daughter
Dreamer
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2001
- Posts
- 1,561
Poets--
Perhaps I am old-fashioned fuddy duddy, but as a long-time member of writing communities there are a few courtesies that I mistakenly assumed all writers knew. Among them are:
1) Acknowledge feedback especially critiques(a good critique takes a considerable amount of time to write) either collectively or individually, given your own time constraints, but do acknowledge those who took time to let you know that they read your work and thought enough of it to send you feedback. If you don't get the feedback you desire the reason may be because you failed to acknowledge what you did get.
2) If feedback is from a fellow writer, make an effort to return the courtesy and comment to a selection of his.
3) Don't type in caps. It is the equilivant of SCREAMING. Who wants someone screaming at him?
4) Give more, you get more. Don't make every post a request for feedback. Commit some time to giving more and worry less about getting your own ego stroked. Promote other poets' work and not wimpy, "This was so great, read..." Take time to write a blurb like you wish someone would do for you.
5) Try to share some insight or thoughtful reply with a writer. Praise is great, but if you share a concern with a writer it gives him a starting point for improving his work. If you like something, say why. Not only is it encouraging, but it may spur on experimentation with other devices or building on the particular one you cited.
6) Be specific in your request for feedback. How can you be disappointed about the kind of feedback you're getting if you don't let folks know what you want? Ask for comments on the style, device, meaning. Ask for interpetation. Ask for suggestions to improve some particular area.
Writing seriously is work. The reward is great. You get out of it what you put in it.
Peace,
daughter
Perhaps I am old-fashioned fuddy duddy, but as a long-time member of writing communities there are a few courtesies that I mistakenly assumed all writers knew. Among them are:
1) Acknowledge feedback especially critiques(a good critique takes a considerable amount of time to write) either collectively or individually, given your own time constraints, but do acknowledge those who took time to let you know that they read your work and thought enough of it to send you feedback. If you don't get the feedback you desire the reason may be because you failed to acknowledge what you did get.
2) If feedback is from a fellow writer, make an effort to return the courtesy and comment to a selection of his.
3) Don't type in caps. It is the equilivant of SCREAMING. Who wants someone screaming at him?
4) Give more, you get more. Don't make every post a request for feedback. Commit some time to giving more and worry less about getting your own ego stroked. Promote other poets' work and not wimpy, "This was so great, read..." Take time to write a blurb like you wish someone would do for you.
5) Try to share some insight or thoughtful reply with a writer. Praise is great, but if you share a concern with a writer it gives him a starting point for improving his work. If you like something, say why. Not only is it encouraging, but it may spur on experimentation with other devices or building on the particular one you cited.
6) Be specific in your request for feedback. How can you be disappointed about the kind of feedback you're getting if you don't let folks know what you want? Ask for comments on the style, device, meaning. Ask for interpetation. Ask for suggestions to improve some particular area.
Writing seriously is work. The reward is great. You get out of it what you put in it.
Peace,
daughter
