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Eukara Vox -> =L&L= "Constructive Criticism Corner!" — Open (3/25/2013 0:13:24)
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What is "Constructive Criticism"?
Definitions.net offers this:
quote:
"Constructive criticism is the process of offering valid and well-reasoned opinions about the work of others ... in a friendly manner rather than an oppositional one. In collaborative work, this kind of criticism is often a valuable tool in raising and maintaining performance standards…."
The goal of this thread is to do more than pick out grammar, punctuation, sentence structure mistakes, etc. (though that is important). It is to offer in-depth, thorough feedback for the writer’s long-term benefit. This requires a critique to be constructive.
A Critiquer will strive to provide intelligent and full reviews of written work while maintaining a compassionate and positive attitude. A Critiquer will read and reread a piece of writing until well familiar with the author’s intent, goal, and highlighted area of review. A Critiquer will aim for constructive criticism.
Editing, grammarian gatekeeping—we strive here for even more!
What makes a qualified Critiquer?
A good critiquer has a good grasp on writing. If you cannot write well yourself, how then can you give solid feedback to others? Language, context, rules, analysis, perspective, experience. All can help, assuming we first have a sturdy foundation.
Things every Critiquer should know:
Writing knowledge is important, yes, but also vital is understanding a story, the writer, and the intent. Look at the bigger picture before concentrating on details.
You will have a personal bias. That it is okay. We all have one. We all also have the power to focus on the writing, not the individual. Work from a place of neutrality and friendliness.
A Critiquer should point out the good and the bad, the strong areas and the room-for-improving areas. There is no need to be rude, but there is no need to sugarcoat either.
A Critiquer does not do the work for the Writer. A Critiquer points out areas that could be polished or improved, in their opinion, giving small examples of what they mean. Ultimately the Writer will need to ponder on and make their own changes.
A Critiquer should be open to following up on their given criticism's effects. Avoid offense, and happily clear the air of questions or confusion. (Note, follow-up but do get pulled into an “extended critique request”.)
When you offer constructive criticism, remember to also reflect such things in your own writings. Strive ever to learn and improve.
How to submit a critique request.
Keep in mind:
1) Why?
Deep down, why do you want this critique? Make sure you know that ahead of time, please and thank you.
After all, a quality review may take a sizable amount oftime and effort. If you aren't serious about learning, developing, improving your writing... this critique request is not for you.
Similarly, if you aren't serious about taking a Critiquer seriously, then this isn't for you.
Please clearly state why you want a critique and what you wish to get out of it. (Which leads us to—)
2) What do you want help with, exactly?
This is important. Focus on one element, one thing of analysis, one specific area for the Critiquer to concentrate on.
If you are unsure about story progression, highlight that. If you fear your grammar has issues, request that someone concentrate solely on grammar.
If you only want a small portion critiqued, specify. If you want an entire chapter critiqued, make that clear upfront in your request.
Please do not submit requests for an entire story. Excerpts only, and no more than one or two pages of content at length.
3) How long does the Critiquer have to return with feedback?
This depends on you and the Critiquer. If you are under a time constraint, state that very clearly. Critiquers will do their best to get your critique to you in a timely manner.
However, please understand that Critiquers have outside lives and IRL constraints, too.
Here is the list of Critiquers. Alongside their names are their specialties. This should help you figure out who would be the best fit for your request.
Critiquer--------------Area of Specialty
Dwelling Dragonlord-------------AQ/DF Characters and Storylines, Grammar, Setting and Spelling
Master Samak--------------General AE Universe, Grammar, Structure
Once you decide what you want critiqued and the Critiquer to request, it is time to make the actual request. Post this request format, fully filled out, as a comment within this thread:
[b]Link to story, chapter, or portion:[/b]
[b]Topic to be critiqued:[/b]
[b]Critiquer:[/b]
[b]Time constraint:[/b]
Pending critique requests
Member — Request — Requested Critiquer
Critiques in Action
Critiquer — Member — Date due
Finished Critiques
Critiques will be posted in the Work Table by the critiquer.
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