tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post4172985710449882880..comments2023-12-29T11:39:14.271-06:00Comments on 4RV Reading, Writing, & Art News: Constructive CriticismVivian Zabelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06129178812565073972noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-10350982346534424062011-04-12T08:10:48.664-05:002011-04-12T08:10:48.664-05:00One of the first things I learned in my writing gr...One of the first things I learned in my writing group was how to respond to criticism. This extends to bad reviews, as well. You have asked someone for an opinion. He or she has given it to you. It's bad form to defend yourself or attack the giver. Thank them, and move on. In an unpublished work, it can only serve to improve the story.Laurie Borishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08361627047571650547noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-35730897564636492782011-04-12T07:30:18.943-05:002011-04-12T07:30:18.943-05:00Susanne, I think that most people don't realiz...Susanne, I think that most people don't realize, when defending themselves the way you see those "flamewars" developing in the linked threads, just what horse's behinds they make themselves appear to be to bystanders. Nine times out of ten, it's probably best just to lock the keyboard out of your own reach for a while, and let the other guy do it to himself - all by himself. <br /><br />Sometimes, it's impossible to resist a fight - but be careful and take the high ground. Or, as a colleague of mine says, "You sure this is the ditch you wanna die in, today?"<br /><br />Harsh critique may bruise your ego for a bit, it may sting like putting iodine on a cut. But it can contain an awful lot of value. <br /><br />Personal abuse is just that - and if you stay out of it, it'll either die a natural death or the perpetrators will make themselves look so bad they'll have to slink off with their tails between their legs. Never bring gasoline to a stupid flamewar, especially if you're the one being flamed. (And if things really get out of hand, call the police. Cyberbullying is a CRIME.)Holly Jahangirihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034708581256314628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-78645487953090744282011-04-12T06:07:21.794-05:002011-04-12T06:07:21.794-05:00I enjoyed the article, Holly. Thank you.
From an...I enjoyed the article, Holly. Thank you. <br /><br />From an artist's point of view as well as a writer's this makes perfect sense. It has always been more beneficial to me to receive honest critique. Compliments and praise are nice but I have found great value in the helpful and constructive criticism of my peers.Ginger*:)https://www.blogger.com/profile/14970160779830842600noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-74012239199280990932011-04-11T11:25:51.505-05:002011-04-11T11:25:51.505-05:00Susanne, I'm glad you're enjoying the blog...Susanne, I'm glad you're enjoying the blog newsletter. We want to share what we know to help others.<br /><br />VivianVivian Zabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06129178812565073972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-28829155512623423152011-04-11T11:18:04.307-05:002011-04-11T11:18:04.307-05:00A very interesting post. I've been told by ma...A very interesting post. I've been told by many that writers need to develop a thick skin and not to take critiques personally. People who are offering critiques of your work are critiquing the work, not the person. Accept what is said graciously and either use the information to improve your work or don't use it. I cringed when reading some of the comments on the links you provided. <br /><br />I enjoy stopping by this blog. So many great things to learn. Thank you!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-34886380093495361982011-04-11T10:40:22.195-05:002011-04-11T10:40:22.195-05:00Holly, I really do like this article, especially c...Holly, I really do like this article, especially considering some of the experiences I've had with rejected writers. <br /><br />VivianVivian Zabelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06129178812565073972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-10238435706551532652011-04-11T07:28:35.401-05:002011-04-11T07:28:35.401-05:00Dawn, it seems unproductive to stay in a group tha...Dawn, it seems unproductive to stay in a group that's good at dishing the critique, but can't take it with good grace. And beta readers are wonderful - provided they don't love you and think every blurt of ink from your pen is perfection. ;) <br /><br />My daughter used to hate it when I gave critique - and hated it equally when I dished out praise. "You HAVE to say that. You're my mom." Over the years, she's learned that being mom doesn't mean I won't be honest. One thing I always appreciated in my own mom was her honesty - that she could give constructive criticism without sugar coating, but do it in such a way that I trusted her judgment AND her love.Holly Jahangirihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08034708581256314628noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2925401174378785919.post-15852400193896467422011-04-11T01:12:57.519-05:002011-04-11T01:12:57.519-05:00Great post. I've seen a couple instances of an...Great post. I've seen a couple instances of an author fighting against a bad review and it definitely went viral. Not good at all. It just made the writer seem petty and unprofessional. <br /><br />Since I'm not published, all I've face so far is in a critique group. Had an instance of a rather negative comment and while it was a bit rude, after some time I figured out what the problem was in the chapter that they were talking about. However, I left the group in part because of the same person. Not for the comment on my story but more so because she would literally say my opinion was wrong when I critiqued her writing. That and a few other reasons lead me to leave. Now that I'm getting ready with novels, I have beta readers who are going to help me but I am searching for a critique partner.<br /><br />Thanks for posting this reminder.Dawn Embershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00214560861614476799noreply@blogger.com