Once Upon A Time...

[caer]

If you can't say anything nice...come sit over here by me by LJC

A great little essay (part of a series, Once Upon A Time, written by LJC) on giving and receiving critical feedback in fanfiction. Many writers these days get their knickers in a twist over the small piece of constructive criticism, and to them I quote from LJC's If you can't say

Comments

[citron_presse]

if I prefer to have the weaker points of my story pointed out for future improvement, other authors must too, right?Obviously, I love positive feedback. But I'm very open to constructive criticism. However hard it may be to take in the first moments of reading the comment, it could open up a whole new level of writing (or at least cure some horrible habit). I also think that for a reader to offer this kind of feedback shows quite a bit of respect: they were interested enough in your work (as a friend, or someone who likes part or most of what you write) to tell you where you went wrong

[caer]

I also think that for a reader to offer this kind of feedback shows quite a bit of respect: they were interested enough in your work...to tell you where you went wrong.

That's an interesting way to look at it. I think most people don't get past the "they hate my fic" thought and adopt a "ignore them" attitude. I know I never got any author replies to my con.crit even though I had started out with the positive aspects of the story. But seeing it as you do, I think puts a whole new spin on it =)

You're lucky to have such a friend as a beta! Most would simply sugar coat everything to spare their friend's feelings; I think part of the reason I'm hesitant to ask someone I know to beta is because if they usually say they like my writing but end up tearing it to shreds (which I can accept) while beta-ing, it would just make me wonder if they actually liked my other stories or were just saying so. My paranoia comes in that form, lol.

Glad you checked it out and liked it =)

[littleone87]

My problem is I'm so damn sensitive and take things personally (As you already know. ;)

However, I believe I am at a place where I can take constructive criticism. I had a piece I wrote not too long ago and my beta read it over and have 150 changes for me. NO JOKE. And they were things that needed to be pointed out. Previously, I had a beta read my work and she was condescending about it and wasn't helpful. But if there are weak points in my story or things that make no sense or I repeat a word 50 times, I would HOPE someone would point that out to me.

I'm going to go read the article! :) I think you were the very first person who did not sugar-coat what was wrong and needed to be changed in my story, and look where we are now? I'd like to also think my writing has improved since then. :)

[caer]

To be fair, I could have been more tactful :/

Hm, was that the same beta you pm'd about? Yeah, people like that are just...better not to get involve with them at all *eyeroll* But, hey! It's good that you feel like you can take con. crit. Always a good sign =)

People just need to develop a thicker skin, I think and get over the egocentric tendencies.

I'd like to also think my writing has improved since then.

I feel the same way about since writing my first piece, lol.

[miss_blanche]

I agree with this (despite being someone who doesn't take criticism well). I have actually found flames helpful at times. Way back I got a shocker that still managed to correct stuff. Like purple prose (I still do this but not to the extent I did.) Also constructive criticism is something that I really do appreciate. Obviously it's much nicer to get a load of fantastic comments but you can't really achieve those without improving first.

[caer]

(despite being someone who doesn't take criticism well)

Really? I would have never pegged you for that kind of person! Huh. You learn something new everyday =) But, you know, it's good that you agree; that says a lot on its own. I think I remember you talking about a flame you got for CC? It was something about your grammar, wasn't it?

Purple prose? I've heard the term before but I don't know what it is O_O

[miss_blanche]

I think it depends on how wiling I am to talk back to the person who's giving it to me and also what I'm being criticised on, lol. Writing I don't care as much because it's something I've done and loved for so long that yes, inevitably there wll be mistakes but I'm still okay at it and I truly believe that. Something else (like an assingment I'm not so confident about) can induce grumpy Blanche :D My friend got it in the holidays when she marked a practise essay for me; Her: "That's crap. What does that even mean? That's way too long, that is totally irrelevant-" Me: "IS THERE ANYTHING GOOD ABOUT IT AT ALL OR IS IT ALL SHIT? YOU HAVEN'T EVEN GOTTEN TO YEAR 12 YET SO MAKE SURE YOU KNOW WHAT YOU'RE TALKING ABOUT!" Her: "*Dives under coach* It's fine! It really is. Band 6 :D:D:D:D" I

[mammothluv]

Thank you for the link! This is a great article.

[caer]

Glad you enjoyed it =) I like that she holds both authors and readers accountable.

[lexiesloan]

I am horribly sensitive but I can handle criticism - obviously something I write is not going to be loved by everyone, that is just ridiculous - but I only take it if it is helpful and constructive. I used to write over at Fictionpress and there was this one girl who decided she hated me and I lost count of how many times she left me reviews that said “stop writing”, “you should just kill yourself” and so on and so on. I can handle criticism as long as the people are not out-right bitches about it.

[caer]

Yeah, people who wrote "this sucks" without explaining why they think that are douchey. Although, if they say "stop writing because a) b) c)" then I can't really call them douchey since they at least explained their reasoning behind it :/