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Is it just me?

agree

This place is basically a social network site these days, so its more friends patting each other on the back than serious critiques.

I've seen stories written entirely in summation, the epic fail of literature, and "stories" which were just five page character studies, both lavished with praise.

Its the blind leading the blind.

I rarely praise a story, and if I do I tell the writer what I considered where the strengths.

I usually always tell the writer what needs correcting and what they could improve on.

I think people should be more critical, even if they do have to sugar-coat it a bit.

I almost always give a grammatical critique but hardly ever critique story or plot elements unless they're overly confusing. This is because while I know people are generally grateful to have mistakes found, they do not enjoy being told their story isn't great. If it's not great, I won't be harsh about it, I generally find one or two nice elements to the story and focus on that, but I won't say it's the best thing I ever read. I've found my system works, and with those that are receptive I do start broaching the topic of story elements. If I simply don't like a story I'll stop reading it. If I don't like it and it's in my contest I will give a reason why I stopped reading it, in a nice way (sorry, the story didn't hold my interest sort of comment). If a story is a "summary" type thing I will make sure they didn't first do that on purpose (i.e. for a contest), if they didn't then I will remind them to show and not tell, and give them an example.

The main thing is I feel it is my responsibility as a critiquer (is that a word?) to not only help the writer, but to know my audience which is that specific writer. There are some who have no intention of publishing but write to get their frustrations out. I take this into consideration. I will be less detailed in my comments to them. It's as important to help the writer's writing as it is to support them and encourage them to keep writing.

And yes, no matter how specific you are with a contest, people will still interpret what you want differently. My last two contests I thought I asked for a very specific thing and only received one or two entries that fit what I asked for. I know all things are open to interpretation and thus I don't let it get to me or judge anything harsher because of it. I might comment that it wasn't what I was looking for in my contest, but that doesn't mean I liked the story any less.

Of course...

A lot of people dont want harsh critiques, they just want a pat on the head.

I've seen stories with 100+ comments which are still being entered in contests, that have never been redrafted in the 3years since they were written and i'm assuming never will be.

I think another problem that isn't being considered, many people are just plain afraid of giving criticism. No one wants to make enemies but so many people take critical analysis to heart. having said that, I get sick and tired of reading crud. By "crud", I don't mean all the stuff written by 8+ year olds learning the art, I'm referring to sloppy unedited, unpunctuated, uninformed work. I can be a harsh unrelenting critic (especially on the 18+ crowd) but I would expect nothing less from my fellow practitioners.

To be able to write, one must read. This is a universal truth scorned by so many angstager "poets" (perhaps I too was guilty of this crime in my youth ).

I know you didn't mention this... but, it reminded me of...

I *hate it* when someone slams the plot of a story, saying it doesn't make sense, etc... and it's like, chapter 18 or something, and you can tell they didn't read the previous chapters (gee, could that be why it doesn't make sense? ) Or, they'll start reading a fanfiction, and slam the story because they 'hate (insert story here) anyway'... then why read it???

I've had one person rewrite the entire first part of a story in a comment.... right off not a good start to lay on me since it's padding a comment, and that tends to annoy me. () But, she did add a lot of other things to the critique, so I let it slide. After reading her version, I thanked her for it, and told her that it was nothing like the way I write, and sounded a little too fake (which it actually did... honest!) So, that's a little lesson for those that want to rewrite something for someone just because they think it might read better as.... what they want it to read like. (does not apply to grammar and misspelling )

A little confused

Hi Barbara---I must admit my hackles started to rise, until I realized you were referring to critiquing the chapters of novels, without reading the entire story at least up to the chapter you’re critiquing.

I agree no one can critique a chapter of a novel which he hasn’t been following, other than a mechanical critique.

As for the short story, I think it’s fair to say one must at least start to read it, in order to know what pet name they want to attaché to it. I wouldn’t know a fan-fiction if I stubbed my toe on it, so that’s why I might read it.

I often resort to rewriting a sentence, or even a paragraph in order to be sure the point I’m trying to make is understood.As to wether the writer agrees with me or not, thats his choice to make.

I don’t understand exactly what you mean by padding a comment, but perhaps that’s because my perception of the written word is little substandard.

Quote: --- “After reading her version, I thanked her for it, and told her that it was nothing like the way I write, and sounded a little too fake (which it actually did... honest!”

Your comments in the quote are fine. We as writers don’t have to believe anything stated in a critique. It is after all just another writer’s opinion, not always right, but hopefully always honest.

Quote: --- So, that's a little lesson for those that want to rewrite something for someone just because they think it might read better as.... what they want it to read like. (does not apply to grammar and misspelling )

Isn’t that exactly what we are asking a critiquer to do?—and surly we aren’t restricting the critique to issues spelling, or grammar?

Please critique my story and give me your opinion on readability, story line, credibility, and even the mechanical aspects of my work. I may not agree with your opinions, but I truly do appreciate the time and effort you put into my piece, for no other reason than to help me, became a better writer.

Talk to you soon---ablelaz.

Thank you. What bothers me is that people just drop other people that they are writing to or just don't like them before getting to meet them. I don't care if someone doesn't like me--just don't assume anything about me unless you are willing to get to know me. If you don't like the way I write just don't read what I post but don't tell me how or what to write--that is one of my biggest pet peeves and don't chummy up to me then drop me for no good reason. I am a harsh critic and if someone's work truly isn't up to par I don't care how many people praise it--I may not say anything mean about the person but the writing is open to critical reviews if you post it with the intentions of getting it read. I would rather have someone be honest and tell me that I suck at writing and should either make the effort or go back under my bridge than to be praised...because,if the way to hell is paved with good intentions then the false praiser is leading the way in. I want poeple to read my stuff and say "good job" or "hated it" that being said I have to add that I am fussy--I read the first three lines of a paragraph and if I don't like it then I don't continue--life's too short to waste time.

I am *so* lacking on giving critiques lately. I stick with one, maybe two people, and that's it. I have to branch out more, but I've found that people are not overly willing to accept a critique unless they're mature enough to know that there *are* errors and really want help.