We all want to be appreciated. We all have ideas which we want to share and ask people's opinions about our works. But are we as willing to accept criticism over it? And by criticism, I mean, the constructive ones, not the trollish ones which have been quite a fun thing for some people around here.
Sending read requests would mean, asking people for their opinion and see how they perceive your work. In regards with writing a story, I find it quite disconcerting when I receive a read request but with an author's note saying "ignore grammar mistakes". How on earth is one supposed to grow when they aren't even willing to accept the errors in their writings? While we can agree that we all have numerous ideas, but does that make you a writer? Forming ideas in words is what makes you one ( and I'm not saying it because I think I'm one). I for one, don't review works as a writer, I do it as a reader.
I have just one thought: Would we ever care to buy a book, be it fiction, poetry or nonfiction, if it had a whole amount of mistakes but of course with a lot of wonderful "ideas"? I think we wouldn't want it even for free.
So, what makes it a compelling read? A good flow, an understandable write ( and this isn't about using good vocab either) and the need to approach it as a reader. Try reviewing your work as a reader before asking others to do that. And in keeping an open mind about it.
I agree, we sometimes write just for venting and ranting about, but in doing so, either we shouldn't be sending read requests or mentioning in the author's note about the context of it. It would really help a lot if the real writers here could be distinguished from "the just for fun" ones.
This is an interesting write. I personally don't mind it when a writer says "ignore grammar mistakes," but they better not expect many views or reviews when doing so.
As for what makes a compelling write, I disagree with you to an extent. You said that a compelling write must be "understandable," and I kinda disagree. I'll put it like this: I've read many works on here that I didn't understand yet were able to evoke emotion in me. I've also read pieces where the lack of understanding was the reason why I didin't like it. That being said, I have to understand the poem to an extent: If I know (or at least think) that a writer is trying to be vague or obscure to create a desired effect, then I'll usually enjoy the read; but if I feel like the writer is trying to be clear and coherant yet fails to do so (thus making his or her work difficult to understand), then I'll usually (if not always) dislike the piece. It all depends on how I perceive the writer's intent (that being said, the intent must be clear, but the actuall write itself doesn't have to be).
I really agree with your point that a compelling write keeps the reader in mind. After all, readers are, of course, the ones who will read it.
I enjoy constructive criticism, but I really hate it when a review is too vague and abrupt. In the same way that a compelling write must keep the reader in mind, a good review must keep the writer in mind. That's why I like to use examples in my reviews; they allow the writer to get an idea of what I saw wrong with the piece. For example, if a review says "You should work on structure," then the writer has no clue what that means. It could mean grammatical structure, the structure of the story line, the versification (in poetry), etc. But if I say "You should work on structure; it will help your poem flow better. Try to keep the syllable counts uniform throughout each line. For example, in line 3, you could add a one-syllable word to make it flow better with line 4." In that review, the writer knows the issue that I'm addressing, which makes it much more helpful. I also enjoy telling not only what I see wrong with a piece, but also the steps the writer can take to fix the issue, as seen in the review above.
And lastly: Richard (the writer on the top reviewers page) has an essay/article about reviewing in his blog. If you haven't already, I suggest reading it.
- William Liston
Posted 7 Years Ago
3 of 3 people found this review constructive.
7 Years Ago
William, thank you for sharing your thoughts here.
Perhaps, understandable wasn't the right .. read moreWilliam, thank you for sharing your thoughts here.
Perhaps, understandable wasn't the right word to use. I agree, some writers we don't understand but that doesn't mean they aren't good.
And yes, you've pointed out the right way of reviewing. I hope more people grasp what you said.
I haven't read that article yet but I'll be sure to.
Again, thank you for your pov ☺
This is an interesting write. I personally don't mind it when a writer says "ignore grammar mistakes," but they better not expect many views or reviews when doing so.
