Constructive criticism is the process of offering valid and well-reasoned opinions about the work of others, usually involving both positive and negative comments, in a friendly manner rather than an oppositional one. - From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
So, lets break this down even further to define how constructive criticism should look like when given here in the Constructive Criticism group, and if so chosen, adopted into other groups as well. The first thing that stands out to me in this definition is the word OPINIONS.
Ah, opinions. We all have them. It is important to remember that opinions are just that – a opinion. Opinions are not necessarily right, but they are generaly a good thing to at least consider. So the first thing to remember with constructive criticism is that what is given is an opinion and not always a hard fast rule. Listen and go with your gut feeling. What may work for one person may not work for someone else.
Now for the giver of constructive criticism, listen to the definition. It says a well-reasoned opinion. Do not just give an opinion and not back it up with examples or reasons why a change whould be made. Give examples of how it would be better your way. Convince your author that your way is better.
There are times when hard and fast rules are involved. Be sure to explain why something is incorrect. Do not just point out the incorrect information. Example: Possession: Its/it's - Mary - you use it's incorrectly in the third paragraph. An apostrophe should only be used when representing the conjunction it is. This would be an appropriate respone to Mary. True constructive criticism will teach not just correct.
The definition states that constructive criticism usually involves both positive and negative comments. For the purpose of this group, this will always be the case. There is always room for improvement. Look for something that could be changed or improved in some way.
Lastly, the definition states that the comments will be made "in a friendly manner rather than an oppositional one." I don't expect that there will ever be any violaters. If there are though, the violator's membership in the group will possibly be terminated, depending on the circumstance.
Everyone can offer constructive criticism. We all have opinions, no matter what level of writer we are. It is through sharing this that we grow as writers. So be generous, be open, don't be afraid to tell what you really think.
What help are you giving when you just give a polite ten when something really could use work. Imagine where others could go when they learn and grow from constructive criticism. Imagine where you can go learning from constructive criticism!
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Comments: 19
Editing for grammar, punctuation, etc., is a different matter and, from what I've seen, much to the dismay of many, is becoming less important. I'd rather have the ideas than the fussy attention to details. Of course if someone wants to be seen as an authority it is best to attend to those details.
Kindness and mercy are useful condiments. Attack the idea, not the man.
You write:
"Please flag the article appropriately or it will be removed from the group."
Are you referring to flagging for sex, nudity, etc. or something more?
"2. For each entry you submit, you must read and provide constructive criticism to two other members of the group. To advertise their works, and so we will
know who you gave constructive criticism to, please give a link in your article to the entries."
If I understand you correctly, you insist members write two articles of constructive criticism regarding specific articles of two other members and one article of the author's own work? If so, you might consider raising your limit to three entries a week if two of the articles are to be the constructive criticism ones. Alternatively, I suppose one could provide constructive criticism in one article regarding two different pieces. Is this OK with you?
"5. You will be given three warnings for not following up on giving constructive criticism."
What does "following-up" mean in this sentence? Re-working one's own articles based upon comments received?
Thanks. chris
Chris - Glad you went and read the rules. You're helping me define them better! Here we go!
1. Flagging the article - yes - I mean for sex,nudity, violence etc. . .
2. NOPE - I mean give constructive feedback to two people -either in a comment or via private message (however that person indicates on their piece). Then in a comment on your article you would create a comment saying something like this: "As a member of the constructive Criticism Group, I provided constructive criticism to Molly McButter's story - Them's Good Pancakes and Perry Mason's story - Never Trust Your Butler. They were both great - you should check them out." If you know how to make a link, then make the story a hyperlink. If you do not, then go to Seth William's article, How to Format Your Comments, to find out how. This will help us to advertise for each other as well, and will be the way I will keep each member accountable.
5. If I see you do not have a comment on your article from last week - you will get a warning. If someone reports that you have stated you gave them constructive criticism, but really did not, you will get a warning. Three strikes - you are out! Sound fair?
Monica - on this line: This would be an appropriate respone to Mary. You forgot the s in response. :)
I wish I could be part of that group - I need the help, just don't have the time for it. Maybe one day :)
And thank you for this article.
"Editing for grammar, punctuation, etc., is a different matter and, from what I've seen, much to the dismay of many, is becoming less important. I'd rather have the ideas than the fussy attention to details. Of course if someone wants to be seen as an authority it is best to attend to those details."
There are times when incomplete sentences, poor grammar, etc. are used to make a point. And we all are sometimes guilty of letting misspelled words slip through. And anything is fair in dialogue. But when I copy a posting into Word and all the red and green squiggly lines against the white background look like the Mexican flag, I feel that the writer has shown little regard for his/her readers. I don't think that pointing out spelling, punctuation or grammatical errors is an attempt to be seen as an authority. These errors distract the reader from the thoughts the writer is trying to convey.
Dawn- I have My Utmost for His Highest - somewhere - an intended to read but never read. So maybe I am familiar with him then - a little at least??? I hope you do get time - a least when you havve something that you really want feedback on - know that you will only have to come give feedback to two others.
Carl - I agree totally. Also, a second pair of eyes catches the stuff we know but just don't see for some reason! especially the stuff that spell and grammar check doesn't realize.
Though I do agree that clarity is important when one publishes the written word. When I've made spelling/grammar errors, I am grateful for someone to gently point them out. After all, there is always the option to edit.
Cynthia - Copy from Word to Notepad then to Gather and that should fix your problems! It is always nice to have a pleasant pair of extra eyes to point out those errors!
1. You may submit any form of writing on any topic. Please flag the article appropriately or it will be removed from the group.
2. For each entry you submit, you must read and provide constructive criticism to one other member of the group. To advertise their work, and so we will know who you gave constructive criticism to, please give a link in your article to the piece you critiqued. If you do not know how to insert links, please send a private message to management for details. (daydreambeliever)
3. Remember your feedback should always be constructive and polite, never demeaning, hurtful, or attacking. Should this be reported and verified, the member will be considered for banning from the group.
4. You will be given three warnings for not following up on giving constructive criticism. After that time, if you have not completed your criticisms, you will be banned from the group.
Moya
Virginia - I think it is all the same thing - same concept. Some may think copy editing sounds too impersonal, or that all they can do it point out grammatical errors and not areas where maybe a story could be developed further. Constructive puts a positive swing tothe term criticism, and that is the point of the group. I often call it constructive feedback - to avoid using the term criticism which does make some cringe. However, the definition I link to was so good, I decided to go with the technical term - constructive criticism for the group. As far as a trepidation to the rules, it was more me realizing I needed to haverealistic expectations for the group members, and one for one is a more realistic expectation.
When people have an open mind and an understanding that the suggestions offered are not a put down to their piece, but rather opinions or advice that can help - it can really be a good thing. I have learned so much from those now I consider friends who over the years have given me deep, thoughtful feedback on my writing. Sometimes I disagree, andthat is okay. If it is done in the right spirit, it is a good thing. Keep that in mind, and realise that this is the type of exchanges that will go on in this group. If you feel uncomfortable with giving or receiving like this, then you will want to not submit your works here.
Ruby - Glad you enjoyed this - please read the updated version posted above.