C
By c lynn brooks, 30 August, 2020
Participants
c lynn brooks
Geezer
Ray Whitaker
scribbler
Teddy15
Gracy
Skill level
Plunge Pool
Date
-
C

I have 20 people listed but all are welcome to join I won't turn anyone away

C

Far be it that I should tell anyone how to critique
however I can offer a few suggestions
1- critique do not criticize
2-check spelling I am one for misspelling of words
3- remember you may be proficient in your writing but there are those that are just getting started
4- abide by their requests example being "I want the raw truth" etc do not give a blow by blow critique if not asked for such as " take care this is a sensitive subject"
5-suggest do not demand , there are times when a person will refuse to take you up on your suggestions, so be it
I once had a person re write an entire poem of mine because they
did not like the wording this is not a critique as it were there was a copywrite on said poem
6- suppose you have a poem where there are no errors or suggestions what then? well tell them you liked their poem but also remark about the style, wording ,find a phrase or sentence that you were drawn to

7-if there are no errors or suggestion what then? well tell them gently then tell them why you did not care for their work point out either words or sentences or any uncomfortable feeling you may have had
8- remember this site is a workshop not a mutual admiration society ,no back slapping, atta boy we are here to help. improve etc

I welcome an open discussion about this ,suggestions , additions , etc this will be open for one week at which time either Gee or I will assign a poem for you to review
leave your comments on the poem then return here for further discussion on
how you felt about the pom
how you felt about leaving a comment

the group will also view your review and comment on it this will be done in the WORKSHOP and not the stream

If we run past the twenty one days that will be alright as well

S

Critique has somehow gotten a bad reputation. too many people think it can only be a negative comment on a poem (which it often is lol) but it can also be a positive thing. If you run up on a poem there is Nothing wrong with pointing out something specifically good that you might have found in it. Something that you maybe think is particularly beautiful and Why you think this is so.
In a previous shop we discussed something call a "sandwich" critique. this type starts with a first layer of praise for the poem. this shows the poet that you are taking his/her poem seriously. Next comes the middle or "meat" of the critique where you point out something that you think needs work. then the last layer where you once again point out something good or maybe leave with a phrase such as "I know you can redo this better than I ever could.
This sandwich type is especially useful with people new to writing or this site as it gently shows exactly where improvement is needed( this won't work on ME because I need improvement Everywhere lol) While also showing the writer that you have put thought into his/her poem....stan

C

First off remember we are a workshop siteand hopefully people will be receptive to a critique don't shy away for fear of offending someone in my opinion if they become offended then they really didn't want to hear anything except "OH WHAT A GREAT POEM YOU WROTE" even though it might need a lot of work
Just keep it in mind before you start your critique look at tghe intensity they have checked off , if none then treat it as raw truth you are going ti find that some folks will over use the "be gentle this has special meanin g" just to avoid being reviewed harshly
if you follow them you will find all of their poems are sensitive
they are not serious about their work either

there is a diplomatic way of saying anything in a critique

C

and that right there is why we are here isn't it
you will be getting the links to poems we(gee and I) would like you to review as per the current conversation you will go ahead and post your comments to the author but here on the workshop link we will discuss the poem and your review of it
good luck darlin either I or Gee will send the links right here in the workshop be sure to ck the box that asks if it is a workshop critique

Geezer

I guess that I have nothing to add; Chrys and Teddy have said it all. The only thing I will say, is that I hope this workshop will be useful to you all. ~ Geezer.
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C

that was perfect now how did you feel about putting yourself out there? Did it make you uncomfortable
I must admit I was the first one to critique him on his very first poem I went line by line blow by blow
he is one ot those that post yet does no respond hang on I guess I must apologize for giving you a problem but as I see it you came through with flying colors will give you another in a minute

C

I wouldn't worry about it , people post their work so it is there for a review /help/etc
remember this is a workshop not a just another place to get a pat on the back

C

there is no reason to feel this way no one is greater than the other. we all have different styles of writing
a smart man(Lon) once told me we are eaual the exception is we have different styles of writing, this was in answer to me saying he writes so much better than I
I gave you that last poem because I just knew you would feel the way you do and wanted tyo see how you handled it

C

next up https://www.neopoet.com/workshop/poems/winter-morn-epitaph
we have to get you through that feeling of intimidation Alan is excellent
don't hold back because he is outstanding
you won't find error so find something else
a line or a word you can pull from his work that struck you
your review of Jerry's poem wasn't to bad I would have expected to see more in the way of as I have stated above
pull something out of the poem that struck you and elaborate on that
give Alan's a shot and see where it goes I have not been posting or doing any reviews trying not to use my hand to much

C

that is the idea you do not have to harsh to be a good reviewer, in fact more people are more receptive to a gentle review just be complete and concise you up for another one ?

Geezer

this one to be very interesting and felt the same as Teddy about it. I missed the reference to the moon and would change my opinion to match Teddy's; that it might be about a werewolf, rather than a vampire. Nice review Teddy. ~ Geez.

C

why did you find it difficult

I for one did not like itI felt it was too obscure in it's language and very difficult to get the concept

C

have read all I am going to let Gee take the reins for a few days

Geezer

love to see some reviews by the others that are supposed to be particpating in this workshop. Chrys says to keep you busy. I will find a couple of poems for you to critique. I will post a title for you tonight. ~ Geez.
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Geezer

Geezer

4 years 7 months ago

Take the next couple of days and find a poem by Esker, or even one of his comments in reply to critique or comment.
[He wrote many replies to critique and comment as another poem]. Take your time and tell me what you think of it. Give the opinion as though you were reading a poem by him. Try not to let the comments by others to influence you and say what YOU think. ~ Geez.
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Geezer

I understand. How about you choose to critique someone on your own? Give an in depth review of anyone you wish. Perhaps me; as I am here to answer to your review? Choose anything you like and I will be happy to answer any questions about why I wrote what I did. Be brave and ask anything and challenge me. You won't be disappointed. ~Gee.
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Gracy

Gracy

4 years 7 months ago

Hi Geez, I've finally arrived here and read all the comments and suggestions. You may give me a poem to critique, I may not do it at once, but I'm happy to join in.
Best, Gracy

Geezer

I am here and looking over my old stuff, I thought that maybe you would like to critique this old one for me and I can tell you exactly why I wrote what I did after you do. The name of the poem is [In Sight]. Sorry I don't have an URL for it, but you can find it on the fifth page of my works about halfway down. Take your time, ~ Geez.
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Geezer

No, I don't mind at all. as a matter of fact, I'm glad that you want to give me a good critique on this one, it is old, but one that I have not had many comments on, I will look over the critique and edit in the morning. Thanks again, ~ Geez.
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C

Please note this workshop has been completed for some time now

Description: A review of technique actual critique of poem submissions discussion of critiques( in workshop)

Leader: C Lynn Brooks
Geezer

Objectives: to improve techniques of critiquing

Level of expertise: Open to all

Subject matter: