfills the grading criteria. These go public to the 2013 VOF applicants' group. My comments/feedback might include ideas to further the writer's points, to ask for more info & for group input/discussion. Also to give him/her some (+) feedback & help perhaps create connection in the entire group page.

Anything more involved or critical (which does not necessarily imply negative), which could make her feel exposed re. her writing or approach, I send to her personally via her email (just click on her name in her entry). This includes tips on fulfilling the assignment & re. what WP is looking for.

At that point, I have 3 pages open -- the entry/post +evaluation form + writer's email page.

Some posts are a bit hard to follow & require me to read them 2-4 times.

I tag my comments, then I send in the 3 pages to the WP site.
Each writer's entry takes me about 30 min. to grade & comment on, I'd guess.

If I see someone who I think will be a good fit for me in my work or interests, I friend them. No one has refused yet. It's nice to have a handy "Rolodex" of ppl who are inspired and involved in my own areas of interest.

From this approach, I am meeting fascinating ppl & I hope, making friends worldwide. It's a unique opportunity.
My efforts have definitely helped me feel connected to real ppl. And of course, feel that I am furthering WP's mission, which is a pretty cool concept. Not too bad for 3-4 hrs./week (tho it always goes longer w/ the friending & commenting on the commenting... ...)

Thx, all. On to week 2!!

Tina