What is constructive criticism?

[chrispenycate]

I, of course, did it all backwards. I asked if, as a non-writer (and not particularly nice person), it would upset anyone if I did some critiques. Having done some I needed to put something up to give the others a chance for revenge, so I wrote a couple of pieces, and posted them, and a muse who'd up till then delivered nothing more than rhymes for bad limericks found my address, and I've hardly stopped writing since,

Certainly, it's not very good yet, but it's improving; and one of the reasons it's improving is comments from here.

Not the 'that's good, I want to see more' comments (though they help to give the momentum needed to continue), and definitely not the 'you ought to expand that to a story' ones, but the 'Your sentences run on too long, and you use too many semicolons' ones.

I'm hoping that when I get the idea that needs to be written I will have acquired the skill to write it, but I'm starting rather late.

Oh, and Michael – the reason I've not been saying things about yours is not just that I've been a bit short of Chrons time these last weeks, but that I do the simple, boring corrections of Punctuation, grammar and syntax, leaving the sophisticated bits to others, and you've already mastered these, so you don't need me.

[Michael01]

Originally Posted by chrispenycate

Oh, and Michael – the reason I've not been saying things about yours is not just that I've been a bit short of Chrons time these last weeks, but that I do the simple, boring corrections of Punctuation, grammar and syntax, leaving the sophisticated bits to others, and you've already mastered these, so you don't need me.

I had a feeling.

Of course, there's always room for improvement, but it's nice to hear that I've got something right. Thanks, Chris!

[The Judge]

Originally Posted by Precision Grace

However I've stopped commenting myself because:
a) I cannot do sophisticated critts like HB for example which makes me feel like I shouldn't even bother critting in the first place
b) If I can't figure out how something that I reckon is not working can be improved, I assume my comment in unwanted.

Grace, I've read most - if not all - of your critiques since joining, and I think you're being too hard on yourself. The points you make are invariably helpful - even when they're of the 'I agree with the above' variety (especially when I'm the above! ) - because they show the author that it is more than simply one person who takes that view. And as Teresa has mentioned, simply pointing out that something doesn't work for you as a reader, even if you cannot put your finger on why it seems wrong, is still helpful. So stop loitering on the PG Couch and get back to critiques!

J

[Precision Grace]

Originally Posted by The Judge

Grace, I've read most - if not all - of your critiques since joining, and I think you're being too hard on yourself. The points you make are invariably helpful - even when they're of the 'I agree with the above' variety (especially when I'm the above! ) - because they show the author that it is more than simply one person who takes that view. And as Teresa has mentioned, simply pointing out that something doesn't work for you as a reader, even if you cannot put your finger on why it seems wrong, is still helpful. So stop loitering on the PG Couch and get back to critiques!

J

Of course you've read them; practically all of them are following one of your own posts and agreeing with them
As usual, you make a fair point, however I'll hold off on posting critiques until I have more time and inspiration - there is no point in forcing oneself to critique just to keep the post count up.