What is the primary objective of SearchWarp? Is it to provide a place where writers can have their work posted, and get feedback from other writers? It is that, of course, and something I greatly appreciate.
When we leave a comment on an article, we are instructed to be nice.' Good advice, but I'm wondering if following that advice has been taken too literally. As a writer, I appreciate compliments as much as anyone. My writing always contains a piece of me', and compliments provide validation of the me' I put into my writing. However, I appreciate constructive criticism as much as, if not more than, compliments. I find it too easy to get complacent if all I hear are compliments. Then too, there is always that tiny voice asking if the compliments are sincere. I'm sure many of you have been in a similar place, at least occasionally.
Personally, I would appreciate constructive criticism. Anything from pointing outmisspelled words or incorrect punctuation to suggestions for ways to improve the clarity of what I'm writing. This helps me to improve my mind and my writing.
Since I'm new to SearchWarp, I'm reluctant to offer constructive criticism unless I know this is considered acceptable.
So, I'm wondering how the organizers of SearchWarp and the many fine writers here feel about this.
Joyce has been writing for her own enjoyment for many years, and only in the past few years has gained the courage to "go public" with her writing. She has had two books published, and is involved with the Fine Lines magazine as a special editor. Her writing primarily reflects her own experiences, or the life experiences she has observed in others. She has her own blog, Joyce's Ramblings at http//joyce-wwwnewbyblogger.com.blogspot.com Joyce would like to add that she always welcomes constructive criticism comments.
Hi Joyce, you ask some great questions. Similar issues have come up at different places on SearchWarp recently.
We feel it is imperative for us to maintain a safe environment for writers to practice their creative skills on SearchWarp. Many writers don't write for fear of not being good enough, and we want to do what we can to keep new writers from getting discouraged.
Besides being a place to improve one's writing skills, SearchWarp is also a platform to publish and promote our members' writing to the rest of the World, which attracts comments from people outside of the SearchWarp community. The 'be nice' advice is mostly aimed at those drive-by commentators who have nothing to lose by being vicious. I'm sure you are aware that on the Internet in general, comment sections at places like blogs
and news sites routinely break down into typed shouting matches
where the winner is regarded as the one with the nastiest put-downs. This is not something we want to be known for!
All things considered, I know we could do a better job at separating the topical critique from the writing critique, and the writers would benefit from this. One method we're considering is to allow 'hidden' comments that only the writer can see, or maybe some other form of private messaging for writing critique.
If you have any other suggestions, please let us know!
Bruce, I like the idea of the 'hidden' comments, and have no other suggestions. I completely agree that SearchWarp shouldn't become a place for what passes as much of the blogging today. I wasn't aware it was open to those who are not members. Thanks for your response
I think constructive criticism is generally well-received on SearchWarp... and I agree that it can be hard to improve if the only comments you get are compliments. Personally, I welcome constructive criticism because I need to know what I'm doing wrong, as well as what I'm doing right!
If you're worried about causing upset, maybe the "compliment sandwich" technique would help you - if you want to give someone a bit of constructive criticism, sandwich that criticism between two positives... it can "soften the blow" a bit, and also make it easier for the recipient to take it on board without getting angry or upset!
Hi Joyce, I have written on a similar theme in recent weeks and so competeley relate to the points raised in your article. I think the Searchwarp team are doing the best they can considering there is such a huge cross section of writing styles and abilities posting here. I look back at some of my early articles and cringe a little bit, seeing how "rough" and under developed they were. Had I recieved really harsh critique back then, I probably wouldn't have been here now. Without meaning to blow my own trumpet, I know my writing is better than it was, but there is still so much to learn and improve upon. Ben's advice above, is pretty sound. No matter how badly something is written, if you can see a point being made and effort being made, then sandwich the criticism with positives. The other alternative is not to comment on articles that don't appeal to you, just for the sake of it. There are so many articles posted here, that with a little bit of searching, there is bound to be something of interest that you like and can leave confident comments on. Anyway, I woffle on, so i shall stop! Good points raised in this article. Julian
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