What some don't see is the abilty to see beyond form, grammar, structure & punctuation.
One must try to see within the writer's eyes persay.
And critique from that point of view.
Because anyone can copy anothers work as a writer.
But without putting you own heart within it to me it isn't poetry.
And to critique only from that point of view for a writer changes the original intent of the writing itself if they take that advice.
Yes, one does want to improve their own writing.
But it's like the story of Beethoven and his own worse critic. Beethoven had a natural ability to compose. Granted he wasn't conventional.
But his critic couldn't see what Beethoven could...
try as he may.
Many here are naturals and are far from being conventional poets.
Give them them their chance to be what they can be.
Allow yourself to see beyond what you are taught.
And you might be appreciated as one who is helping others to grow.
Instead of staying what is comfortable from your own point of view in your critiquing.
You might find that within this community a home to finally rest your feet upon.
Add a comment
Comments
1 - 17 of 17
-
well said. i always try to see the intention behind the poem first, and give my attention to whether i feel that has been achieved. if i cannot understand the poem i say so.
as for my own writing, i welcome all reactions, whether positive or negative, as i am new to writing and often unsure of how my thoughts can best be expressed. i find that i can justify what i have done if challenged, and if i can't, then that poem, that way, hasn't worked. feedback is very important to me. thank you for your wise words. -
I agree with what you say, but also appreciate it when others point out my typos, as I would not want to have my poetry posted with mistakes in it. Detracts from the overall quality of the poetry. We all write from the heart, but it should be written correctly if possible, and if not we should thank those who critique and help us make out poetry better. This does make us grow. Good write.
-
-
there's a difference between constructive critique and critique that just slams people without understanding. and that's my point here
-
-
Yes, if there is no understanding then there is no use commenting at all. Agree with you on that point.
-
-
-
Well said!
I usually comment on the content of the poem, how it affected me emotionally. I will occasionally point out a typo if I think it mars what was otherwise an excellent poem. -
Great advice. I usually try to see the heart of the poem, or the point the writer was trying to make, message he was trying to get across, emotion he was trying to capture, etc. The only time I nitpick over technicalities is when someone leaves a rude remark on my work. Polite critiques are great, but if someone is going to critique another's work rudely, his work better be f'n impeccable. lol But I wholeheartedly agree that this should be a place of growth. None of us are finished products. I hope a few of the more obnoxious critics on this site learn from this.
M -
The column and the many comments given, are very well grounded. They are a good guide for those new to A.P. Enabling a clear representation to be given on the sites functions.
-
We are judged by our delivery
This is by far the finest column I've read. By far. I've been writing poetry for 20 years and I've been published many times on the front page of publications and I've disappeared in the back. I'm not conventional, I write how I write like it or not. We all have our reasons for writing or doing what we do creatively. Some to experiment with wording etc, some of us use it as therapy, and some of us don't know how the hell to stop because it's second nature. To me writing poetry is like breathing. I helps me center myself and find what I feel. Poetry is not just about skill in writing an acrostic or sonnet. It is about finding the value of life and coupling it with the skill to deliver it and communicate it properly to people interested in another perspective. Value can be anything. It doesn't have to be good or bad. It is what life is to each individual in this world. Critiquing another's work should not be the appraisal of its value as an expression, but a means to better sculpt the product into something more communicative. The critic should have art and the artist's best interest at heart. If they don't, they are just slamming to compensate for a lack of confidence in themselves or an inflated ego. Any critic worthwhile will consider the work of others and provide input that can be taken or not, and be quite fine with their opinion (which is what it is) being a futile effort. Ultimately, we all own our own work and it's more meaningful to us than others for many reasons. If you put a product out there for the public to provide input on, you do so bravely and should not expect the world to be gentle, as the world is made up of the good, bad and the indifferent. Eventually, we all learn. I have a lot of my creations out here for critique or praise based upon how it comes across and to whom. Trust me, it's been a huge learning experience and continues to be. The hardest part is to not stop believing in yourself as an artist. You may need to focus more on improvement but we all do. I truly believe that what makes the best of us, is always looking above what we are to what we can be. There are those that appreciate your journey and may be allies in that journey and you, an ally in theirs, and there are those that for personal reasons will become challenges and obstacles to you along the way. You have to decide what will stop you and what won't. That being said, EVERYONE needs to be appreciated for the work they do by whoever it is appreciated by. When critiqued, ask yourself three questions:
(1) What does this person get out of their critique of me?
(2-3) Do they have their work there to be critiqued as well, AND what do others say about them and how well do they accept criticism?
That being said, that is why this column is so inspirational. Thank you for posting it.
I leave us all a verse from one of my favorite artist's songs.
"And it all comes down to you" Gypsy- Stevie Nicks.
W/love
S -
Well-written. I learn from the critiques I receive but find that some seem more interested in always noting how things should be changed rather than responding on an emotional level. A good reminder to us all who read others a lot on AP.
-
I liked your poem.I like friendly criticism but not unfriendly criticism.
-
Well put. Although, I didn't understand all of it, I got the gist. Remember, I have a major headache due to metal baseball bat to the head. xD
You are always full of wisdom and lessons. Don't ever change Father. -
So, True. Those who enjoy and/or understand our poems tend to pave our mistakes.
-
-
That is so true. Even in the classics there are typos and other little errors but that didn't stop them. Indeedy.
-
-
When I give corrections in grammar and punctuation, it is usually done through the IM's. I can't help myself when correcting the spelling in a poem I read. Sometimes I do place that in my comments, and would hope that those who read my poetry would do the same. The reason I believe in sending messages to the writers concerning their work; it is truly hard for me to get through a poem that has countless errors. They are like hiccups to me, very distracting. I understand what you've written here and agree that we should allow feelings to be first and foremost. I also believe that we should teach, encourage, assist... I did not become a seasoned poet because people were candy-coating the truth to me. The people who were harshest (even though they angered me) seemed to help just as much as those who were gentle in what they said. LOL
I am usually kind in my critiquing. My Mom always said; you catch more flies with honey than with
. 
Much Love ♥
Renee
-
I have felt so a few times, I always try to appreciate the effort and idea behind a poem when I comment, I am willing to overlook, a few errors coz that is not the intention of the poem. A few typos can happen to anybody.
Well written here friend!
-
uhhuh what pancake said
-
Very, VERY well put.
Adding your comment:
1 - 17 of 17
