How The Low Standards of Critiques Affect Writers on this Forum - Page 2 - Writers Forum

Ilasir Maroa · 08-12-2007, 06:30 PM

Yeah, that's what I did... and the guy got a little upset, declaraing that his critique was so self-evident that it didn't need an explanantion, and implied that I was pretty stupid for having to ask. He also said that he wasn't really interested in helping me anyway, because he didn't give a .... about my work one way or the other. I must admit I was left rather frustrated, annoyed(understatement), and wondering why he bothered to read my piece in the first place if he cared so little about it.

Well, I guess my question is pretty much answered. I can ask, but I'll probably have to deal with the fact that few people are going to say yes to a request for more explanation. Thanks for the response valeca.

valeca · 08-12-2007, 06:34 PM

Quote:

I can ask, but I'll probably have to deal with the fact that few people are going to say yes to a request for more explanation.

There are a fair number of members who'd be willing to add to their critique if they remember to check back into a thread. Don't completely write off that idea, just yet. But yes, if you ask, be prepared for whatever you may get in response.

Ilasir Maroa · 08-12-2007, 06:38 PM

I'm prepared now...

Well, I'll, try to keep some hope alive, valeca; I did get a few good reviews, but no one checked back.

The Backward OX · 08-12-2007, 08:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ilasir Maroa

... and the guy got a little upset, declaring that his critique was so self-evident that it didn't need an explanantion, and implied that I was pretty stupid for having to ask . . . . . . .

Well, I guess my question is pretty much answered. I can ask, but I'll probably have to deal with the fact that few people are going to say yes to a request for more explanation.

I don’t know much about writing. And I don’t know much about critiqueing at a professional level. But I do know something about electronic “communication”. And what I know is perhaps something to keep in mind when asking for clarification, and when reacting to a critic’s “Whaddya mean, what do I mean?”

Any form of communication that doesn’t have the instant feedback of face-to-face spoken communication is fraught. It’s that simple. Words can be misinterpreted.

I had one such situation only days previously. The OP had asked “was such-and-such” believable. Because of the way the context was described, I responded in a certain way, querying did the OP mean “was it believable that the protag would say this” or did the OP mean “was it believable that the antag would say this” and it was only after a verbal game of ping-pong that I finally learnt that the OP had meant “would readers believe it?” And along the way it was hinted that I was a bit thick for not seeing that meaning from the outset.

There’s another poster in these fora who quotes in the signature line the classic about a politician addressing the Speaker regarding a colleague whom the politician called a liar. The pollie addressing the Speaker conveniently leaves out the punctation, thus rendering the entire remark ambiguous.

These are the types of things with which we are faced constantly.

As well, there’s the remark made here about “provided they check back into the thread.” I couldn’t agree more. People are fickle.

dedhorse · 08-14-2007, 12:20 PM

This issue exists on every writing forum I've ever come across.

At the end of the day, you're the author, it's your story, and thus it's your responsibility to determine the value of any critiques you recieve.

It is absolutely your right to ask for clarification when you don't understand someone's critique, but if they refuse to explain their reasoning for whatever reason, you have to be able to say, "I don't understand or I don't agree, but thank you for taking the time," and concentrate on the critiques that you do find helpful.

Don't waste your time on those not willing to spend theirs on you.

mammamaia · 08-14-2007, 06:01 PM

Quote:

At the end of the day, you're the author, it's your story, and thus it's your responsibility to determine the value of any critiques you recieve.

It is absolutely your right to ask for clarification when you don't understand someone's critique, but if they refuse to explain their reasoning for whatever reason, you have to be able to say, "I don't understand or I don't agree, but thank you for taking the time," and concentrate on the critiques that you do find helpful.

Don't waste your time on those not willing to spend theirs on you.

and that's the best advice of all, on the subject, imo... well-put, dh!

Ilasir Maroa · 08-14-2007, 06:26 PM

mammamaia · 08-15-2007, 06:00 PM

what word?

Pale Gallery · 08-15-2007, 07:19 PM

It seems on this forum peoples critiqueing skills are critiqued.

This makes people feel uncomfortable and not able to say what they feel.
I think they often say things that they know other people can't dismiss like 'great imagery, works really well'. Alot of supercilious comments and sarcasm I find also.

Ilasir Maroa · 08-15-2007, 07:36 PM

Well, I try never to critique peoples critiueing skills. I only ask for clarification, and hope that they can give it. If not, oh well. But honestly, there's no need to get angry about it. I guess that the real problem for me; I'm not saying their cirituqe sucks(and I hope other people don't do that either). I just want to know if there's more detail they can give me.

Pale Gallery · 08-15-2007, 08:03 PM

I don't think you're one of them, but there are a few intimidating figures.

Nobody says "your critiqueing sucks", but some people are very holier than thou about it.

Ilasir Maroa · 08-15-2007, 08:09 PM

probably true... too bad...

alex994 · 08-18-2007, 02:41 PM

This may be a bit off topic but I'll use the excuse of being new here.

Is critique limited to the Critique-etc sub-forum? Or is it also available elsewhere?

Mira · 08-19-2007, 08:37 AM

Critique is available in the other forums as well. Like, the poetry, fiction, lyrics, non-fiction, etc. Post your work, and hope people will take the time to look it over

Cran · 08-19-2007, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ilasir Maroa

word

Quote:

Originally Posted by mammamaia

what word?

modern colloquialism, mamma, possibly from -
"the good word"

similar to "you said it!" ...

Quote:

Originally Posted by dedhorse

At the end of the day, you're the author, it's your story, and thus it's your responsibility to determine the value of any critiques you recieve.

... and with time, and enough examples,
it becomes easier to determine those values,
and even to make some value judgments about
the critic's credibility ...