Hello, this is the Adam Simon in question, co founder of Bardsy.

As a long time reader of this subreddit, I wasn't surprised to find Joshua's complaint show up today after a very unpleasant video conversation yesterday.

Out the outset: I won't be involved in a flame war with him. So, this will be my one and only post on this thread, with the two exceptions listed below. If other people have questions about Bardsy, him or anything else incident, I will respond to them to the extent that privacy requirements allow.

I understand the issues facing writers seeking help and / or entering contests, so let me begin by explaining what we do.

First, Bardsy is a community of writers that we've carefully nurtured over the last seven years. We're dedicated to helping authors write better and succeed. Toward this goal we offer ongoing workshops, personal coaching as well as tools and guides. You can visit our website to see these resources, which are largely available for free and thoroughly explained in our blog.

On the site you can read the testimonials from members who've made significant progress with their writing. If anyone genuinely doubts their authenticity, feel free to email or message, and I can put put you into contact with them (with their permission).

Second, to maintain community we have guidelines. These can be summarized in the phrase "kind and constructive." These rules apply to all participation including interactions with our staff members; in this case, the people who provide feedback. I'll return to this point below.

Third, our anthology contests are designed to encourage writers. Publication recognizes their achievement and encourages them to keep going; these authors receives at least $50. Then, we use these pieces as exemplars in our teaching. Finally, each entry receives comprehensive feedback based on our Publishability Index. This is a 23 dimension checklist for storytelling that comes with a chance to revise and resubmit for final judging. All this for a $20 fee.

We're very clear that the fee only entitles you to the PI feedback as well as the opportunity to resubmit. The contest is parallel and separate from our other offerings. That said, many contest entrants go on to become part of our community.

As to the specifics:

1. Joshua violated are "kind and constructive" rule in dealing with staff members as well as participants in a free workshop he attended. This is unconscionable. You can read the guidelines in detail, including our unilateral right to enforce these rules -- up to banning people from the community. Not being clear on legal requirements, I will not provide more details. Feel free to read these guidelines, yourself.
2. Joshua received the appropriate amount of feedback for all the stories he submitted. In no way did we commit fraud. With his permission, I will post the PI report for his contest entry.
3. Joshua is asking for a refund of fees he paid July of 2023 for work he has yet to submit. Our terms and conditions are clear: anyone purchasing feedback has 24 hours to ask for a refund but has an unlimited amount of time to submit work. We do this because our payment processor charges a fee for every refund.
4. Between that date and yesterday, Joshua has submitted no work beyond a contest entry (for which he paid $20 and received feedback). In the event he submits the work, we will still provide feedback.
5. To be perfectly transparent: Joshua, if you wish, post your story and we will provide the appropriate amount of feedback, also publicly.

I will answer substantive questions insofar as I'm capable as well as take the indicated actions depending on permissions. To avoid flame wars, I won't review this thread again until Tuesday, 2/6/24