Comments on writing on Blogit: Comment and Critique

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Sira,

I think one of the problems is that a lot of the writing offered here is a long way from being ready for publishing, and some of it will never be.  It is hard to tell a hopeful writer that.  And it seems counter-productive, to say hard things and then expect a writer will return a click.  It helps if we simply don't care about the pennies!

If you say in a post that you welcome critique, I will try to give feedback as I would in a writer's group, or in the role I have occasionally played as freelance editor, and someone who has a modicum of experience with the Publication Industry.

As to what you "know about anything..."--I'd guess that you know when something works really well for you or loses you, even if you don't know the technical or formal way to state it.  As a writer, I need to know that: when something engages the reader, or fails to.  So whatever kind of feedback you have to give, it is great to get it!

 

posted by Ciel on August 13, 2008 at 12:55 PM | link to this | reply

Well said!

I originally signed up here because I wanted some feedback on my writing--the novel that it, and not the daily mumbo-jumbo I've taken to posting here.

But I found much the same thing you did--almost a complete lack of helpful criticism. There were lots of friendly comments and warm greetings and pats on the back, which was nice and encouraging. But as for advise or critiquing, I saw very little.

Given the talent that exists here, it's always sort of amazed me that there isn't more of a focus on that sort of thing. I know I could learn a lot from a lot of people!

That being said, I'm quite hesitant to leave any sort of critique on someone's work. Partially because I don't want to risk offending or ruffling feathers. And partially because a lot of times I have this subconscious thought that it's not my place to offer criticism...after all, what the heck do I know about anything!?

This was a great, thoughtful post!

posted by Sira890 on August 13, 2008 at 12:34 PM | link to this | reply

Troosha,

Thanks so much for this very clear support for the idea that Blogit could be better for actual writer's improvement, towards professional writing, where, indeed, there is nothing of syrup and hearts!

We can all say it out loud, if we really want it, or if we don't--which is perfectly all right, too--I don't write everything to be appraised for the writing quality: one of the most important things a writer can do is to simply, constantly write!

As you have clearly asked, I will do my best to give you proper critique, with the caveat that poetry--especially such free style poetry as yours-- is such a personal form, I can only say how I personally respond to it.  I don't really know much about formal poetics, and am no judge of what is great poetry and what is not.  As the saying goes, I know what I like--and I will try to tell you why!

I value your feedback, too, of course, particularly in my novel blog--though my story is not to everyone's taste, and I understand if it isn't something for you. Maybe just a segment or two?  If it doesn't hold you after that, then it has not engaged you, and that is good for me to know.

posted by Ciel on August 11, 2008 at 9:23 AM | link to this | reply

Ciel
You’re so right about the comments evolving into mutual admiration or even so called “loving” friendships between people who have never set eyes on one another.  Or worse, the unrelated two or 3 word comment solely for the purpose of enticing return clicks.  I write because that is what I do each morning and I post both for the purpose of making it real (it’s out there so now it must be real) but also to acquire a sense of whether or not my poetry is too oblique or if it can actually be understood or invoke an emotion.  The latter is obviously my goal as ultimately I would like to put together a compilation for a coffee table type book.  So mostly, I appreciate comments that affirm my message was not lost in my lacing of words.  I tried Urbis for a while and they do very serious critiques there – none of this syrup and hearts stuff.  They get right down to suggested punctuation, re-working a line for a better effect, and even catching grammatical errors. But Blogit seems to be a community of writers, yes, but people who enjoy the safety of pats on the back or even friendly banter.    

posted by Troosha on August 11, 2008 at 7:18 AM | link to this | reply