Starik

Dannyboy,

“duly noted starik and from now on I will not critic your work.”

Your call, sir. At my age, all folks touch is scars (not much feeling there). However, I was talking about some folks who are new to poetry—a bit tentative and perhaps overly sensitive. I also skip some works I feel are beyond my ken or far from my personally preferred styles or content.

Personally, since that’s the direction we seem to be going, I believe your critiques have great value. The thought I tried to convey is that perceived nastiness detracts from the obvious value of your comments.

In any case, you obviously are free to critique whatever you desire in whatever manner you desire. When I perceive my critique may be embarrassing to the writer, I use PMs or emails.

But that’s only my opinion and I’m sure you know that opinions are like noses. Everybody seems to have one and most of them (mine included) do smell. LOL!

ms. vodka

I think this thread could use a bit of refreshing, and informing, for those who haven't read our guidelines for replies/critiques:

Posting replies

• Don't be afraid of replying! However lame you think your critique might be, it will almost certainly be appreciated. If you've got an opinion, you're best to voice it. Members will usually tolerate even the lamest one liner from a newbie.
• Like any skill, critical analysis improves with use. As you read and constructively comment on more poems, your ability to do so will sky rocket.
• Avoid posting replies along the lines of "Good job!" or "Not bad." Whilst marginally better than nothing at all, they give the author very little to work on. Rack your brains, is there anything at all constructive you can say? Did you like their use of language, or was there a particular line which you felt was out of place? Simple comments like these are very much preferable to unsubstantiated opinion.
• Posting negative feedback is even more vital than posting positive feedback. Never mediate the truth to the feelings of the author - we're all here to learn and improve, and we've no chance of doing so without absolute honesty.
• However, there is a line between negative feedback and rudeness. Just as positive opinions should ideally be justified, it is imperative that you justify your criticisms. This helps make sure nobody takes undue offense at your words and keeps the atmosphere professional.

critique should be honest and helpful. no flaming is necessary to help writers young or old. i have been writing poetry since i can remember, but have improved signifigantly since i joined this forum, simply from being open minded and listening.

rmestre, i think you may be meeting up with a bit of negativity in regard to this post, because it doesn't really fit our forum. our writers are exceptionally good at both giving and receiving critique, and we work hard to keep it that way. we have many beginners, some which i have personally watched grow from the level of major spelling and grammar errors to being some of our current best poets. as my mother used to say infuriatingly, "patience is a virtue."

the point is, if you're going to post, be prepared for honest critique. if you're going to critique, give what you would like to receive.

it's all cool here. let's keep it that way, please.

vodka

Jp

Sorry, but I found the last two lines to be like a bad white rapper stuck in my teeth. NO, actually It could have been worse, phhh, in fact I even enjoyed it.

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All I know I know because I have the fortune or misfortune of having to teach myself. -- Yehthatsme