How critique-y should critique be?

Been musing on this today, as I've seen a couple of a mumblings that comments here are too negative.

Personally, I think critique is the only way to improve, so I want my work to be slaughtered as much as possible. But I know not everyone is like that.

However, praising something to high heaven when it is average at best isn't going to help either.

I guess writing something is like having a baby. You create it, you nurture it, you provide for it. You know every finger and every toe intimately. You know how much it has grown, how much potential it has in it's future.

And then you release it into the wider world. Suddenly, you realise that not everyone sees your child the way you do. Someone might point out that it has a big nose, or that it isn't any good at maths. And you hate them for not seeing your baby the way you do.

So how critique-y should we be?

I loath false positives because then you doubt feedback and don't know how well you're doing. Similarly mean-spirited bullying is even more worthless. To me critique only really helps when it makes the posterthink oh yeh that's good or bad. Change or add to that part of the script and then send a better product where ever it goes.

I know I can seem snappish but its either because the author is abusing critique or they need to make some drastic changes

Just be pleasant, whether you slate or praise, but be honest. Some can be way too blunt, or rude, on here, which is of no help. Why would anyone listen to the advice of a rude stranger? Just state your opinion plainly and don't be a dick about it. That's what you'll get when (if) you get crit from actual pro TV/Radio people.

If someone is belligerent in the face of constructive advice, then don't crit them again.

I love critique it's so rare to find somewhere you can exchange ideas and opinions on writing.

But it's a delicate flower, that needs the warm sunlight of respect, the gentle rain fall of perception and just a little pinch of manure.

What it doesn't need is the hob nailed boots of rudeness. So posting endless scripts that are the same, arguing with well meant advice.

Will turn our eden of shared endeavour into a desert of bitterness.

nb the highest praise isn't for some one to say "great" it's when I inspire some one to offer nuanced feedback.

Just give your honest opinion and don't be too blunt. I'd rather someone tell me why they thought something was shit rather than just "It's shit.". There's always going to be people who are highly precious of their work, though, and they're usually the less successful writers.

Honest but pleasant.
If they get all arsey, go for the jugular.

There are terrible things on here that get lot's of 'Great one, mate'-style comments.
Those writers are being done a disservice.

hey Lazzard how do I chat up a lady?

Quote: Lazzard @ August 3 2013, 7:22 PM BST

Honest but pleasant.
If they get all arsey, go for the jugular.

View original

Do I still need to buy them flowers?

But seriously good advice, I want to know how to improve or even if I should ditch something completely.

Quote: Lazzard @ August 3 2013, 7:22 PM BST

There are terrible things on here that get lot's of 'Great one, mate'-style comments.
Those writers are being done a disservice.

View original

I thought it was just me! I read something, am all set to post a "well done for trying, but this isn't great for X Y Z" post, then realise that the proceeding four comments all say it's the best thing since sliced bread.

Then I feel I either have bad judgement or would be spoiling the party a bit if I posted my comment. So I don't.

People taking the time to provide helpful criticism of my sitcom has improved it. To me, this forum is a valid resource.

I always welcome constructive critcism.

Even if it's from turbo nimrods who need to get a life.

How come you get so upset then, Sooty?

I have had some fair amount of critique over the last few days, I been sitting here with a hard hat and safety boots on, I think the best way is just not to get personal and not to take it personal. Diss the writing but not the person.

Gamma radiation imbalance.

Actually do you mean in giving or receiving critique?

In receiving, Sooty. You more or less told me not to bother critiquing your work as I never liked it. My critique was never rude though. And you have had a similar issue with Leevil.

This is a good thread, I can tell it is going to be pages long

Quote: Ben @ August 3 2013, 7:47 PM BST

In receiving, Sooty. You more or less told me not to bother critiquing your work as I never liked it. My critique was never rude though. And you have had a similar issue with Leevil.

View original

Me too.