{Score Sheet}

The following is a score sheet drawn up by NF.COM's webmistresses, Mia and Vikki, for NF.COM Reviews. We're adopting it but we're not taking credit for it because it is their brainchild. We here at CRR believe it to be one of the best written score sheets and decided that its the fairest route to take in reviewing.

Plot Structure - (Worth 30pts) A plot is a causal sequence of events, the "why" for the things that happen in the story. The plot draws the reader into the character's lives and helps the reader understand the choices that the characters make. A plot's structure is the way in which the story elements are arranged and if poorly done, can lessen the story in the readers eyes.

Characters - (Worth 25pts) Every character has their purpose and significance in the story. As a reader, we observe their actions. We listen closely to what they say and how they say it, how they relate to other characters and how other characters respond to them.

Setting/Theme - (Worth 15pts) An author imagines a story to be happening in a place that is rooted in his or her mind, it is their responsibility to describe the world they know. Sights, sounds, colors ... the reader should be able to clearly envision these in their mind because of the authors ability to be descriptive.

The theme of a story can be very elusive. It is not intended to teach or preach... in fact, it is not presented directly at all. You extract it from the characters, action, and setting that make up the story. The author's task is to communicate on a common ground with the reader and let them figure out the theme themselves.

Point of View - (Worth 15pts) The tone and feel of the story, and even its meaning, can change radically depending on who is telling the story. Who tells the story and how it is told are critical issues when reading and it is the author's responsibility to make it clear and to decided which is best, a character or a narrator.

Spelling/Grammar - (Worth 10pts) It is no secret that misspellings and grammatical errors throw off a readers concentration. If one must reread a sentence more than three times to understand its meaning... then it becomes a task, no longer enjoyable.

Presentation - (Worth 5pts) Not just font size and background color (thought size 6 on lime green is frowned upon), paragraph and sentence structure is also a significant detail when reading a story. Readers often find it difficult to follow when the story is one big paragraph, it may also throw off the flow of the story.

Bonus - (Worth varies from 1 to 5pts) May be given for creativity, appreciation or "props", site banner, etc. It’s optional. (CRR's amendment: Having a code up is a rule so we’re not going to award points for a requirement.)

Overall - (No pts given) The reviewers opinion of the story in general, reflecting on the points given, what can be improved, etc.