It seems to me that this "critique" board is just for people who have posted loads of things and "newbies" don't really get bothered with. so what's the point? it's just a bunch of cliques getting together and praising stuff that is sometimes bordering on rubbish.
have fun all.
see ya.
I really like this section of the forums. I enjoy reading scripts especially skits. There is a lot of funny stuff on here (and a some bad). I don't write myself, but I do like to think I can spot potential in funny scripts and so I'll comment. I really don't think I'm in any clique. Just thought I'd give a different point of view from someone who is defenetly not in any clique. 
The whole point of this forum for me was to have like minded people critique my writings (good or bad) and for me to learn from them. Instead what I have found is that nobody bothers (may just be an indication of how bad it really is). Whereas other, more "established" posters on here get reply after reply, and some of the praise that is given astounds me (e.g. J K Rowling/JR Hartley sketch). Is this praise given because people don't want to give "bad" criticism or just because they feel if they don't say good things then people will start to slate their work?
Anyway enough of this mad ramblings. I'm sure I've bored you enough.
Well a couple of points
Firstly, no one has the time to read everything. I barely have time to read anything in the critique bit at the moment and therefore only look at short sketches.
Secondly, when people try to force me to read things by posting comments like you have above then I won't read the work on principle.
Thirdly, everyone has experienced putting up a piece of work and having negative comments or even worse having it drop off the front page with no comments. You just have to live with it.
Forthly, yes there are cliques on here put its purely because if you know the quality and standard of someone's work you will want to read it. Its developed through the writer's hard work and persistant quality so to dismiss it as you have is just wrong. We were all 'newbies' once.
My excuse...I read the short ones. 
Quote: Little Jimmy Junior @ February 9, 2008, 12:26 PMThe whole point of this forum for me was to have like minded people critique my writings (good or bad) and for me to learn from them. Instead what I have found is that nobody bothers (may just be an indication of how bad it really is). Whereas other, more "established" posters on here get reply after reply, and some of the praise that is given astounds me (e.g. J K Rowling/JR Hartley sketch). Is this praise given because people don't want to give "bad" criticism or just because they feel if they don't say good things then people will start to slate their work?
Anyway enough of this mad ramblings. I'm sure I've bored you enough.
Its so obvious. The entire system must be flawed rather than your work 
Maybe it's your titles. When I read 'overly long sketch' it doesn't exactly fill me with anticipation.
Although ironically everyone's reading the 'Whats the point' thread 
Quote: ajp29 @ February 9, 2008, 12:42 PMAlthough ironically everyone's reading the 'Whats the point' thread
Yes, but that at least posed a question.
The longer it is, the less likely I am to read it.
If I do get as far as reading it:
If I think it's really really dire I might not say anything, in the expectation that someone else will be able to say why it's poor more eloquently than I can.
If I think I can suggest something helpful I will.
I've posted some stuff on here - some has got very little feedback, other pieces have got more. I don't think anyone commented because it's me.
Yes there are cliques but some of the longer critique threads don't contain much critique! One or two short replies might be more valuable than having a lengthy thread in your honour.
PS - at the risk of being cliquey, Mr Bussell's avatar is the funniest thing ever posted on this site. Fact.
Quote: Chimes of Freedom @ February 9, 2008, 12:46 PMJimmy's making reasonable points in a polite manner.
What we all need to remember is that 'aggressive' comments are ALWAYS the wrong thing to post - especially to a newbie who's being reasonable,
A couple of points...
Firstly, hes been here since October so hes not exactly a newbie
Secondly, if you think my comments were aggressive then I apologise
Thirdly, hes not really being reasonable. Its a democractic forum where users should be free to view or NOT view work, comment or NOT comment. Its not a forum where you should expect to get critiqued then complain when you don't. If you try to force people to look at your work then it will put people off like I have been in this case
Quote: Badge @ February 9, 2008, 12:49 PMPS - at the risk of being cliquey, Mr Bussell's avatar is the funniest thing ever posted on this site. Fact.
I swear anothe BSG user had it as their avatar back in the day
Quote: ajp29 @ February 9, 2008, 12:57 PMI swear anothe BSG user had it as their avatar back in the day
...in which case it's STILL the funniest thing ever posted on the site.
I would also say this forum is much better than other ones I've experienced. Though sometimes lately people have confused criticism with aggression and point-scoring, which is a shame because it inhibits others from posting.
But generally I'd say it's good-natured. It's true if I don't have much time I tend to gravitate towards the short stuff and will more likely read the writing of people whose work I've liked in the past. That's just human nature.
Personally I don't comment unless I've got at least something positive to say. I don't think any writer needs unalloyed negative criticism. But we were all new here once, and over time and as work (usually) improves, it does tend to get more responses. Which is not meant as a criticism of your work at all Jimmy, because I'm afraid I just haven't read it. As David Bussell suggested, a sketch called "overly long sketch" is likely to remain unread.
I'd just keep posting.
Quote: Chimes of Freedom @ February 9, 2008, 1:02 PMWhen I said 'reasonable', I meant 'calm and polite', not necessarily 'logical'
Well maybe. Personally I don't think assuming that your own work is more deserving of critique than someone elses is any of those things.
I don't see what the fuss is to be honest. Surely not having any comments on a piece is critique in itself.