I Don't Much Care For This Place.... - Writers Forum

JudoChop · 11-24-2007, 10:59 AM

After a conversation with a friend who earns his paycheck as a content editor for a news service, I’ve decided I don’t much care for this place!
He and I were discussing the often obtuse criticism from the membership of this forum. He relayed a story to me from a friend of his who works as an editor for a publishing house.
According to this third hand tale and of course I could be making this up or he could be. But based on some of the things I have observed here the tale seems to have validity.
Anyhow, it seems a noted author posted an excerpt here and received a lambasting that included a comment about their work being ‘amateurish’. So, he had his editor look over the excerpt just for poops and giggles, the editor could not find any mechanical mistakes (grammar, punctuation, etc.) and yet the ‘regulars’ here attacked him!
This place reminds me of the writers groups I used to attend in college. Ten or twenty people ganged up seeking approval and the ever present one or two assholes that want to rip on everyone else yet are infuriated if we don’t think what they penned was ‘War and Peace II: Electric Boogalooh.’
Therefore, after not so careful consideration, I’m deleting my account! It’s not that I cannot take criticism; I like it even when it is brutal. Still, thus far I’ve only received useful critiques from two or three folks. The remainder has been snide comments made by people who likely criticize a Pulitzer Prize winner, because ‘they know what’s right (or write)!’
And though I came here for honesty and to share ideas, I did not come here to have every single thing I type criticized by some AR dip-dunk. Some of the folks here don’t criticize to be constructive; they criticize because they are either, angry, depressed, or just plain mean. To you folks, I feel truly sorry, perhaps you may one day be on par with Tolstoy, but me, I’d rather punch out hacky crap and have some friends.
P.S.
Grammar Nazis remember this; mechanically flawless writing does not always mean good writing. Even Strunk and White had off days.
Oh and don’t correct people in face to face conversation, sooner or later someone is going to call you on it. It’s annoying and trite.

stonewallja · 11-24-2007, 11:14 AM

I spent six years at writing forums learning the craft. My skin has been gatorized. I was able to separate the wheat from the shaft so I found the abuse constructive. Red beans and ricely...

Malone · 11-24-2007, 11:14 AM

Ty_lol · 11-24-2007, 11:18 AM

I agree with much of what you say. However, I think messaging a moderator would be a better approach on this issue. Posting threads like this just let’s the flamers keep on flaming, if yeah know what I mean.

Sniper McGee · 11-24-2007, 11:31 AM

Sorry that your leaving. There are some asses on here, but theres also some really good stuff to learn too. I hope you have a better time wherever you go next.

-Bryce out

k3ng · 11-24-2007, 11:37 AM

Is it just me or has WF.com been receiving alot of bashing from newbies lately.

Back when I first joined, the air wasn't so smelly.

valeca · 11-24-2007, 12:35 PM

The best way to encourage change is to lead by example. By your example, you've condemned those groups who think they know it all by lambasting them and telling them that you (and your group) know better than they do. Pot? Kettle?

Anyhow, sorry you didn't enjoy your time at WF and hope you find what you're looking for elsewhere.

And K3ng, yep, but it comes with the territory with sites this size. As far as storm outs go, we've had others that were much more monumental and effective from members who've given a heck of a lot more.

Slay Ride · 11-24-2007, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stonewallja

I spent six years at writing forums learning the craft. My skin has been gatorized. I was able to separate the wheat from the shaft so I found the abuse constructive. Red beans and ricely...

abuse is never constructive.

ce l'est vie

cinder and smoke · 11-24-2007, 01:01 PM

See ya. To each his own.

Ilasir Maroa · 11-24-2007, 01:09 PM

Perhaps you could provide more than some anecdotal evidence?

RomanticRose · 11-24-2007, 01:29 PM

Being a published author doesn't automatically ensure a good writer. There are several writers, on the bestseller list with appalling regularity that, in my very humble opinion, write crap flambe.

Obviously a large number of people disagree with me.

Ilasir Maroa · 11-24-2007, 01:35 PM

I don't. It's quite true.

Lote-Tree · 11-24-2007, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JudoChop

After a conversation with a friend who earns his paycheck as a content editor for a news service, I’ve decided I don’t much care for this place!
He and I were discussing the often obtuse criticism from the membership of this forum. He relayed a story to me from a friend of his who works as an editor for a publishing house.
According to this third hand tale and of course I could be making this up or he could be. But based on some of the things I have observed here the tale seems to have validity.
Anyhow, it seems a noted author posted an excerpt here and received a lambasting that included a comment about their work being ‘amateurish’. So, he had his editor look over the excerpt just for poops and giggles, the editor could not find any mechanical mistakes (grammar, punctuation, etc.) and yet the ‘regulars’ here attacked him!
This place reminds me of the writers groups I used to attend in college. Ten or twenty people ganged up seeking approval and the ever present one or two assholes that want to rip on everyone else yet are infuriated if we don’t think what they penned was ‘War and Peace II: Electric Boogalooh.’
Therefore, after not so careful consideration, I’m deleting my account! It’s not that I cannot take criticism; I like it even when it is brutal. Still, thus far I’ve only received useful critiques from two or three folks. The remainder has been snide comments made by people who likely criticize a Pulitzer Prize winner, because ‘they know what’s right (or write)!’
And though I came here for honesty and to share ideas, I did not come here to have every single thing I type criticized by some AR dip-dunk. Some of the folks here don’t criticize to be constructive; they criticize because they are either, angry, depressed, or just plain mean. To you folks, I feel truly sorry, perhaps you may one day be on par with Tolstoy, but me, I’d rather punch out hacky crap and have some friends.
P.S.
Grammar Nazis remember this; mechanically flawless writing does not always mean good writing. Even Strunk and White had off days.
Oh and don’t correct people in face to face conversation, sooner or later someone is going to call you on it. It’s annoying and trite.

All of these things you say is perhaps true. I have been here for very short while and I have seen some of things you have mentioned. But I guess you get these kinds of individuals on all forums.

Best thing to do is not to take any forums seriously because life is serious enough

And if you need criticism on your work - take the criticisms that is constructive and ignore the rest

dwellerofthedeep · 11-24-2007, 03:33 PM

Actually, I thought the Forum was getting nicer lately. Oh well, I guess it's just me.

lin · 11-24-2007, 04:05 PM

You will be missed, JudoChop. Your 18 previous posts were gems and your story about the noted writer who posted here for some reason was moving and humorous. Vaya con dios.