http://www.abctales.com/story/facetalkbodywalk/rape-0

http://www.abctales.com/story/facetalkbodywalk/rape-0 Martyn, whilst I agree with the idea of criticism along with or instead of praise, and indeed, my writing has improved from constructive comments. But tread lightly. Maybe this guy has had this experience. The poem wasn't the best I had read, but it conveyed a raw feeling that doesn't even make the idea of fantasy a thought in my head. Poetry for me is all about the feelings, tight and fluid words are just icing.

It's certainly not my bag, writing style-wise. The rhyme is a bit dee-da-dee-da (I'd say greetings-card if that didn't conjure up the darkest card genre ever created) for the subject, and it doesn't seem to be saying anything new. I would however, disagree with you, Martyn, in saying that it is "quite sick". I just don't see in any way how that statement is constructive or relevant. It's a personal reaction that has little to do with the writing. I mean, seriously, very few subjects are off limits these days, and this is one that's been covered over and over again. My beef with it is that it's not written in a way that suggests an individual personal narrative, so much as a general cliched account of rape that doesn't really engage me with its writing. And I would also argue with lisa h's suggestion to tread lightly, because "Maybe this guy has had this experience." Again, that doesn't seem relevant. You can't just take a throughroute to the author through a speaker. Even if they have had this experience, they have posted the piece as creative writing, and not specified that they do not want critical feedback. Sorry, it just really hacks me off when people automatically assume that because a writer's done erotica, they're a nympho, that because a writer's written about dismembering bodies, they're a serial killer etc. I can't see the category. If it's been posted as autobiographical, then perhaps my argument's ill-founded, but if not, then I'm sure the author might appreciate people looking at the writing itself and not making guesses about what they had for breakfast that morning. "I have a room for life at the Home for the Chronically Groovy."

In answer to the piece being autobiographical, http://www.abctales.com/user/48490 If authors blurbs are to be believed then Lisa was right to request 'tread carefully' I agree with Martyn that this area should not solely be about praise, however I don't feel that wading in and declaring that something is terribly written, a mawkish treatment of rape or a deranged fantasy that is sick is a very constructive criticism.

I don't know about poetry but felt this was hard hitting. Looking at the author profile I'd agree we should tread carefully. I agree with what camus already said about crit, it should be constructive, especially if written by someone who's experienced these traumatic issues. How dare someone describe it as mawkish treatment of rape and deranged fantasies. nobody

Camus, having followed the link, yeah, I guess this probably wasn't a good one for me to wade in on. If I was going to be constructive, I'd say the rhyme is my biggest stumbler. It doesn't seem right for the poem and is at times forced. I don't think, however, the author was after too much crit. However, I stick to my original notion of people specifying if that is the case. Think I'll bow out on this.

Yea, this site is open to everyone to say what ever they want, constructive or not. Also treading carefully or not treading carefully. A personal reaction, and a bit more 'daring' is just what we need here. And it is a place to be angry, or what ever.... To say what you think because something has been posted to get a reaction. It's not a mental hospital. Stop stopping people with such limiting buzz. Chris

Just thought I'd add "mawkish, deranged fantasies" in again to see whether I can Googlewhack it. Richard x

bollocks. did turn up stuff about "Miracleman" though - Best British comic ever!

Chris, have you read tips on how to use this forum? *The process of taking criticism and suggestions is vital to your growth as a writer. The feelings of an audience towards your writing will always prove useful. Most people are looking for honest feedback about their work. When you flag up a piece of work, people appreciate it if you tell them what you think. It’s great when people say what they like and why, as this gives the encouragement to keep going. **What is also useful, but takes a bit more delicacy, is telling people what you didn’t like. In this case, it is always better to give very specific examples of what you thought could be done better, and try where possible to make suggestions and lend a hand. Remember, though, ABCtales is slightly different to a writing class or a critique group. Many people who put their work up onto ABCtales will not be used to the kind of no holds barred critical dissection that can go on in such settings. Unless you are sure of how used to taking constructive criticism someone is, it always worth thinking about what sort of things would have stopped you in your tracks when you were beginning to write. We want to be a nurturing community where people can learn and grow, rather than a place where people feel as if they are going to get their work ripped to pieces. Always ask yourself ‘Are my comments constructive and supportive?’** That said; never feel that ‘Discuss Writing from ABCtales’ is simply a place to pat people on the back. Never feel that you should stifle your views on a piece, just treat the author of the work you are discussing with respect and remember that no matter what piece of writing you look at on ABCtales, someone has put their time and effort into writing it* Yes, it is perfectly reasonable to offer more than "I liked this" etc, etc..however, it is less acceptable to simply pronounce something as crap without offering an explanation of what it is that you think makes it not so good or even offering the author pointers that you think could make it better. What Abc strives to be is not simply a website where people's work can be slagged off but a community that helps and supports the writers and readers who contribute, many of whom are new to the writing experience. With this in mind most people tend to simply not comment on something if they disliked it rather than offering something entirely negative and demoralising.