by Dale C.
Member since:
March 7, 2007

What Do You Think of This Kind of Review?

September 01, 2007 01:00 PM EDT
views: 82 | rating: 9.8/10 (6 votes) | comments: 16

In the original First Chapters contest I did several reviews in stream-of-consciousness style.  I just opened NotePad in a window and read the entry, writing down whatever reaction I had as I was reading.  The results were totally unfiltered, honest, and according to the feedback I got, were  very helpful.   I haven't done that kind of a review much this time around because (a) It is extremely time-consuming, and (b) It can be perceived as negative.

Yesterday I did one of these stream-of-consciousness critiques for an entry, after talking to the author and making sure it was okay with her.  The entry was Daine's Dream.  You can take a look at the entry and the critique (just scroll until you see the koala with glasses by a comment) by clicking here.  If you like that sort of thing, stop by my entry Bear Country, and give me a critique that shows you've read and thought about the entry.  I'll do my best to get to your entry and give you a good, in-depth critique in return.   No guarantees, but I'll get to as many as I can.

I would also like your opinions as fellow contestants. What are you looking for in a critique?  What do you hate?  What would you like to see more or less of in the way of critiques in this contest? 

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Comments: 16

Dale C. Sep 1, 2007, 1:02pm EDT
Make that the third time you see the koala with glasses in the comments.
Beverly P. Sep 1, 2007, 1:23pm EDT
I think as long as you state how your "review" was created there's no problem! Face it, nobody enjoys being criticized but it's a matter of life and we all have to learn how to face our criticisms with a strong backbone and learn from them.
Margay R. Sep 1, 2007, 3:36pm EDT
I think the best critiques are the ones that are unique to the piece being critiqued, honest, and written in the spirit of truly wanting to help the person whose work is being reviewed. Those kind of critiques I can look at and say "Yeah, okay, I get that. They're right. Thanks for pointing that out." And I love the spirit of you help me, I help you. I'm not sure I'm ready for the stream of consciousness type of critique just yet. Then, again, maybe I should. Hhmmm...I'll have to get back to you on that one! This was a great article, by the way.
Beth H. Sep 1, 2007, 3:43pm EDT
Dale, I think it's a great way to critique/review, though as you said, time-consuming. How can it be anything but helpful to the writer?

I'm doing a lot less editing in FC romance than I did in FC. Just trying to make a few suggestions for improvement and telling what works for me.
John Philipp Sep 1, 2007, 4:19pm EDT
Dale, I like this style. Gets more feedback for the writer and based on some of the reviews I did, I think this might take less time.

Anyway, good comments. I'd love several of these on my next submission.
Claire C. Sep 1, 2007, 4:31pm EDT
I'm trying to do the same thing Dale. I want to offer an encouragement and state the positive, then offer suggestions to change. I write my comments as I read and try to be detailed. It is more time consuming than saying "I liked this" or "I didnt like this". As a writer, I really value the ones who took the time to actually read it and find things I have missed. As a matter of fact, Im heading your way now!
Vivian A. Sep 1, 2007, 4:35pm EDT
Dale the review was brilliant. I'd like someone to point out the pieces that seem odd or don't quite fit. Clearly, some pieces need more polishing (like mine) and a note on those basic errors are justified and useful.

What I really hope to see and try to give during my reviews are the snippets that pull me out of the story or confuse me as a reader. After all when I'm writing something I know the whole story so it makes sense, but sometimes that doesn't translate well to the reader.
Amy D. Sep 1, 2007, 6:12pm EDT
Those are the types of crits I always appreciate even if I don't always enjoy reading them about my own work. But how else are we going to improve our craft? The two separate crit groups I have belonged to crit in this way. It is has alwasy been very helpful. My own crits have been short with basic info. I have not done this before so I was not sure how detailed we should get.
~Sia McKye~ Sep 1, 2007, 7:09pm EDT
Not a bad way to review at all Dale. The important thing I have seen from you is that you are tactful and you give constructive criticisms and not *detructive*.

They all take time and those that have asked for that type of thing, I will take the time to give it.

Sure, do stop by, if you have time and do one for me, either on site or send me and e-mail. Besides, I don't know about anyone else but I like hearing men's opinions on what I write.
J.C. Alexander Sep 2, 2007, 4:03pm EDT
Great job, Dale. I just stopped by yours for a second run-through. Hope it's not too lengthy.
Dale C. Sep 2, 2007, 6:32pm EDT
Your comments were very useful. Thanks for taking the time.
Cybercris C. Sep 3, 2007, 9:32am EDT
i like people to point out the missing parts or the conflicting parts. i think the biggest problem is that alot of submissions are not ready for review yet. I am currently reading a sci fi piece my brother is writing and it is just the bones not really ready to read. Does that make sense? i think authors need to finish a piece and then let it sit, then self edit THEN put it out for review. although I know it is hard to wait :)
Jo C. Sep 4, 2007, 12:18am EDT
If you are being honest and you let the writer know what you are doing and why, then I don't see the problem. If you go into "attack mode" that'd be different. I'm seen some pretty mean comments from some people. They don't even offer constructive suggestions - or ANY suggestions. What is the point of sniping at writers without saying why/
Teresa A. Sep 13, 2007, 10:28pm EDT
While enter any work for critique, I honestly wish for shorter critiques in the comments. I think the constructive comments are great and agree with Jane, the mean comments jsut do not belong.
Sheila Deeth Sep 13, 2007, 11:29pm EDT
I had read Daine's Dream earlier, and was fascinated to go back and read your comments. Wow. That is really what I would want from someone critiquing my work. But you must have put so much work into it.
Dolphi D. Sep 20, 2007, 3:46pm EDT
I like the honesty and the straightforwardness of the stream-of-consciousness critiques, except that it puts heavy demands on the critic's as well as the reader's time.

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