Taking it on the Chin
The benefits of criticism...25 total reviews
Comment from Ulla
Hi Gareth, I agree with all you're saying, but I think you omit one very important aspect. I think it's important to tell the writer that it's a good piece of writing, but it needs some work.
And then all your great points follow. You may think why that is necessary. Otherwise you wouldn't even bother to critique. But the writer may not see it that way, especially if they have just started out and are new to the 'game'. The will feel deflated right away.
By the way, you have helped me a lot, and I have learned to look forward to a good critique. I have learned so much over the years. Ulla:)))
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Hi Gareth, I agree with all you're saying, but I think you omit one very important aspect. I think it's important to tell the writer that it's a good piece of writing, but it needs some work.
And then all your great points follow. You may think why that is necessary. Otherwise you wouldn't even bother to critique. But the writer may not see it that way, especially if they have just started out and are new to the 'game'. The will feel deflated right away.
By the way, you have helped me a lot, and I have learned to look forward to a good critique. I have learned so much over the years. Ulla:)))
Comment Written 02-Aug-2023
Comment from Tom Horonzy
What I can say is accepting or not is a learned trait. Being criticized as a boy was difficult, and though bullied I was strong enough to overcome being the runt of the class (5'1) in ninth grade to 6'3 on graduation day.
It wasn't easy.
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What I can say is accepting or not is a learned trait. Being criticized as a boy was difficult, and though bullied I was strong enough to overcome being the runt of the class (5'1) in ninth grade to 6'3 on graduation day.
It wasn't easy.
Comment Written 02-Aug-2023
Comment from Iza Deleanu
You mentioned very good points in how to deal with bad criticism, and I must admit that I am swinning a lot between those two;"Resistance - dismissing, denying or arguing with the reviewer's comments or point of view.
Withering - letting the critique deflate and demoralize you." usually the second wins:) but I bashed it with a strong drink of optimism :) could be worse, right?
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You mentioned very good points in how to deal with bad criticism, and I must admit that I am swinning a lot between those two;"Resistance - dismissing, denying or arguing with the reviewer's comments or point of view.
Withering - letting the critique deflate and demoralize you." usually the second wins:) but I bashed it with a strong drink of optimism :) could be worse, right?
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 02-Aug-2023
Comment from Jim Wile
I may not be quite to the point of loving it, but I'm at least at the point of welcoming it. It really gets me to focus on my story to know whether or not people are resonating with the characters or if I need tightening up because there is perhaps too much narrative in parts, or it's unnecessarily detailed and getting boring, or doesn't advance the story any. That sort of feedback is excellent and appreciated. I do like to discuss the feedback with the reviewer and really narrow in on exactly what the criticism is.
This piece is excellent advice not only to the author, but to the reviewer as well--to be specific with your comments and perhaps offer examples of how the writing could be improved. Everyone gains by that.
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I may not be quite to the point of loving it, but I'm at least at the point of welcoming it. It really gets me to focus on my story to know whether or not people are resonating with the characters or if I need tightening up because there is perhaps too much narrative in parts, or it's unnecessarily detailed and getting boring, or doesn't advance the story any. That sort of feedback is excellent and appreciated. I do like to discuss the feedback with the reviewer and really narrow in on exactly what the criticism is.
This piece is excellent advice not only to the author, but to the reviewer as well--to be specific with your comments and perhaps offer examples of how the writing could be improved. Everyone gains by that.
Comment Written 02-Aug-2023
Comment from barbara.wilkey
Thank you for sharing this post on accepting criticism. I read and consider each person's reviews. I struggle sometimes when a reviewer doesn't understand the genre that I write in. I then go back to books and double check everything, to make sure I understand it. I am always glad to get help with the mechanics of writing.
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reply by the author on 02-Aug-2023
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Thank you for sharing this post on accepting criticism. I read and consider each person's reviews. I struggle sometimes when a reviewer doesn't understand the genre that I write in. I then go back to books and double check everything, to make sure I understand it. I am always glad to get help with the mechanics of writing.
This rating does not count towards story rating or author rank.
The highest and the lowest rating are not included in calculations.
Comment Written 02-Aug-2023
reply by the author on 02-Aug-2023
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Yep, there are certain conventions / tropes within particular genres but it doesn't always mean there's nothing to be gained from those. It's nice sometimes to subvert the morn in those areas. Much appreciated. G