Lick Their Boots, People

[Whispersecret]

This feedback forum is made up of a majority of people who beg for feedback (but who really mean compliments) and don't ever give any to anyone else.

There are a few generous souls who are the exact opposite. They go to a lot of trouble to give excellent, specific feedback, and ask for nothing in return.

Here are four that I've noticed today:

BigTexan
sirhugs
the_bragis
Madame Manga

If someone goes out of their way to read your story and comment on it, you should thank them individually.

If they, like the four I mention, offer the type of feedback that quotes your story, suggests options, explains errors, etc., then you should get down on your knees and kiss the hem of their garment, for, even if it wounds your pride, their criticism is probably the equivalent to months of floundering around on your own, trying to see where you're weak.

 

[Debbie]

Bravo to those who give feedback to others!
Great post Whispersecret.
I may return to giving feedback like I used to
if the story forum continues to develop with
others doing the same.
Not just asking for feedback but giving it too.

 

[BigTexan]

Wow, Thanks for the mention Whisper. he says as his head grows two sizes bigger

I have to admit to having some selfish motives for giving feedback. My story was coming up and I desperatly wanted to know what others thought.

My conclusion was to give feedback so that I could get some. But don't worry, I'll give more feedback in the future. Giving has it's own rewards. You see as I was reading others and trying to sort out my comments, I realized that what I was saying applied to my own writing. Unfortunately I had already submitted my story and it was too late to go back and improve it. But my NEXT story should be better I hope.

BigTexan

 

[kristydoll]

There are a few generous souls who are the exact opposite. They go to a lot of trouble to give excellent, specific feedback, and ask for nothing in return.

I agree...these people are awesome for doing so.

One thing to point out - sometimes we can learn more about our own writing by giving an honest critique of another persons work. It is easier to look at both the good points and bad points when we have no connection to the work involved. By understanding where other authors strengths and weaknesses are, we can apply those areas to our own stories.

I honestly believe we learn more by giving a "critique" then we do from receiving "feedback".

kristy

 

[sirhugs]

I appreciate the compliment, but feel humble in this land of masters ( and mistresses). I give feedback because I looked for feedback, and I believe Lit is a community where we must share the burdens. Similarily, I wriyte not because of ego ( or even driving need to), but because I want to give back for the stories I enjoy. If one person likes my stories, I am happy.

I started this post to agree with kristydoll, and give an illustration. I harp in my critiques about dialogue early, then realized I don't always do that. I will now be aware of that in my writing.

God, I love Lit!

 

[Madame Manga]

It is easier to look at both the good points and bad points when we have no connection to the work involved. By understanding where other authors strengths and weaknesses are, we can apply those areas to our own stories.

I honestly believe we learn more by giving a "critique" then we do from receiving "feedback".

kristy

Yes, by giving crit I can get into the dissection mode and take the scalpel on over to my own stuff. If something other writers do irritates you and you articulate why, you are less likely to commit the same sin.

The only problem is finding writers willing to submit to the process without getting huffy. ;-) I would like to thank the critiqued for accepting crit as it was meant!

MM

 

[karmadog]

Whisper would never mention herself, but she is also one of the selfless souls. Her '500 words' thread is a model for others who would give feed back. Cheers to you, WS!!!

 

[the_bragis]

Thank you for the mention Whispersecret

I think you may have missed a few names of that list, but I won't get into the difficult task of naming them.

Like the others who have posted here, I find giving feedback does help me with my own writing, but to be honest never as much as getting it.

I think it would be nice if more people made the effort, particularly since opinions on a story can sometime be so varied. Really everyone has something to offer.

Well have a good day now.

Alex (fem)

 

[Guest]

Couldn't agree more Whisper......

I've made it a point to respond back to each and every Feedback email I receive, when they're not sent anonymously of course. I think it's important to let your readers know how much you appreciate them taking the time to write. And.....I also respond back to those where there may be constructive critisism as well. I've learned a lot from my readers....and hopefully it shows in my later stories. ALWAYS room for improvement.......~

I remain,

 

[Whispersecret]

Long-assed post warning

Debbiexxx, I, for one, would welcome your return. How the heck have you been? We could use another good-hearted, critical (and I mean that in a good way!) person who cares about writing.

Big Texan, you're not being selfish. Selfish would be posting your story and expecting feedback without having given any yourself.

Big Texan, kristydoll, MM, sirhugs, and the_bragis are absolutely right. When finding problems in other people's writing, here's what sometimes happens.

You suddenly see that very same mistake in your own stuff. It's like those secret messages on kid's cereal boxes. You can't see the words until you use the bit of red film they give you. Then, when you put the film down, the words magically appear. Giving a critique can be like that film. What you didn't see before in your own writing suddenly jumps out at you and you wonder why you didn't see it before.

Or sometimes, miracle of miracles, as you critique over and over, you actually begin to absorb the knowledge and it begins to emerge in your writing as you write it, instead of afterward. Now, how's that for a reward?

Kristydoll said, I honestly believe we learn more by giving a "critique" then we do from receiving "feedback".

I think that might be because when we critique, we're learning the lesson from within. Whereas, if someone gives us feedback, we have to struggle past our egos to be able to accept what they say. At least, that's what happens with me!

MM said, The only problem is finding writers willing to submit to the process without getting huffy. ;-) I would like to thank the critiqued for accepting crit as it was meant!

That's exactly why I set up my 500 thread. That way I can be sure the people really WANT my brand of criticism.

the_bragis said I think you may have missed a few names of that list...

First, I'm absolutely certain I missed people. I only mentioned those names that I noticed yesterday in four or so of the threads. So if anyone out there is hurt because I didn't mention you, it's not because I don't think your feedback is valuable. It's because I didn't want to wade through a zillion threads to find ALL the names.

I think it would be nice if more people made the effort, particularly since opinions on a story can sometime be so varied. Really everyone has something to offer.

YES. I think a lot of people hesitate to offer critical feedback because they feel intimidated, like "I don't know jack about writing. Who am I to tell someone else what's wrong with their story?"

The truth is, you don't have to know that much about writing in order to say something that a writer will find valuable. All you have to do is read the story, and be aware of the places where you stumbled in your reading, where you remembered you were reading a story, where you wrinkled your nose/rolled your eyes, or where you got bored, etc. Then show the author those places and how you reacted. You don't have to know WHY you reacted that way. (Although you may learn something about your own writing if you figure it out.) You don't have to know how to fix it. (Although, again, that's often how you learn the most.) The authors themselves can analyze their stories, but see, you've helped them enormously because you've pinpointed the place to look. You gave them the treasure map with the X. All they have to do is dig.

 

[Bodie]

Hi whisper,

Another very interesting and useful thread. I have to admit, although I've read many stories and offered feedback to the writers, I have been reluctant to submit feedback in our public forums.

I feel, rightly or wrongly, you have to "earn your colours" before critiquing someone elses "little baby". But having said that, I agree with the final comments in your last post about pointing out the problems, but not having to fix them.

Personally, I will feel much more comfortable when my first story is up before offering public criticism of someone elses best efforts.

But maybe that's just me.

Bodie