As for what makes a compelling write, I disagree with you to an extent. You said that a compelling write must be "understandable," and I kinda disagree. I'll put it like this: I've read many works on here that I didn't understand yet were able to evoke emotion in me. I've also read pieces where the lack of understanding was the reason why I didin't like it. That being said, I have to understand the poem to an extent: If I know (or at least think) that a writer is trying to be vague or obscure to create a desired effect, then I'll usually enjoy the read; but if I feel like the writer is trying to be clear and coherant yet fails to do so (thus making his or her work difficult to understand), then I'll usually (if not always) dislike the piece. It all depends on how I perceive the writer's intent (that being said, the intent must be clear, but the actuall write itself doesn't have to be).
I really agree with your point that a compelling write keeps the reader in mind. After all, readers are, of course, the ones who will read it.
I enjoy constructive criticism, but I really hate it when a review is too vague and abrupt. In the same way that a compelling write must keep the reader in mind, a good review must keep the writer in mind. That's why I like to use examples in my reviews; they allow the writer to get an idea of what I saw wrong with the piece. For example, if a review says "You should work on structure," then the writer has no clue what that means. It could mean grammatical structure, the structure of the story line, the versification (in poetry), etc. But if I say "You should work on structure; it will help your poem flow better. Try to keep the syllable counts uniform throughout each line. For example, in line 3, you could add a one-syllable word to make it flow better with line 4." In that review, the writer knows the issue that I'm addressing, which makes it much more helpful. I also enjoy telling not only what I see wrong with a piece, but also the steps the writer can take to fix the issue, as seen in the review above.
And lastly: Richard (the writer on the top reviewers page) has an essay/article about reviewing in his blog. If you haven't already, I suggest reading it.
- William Liston
Posted 7 Years Ago
3 of 3 people found this review constructive.
7 Years Ago
William, thank you for sharing your thoughts here.
Perhaps, understandable wasn't the right .. read moreWilliam, thank you for sharing your thoughts here.
Perhaps, understandable wasn't the right word to use. I agree, some writers we don't understand but that doesn't mean they aren't good.
And yes, you've pointed out the right way of reviewing. I hope more people grasp what you said.
I haven't read that article yet but I'll be sure to.
Again, thank you for your pov ☺
This has raised some interesting opinions, all of which, I find valid within their own point of view. One aspect appears to be missing, however. Should this site be solely for "serious" writing, or could it also be a source of relaxed recreation.
As one who is unable to comprehend , or interpret the more obscure "messages" in much of the poetry, I avoid commenting, as the fault probably lies with me, not the writer.
If, however, the content appeals to my concept of style, humour or philosophy, I will give it my accolade. I am prepared to accept corrections in my work, but academic criticism is so subjective that it is meaningless to a purely recreational writer ,such as myself.
'Perhaps I'm offering a slightly narrower viewpoint, but writing (and reading )is not always an academic exercise.
No, it isn't narrow. I wholly agree with you. Writing serves as a coping mechanism (as it does for m.. read moreNo, it isn't narrow. I wholly agree with you. Writing serves as a coping mechanism (as it does for me as well) and a source of recreation. But in doing so, we don't expect people to review it as a proper write. The point raised here was for the people who do. Who send read requests and ask for the reviewer's opinion and then either don't bother to reply back or simply ignore the criticism provided. I mean, what's the point? If they aren't ready to accept it?
I hope this clarifies it a bit.
Thank you for adding your point of view here.
7 Years Ago
I think that these people write as catharsis and consider that anything less than sympathy or praise.. read moreI think that these people write as catharsis and consider that anything less than sympathy or praise is a personal affront. I used to do voluntary work at classes in adult literacy and this was prevalent, but understandable in that particular environment.
Where the writer is anonymous, however, it is far more difficult to strike the right balance.
7 Years Ago
Well you, sir, have the right idea about these things. Thank you for taking the time.
