How should I critique these poems??? - Page 2 - Writers Forum

Saturnal · 08-17-2005, 09:12 PM

Yea I see what you mean about the difference between the stated guidelines and the culture. My concern is that merely sharing poetry without critique might lead to a lack of general quality and originality in the posts we read here. I rarely see people react badly to critique, but maybe I've just been lucky hah. The SHARE/CRIT label thing could be good, but I'm thinking many people just won't put a label either way. Maybe we could conduct a poll about it or something to see what most people think.

mammamaia · 08-18-2005, 10:49 AM

saturnal makes a valid point... a 'share' only category could well flood the board with so much stuff people just want to see 'in print' somewhere, that all the serious ones wanting feedback will be lost in the waves...

if there is such a thing, i think it had better be in a separate board set up just for that... but then, what of all the short story, non-fiction writers and novelists, etc. who would want 'equal time'?

i don't think the purpose of this site is to 'display' writers' work regardless of how good or bad it might be, but for writers to get help, advice, and feedback... this would change it into something that may end up scaring away many active members...

mswietek · 08-18-2005, 11:03 AM

I agree with your point Maia, and I don't have a problem with dropping "Share" at all. My main concern was not wanting to scare away posters who would feel intimidated by the idea of people picking in a detailed way through their work, calling attention to cliches and abstractions, etc.

But at the same time, it would be nice for there to be an easy way for those posters who DO want a more detailed analysis to let everyone know. It also allows those who like to critique to be able to do so without worrying that it will not be appreciated or not be welcomed.

I think this will help all posters as even those who don't want their own work critiqued will read those that have been "given the once over" and will learn to apply the lessons to their own work. In this way we can raise the level of poetry, and help those who are looking for it.

Its possible that some people (perhaps even most) would not use the label, but if they find that their poems are getting less attention than those that do, they may change their minds.

Michael

**Penelope** · 08-18-2005, 11:09 AM

What I think about a poem is what I post. I rarely do an indepth critique because it's not my nature. Once in a while I'll ask the author if I can take some liberties with what I'm reading. Normally, I can see where I think the improvements can be made. I'm just one opinion and while I've 'upset' some posters here it's not because of ill will, quite the opposite. I avoid making too many suggestions about 'personal' poems because those are the ones that tend to be the most sensitive to the author.

If someone, anyone makes a suggestion that they think might be an improvement, the decision always rests with the author.

Primarily, I'm here because I like to read.

Saturnal · 08-18-2005, 07:13 PM

We could also just ask the admins to split the poetry board into one for just sharing and one for critique. I don't think that would be too hard to implement.

bobbiego · 08-18-2005, 08:09 PM

I am new here, and I thought it was a critique board. I have recieved several good suggestions for change. I don't notice a difference, because I wasn't here before, but this board is a very friendly welcoming place. It is hard to find people that do in depth crits...I am not very good at it, I just look at a poem as a whole and make comments that way. I looked at the critique forum and didn't feel it was for poems either...I like all the help I can get, and also like mention of what is good in my poem.

Bobbie