Comments- Listen to What is NOT Said

On the psychology of reacting to comments

I find myself reacting to comments and views as the primary springboard for improving a piece; and more often than not when I re-view a piece after having a view or comment I find it in need of improvement.

The funny thing is, it is not what IS said, but what is NOT said that spurs me the most .

As you gain experience in commenting yourself, you will yourself more able to read between the lines. Experienced commenters will often be polite, looking for positive things to say, even if they are hard to find, for a person can take only so much contention! They will point out an aspect or two that were adequate, giving the poet some hope, while leaving the rest for the poet to figure out.

So... ask YOURSELF when you receive a comment or view, “What did this commenter leave unsaid?” “Is it similar to one of my comments where I left a lot unsaid?” and lastly, “Is the poem actually ‘done’, are there any improvements possible, and am I finally satisfied with it?”

Other that periodic grand reviews, I am not motivated to go back and evaluate poems unless someone views it (usually from an AP topic search) or comments on it, then I find myself scrutinizing it, and more often than not, finding glaring flaws, which I endeavor to fix.

But always remember, rewriting is a dangerous endeavor- often sacrificing energy, passion, and freshness for polish.