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

[elmey.livejournal.com]

It can be painful to learn how to process criticism, that's true. I can accept it better in some areas than in others.

In the realm of fanfic, I've come to believe the reaction is often a function of why people write. Some are fulfilling needs that have nothing to do with wanting to become a better writer, or even communicating better for that matter. So while they might say they're open to criticism, when it comes they don't look at it as a critique of the writing but of them personally. I always tiptoe until I know the person well.

Why they say they're open to criticism I don't know.

[leethet.livejournal.com]

I think they know they're "supposed" to say it, and be it, but many people find their first taste of real literary criticism quite a blow. I judge who's going to improve by whether they get past that ouch moment and go "Okay, I see your point here - what do you think about this?" rather than "What do YOU know?"