Constructive Criticism Please

[tickledkitty]

Well, you're probably right, about the TK part. As far as criticism goes, you just have to develop a thick skin here. Somebody's always willing to tell you that you wrote the best story ever on Lit, and he's followed by the guy who tells you that your story sucked worse than anything else he's ever read on Lit. Sort of good comment, bad comment. I've come to think of critiquing, though, here in the Story Feedback Forum, as a very useful exercise, not only for me, but also for the people who want the critiques. And while I haven't yet told anyone to give up writing, I have suggested that some people ought to put a considerable amount of work into their next project. And if they want to tell me my story sucks, hey, they can go ahead.

I agree with you that it can be a very useful excercise. I had a writing class in college where we all critqued eachother's work. It was a great class.

The other problem I have with doing a critique on here is that I sometimes don't know exactly what to say. If the story really does suck and has no redeeming qualities whatsoever, what am I supposed to say? I mean, I hate to be harsh with other peoples' creativity.

 

[damppanties]

I agree with you that it can be a very useful excercise. I had a writing class in college where we all critqued eachother's work. It was a great class.

The other problem I have with doing a critique on here is that I sometimes don't know exactly what to say. If the story really does suck and has no redeeming qualities whatsoever, what am I supposed to say? I mean, I hate to be harsh with other peoples' creativity.

A person who critiques does not necessarily need to be a good writer. Critiquing someone else's work is an entirely different thing than writing. In a critique, you're telling someone what you, as a reader, liked or disliked about his/her story. I'm sure every author would like to hear from his readers. The objectivity with which you can review another's work can never be used for your own. And if someone turns around and says 'you suck' just ask him to be more helpful by pointing out exactly how and where your writing sucks and how you can make it better.

As to what you should do if you can't find anything good about someone's writing - just give them pointers on how to get better. (That doesn't mean I didn't find anything praiseworthy in yours.)

 

[tickledkitty]

A person who critiques does not necessarily need to be a good writer. Critiquing someone else's work is an entirely different thing than writing. In a critique, you're telling someone what you, as a reader, liked or disliked about his/her story. I'm sure every author would like to hear from his readers. The objectivity with which you can review another's work can never be used for your own. And if someone turns around and says 'you suck' just ask him to be more helpful by pointing out exactly how and where your writing sucks and how you can make it better.

As to what you should do if you can't find anything good about someone's writing - just give them pointers on how to get better. (That doesn't mean I didn't find anything praiseworthy in yours.)

Sure, I know that. I guess what I was trying to say is that people may feel that I'm unqualified to judge their work when my own is rather pedestrian and mediocre. That's all. I don't care if someone tells me I suck. Sometimes I do. LOL

You did give me some praise too, DK, which I appreciated.

 

[MarshAlien]

In general, I think your writing is very good.

[M]y own [work] is rather pedestrian and mediocre.

So now you're callin' me a liar?

I swear, I have more trouble on this site with kittens and witches.

 

[tickledkitty]

So now you're callin' me a liar?

I swear, I have more trouble on this site with kittens and witches.

No, no, no. Never. I meant that might be the perception of the person being critiqued by me.

 

[Penelope Street]

I have a hard time criticizing other peoples' work anyway, because I'm afraid they'll turn around and say, "Yeah, well you suck too."

You'll encounter plenty of rude persons on just about any forum. That's their problem, not yours- unless you let it be your problem.

The other problem I have with doing a critique on here is that I sometimes don't know exactly what to say. If the story really does suck and has no redeeming qualities whatsoever, what am I supposed to say?

Nothing is usually my choice when they're that bad.

I guess what I was trying to say is that people may feel that I'm unqualified to judge their work when my own is rather pedestrian and mediocre.

I don't believe any reader is unqualified to make constructive comments, regardless of their ability as a writer.

 

[MarshAlien]

No, no, no. Never. I meant that might be the perception of the person being critiqued by me.

Fuck 'em. If the criticism is valid, it depends not a whit on what they think of your work. If it's not, a Nobel Prize on your mantle won't make any difference.

Still sounded like you were callin' me a liar, though. What do you think of your story, then? Do you think it's pedestrian and mediocre?

As far as stories sucking, I actually wrote, earlier tonight, on another thread in this forum, "I understood [the mangled English]. Your story sucked, too. It actually would have sucked even if it had been written in the Queen's English." It helps being an alien sometimes.

 

[tickledkitty]

Fuck 'em. If the criticism is valid, it depends not a whit on what they think of your work. If it's not, a Nobel Prize on your mantle won't make any difference.

Still sounded like you were callin' me a liar, though. What do you think of your story, then? Do you think it's pedestrian and mediocre?

As far as stories sucking, I actually wrote, earlier tonight, on another thread in this forum, "I understood [the mangled English]. Your story sucked, too. It actually would have sucked even if it had been written in the Queen's English." It helps being an alien sometimes.

Yes, in the grand scheme of things, I do think my writing is pedestrian and mediocre. As far as this site, its okay. It doesn't suck, but it's not fabulous either. I'd like it to be fabulous, but I'm not there yet. I'm not calling you a liar, Marsh. I'm glad you think it's good. I think it could be good. I think I have potential.

I saw what you said on that other thread. I wanted to say it myself.

 

[MarshAlien]

Yes, in the grand scheme of things, I do think my writing is pedestrian and mediocre. As far as this site, its okay. It doesn't suck, but it's not fabulous either. I'd like it to be fabulous, but I'm not there yet. I'm not calling you a liar, Marsh. I'm glad you think it's good. I think it could be good. I think I have potential.

I saw what you said on that other thread. I wanted to say it myself.

I think you have potential, too. My advice: find a good editor to work with. The road to fabulousness (fabuldom?) will be much smoother, and probably a bit quicker.

 

[tickledkitty]

I think you have potential, too. My advice: find a good editor to work with. The road to fabulousness (fabuldom?) will be much smoother, and probably a bit quicker.

Thanks Marsh. That's good advice.

 

[drksideofthemoon]

Sure, I know that. I guess what I was trying to say is that people may feel that I'm unqualified to judge their work when my own is rather pedestrian and mediocre. That's all. I don't care if someone tells me I suck. Sometimes I do. LOL

You did give me some praise too, DK, which I appreciated.

You've written one story. Give yourself some time, the secret to becoming a better writer is just writing. The more you write, the better you will become.

Your ability as a reader, and to be able to communicate what you liked or disliked in a story is no less valid than any other writer at this site. Your perceptions, and opinions are just as valuable as anyone elses.

 

[drksideofthemoon]

I think you have potential, too. My advice: find a good editor to work with. The road to fabulousness (fabuldom?) will be much smoother, and probably a bit quicker.

My opinion---I think editors are overated for the most part.

 

[tickledkitty]

My opinion---I think editors are overated for the most part.

Yes, I know.

 

[damppanties]

My opinion---I think editors are overated for the most part.

How could you?

ps. The word's overrated.

 

[Penelope Street]

How could you?

ps. The word's overrated.

LOL. Is that a faux pas to rival bad hair?

My advice: find a good editor to work with.

Thanks Marsh. That's good advice.

If you're seeking another set of eyes to have a look at your story before posting it, I would suggest looking for another author with whom to trade editing favors, preferably someone with similar potential who is also relatively new to the site.

 

[drksideofthemoon]

How could you?

ps. The word's overrated.

LOL!!! Maybe I should find an editor for my posts....

 

[tickledkitty]

LOL. Is that a faux pas to rival bad hair?



If you're seeking another set of eyes to have a look at your story before posting it, I would suggest looking for another author with whom to trade editing favors, preferably someone with similar potential who is also relatively new to the site.

Thanks, Penny. I'll think about it. What I would really like is someone with a little more experience.