Comments on What Is The Etiquette Of Giving A Basic Writing Critique?

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I have already found it valuable

the part about not losing momentum whilse the reader works out what the word means

Thank you

Jo

posted by brisbane_artist on February 2, 2006 at 1:03 PM | link to this | reply

Jamie is starting school very soon...
I am going to take advantage of that and take a writing course......I cannot wait to learn more...

posted by _Symphony_ on February 1, 2006 at 11:30 AM | link to this | reply

I had a great writing teacher once...
who always said what was good  about a piece first. And he made a point of saying it was a critique of the work, and not a criticism of the writer. We get so involved with our stuff sometimes we forget where our self leaves off and our story starts. I thought his approach was very helpful.

posted by Pat_B on February 1, 2006 at 10:21 AM | link to this | reply

There's really two parts of a critique.  The quality of the idea behind the writing and the writing itself.  It's harder to discuss the idea and it's quality, becuase all parties need to be secure with themselves.  critiquing the writing is more mechanical.

posted by _the_staggering_genius_ on February 1, 2006 at 9:03 AM | link to this | reply

I like your plumbing
analogy. I think people seek a relief valve from my words sometimes and I'm definitely guilty of overdoing them - funnily enough, less so in the written word, than orally when I'm more nervous or perceive that the recipient hasn't understood what I'm saying.

posted by malcolm on February 1, 2006 at 6:57 AM | link to this | reply

You might not know the pleasure that I have whenever  I see comments on any of my posts. Furhermore, the comments you left deserve no more addition or explainations . There were clean and clear. I will be glad to  read  and hear from  you  more often. Even though I understand there are almost a million blogs on here, that  are all disputing  your patronage.Once again, thank you and God Bless.

posted by Flame-thrower on February 1, 2006 at 3:13 AM | link to this | reply

I refer you to Mark Twain's autobiography section on that subject.

posted by majroj on January 31, 2006 at 7:52 PM | link to this | reply

I Agree
It is hard for me to do that for others.  It seems the ones who ask get offended when corrections are made.  I stopped doing that for friends.  I guess, I am considered too much of a stickler!!

posted by Dr_JPT on January 31, 2006 at 5:59 PM | link to this | reply

I think the basics like grammar should be met before going any farther. Many submission guidelines state that editors are not meant to correct rudimentary grammar errors.

Congrats on your win for guessing the blogger & her kids correctly.

(B)

posted by A-and-B on January 31, 2006 at 5:18 PM | link to this | reply