Critiques or praise only?

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Critiques or praise only?

I haven't noticed any critical feedback on work posted on the site. This might be because I haven't looked hard enough, or it could be because that isn't the purpose of this site.

Before I do something that might be totally out of line, could you tell me if constructive criticism is encouraged, or do we only comment on work that appeals to us?

My reason for asking is that I believe, to grow as a writer, we need to know what doesn't work, as well as being praised for what does.

Even some of the cherry picked items have flaws that, if pointed out, would help the writer to improve and move to a higher level.

I'd appreciate having some guidance on this.

Lorraine, criticism is good. I think you should do it. Be prepared, however, for someone to take the huff every so often. Being able to take criticism and use it constructively is a skill, as is seeing your work as seperate to your soul. People have differing levels of ability in that respect. Shouldn't stop you trying to be helpful. The aim is always to try and help to make a piece of writing the very piece of writing that it can be. Cheers, Mark

 

www.lorrainemace.com Thanks for the response. I'll try not to bruise anyone's belief in themselves.
Good luck, Lorraine. Always welcome to see good critiques on the site. Nice web site, by the way.
www.lorrainemace.com Thank you. :)
Writers need readers and critics (constructive ones preferably), even those of us who might be prone to take a huff. I'd welcome some constructive criticism; something to work with. See my thread on the other forum.
Hey Lorraine, I love criticism, the harsher the better in my eyes. That way you really look at your work and question what you've done. It's funny you've raised this point as I just put a little crit on one of your stories, and wondered if I was overstepping the mark. But obviously we see this the same way. I would love to hear your feedback on any of my work. Take care, Chelsey www.chelseyflood.com
Go for it! I am very keen to see more constructive criticism on here. I agree with your point on the cherry picked stories and poems - I always try and leave a note suggesting alterations when I can but sometimes I just get boggled reading everything! You can only learn through good suggestions and I am sure that the vast majority will be delighted with them. As for the those that aren't - then they probably don't want to grow as writers!
www.lorrainemace.com Hi Chelsey, no you didn't overstep the mark at all. I agree with your suggestion.
good constructive crit is very hard to come by - and is usually welcomed ... it ought to be welcomed because nobody really learns anything from fawning praise however nice it feels to get it ...
www.lorrainemace.com The only problem I can see is that without notifications how does the author know someone has commented on their work? I know we can comment here, but will the author know about the crits if they are posted in the comments box which follows each item?
As I said in a previous thread, I think the quickest and dirtiest form of notification would be to put the number of comments beside the story titles on people's accounts... then you could quickly see if anything new had been added
I agree johnshade, that would be a very practical solution.
Hi I've just joined and posted a story. I would love some constructive criticism and any opinions you have about the story. It is called Sunset Dog Beach Ray

Ray

Done that Ray; return the favour any time you feel like it. :-)
I would always prefer to hear a genuine critique than just praise, which in such a case could not be completely honest.

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