Opinions and suggestions for the Critique forum. Page 5

I think I'll rename Critique "Teddy Paddalack".

Just read this on another site.
It's about script notes - but could easily apply to the giving and receiving of critique...

Notes on taking notes.

- Just take the note. Don't be defensive. Take it. Consider it. Do whatever with it later, but at least be open to considering it.
- You don't ever have to *implement* the note. But you're doing your work a disservice if you don't think about it. For real.
- Sometimes the note is a note that means another note. Look for the note beyond the surface. The root note. Maybe the note that "the dog should be a talking dog" really means that your story needs something else.
- If you trust someone to give you notes, and ask them to give you notes, don't get mad at them for giving you notes. Don't make them feel bad for giving you notes.
- NEVER give unsolicited notes to a friend. This is nearly a concrete rule in improv - you never give another performer notes. This is why improv teams have coaches, even if they are all amazing improvisers themselves. The coach gives the notes and everyone still loves each other. Same goes for your writer friends. Keep it to yourself unless they ask.
- If someone asks you to read a script, find out what kind of notes they want before giving them. Sometimes people just want you to say what you like. Sometimes they just want you to tell them about their typos.
- Give good notes. Give notes as if it's your work and you want it to be amazing. This is your karma. Don't shortchange your friends. Be giving, and so will they.
- Seriously. Just take the note. If you're not defensive right off the bat, you might be surprised at what you learn. You can always ignore the note later.
- Remember that entertainment is for an audience. You're not your audience. You'd probably benefit from outside points of view.
- The note is nearly never personal. It's about the work. I promise. Don't feel bad. Don't beat yourself up with thoughts of "oh I'm stupid I should have thought of that." You'll think of plenty of things on your own, so don't sweat it.
- No, but seriously. Just take the note. Shhhhhhhhh. Stop defending yourself. It makes everyone uncomfortable.