I'm not a writer. I joined Gather to try to learn to write better, just for fun. I thought maybe I could post a few poems or essays and get a some constructive criticism. Oh, and maybe get a gift card in the process. I'm not nearly as good as many of you writers here. I'm not even in the same league. I've also read an article or two that was pretty poorly written. I wanted so badly to point out the bad grammar. I even came close a couple times. I didn't do it, though. I didn't because I noticed no one else did. Even if it was the most poorly written article about the most boring subject possible, I didn't see one negative comment. Everyone would either leave an encouraging comment, or say nothing at all. Just like your mother used to tell you, "If you can't say something nice about someone, don't say anything at all." I have to admit, I was pretty surprised. Grownups acting like grownups? I had never seen this before.
I also read some of the pings that people have left for each other. People seem to be caring about each other. They don't seem to be leaving messages just to get points (I don't even know if pings generate points) but they seem to genuinely care about the people they are pinging. As if they've actually made real friends here.
Sure, some of reason behind making friends and being nice may be selfish. The more friends you make, the more people will look at your work. And of course, the reason we want people to look at our work is obvious. But, people are leaving well thought out comments. Not just things like I'm leaving, "Thanks for sharing", when I don't know what the heck else to say, and I want to leave something, anything.
I'm sure there's groups here that will leave constructive criticism if I ask for it. I didn't really look yet. I'm a little intimidated. Frankly, I'm glad the word "publish" is gone, because that scared the heck out of me. I "published" my first poem and cringed, waiting for the scathing criticism I anticipated. Since all I received were kind words, I still don't really know if I'm any good at poetry. I haven't searched through the groups for what I came here looking for because I was so surprised at what I found when I got here. Kindness, compassion and real friendship. Wow. Whoda thunk?
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Comments: 60
I think gather and the ppl here are awesome. I have seen some rude comments on poor grammar...I personally thought they were uncalled for.....or could have been worded differently as a suggestion to go back and edit.
There are no points for Pings but I see many use them so the friendships here are not all about the points...After all is said and done I seem to be agreeing with you Donna.
Thanks for posting this.
Donna, you can come by and leave me constructive criticism any time you want. (This is a comment link for A Stone’s Throw Away. It was written for you’re entertainment. Don’t click this link until you’re in the mood to be entertained.)
Let us hear it for debate-creating good citizen journalism !
I think your article was very well thought out and written.
http://friendsofdanh.gather.com.
Our goal is to help you further your exposure and to support other gather members.
Your article was well-written and enjoyable to read.
;o)
Constructive criticism is helpful. Bashing is not.
If you want feedback on ways to change you work, ask for it at the top of the page. Submit it to the writing groups and you will get some honest feedback and help and some criticism.
We are not all the best at what we do or try to do but that doesn't mean you are not trying...
I usually write an email to the writer or photographer when I see some place they can improve their work that way I can express better what I see that may help them in their work...I also write and ask how they did something I may not know how to do...is easier that way as well as more personal...
:O)
BTW fantastic article :D
There is a difference in critique and just plain meanness.
Try this one more time. I'm not really here for the points I just want help with my language skills to get better on taking my GED.
I do like someone to tell me what I do wrong, and what I don't do wrong.
What I wrote before like I said i'm not sure where it went but i'm sure it will show up. Anyhow I also like just putting my words out there I use to like the idea of points and getting something basically for free but not too many people comment on my stuff, That is unless they think its mean or hateful or against the one they want for president even though you can just ask a question. ( on the spelling of peoples writings I guess they don't know how to use the spell check at the top of most of the computers now a days. )
I use to get on here to tell people about my church and things that were going on so maybe they could visit our website. My pastor is pretty sick right now and he cant work on the Internet ministry at the moment.
Have a Great and Blessed day.
I agree with a lot of what you've said and the comments and suggestions others have left for you. I think one reason people aren't critical of some people's posts is that they want to encourage them. You get better through practice and if you're discouraged, you won't want to try anymore.
One of the things I've enjoyed about being on Gather is the sense of community, as you mentioned. I'm very happy to have met a great group of people. Like any (virtual) room full of people, everyone has different reasons for being here, different backgrounds, different talents, and frankly, that's what I like. If I just wanted people to agree with everything I say or to only be interested in areas I have interest in, I guess I wouldn't want to be here.
As for writing, people on Gather run the gamut from professionals to first time poets. Don't be intimidated. People here are very supportive.
Glad you're here!
One thing I would not do - basically insult the writer and what they have written. I admit at first when people began to critique my writing I took it badly but I think I have grown some and have learned to take it with a grain of salt. Also in your own writing don't be afraid to think outside of the box and convention. I always appreciate it when people say well I read Strunk and White's and you are not supposed to do that. Do it anyway if you want! Writing is an art and art doesn't always stay within the lines. Good luck.
That's what I came here for. And, if the person wants my advice on how their article turned out, I will tell them.
I am very honest without being mean. I think there can be a good balance here.
Anyway, take care and have fun.
I will not, however, critique poetry. It's too individualized, and there are so few concrete rules. What I might detest someone else might fall in love with. It's a "to each his/her own" genre for sure.
As for reasonable discourse, this site is like most others. There are good eggs and bad eggs. You'll learn which is which in due time.
I am so glad you like it here, the majority of people on here are wonderful people. I know you read my article it nice you have not run into some of the few who think they are better than others. That is what my article was trying to get at is the mature adult comments that should be made when someone dig on you thats not adult. Anythning that helps one another is what this website should be not to tear someone down. With what I have seen I have not put a lot of my own real work on here because of it! I too would like help with my writings but not where someone just tears you apart. I have received a lot of good comments on my article, I was overwelmed of how many people responded to it the majority was an uplift! I want to thank you so much for commenting on the article and will be stopping by from time to time to read your poems. It just may take time since I am so back logged of pay back comments. I love my friend here on Gather..and from my article I found out who my true friends were...and also the ones that are not on my friend lists!
God Bless You! I hope to see more of your posts! Have a wonderful evening!!