Your work doesn't define you; you are ever evolving. Approach the analysis of a piece objectively: remove all aspects of personal attachment and scrutinize from such a stand-point. Use logic: if the reasoning behind any written choices made can be justified within the English language; even if others have offered their opinion, it becomes up to the writer to decide which direction is the best to go; if it cannot be justified, accept the critique as part as the evolutionary process of a writer.
## Recap
1. Your work doesn't define you.
2. Approach objectively (not subjectively).
3. Use logic.
Too many people approach analysis and criticism with their emotions, rather than objectively with logic. Reviews and the receiving of them are purely a logical action--the mind. If one understands this, no feelings will be hurt; and evolution of the writer is possible.
# On Reviewing
With that said, there are ways to approach individuals with a higher level of care. I prefer (when someone critiques my work) to be simple, blunt and straight-forward: (go for the throat) let's get this over with; I want to learn and evolve (and I've stuff to do.)
That is one way to approach, another is with a lighter touch and more careful wording (as careful as you can get it, without raising emotion); you wouldn't tell your four year old daughter "she f***ing sucks at art and should give up." Be kind. Be respectful. Be gentle, if one doesn't know the writer's (being reviewed) emotional maturity.
With that also said, it leads me into the *type* of reviewers "whom are arrogant" that can't handle any back and forth and take such as a battle, rather than an intellectual conversation attempting to land upon a solid decision. Which causes the same amount of emotional turmoil, yet this time within the reviewer, instead of the writer.
Reviewing and receiving a review carries interesting qualities to look upon.
In both cases, "the softer individuals" (getting reviewed;) and "the arrogant individuals" (giving reviews) haven't matured enough to critique and receive constructive criticism in such respectful or non emotional ways; they become too emotional... attached to their review or work. Hence emotions stir inside them both, unnecessarily.
One cannot look solely upon the writer; but also the reviewer, in order to come to a consensus on how to approach such.
It really is an art form; one must truly understand people in order to be able to gauge the level of response an individual can handle; and it also pertains to self control, as a reviewer, to not become too attached to their expressed criticism and be open for a discussion. (I know I do not take anyone's word blindly; so if I see holes in the critique, I'll express them).
Much love,
LR
Posted 7 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
7 Years Ago
And this is in response to the single question,
"But are we as willing to accept cri.. read moreAnd this is in response to the single question,
"But are we as willing to accept criticism over it? And by criticism, I mean, the constructive one?"
Much love,
LR
7 Years Ago
I totally agree with you regarding maturity and emotional level of the writers. Some of us just aren.. read moreI totally agree with you regarding maturity and emotional level of the writers. Some of us just aren't ready to accept that our writings have faults which need to be corrected. And I agree, in doing so, the reviewer must be gentle but straight forward.
All your points are valid. I highly appreciate your point of view. Thank you.
I find a compelling read is something that hits several of my notes.
It usually begins with a title or a referral or a subject. Actually more these days with a subject. I 'know' I will enjoy certain reads because of the mood I am in. I never read anything that someone else says I simply must. And of course I have read something by that author before.
A small story. I was walking through my local town some years ago and a voice said quite close to my ear, "Read Ulysses". I of course thought of Homer first of all. I was still quite young and had not heard of Joyce. I actually joined the library then and there and in looking for references I found James Joyce. He has now had more influence on my thinking and writing that so many others. So perhaps another part of me knew. Or perhaps it was the collective unconcious that told me. Who knows?
I think that some of us on here can be that small voice for others. I think we probably are already within our cliques.
Posted 7 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
7 Years Ago
I like reading new authors and writers here as well. I agree, title is the first thing that really g.. read moreI like reading new authors and writers here as well. I agree, title is the first thing that really grasps hold of the reader's interest.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts here. I appreciate it ☺
I agree - there's far too much sycophantic behaviour for the sake of a like return.
It been that way since - well - for a long time but it is a kind of bonding thing too Yumna.
Friends fear losing friends on here I feel, for the sake of a truthful review. Many review groups have been set up to address this problem. There are loads of them !!
The thing is, the Cafe used to have a cafe (i.e. a forum for chatting) but it was overrun by trolls and so people began to use the review sections to fulfill the role that the Cafe forum used to fulfill and it kind of snowballed from there.
It does get out of hand and like it or not it will always be part of the WC.
That's my tuppence-halfpenny's worth...
:))
Posted 7 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
7 Years Ago
I think if forming an opinion and pointing out what's wrong in the write-up makes someone lose conta.. read moreI think if forming an opinion and pointing out what's wrong in the write-up makes someone lose contact than it had better be like it. True friends aren't those who're always praising you with a "oh that's awesome work" remark but those who actually take out the time to point out line by line the errors.
Differing of opinions in regard with content and about that of the write-up are 2 different things. While one may not like a certain topic, there is no denying whether it is well-written or not.
Sorry I'm rambling, Tony but you're right! And of course you've been here for far too long than me 😛
I appreciate your thoughts on this one ☺
This comment has been deleted by the poster.
7 Years Ago
Well, I said it in my piece yo just mention this as well and I'm sure no one will bother her lol read moreWell, I said it in my piece yo just mention this as well and I'm sure no one will bother her lol
Hasn't it been 5-10 years for you here? 😂
7 Years Ago
And I've seen these kind of profiles too 😛
Like I said, I've been literally living in the.. read moreAnd I've seen these kind of profiles too 😛
Like I said, I've been literally living in the virtual world of WC these days ... Perks of having nothing to do lol 😂
7 Years Ago
So you'd agree that despite what some people profess - that they'd like to hear the truth - the real.. read moreSo you'd agree that despite what some people profess - that they'd like to hear the truth - the reality is somewhat different...
When I first came her I would post a poem then logout and stay away for ages then I'd sneak back and gingerly scroll the reviews - and i was somewhat confident in my vocab (not in my poetry though) lol...
7 Years Ago
Hahah yes, I agree! It takes really tough skin to accept criticism. But I've had to face it and that.. read moreHahah yes, I agree! It takes really tough skin to accept criticism. But I've had to face it and that too not in regard of my style of writing but in regard with context (as I'm sure you'll remember)..
When I came here, I was too afraid to write. I didn't write a single word for about like 15 days. I just read, searching for inspirations. And now that I do, almost daily, I'm still not sure about it. Good vocab is something I've got to get a hang of lol
7 Years Ago
The thing is though - the writer has already taken the biggest step in publishing their writing in t.. read moreThe thing is though - the writer has already taken the biggest step in publishing their writing in the first place so - I mean it's like going on safari to hunt a lion and braving the savanna and it's perils and killing the lion then being afraid to get a photo took with it. !!
I didnt do my first review until I'd read 300 pieces of writing and the accompanying reviews lol
Now I can't shut up (as many have probably noticed)
I think your vocab is sound.
7 Years Ago
If you count posting work here as published then I don't think like that 😛 so far I'm not publish.. read moreIf you count posting work here as published then I don't think like that 😛 so far I'm not published and until then I'm gonna keep ranting 😂
Yeah, I have certainly noticed that! Whichever writing I go to, seems as if you've already left your mark lol
When I see the various awesome good vocabulary being used in some pieces and I compare it to mine, it's nowhere even close 😛
7 Years Ago
I know its not publish published lol
I am like a mad dog - peeing up everyone's lamp-post.read moreI know its not publish published lol
I am like a mad dog - peeing up everyone's lamp-post.
keep ranting !! :)) lol
Haha - you mean you enjoy insulting me to see if I can 'bat away' the jibes - like a favorite uncle .. read moreHaha - you mean you enjoy insulting me to see if I can 'bat away' the jibes - like a favorite uncle haha
(just kidding)
First paragraph is so very true. I pesonally try to be as constructive as I can when reviewing peoples work, yes I have been generic with some. But I thnk quite a lot are guilty of doing that.
