A Reviewer's Remise

This is prose, not true poetry. It came to me when reflecting on the reviews I give to so many people.

Review. Tis a sweet melody to most here on Writerscafe. We all seek the common recognition and praise for our work, but when is it -dare I say it- justified? I have read a thousand works here, eager to leave my thoughts and praises for some, eager to leave critique on others. However, what gives justice to the words I speak? By whose authority do I tell people what to fix and what to keep? I find myself struggleng with the fact that there are so many good writers here on our esteemed Writerscafe, and yet so many of them need improvement. But who am I to be the one to tell them that? I look at the reviews of others and recognise they give nothing but praise. Am I supposed to tell people what is wrong or right with their work? Should I? I claim to be superior to nobody. I am naught but a set of words on a screen, happily coming together in a set order by the destining of this thing you call a soul. But what gives it purpose? What gives it merit? What about my words is so significant that it must be written down? And then, why should anybody read them? A thousand laments for the man who wakes and discovers this truth!

 

Regardless, I write because I write. I review because I know, or moreso fathom to know; what it's like not to be reviewed. My will is shallow; my soul is meek. But for some reason, it still holds taunt. I review on no authority, I write for no one's merit. And somewhere along the way, my soul will fade. Insignificant.

 

Sincerely,

Writer

Reviews

[...]

... it's a very thought-provoking write ... my thoughts? ... i'd like to start from scratch ... and start by talking about life ... what's the most important thing? ... human rights ... for me it definitely is ... what is the biggest challenge in a multi-cultural setting? ... offending someone unintentionally ... what is poetry? ... it's a finger print of the soul ... what does it celebrate the most? ... the freedom of expression ... what is the one competence that poets ought to have? ... being able to be respectful all the time and not being disrespectful especially when it comes to choice of words ... between verbal and non-verbal communication, what is significantly more potent? ... non-verbal communication ... we always communicate more through the tone of our writing than through the choice of words ... what is the potential harm of leaving a positive comment? ... the poet is reassured and will take more risks and experiment more ... is that really harmful? ... i don't think so ... what is the challenge? ... we must not validate something that we do not believe in ... and here i'm referring to ethics and they are universal ... and not morality which is subjective ... having said that ... i have a very clear understanding of the word "review" ... it is a second look ... in a review ... i view again ... what i see ... and let the poet know what i saw ... then it is for them to decide whether what i saw is more or less or equivalent to what they meant to show me ... when i chance upon a value or principle being spoken of that i don't agree with ... i make sure that i don't validate it ... for instance ... if someone is talking about committing suicide ... something that i do not agree with ... i may notice grammatical inaccuracies or find the potential for recommending structural enhancements ... but what becomes more important for me even then ... is to not validate the idea ... and i don't ... similarly ... if i come across a write that has some minor grammar issues or potential for structural enhancements ... but has the music of life in it ... then i validate it ... i think communication was never a victim of grammar and structure ... and there are many of us here for whom english is not the first language ... besides ... is it really possible to fix someone's grammar by giving feedback on one or two or three or even ten pieces? ... i don't think so ... is it possible to change someone's thought process and get them to structure poems differently by giving feedback on one or two or three or even ten pieces? ... i don't think so ... i am too small an entity in the universe of verse and i have a long way to go as a human being ... it's enough to get my human rights song right ... and if i manage to accomplish that ... it's enough for me to validate ethical thoughts and actions ... when i'm done with that ... and become an expert ... as also become the expert in saying things in such a manner that the choice of words as well as the tone of my words has no potential to hurt anyone ... who by the way ... might be in another corner of the world ... suffering from severe depression or oppression ... then i'll critique a poem ... i'm a long way from that right now ... anyhow ... this is an amazingly enriching write ... it educates me about another perspective ... and i am indebted for the opportunity to express my thoughts ... god bless ... and thanks again ... (serah) ...

... p.s. ... the knowledge of grammar and structure comes from extensive reading ... there are enough writers here in the cafe who are great at grammar and structure ... and those who are not pretty much know who to read ... still ... if i really feel the need ... then i'll recommend a particular poet to a poet who is not good at grammar and structuring ... rather than talk down to them ... that is a far more non-threatening way to critique ... and when i have done so ... it has always worked ...

[Sarah J. Kelleher]

I stopped about halfway through this, because it reminded me of a modern-day "Common Sense". Because, I believe that we were all created as equals, and that's why we're here. We writers, (and this doesn't just apply to writers,) desperate for constructive criticism to help our own pieces, give ourselves that authority in the knowledge that we are created as equals. Sure we're here for different reasons, but don't we all want the same thing?

I'll finish reading it now, haha...

[Harry Mora]

I know this isn't a work requiring review but, rather a commentary. But it expresses thoughtfully and correctly the fears of everyone on Writerscafe, I would think. The writer and the critics fear that their words will go unread or misunderstood.

How very profound. I find I suffer from the same affliction. Where exactly is it written that I have the authority to tell someone their writing needs work?
I think everything in life comes down to matter of opinions. That's how I score it.
In my opinion they need to work on it, or they should leave it as it is. I never expect them to take my word for it.
Whereas I prefer to point out grammatical errors, that is an area I find, that no one is a expert at. There are always typo's and always people like me lurking in the background waiting to point them out.
-CFB

[Angie Diane♥&hea..]

I think this was very well written. I do agree with what you have in this poem. I think people do deserve to get honest opinions on their writing though. If they ask for criticism then you should criticize them. If they ask you if any grammar problems occur then you should tell them. If they ask if they need to work on the poem or story or anything then you can just tell them what they need to improve if they ask. You can praise their work if they truly like the poem. If they use descriptive words and has nice imagery then tell them that. You can give people reviews on anything if they need to work on it. In my case I ask for people to tell me if their are any mistakes in my writing. If I ask for it. If I don't ask for it then I don't need them to do it. Sometimes I need to be pushed into writing something beautiful even if the writing is sad or happy. It all depends on if the writer wants it or not. Thanks for sharing. :)

[MagiCrystal]

I like the fresh ideas... nice

[J.Keyes]

I'm glad somebody else said it. You're saying what so many people are feeling, and I enjoy that about you. Your honesty amazes me... in a good way!

[X]

cool

[Crowley]

Because we know that it is so personal...and no one really wants to know the truth. I think the support offered by the courteousness of others is necessary for aspiring writers. If they truly want a line by line critique, other places like Critique Circle are better for that, but that can also be a bit overwhelming. There are a few on here that do the real and miserable job of critiquing...but on the flip side some of them are no better than the rest, so who does a writer listen to? Quite a quandary. I personally like a real critique so that my writing will get better, but that doesn't mean that my ego isn't bruised now and again..but I can take it...I think. Nice thought here.

[J. Marc]

Yes, I too feel the same way. However, I do also see reviews as a way to help the writer improve his works, not as a pretense to superiority. If we see review in the context of power relationship, then it is definitely a biased exercise. However, in this forum, review is more friendly (is it? ) , a second opinion. We all write upon personal motives and sometimes, it is helpful to have a different opinion about the subject or the flow.