Here's a suggestion... - Page 2 - Writers Forum

Farror · 12-19-2006, 06:07 AM

As I said, people should do their best to polish their work before posting. If their best polishing leaves typos, that's not a problem, and at that point, there are many people more than willing to help. I think it might be better if Raging Hopeful's rant were taken as a vague, directionless critisizm, towards nobody in particular.

Raging_Hopeful · 12-19-2006, 11:07 AM

It was a rant, and not a demand for people to punish themselves by admitting all transgressions Cornish Maid (don't worry, you're doing fine

) I have no problem with helping edit if the real problem is that the writer genuinely doesn't realize the errors. I'm just saying posting work that you KNOW is sloppy and riddled with typos is irresponsible and a turn-off.

Fin.

Rob · 12-19-2006, 11:16 AM

Lindsay's post is a personal opinion. While I'm sure many here will share her opinion, and there's a lot to be said for the good points she's made, she's not speaking on behalf of the whole membership. That said, if you do have a work in progress that you need feedback on, or if you are going to post an early draft, you may still get feedback from some of the members, but play fair and make it clear what you're looking for and what your work represents so that it can be reviewed on that basis. If you don't, you may simply turn people off reading your work.

Cheers,
Omni

Redrust422 · 12-19-2006, 05:03 PM

Wow, sorry. I just read my post from last night and I think I was a real ass. Sorry Lindsay. You know something that I really respect? You didn't jump right back with angry words in response. So thanks.

Oh, plus it does help a bit to know it wasn't aimed at me... heh.

But, I still suggest a WIP section so that those who do want to submit them can do so without cluttering up the other threads and pissing off Lindsay

Raging_Hopeful · 12-19-2006, 06:43 PM

*smirk* Awww, all that just for me? Nah, it's all good. I'm a little on edge these days. I'll try to reign it in (I chewed out another new person the other day) for the sake of the newcomers. I'm just tired and I want xmas to be over. Well, cheers everyone and I'm glad we could come to a peaceful resolution redrest.

seawings · 12-29-2006, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raging_Hopeful

Okay people, if your work is incomplete or an extremely rough draft, don't post it to the forum and expect everyone else to do the heavy-lifting for you.

Thanks...its comments like your and others on this thread than help us fledging poster on what to do and not to do. I see many other posts that refer to you need to critique to be critiqued...that, however, seems a problem if you are someone like me...new, and not feeling capable or knowledgeable enough to judge someone else’s writing. A conundrum!

A Simple Man · 12-29-2006, 06:12 PM

From my perspective, I am running around trying to learn everything at once, including punctuation and grammar. I announced my ignorance and my intent right from the beginning, that this would be a place of learning for me. At no time did anyone state "beginners are not welcome", until this thread.

I will progress with due speed, I promise.

In the mean time, if crap makes your eyes bleed, don't look.

Pongo · 12-29-2006, 06:29 PM

The beauty of the written word is not consricted by the imposition of correct grammer, but by those who wish to impose it! The beauty of any composition is in the mind of the composer! Not that of those who be-little that which they cannot comprehend!

A Simple Man · 12-29-2006, 06:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pongo

The beauty of the written word is not consricted by the imposition of correct grammer, but by those who wish to impose it! The beauty of any composition is in the mind of the composer! Not that of those who be-little that which they cannot comprehend!

Sure, if you are into self-gratification. Go for it.
Personally I am out to reach an audience. A very broad one.

Brain jerk-offs are practice for the real thing. Just don't fall in love with your own hand.

Raging_Hopeful · 12-31-2006, 03:06 AM

Well said Simple Man. And though grammar is an important part of communicating clearly, I can understand the love of the art and not wanting to dilute it with mamby-pamby things such as spelling and punctuation.

HOWEVER:

As a wise one once said, "you have to know the rules before you can break them." Learn them, love them and discover the appropriate places to play and the appropriate places to constrict.

After all, if you're looking to be published...

Jolly McJollyson · 12-31-2006, 03:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raging_Hopeful

"you have to know the rules before you can break them."

And my GOD is it funny to watch people try to break them without first knowing them.

wis3on3 · 12-31-2006, 04:58 AM

my first impression of this thread was...
'Don't post things that aren't finished coz it's wrong'
which made me feel guilty coz i'm always doing it...

now i feel its saying
'newbies need to know that they shouldnt post crap things coz its wrong'
which made me feel negative towards your post. if you cannot say it in a nice way, dont say it. They come here for comments on their work. it may not be their fault it's not that good, just tell them what's wrong. you'll never REALLY know how much effort they've put in, so you'll just have to assume that they've put a decent ammount of it.

A Simple Man · 12-31-2006, 05:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raging_Hopeful

.....
As a wise one once said, "you have to know the rules before you can break them." Learn them, love them ...

Currency inspectors train by studying the real thing in depth; not by studying counterfeits. (so I am told)

I hold this philosophy close.

Fantasy of You · 12-31-2006, 11:08 AM

In the majority of cases, those that say 'I wrote this in five minutes' spent a long time on their pieces, and simply have confidence issues. For the people who haven't polished it, or lack the ability to do so effectively, why get angry at them? If you're pissed off over the grammatical errors, don't mention them, give them your opinion of the story. Or don't post on there thread at all.

Either way, there's no need to bitch about it. Spend your time critiquing works that have had a lot of effort put into them instead, and make your point without the rant.

- FoY

valeca · 12-31-2006, 11:14 AM

Quote:

if your work is incomplete or an extremely rough draft, don't post it to the forum

This is partially a good rule of thumb to go by depending on your use of 'incomplete'.

Extrememly rough - not a good idea to post.
Incomplete - good to post.

With such a significant gray area in regards to first publishing rights/posting work online, it's always a good idea to err on the side of caution. Posting incomplete work rather than a story in its entirety is helpful in protecting your writing. It's also useful with regards to plagiarism.

Like I said, it depends on your use of the term 'incomplete', though.