When I see a good piece, I appreciate the time and effort which has gone into it and try to be as helpful and structured in my review. You are right in saying that nobody would buy a book if it were littered with errors - editors would get a harsh time and authors woold suffer. Writing a book takes an awful lot of thinking, time, patience and a lot of planning too. There are good writers on here which their story deserves much more attention than what it actually gets - such a shame, but hey....
Good piece and good points.
Mark.
Posted 7 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
7 Years Ago
Thank you, Mark! I've been practical "living" in WC for the past few months and I saw the pattern wh.. read moreThank you, Mark! I've been practical "living" in WC for the past few months and I saw the pattern which made me finally blurt all that I had observed. I've read your reviews (some on my pieces too) and I can say that you've sincere so far ☺. It's the people asking for reviews whose attitudes bother me a bit..
I agree, this site has far much better writers even though they don't get enough attention which is truly a shame..
Thanks again for adding your thoughts here! I appreciate it ☺
7 Years Ago
*practically 😛
7 Years Ago
No need to thank me, but I appreciate it.
I too have seen a pattern. Some people NOT ALL, jus.. read moreNo need to thank me, but I appreciate it.
I too have seen a pattern. Some people NOT ALL, just some give such generic reviews and its frustrating to see that the writers work deserves better than that. There are good reviewers which are constructive with thier criticism which goes a long way to helping the writers. Some reviews like - Good job! - I mean its good to hear BUT.....
I always try to be sincere with my reviews and gve some depth to them. Surely that's the way in which it's meant to be. But I do hear what your saying loud and clear.
Mark.
7 Years Ago
That made me reflect on some of my reviews too where I've said good job lol but only at the end 😛.. read moreThat made me reflect on some of my reviews too where I've said good job lol but only at the end 😛
Which reminds me I have to read your book! It has been in my list for so long..
Good job...what I mean't was when thats all they put. Putting good job at the end of everything is c.. read moreGood job...what I mean't was when thats all they put. Putting good job at the end of everything is cool. When it just says good job then its......
I'm sure you're smart enough to understand what I mean.
But I thank you, for putting this piece out there. Being thining of doing the same myself.
Mark.
7 Years Ago
Of course!😉
I feel more at ease after putting whatever I think into words and pos.. read moreOf course!😉
I feel more at ease after putting whatever I think into words and posting it here, and this is how this made me feel ☺
I actually quite enjoy constructive criticism, it helps you grow as a writer I think :) I'd rather know about my mistakes then not, I don't want people reading my stuff & seeing a bunch of mistakes. I strive for perfection if at all possible lol.
Posted 7 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
7 Years Ago
That is how I think as well 😉
I strive for improvement whether it be in small doses and .. read moreThat is how I think as well 😉
I strive for improvement whether it be in small doses and step by step. Perfection seems like a far fetched dream.
Thank you for adding your thoughts here! Truly appreciate it ☺
Btw what's the translation of your pseudonym? Curious to know 😛
7 Years Ago
Haha yeah, perfection is far fetched, we can always improve. You are welcome. & it's french for "Whe.. read moreHaha yeah, perfection is far fetched, we can always improve. You are welcome. & it's french for "Where does the good go" :)
7 Years Ago
Oh lol here I was thinking it's some name haha I really need to get to know french 😂 what's your .. read moreOh lol here I was thinking it's some name haha I really need to get to know french 😂 what's your real name actually? Curious again lol 😛
Haha no, it's the name of one of my favorite songs, "Where does the good go" by Tegan & Sara. :) lol.. read moreHaha no, it's the name of one of my favorite songs, "Where does the good go" by Tegan & Sara. :) lol my name is Lakesha but I usually go by Kesha. Pronounced "key-sha" lol
I have been to this site a year ago too but I was so frustrated by this exchange system of reviews that I deleted my account.
What you wrote is absolutely right. Tolerance level of writers here is Shrinking day by day..they are not able to take constructive criticism well. They get offended very easily.
