The: I love the bragis as a critic, thread

[JAYCE73]

When you are a critic of someone elses work, you have to give them something, to help them become better. Word's can eighther build up, or bring down.

The bragis, in my opinion is the best counsilor on this site.

She always manages to build up you confidence, telling what your good at first, then tells you what you need to work on.

She reminds me of the grade school teacher that every one loved.

Let's get a thread going, dedicated to how this great critic has help us.

 

[Whispersecret]

Amen to that. All the people who generously give specific feedback are to be commended and thanked.

However, keep in mind that it's not always possible to find a whole bunch of positive things to say about a story. It's like when I used to write comments on report cards. Some kids just had no redeeming qualities. Damned if it wasn't hard to start out my comments positively!

 

[TheEarl]

I had a Chemistry teacher whose son went to a school which had automated reports. There was a selection of stock phrases which the computer selected based on the data the teacher had inputted into that student's file. In the case of my Chemistry teacher's son, the report read simply "Can use scissors."

The Earl

 

[the_bragis]

Hello Jayce73,

Thank you for your kind words.

You have another post in this forum regarding another author's feedback. I couldn't find the critique you were referring to, so I can't comment on it. I am guessing he gave you and/or your story a bit of a dressing down, but please always be careful not to post in the heat of the moment.

In a forum of so many talented and gifted writers, I feel it's disappointing sometimes to see how careless some can be with their words.

I'm not a big fan of the 'slice and dice' approach to feedback either. Honest doesn't have to mean harsh in my opinion. I understand too, sometimes people just simply interpret things differently.

Thankfully most in here are happy to give a honest and helpful appraisal, while still remaining tactful.

Have a great day,

Alex (fem).

 

[TaffyJ]

As long as it's accurate, it's helpful

I understand we have to be respectful of others' feelings to a certain extent, but nobody is obligated to handle anyone else with kid gloves. If you submit your stuff for criticism, take what comes and be happy somebody even took the time to read your stuff. If you state that "my stuff is good, here read it, you'll like it!" you ought to be prepared for someone to call your bluff.

And remember, we're all anonymous. If you're embarassed by somebody putting your work down, none of us can see you blush. I just had to buy a box of Band-aids, too. Here, you want some? I'll share, really...

 

[TheEarl]

Rumpleforeskin is one of the harshest critics around, he's picky, pedantic and very annoyingly right. Although his criticism may hurt, it's usually spot on and it's something to be learned from.

Sometimes a slap in the face will help you improve better than tact.

The Earl

 

[Rumple Foreskin]

he's picky, pedantic and very annoyingly right.

Well, as Meatloaf once observed, two out of three ain't bad.

I always try to remind myself and those being critiqued, that what I'm writing is strictly IMHO, In My Humble Opinion, writer-to-writer stuff and that the only unbreakable rule for fiction is "Thou Shalt Not Bore the Reader." Unfortunately, some folks are so insecure they take all negative feedback personally.

And in closing, let me say that I agree with JAYCE73, the bragis has been a real gift to this board. Folks like WS and KM were already established super-stars when I came dragging up. But I've had the chance to watch Alex develope as a first-rate critique writer whose opinions I seek out and value.

Rumple Foreskin

 

[Octavian]

Encouraging feedback

I want to add my endorsement of the Bragis to those of Jayce73 and RF.

When I posted my first story I was anxious about how it would be received. I had spent the best part of three years on it after all. Hers was the only public feedback which, whilst pointing out some problems, notably paragraphs that were too long, also listed things that she did like about it. I was so encouraged, that I resubmitted it with shorter paragraphs.

But that is her trait, to criticise in a constructive way, and always provide encouragement.

So you have a nice day yourself, Alex.

________________________________
“If you can keep your head, whilst all around are losing theirs, you don’t understand how serious the problem really is!”

 

[Just_John1]

Best critic

Both Rumple and Bragis (Alex) give great review. Rumple can be a little more direct but at times that's what's needed. Alex has been wonderful in her reviews, insightful well written and her mastery of the technical aspect of the english language is so far above mine. I've learned alot from both of these people. My heartfelt thanks to you both

JJ1