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

mswietek · 08-14-2005, 10:15 PM

I am not sure if it belongs here, but it seemed like it was as good a place as any. Mods, please move if it fits better somewhere else.

Although I have been active on these boards for some time now, I feel more and more reluctant to critique and give feedback on poems I read here. I don't know why people are posting their poems here. Is it to receive the feedback they need to imrove their craft? Is it just to share? Are they really looking for an in depth critique of what works and what doesn't? Personally, I am looking to improve my craft, so the specific and honest the feedback, the better.

Sometimes I have left detailed feedback and have gotten the sinking suspicion that it was not welcome.

Sometimes I will read a poem that, in my mind, has major flaws, but to which several people post one liners like "Great job, nice description". At that point , I feel like I would be a big meanie if I start pointing out flaws and suggestions for change.

Would it be reasonable if people added "CRIT" to the end of the thread title if they are looking for a detailed critique. Perhaps they could add "SHARE" if they aren't really interested in people correcting their form.

Or am I the only one with the dillemma?

Michael

Pardot Kynes · 08-14-2005, 10:37 PM

Just tell the truth about what you think. BE brutally honest. Alot of people will appreciate it. But, mainly save that for the Critique forum. Here, just say what you thought about the poem, maybe offer three suggestions tops, and relax.

mswietek · 08-14-2005, 10:42 PM

From my reading of the critique forum, I haven't noticed any poetry (although I may have missed it). I critique people poem's bluntly (to myself) because by looking at other people's poems with a critical eye I am able to get a better sense as to how my poetry needs improvement.

I would prefer to be brutally honest (although politely so), but at the same time, I do not want to waste the time typing up a big detailed response if all they were looking for was a clap on the back. Then my words are more of intrusion than a help.

Michael

dannyboy · 08-14-2005, 10:43 PM

you're always welcome to critique mine Michael.

But I know what you mean.

I use this place as a teaser

then go to 'that other place' for a real whack over the head.

journyman161 · 08-14-2005, 11:05 PM

What Michael said...

I've been trying to work out why I feel reluctant to critique, or even post my own stuff, as I did only a few weeks back. I also felt in some instances I was wasting my time. I've been mostly in the debates or helping specific requests for assistance to keep in touch till I find out why I've changed.

Ah well, if I can change once I can change again. But it's good to know it's not just me.

mswietek · 08-15-2005, 08:48 AM

Danny,

Whack on the head is a nice way to put it, but it is very useful. I think a kinder gentler version could work well here, but only for those who wish it, which is why I posted. Having some easy way of indicating what you want to get out of posting would be a big help to those who may wish to help along those who would like to improve their craft.

Journyman,

You echo my sentiments as well, and I think it is part of the reason I have been quieter here than usual.

Michael

Saturnal · 08-15-2005, 08:51 AM

Yeah I hear ya. But stuff about critiquing is in the sticky message for the Poetry board, so I think we can all assume that people who post here want critique unless they say otherwise. We all want to share, and I'd say most of us want to get better at writing.

Critique me, I'd love some. It's rare I'll get a full set of suggestions about a poem.

mswietek · 08-15-2005, 09:15 AM

Saturnal,

I will keep that in mind the next time I see one of your poems come down the pike. Although I know what the stickies say, this seems to me to be an area where the culture of the board may have diverged a bit from the stickies. I think this is ok, but I also think it would be useful to know who wants what.

Michael

Saturnal · 08-15-2005, 10:22 AM

Yeah it's confusing. I remember I posted a poem to the Critique board a long time ago, and I was told "people don't really post poems in here". So I just posted to the poetry board after that. It's unclear, but I guess I just assume that no one will be insulted if I critique them so I do it.

gordon · 08-17-2005, 05:25 PM

THIS forum is meant to be a critique forum for Poets good bad and indifferent
It has lost its way in recent months and I agree comments one liners such as awesome good nice etc do nothing for the person who may or may not write well
If honest critique offends then don't post alternatively if the people here just want a self appreciation society carry on
I await the response with interest many serious poets who posted here in the past have left due to the hostility serious critiques receive if you want to look in the mirror and self congratulate so be it
G

dannyboy · 08-17-2005, 05:42 PM

so where to from here?

Do we need to critique each other's in more detail and hope it just sort of lifts the whole level?

Do we just critque everyone's regardless?

Do we need another level?

What?

Saturnal · 08-17-2005, 05:55 PM

I think we can do both. According to the Poetry board guidelines, we can expect critique and give it assuming the other person wants it. And we can also just post comments to say that we liked this or that poem. No biggie.

mswietek · 08-17-2005, 08:43 PM

Quote:

According to the Poetry board guidelines, we can expect critique and give it assuming the other person wants it. And we can also just post comments to say that we liked this or that poem.

I think this is a case where the guidelines and the culture of the board have drifted apart.

This is why I proposed adding CRIT or SHARE to the end of thread titles. It lets us have the best of both worlds. Those who want the Crits have a way of anouncing it from the thread title. People looking to critique will most likely focus on those poems Those who are intimidated by the idea of getting their work being read so critically can safely post without fear of people coming down hard on them.

Michael

journyman161 · 08-17-2005, 08:46 PM

That sounds like a good idea. It doesn't quite handle those who say they want critique but react badly when they get it, but it's a bloody good start.

mswietek · 08-17-2005, 08:50 PM

True, but the answer to that will always be...."well, you asked for it". I would be willing to write up something for a sticky if the Mods agree this is something worth trying.

Michael