Posted 7 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
7 Years Ago
I would say, not all are like that. I've been here for the past few months but I've grown quite fond.. read moreI would say, not all are like that. I've been here for the past few months but I've grown quite fond of this site and it's people tbh. It's just the fresh mob who entered here that needs to understand this point as well as some of the older ones too lol
Thank you for sharing your thoughts here, Sasha! Truly appreciate it ☺
Thing with reviews of works on here are many are only written to garner a return review, so smoke is blown up far to many arses. Many a time brilliant, magnificent, extraordinary are words applied to bog standard average writing.
Honest critiquing is required, and by the way I'm shite at reviewing, otherwise the average will remain so or perhaps plumb even greater depths ( lows)
Cheers
Posted 7 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
7 Years Ago
That is one of the other rules i disagree with. Of reviewing people's work to get a review in return.. read moreThat is one of the other rules i disagree with. Of reviewing people's work to get a review in return, this is just hilarious! Are we so hungry for appreciation that we'd do anything just to get praise in return?
I agree, I've seen too over-rated reviews on substandard writings which bugs me. This doesn't actually help. There is another way of appreciating an effort than to just say that how awesome, brilliant or magnificent the write is.
Thank you! Your feedback is appreciated :)
Hmmmm... I wonder if people should only send read requests once the final draft has been edited to their best ability. Maybe if they informed the reader that it's just an idea in the comments but also welcome constructive criticism, it would help... I personally don't read request, unless it's for my book and that's only because I need the constructive criticism to help improve grammar, spelling, etc.
Sorry for waffling... I hope I helped..
Posted 7 Years Ago
1 of 1 people found this review constructive.
7 Years Ago
No, I think sending a rough draft to see other's point of view is fine too. Because that's how we gr.. read moreNo, I think sending a rough draft to see other's point of view is fine too. Because that's how we grow. One can't think that just because one can write, they're the best out there. Everyone has their weak points and the main thing is to accept and try to change it and not by altogether literally asking for people for ignoring grammar mistakes. Ideas don't sell books, words do ;)
This wasn't waffling. Thank you for your feedback here, Jessie! I appreciate it. And I hope you don't count this comment as rudeness because it certainly wasn't lol :p
7 Years Ago
:O I am soo offended!
I'm totally joking. You didn't come off as rude at all. I get.. read more:O I am soo offended!
I'm totally joking. You didn't come off as rude at all. I get what your saying now. It's ironic because I was actually talking to my friend about this earlier today. Or yesterday. Lol I think she was trying to explain the same thing to me due to my due to my dyslexia. I was feeling a little on the fence when she critiqued my story. She was trying to explain the difference between a writer and someone who writes because they think thay have a neat idea.
Dyslexia can't stop you from being a writer, Jessie! If anyone has the potential, it's shown by the .. read moreDyslexia can't stop you from being a writer, Jessie! If anyone has the potential, it's shown by the first step they do by having the courage to post their work on an open site like this which I can say you have ;)
When I joined this site a few months ago, I was so scared shitless that I didn't post anything for like 15 days. But now I do and although they aren't good or anything, I write daily to improve myself.
What I'm trying to say is it takes a lot of time to be actually a good enough writer and that happens through polishing your own stuff through others' eyes, which some people take as negative and in the end they don't grow.
Just keep writing and don't tell someone tell you otherwise because of your dyslexia, buddy :)
This write wasn't intended on anyone specific btw ;)
7 Years Ago
Thanks girl. You're so kind :) of course! I figured you were just ranting lol.
It's .. read moreThanks girl. You're so kind :) of course! I figured you were just ranting lol.
It's funny to me when people actually get offended by criticism. I have thick skin when it comes to that because singing lessons require harsh criticisms.
7 Years Ago
I wouldn't be forming opinions about me if I were you but thank you! 😛
I agree! It really .. read moreI wouldn't be forming opinions about me if I were you but thank you! 😛
I agree! It really requires a thick skin when it comes to criticism. I wanted to be a singer too but kinda just stuck with being a dentist lol 😂