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. What help ae you getting when you just accept polite tens, knowing your piece could be improved upon, knowing there are others out there farther down the writing path than you.
Imagine where you can go learning from constructive criticism! Don't be afraid! Most of it is just opinion, but often, it is good opinions - ideas you had not thought of, errors you did not realize or see. Given in the right spirit, it is a wonderful thing. That is what this group is about. Give and take, in a helpful, caring spirit.
For those willing to give and receive constructive criticism (or whatever nice word you want to call it) come join the Constructive Criticism Group. All you have to do is be willing to give feedback to one other person for each entry you submit to the group. It's easy, it's a way to build friendships (my best online friend is fondly known as "pedantic pants" - and we met through her reaching out to give me constructive feedback), and it is a way to grow as a writer. Come join today!
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Comments: 10
I am a member of both groups, and consider them alternatives. As far as I am aware, The Critic's Corner has no requirements on giving feedback in conjunction with posting to the group, and I am not sure if they have any guidelines on how that feedback should be given. It does say "not for the faint hearted," which may lead some people to be more blunt in their criticism. Not to say that is what you will always get, but it does not say it is not allowed there, or discouraged in any way. Some people like that, need that, can handle that and prefer that. So Critics' Corner is an alternative.
In the Constructive Criticism group, the rules are clearly defined. We are giving constructive criticism in respectful, caring ways, including both positive and negative feedback. As the end of the definition for the group says, our feedback will be given "in a friendly manner rather than an oppositional one." So, if you are looking for a group that will give constructive feedback, but don't want to get oppositional tones - you know that is what you will get here.
So in answer to your question - yes to both. There are differences and they are alternatives. It just depends on what you want. Some people may find it helpful to be members of both groups. Some may prefer one to the other. It is a personal decision. They both have a place here at Gather.
by Alexander Leverenze
To clarify - I was incorrect in my asumption of his words - "not for the faint hearted." Here is his intent for the group:
"Persnickety, overbearing, hypercritical and essentially malicious comments are not welcome, and I do not think that any of us have climbed to the literary height at which such comments are justified. The idea is to grow together, to explore together, and to work, in some small way, together, and to do that, we need to trust that everyone in this group is essentially well-intentioned and interested in helping their fellow writer, and of improving their work through the work of others."