What makes a "good" critic?1
I would say honesty, constructive contributions, a tactful "padside" manner.2
The critic's intentions must be good. He or she should be able to CONVEY those intentions and contributions. So...COMMUNICATION is important. The critic must be willing to invest the TIME to carefully read...with an open mind...and should be willing to correct errors and suggest improvements to the writer. Do NOT let errors slide by unnoticed and unremarked on. Be thorough.... Do not be vague and general. Be specific. Ideally, one might be encouraging...but this is secondary. The very fact that the critic is taking the time to make suggestions and corrections, and constructively critique should be proof enough that the piece is WORTH taking the time with. No "good" critic is going waste time on a piece that is not open to improvement...and whose author is unworthy of criticism. A MATURE writer should recognize this...and need NOT be offended and insulted at good, honest and constructive suggestions and criticism.3
FOCUS: Focus on all aspects of the piece. If style and technical presentation is weak...point this out. If it is THEMATIC material...or weak plot...character or conflict...point this out. Point out what NEEDS to be strengthened. There is NO one area that takes precedence when others are weaker.4
Link: http://storywrite.com/comment/by/Gary%20Alexander5
Question three...concerning "How" my criticisms are...is rather vague and silly. Read them. They "are" all different!6
GA7
A contest entry
- The Oscars 2009 - Best Critic by The Oscars Team.
700 points, ended July 22, 5 entries
Gold trophy winner
• next story in this contest, remove from contest
Comments
1 - 8 of 8
-
True
I wish everyone had this sensibility. I usually can't wait to get back and edit. In Fiana Fail, the soldiers are Irish emigrants and speak in a very heavy accent and some folks have complained which I understand, but I'm not going to change it(no, I'm throwing an artistic hissy fit, just can't see it any other way.)
But some folks get a bit hurt, even belligerent at suggestions. I have occasionally teamed up with graybeard when I don't want to swamp a newbie. I do appreciate your specific, articulate comments. And I especially appreciate it when you find one of my stories entertaining, then I know I've accomplished something.
-
This is all very, very true. It is something for all of us to rememeber, no matter how well we think we're doing..
would love to get criticism from you,
-
Hi, Gary!
Congratulations on making it as a finalist in "Best Critic" for the 2009 Literary Oscars!
I agree with your statement on the requirement of "how your critiques are". You just described how you approach each story you read and then they ask you to pretty much explain it all over again.
I read through your comment page and every critique is unique to the story itself. People can learn a lot from that instead of the generic "I enjoyed it" or "That was great".
Best wishes with your submission.
Frozen Angel
Oscars Judge -
I'm a little surprised, Gary. Below are two statements which are at odds with each other. I believe I know the answer, but I'm going to ask the obvious question. If you're willing to invest the time, how can you say that is a waste of time reading something that is not open to improvement? And if it is not open to improvement, doesn't this suggest the possibility of perfection?
"The critic must be willing to invest the TIME to carefully read...with an open mind...and should be willing to correct errors and suggest improvements to the writer."
"No "good" critic is going waste time on a piece that is not open to improvement...and whose author is unworthy of criticism. A MATURE writer should recognize this...and need NOT be offended and insulted at good, honest and constructive suggestions and criticism."
I am also a little surprised at the suggestion that anyone can presume to be a good critic. Technical expertise apart, there is no real area of any tale which is liable to please everyone; you and I both know this from experience, since we both have pieces of which we are fond but which others dislike intensely.
I can't remember who it was, but an author from your side of the pond said that there weren't any memorials or statues erected in honour of critics.
The point is that even with all the gifts of communication, empathy, technical expertise and experience in being a writer, in the final analysis even the most constructive and thoughtful critique can be wrong. The reason is simple; the story is aimed at human beings, who are fickle and seemingly insatiable in their taste for the mediocre (Witness the Twilight series, the Harry Potter series and innumerable others; they are not to the taste of anyone over a certain age.)
If you try to inflict your own preferences on others, or maybe you prefer the phrase "Educate their discernment", you're open to criticism yourself. It's a no-win situation, and the argument that someone has to do it only holds water if you can be seen not to show your own particular bias. Effectively, there is no such thing as a "Good" critic, except from a technical point of view. I believe that this is where literary criticism should reside
-
Haha lol a nice piece to post, kind of strikes home haha. I try to read a smuch as possible, not just what I think I will like so that way my 'likables' expand. You know, if you stick to only one thing, then you will only ever like that style. I try to give everyone a chance, even if I don't always fully understand what they discuss/convey in their stories. Sometimes, just by misinterpreting the tone, one can get the entire story jumbled.
-
Nicely summed up, Gary.
-
I can never be a 'critic' in the true sense. I muddle along making comments which I hope will be helpful to the writer.
I only read items which I think I will like, but, if I find one I don't like, offends me or really puts me off in subject matter - I go somewhere else.
If I try to do a 'critique' it becomes a 'hodge-podge' of subjective criticism and/or opinionated rubbish.
I end up giving 3
and 5/5 every time. I just want to give them a 
and a pat on the head for trying.
You do give great critiques Gary, I know
I still remember your ultimate response on one of my stories - I quote:
"DIDDI!"
unquote
Lis.
beginning: 5, language: 5, plot: 5, ending: 5, dialog: 5, characters: 5.
-
Very good
Very well presented you seem to have touched all the bases. Your comments are clear and to the point. A very good description of what a critique should be, presented by a master.
Talk to you soon---ablelaz.
beginning: 4, language: 3, ending: 5.
Adding your comment:
1 - 8 of 8
