dorkelf
Active Member
A critique is a critical evaluation of someone else's work. Its purpose is to help the writer understand the reader's point of view.
Writing a good critique is itself an art form. The best critique gives the author plenty of food for thought without leading the author to feel as if he/she is being lectured, looked down upon or otherwise disrespected.
Before you submit a critique, consider the following:
1 - In your tone and approach, do you think your critique will be perceived as 'helpful' rather than 'critical' or 'judgemental'?
2 - Encouraging comments like 'Nice work!' and 'I enjoyed it!' are always great, but you need to also provide actual advice.
3 - Does your critique show respect to the author and appreciation for their efforts, even if you don't personally like or enjoy the submission?
Also, consider the following when others critique your work:
1 - Tone and meaning are often miscommunicated. Always assume that offensive or abrupt comments were not intended that way.
2 - Criticizing critiques others have made about your work is usually considered immature and rude.
2 - Did Jesus ever get defensive when he was criticized?
We can't be as good as Jesus, but we can all learn how to accept criticism and even condemnation gracefully, in the spirit of Christ. Be graceful and don't let knee-jerk defensiveness blind you to actual issues in your writing that really should be improved to make you a better writer.
3 - NEVER gauge your worth and effectiveness by the critiques of others, or whether you win the contest. This gives the Adversary way too much opportunity to demoralize you and convince you to quit. Remember, that's what he wants! So be persistent in your efforts and resilient in the face of non-recognition. Your skills and talents WILL improve and eventually they will be recognized.
One last thing about critiques - they should never be approached in a way that might influence the vote. For that reason, always avoid saying things like 'I think this entry should win/lose', or 'This is a lot better than the other entries'.
Paul
Writing a good critique is itself an art form. The best critique gives the author plenty of food for thought without leading the author to feel as if he/she is being lectured, looked down upon or otherwise disrespected.
Before you submit a critique, consider the following:
1 - In your tone and approach, do you think your critique will be perceived as 'helpful' rather than 'critical' or 'judgemental'?
2 - Encouraging comments like 'Nice work!' and 'I enjoyed it!' are always great, but you need to also provide actual advice.
3 - Does your critique show respect to the author and appreciation for their efforts, even if you don't personally like or enjoy the submission?
Also, consider the following when others critique your work:
1 - Tone and meaning are often miscommunicated. Always assume that offensive or abrupt comments were not intended that way.
2 - Criticizing critiques others have made about your work is usually considered immature and rude.
2 - Did Jesus ever get defensive when he was criticized?
We can't be as good as Jesus, but we can all learn how to accept criticism and even condemnation gracefully, in the spirit of Christ. Be graceful and don't let knee-jerk defensiveness blind you to actual issues in your writing that really should be improved to make you a better writer.3 - NEVER gauge your worth and effectiveness by the critiques of others, or whether you win the contest. This gives the Adversary way too much opportunity to demoralize you and convince you to quit. Remember, that's what he wants! So be persistent in your efforts and resilient in the face of non-recognition. Your skills and talents WILL improve and eventually they will be recognized.
One last thing about critiques - they should never be approached in a way that might influence the vote. For that reason, always avoid saying things like 'I think this entry should win/lose', or 'This is a lot better than the other entries'.
Paul