Reviews in my opinion

What reviews mean to me as a writer...

Why do I as a writer publish my poetry, or articles? To get another's take on them, to receive reviews. But what do reviews achieve, are they not just backslapping and massaging egos of people who publish seeking approval? Or a way to cut another down to size we don't like? Some can be, but the majority not so.

 

Reviews are the applause at the end of reading, some subdued and dignified - the simple few claps, and some over the top with shouting! Others, of a negative variety can be of mere indifference, and more yet can be scathing, as in the booing at the end of a song.

 

The worst review, is no review.

 

To hear from another how your piece has moved them, how something small in your mind has made another's day a bit better and brighter, or made another think, that is what makes it worth breathing the air day after day for a writer. Critique of form is always welcomed, especially when a suggestion of how it can be done better.

 

The best critique of form is pointing out spelling and grammar errors, which some like me seemingly cannot avoid.

 

The idea of publishing on  site such as WC is to meet a like minded audience, and to network with and get feedback from fellow writers and lovers of the poetic crafts. So whatever you think, tell the poet, but try and give it a positive vibe!!!

 

Reviews are invaluable!

Reviews

[Sasha]

I agree with all you've said. I'm CONSTANTLY "scouting for new talent" and giving people my (tactfully) honest reviews. If I think something you wrote is incredible, I cheer unabashedly. If I think it could use some tweaking, I say that too. But I do think that if I took the time to read, I should take the time to let the author know how I felt about their work. Nicely said. Though you may want to add an a in the "The idea of publishing..." sentence. ;)

[TL Boehm]

I concur. I remember when I started here in 2007 - the reviews were awesome and the writers even more so....Then the crash happened and so many left to be replaced by wannabes...then life happened. And now? I get few reviews. But i write because I don't know what else to do with myself. there are few consistently solid writers here - like yourself. peace.

[Geo]

So true I think we all feel this with every piece we put up for review. Lets also try to consider each written word is a piece of us or a small peek into our souls.

[Fabian G. Franklin]

As I'm leaving this review, this piece has 41 views and five reviews. It has a rating of 94.51%. It has to make one wonder what the other 36 people thought of it. Would more reviews help or harm the rating? Should we have ratings at all? This really wasn't a "story" but an opinion; the sort one might read in a blog. Note that blog posts here do not have ratings. I do not agree that the "worst review is no review"...I've had reviews that I wish the reviewer had kept to themselves and some which were just personal attacks and had nothing at all to do with the writing. Reviews are not much help when they come from those not qualified to offer an intelligent opinion. If I wanted help with my work, would I consult a novice writer? I think not. Which is why editors of any value are usually paid and in regular demand. It would be impossible for an editor to make a living if everyone were qualified to do the work. And opinions are like bellybuttons; everybody has one. That fact doesn't mean that the opinion offered is going to be constructive or beneficial to the writer. Just my thoughts. I will add this, those who see errors in a piece of writing and do not point them out but simply lavish praise on the author are NOT doing the writer any favors. Because when the REAL editor gets the submission and it is filled with errors in syntax, grammar and spelling, it's very apt to end up in the garbage can before it ever finds its way to publication. This is as it should be. Writing is not just a type of therapy nor is it simply talent. Good writing is like any other craft or skill; it takes practice, study, hard work and determination to develop a product worth its weight in salt.

[Bubo]

Well written!!
I have to say one thing.............groan, a little negative comment,

The best critique of form is pointing out spelling and grammar errors, which some like me seemingly cannot avoid.

I disagree........some people have all the emotion and thought, even when the spelling and grammar are incorrect, I try to not mention it if I feel the piece has been written with pain, hurt etc, because its not that which needs to be pointed out really......and to much of that could be off putting to a young writer.

I enjoyed your piece.

[Desert Dreamer]

"The worst review, is no review", I must agree. I like it when someone points out a spelling or grammar error I made, and I enjoy reading what my writing made others think, especially the surprising thoughts that I didn't intend. Even a negative review is helpful for me. Thank you for saying all these things so clearly.

[Gandré]

I agree, the worst review - is no review; and yes, everything is right you said, in my opinion. thanks for this. 100p but - grammar errors - poetry can have new inventions of words yet not existent or strange forms of grammar, but it has to be sort of congruent. there are plenty of famous poets who liked to invent words. yet bad spelling is a killer... the idea of sharing on such sites as WC - and also - gathering of self-confidence by positive reviews, which again makes me feel free, and so my words or phrases flow naturally.

[Emily B]

an exchange of ideas is ineffective if we don't share our own thoughts as we read . . . I enjoyed this

people wonder aloud very often concerning these reviews under our work, but I think you've hit the nail on the head when you mention networking and feedback