Thought for the Day

[leethet]

Though I hope I'll have at least one more, as it's early yet.

A lot of people think they want constructive criticism. Until they get it. Then they realize it's not a synonym for unthinking praise.

Comments

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

I think the difference is when it isn't actually constructive, merely a mean spirited attempt to appear the better writer. It isn't common on LJ, but other venues have attracted some people whose opinions I discount based on their delivery.

[leethet.livejournal.com]

Well, the problem here is perception, isn't it? I've certainly witnessed people being snotty toward others, but I've also witnessed a lot of fanfic writers (in multiple fandoms, and not just young kids!) getting pissy and offended because someone gave them very solid and accurate criticism (in my view, at least, and I do have some experience as an editor). They post on their LJ with "Well, it doesn't really bother me because I'm above this sort of thing, but what SHITTY MEAN comments and they're so totally wrong it makes me mad. Not that it bothers me." Then a bunch of pals respond with "Yeah, that was mean!" "They're just jealous!" And I hope that makes folks like that feel better, but in the end I wonder if they'll ever improve their writing when anything other than praise gets their back up.

Naturally my perspective is skewed; I'm an editor. It's endemic to my calling to understand that no story is perfect. :-) I also flatter myself I know good criticism when I see it. No one enjoys hearing faults cataloged - the writers who'll improve are the ones who can get past that "ouch!" and go "OK, s/he has a point." Experience and broad reading habits also, I think, help a fledgling writer to understand the concepts that make writing good - this opens the door to good criticism.

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

Good criticism is just that: good. I'll admit to having adverse reactions to a couple of people whose comments were self-congratulatory for having such a better knowledge of the subject (erroneously, I might add). I have also fielded complaints based on some personal issue that had no real relationship to the story, but was merely an opportunity to demand adherence to an aesthetic that is not my own, nor relevant in any way.
On the other hand, I have changed my stories more than once to accommodate a truly constructive criticism regarding a scene or my style of writing. I hope I've learned something from that, and try to keep those types of comments in mind even now.
I don't consider myself a veteran of this fandom thing, not after only a mere four years. People will read or not read what I write, just as I choose what I do based on my preferences. What I will never do is rake someone over the coals, in public, for an error or presumed lapse in judgement or style.
Everyone has an opinion, but it may not necessarily be accompanied by good manners.

[leethet.livejournal.com]

Everyone has an opinion, but it may not necessarily be accompanied by good manners.

I agree entirely. Unfortunately "good manners" are also in the eye of the beholder. :-) And of course this is not really specific to fandom. How we offer and handle criticism is an aspect of life as a whole (I don't mean to sound as if I'm informing you of this - of course you know it. I'm just sayin').

[glennagirl.livejournal.com]

Say away ;) I just find it entirely unnecessary to be mean, and have resounding regret when I'm needled into a response that I later find to have been bordering on rude or hateful. That is a small admission to the fact that I am indeed capable of it.