ajp29
Tuesday 5th February 2008 7:26pm [Edited]
5,486 posts
Oh dear this could get ugly. I'll just say my opinion and hide. This is seriously not aimed at anyone. it comes from a series of experiences I have had in the Critique forum for over a year.
Putting work up for critique is always difficult, unless like me you're drunk and arrogant nearly all the time. Therefore critiquers should give free and frank opinions but constructively.
However, in return, the writer should respect the critiquer's opinion and try to deconstruct it or modify it to fit in with their opinion. If someone says its not funny then its not funny (EDIT-It is subjectively not funny to that particular person at that particular time. This does not prove it is objectively not funny). Arguing over which line is not funny and demanding examples is missing the point entirely. As a whole piece that particular critiquer does not find it funny. If they knew why they would say. Not saying does not make their opinion any less valid than anyone elses especially the writer.
Also if you think that your work is so good that any negative critiques you will ignore then, and just implementing the suggestions of critiquers who say 'its great but could you change this' is just as bad, you should not put your work up. You obviously feel that it does not deservere any negative critiques and therefore the whole exercise is pointless.
The ultimate critique always lies with the writer. They will, in the end, have to decide if the work is worthwhile.