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Nov 14, 2005 19:03

i just created an Urbis account. my username is meta_tarsals.

while attempting to review some works, i've realized that i'm really no good at constructive criticism. all i know is whether i like something or not. does anybody else have this problem?

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Being a Critic zenvy November 15 2005, 00:27:51 UTC
Hey meta_tarsals,
Not everyone is good at constructive criticism and that's ok. You actually hone your reviewing skills the more you review others and read reviews that you receive. We're going to lay our some guidelines for reviewing on urbis fairly soon. Generally, they are: be specific, be constructive, and be concise. Hope this helps.
-Steve
Urbis.com

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Re: Being a Critic meta_tarsals November 15 2005, 00:44:34 UTC
thanks.

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earendil367 November 15 2005, 00:53:49 UTC
Don't worry, I think the more you critique the better you become. I think as long as you are specific instead of saying "I like it." you'll be fine.

And I worry too... about whether I am being helpful or not... I just try to think of it as a piece of literature that you have to dissect... only this time to say why it is good or bad.

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mresundance November 15 2005, 04:11:03 UTC
As the others have said, "practice makes perfect".

Like writing, critiquing is often a skill aquired over time. You'll learn from other writers who give you good critiques (and you'll know the good ones - the helpful ones) how to give your own good critiques.

Besides, in exercising those critiquing muscles, you get to see writing in a different way and it probably helps you improve your own writing and your ability to be critical of it. :)

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I agree jerrica28 November 15 2005, 08:27:59 UTC
It's hard at first to criticize someone's story. Myself, I always back up a criticism with "Good try" or I bring up something positive they did do. But you'll find on urbis.com that several people aren't looking for criticism, as many are beginning writers and don't know how to take it. I think this is something that takes awhile to learn.

That said, I'd be happy to hear some criticism for you on my story! :)

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jewforjesus November 19 2005, 18:56:36 UTC
the trick is to have empathy for the writer. You're basically telling them what's wrong with their child. Go back to what you learned in gradeschool about brainstorming. Don't put down someone's idea. Point out how they can improve it.

also, you don't have to critique things you don't like. i certainly don't.

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