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

[shayheyred.livejournal.com]

What you say is so true. I've said things like "I enjoyed your fic -- there are just a couple of things that pulled me out of it, such as the misuse of the noun "renown" for the adjective "renowned" and the repeated misspelling of "lose" as the incorrect "loose," for which the author excoriated me at great length. So when I read "constructive criticism welcome," I pause for a very long time.

[leethet.livejournal.com]

And really, Glennagirl's point about courtesy is valid - I don't pull punches when I edit, but I also try to be courteous about how I offer my comments, and to not use judgmental, personal language (like the language I use to myself when I'm editing my own stuff - the very air turns blue). That said, I've given up offering corrective advice to a writer I don't know, even when they post "all comments welcome" or "constructive criticism welcome," having, like you, been burned too often.

What I think of people who think their work is flawless is my business. But what I wish is that people would be honest about what they're willing to hear. Imagine that in the header: Feedback: Praise only! :-)