Deconstructing the Constructive Criticism Form

[lyrangalia]

Another bit of musing sparked by fandom, this time on the giving of constructive criticism.

I find it most apparent in fandom, but it also applies to real life, that most people simply don't know how to give constructive criticism. They think that by tacking the phrases "no offense" or "This is just constructive criticism," what they say is

Comments

[lyrangalia]

I think it's even harder when it comes to critiquing creative writing, since there is practically no wrong way of writing creatively (for an exception, see: Twilight), as opposed to academically, where there is a bit more of an accepted structure.

Most of this is from both sides of the fence, as both the critic and the recipient, I think it helps to see not only how to do something but why you do it. My pet critiquing peeve is when people say "I don't like it but I don't know why." I mean, exercise a little thought, people, it's not that hard.

But I'm very glad the English major approves!

[lyrangalia]

By accepted structure, I was thinking more in terms of things like writing in third person, using certain tenses, having clear concise theses, etc, along with all the normal grammar/style stuff.

I also have this feeling that there's a wider/looser interpretation of what's "right" in creative writing, so it's harder to argue that a particular way of writing (or a particular voice) is not as good as another. (For example, if your character is an unlettered boor, it MAY be acceptable to write in broken or grammatically incorrect English)

But yeah, I agree about there being structure in creative writing, just that the rules can sometimes be less... rigid? more open to interpretation? more bendy?

[cornerofmadness]

see i agree and believe me I'm currently in THREE writers groups and have been in one since 1985 and it is hard. I still feel useless

on a happier note, goldie is cracking

[lyrangalia]

yay for goldie! I noticed SJ's hatched a... thing.

Sometimes I think it's better to go with "hey thanks for sharing" than "you know, this was fun but there's just something I didn't like about it."

*shrug*

[cornerofmadness]

it depends. to me constructive criticism tells you WHERE the problem is. witness annepackrat and her uncanny ability to find a typo. Telling me there's typoes isn't helpful. she tells me where and that is helpful.

I think you were right about that thing. What computer game was that again

[lyrangalia]

Super Mario (and every incarnation of it until the end of time).

[anabsinthedream]

Oh now if only people would actually *follow* this. Thanks for giving full examples of this and explanations. Much appreciated.

[lyrangalia]

What can I say, I get long-winded when I get ranty. Long-winded and snarky. ;)

Thanks for the read!

[anabsinthedream]

Welcome! And snark = love.

[jtav]

I found that extremely helpful. Thanks. And yes, nothing turns me off faster than a condescending reviewer.

[lyrangalia]

Thank you for reading it! I put condescending reviewers into the same category as people who don't want their favorite show/book/movie ever to become popular. It's like... why do you not want more love for your fandom?!?!