Quote of the Day (20/07/08)
“People ask for criticism, but they only want praise.”
W. Somerset Maugham
[Quote supplied by the Quotations Page]
This quote reminded me of my guest post from Roberto Villegas - Taking Bad Reviews Like a Pro. Let’s face it, few people are objective enough not to get at least a bit miffed when people criticise our work, especially if the criticism seems personal or unfounded, rather than constructive.
Being professional - as any sort of writer - means being able to take valid criticism and apply it accordingly, and being able to deal with ‘offensive’ criticism in a calm and rational way.
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on July 20th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
This is the hardest part about being in a critique group, being afraid to tell people what you really think about their work. I think most people take their words personally, you know you’ve developed as a writer when you can stand apart from your work and take the praise and the criticism.
Writing Nag’s last post: Blueberry Boy Bait for Breakfast
on July 20th, 2008 at 2:19 pm
It is difficult sometimes when you have worked hard on something and others just criticize it without providing much substance behind their argument. However, if someone were to provide a more constructive and objective/subjective criticism it is more likely to be accepted.
Certainly, maintaining a sense of professionalism and conveying back a clear response that does not attack the other person will also help the situation and prevents further conflict. It’s something I continue to work on.
Marie’s last post: The Dark Knight: A Conflict Between Good and Evil
on July 20th, 2008 at 7:54 pm
I think a lot of writers ask for criticism and honestly want it–but they’re also desperate for reassurance. Taking criticism gracefully is a necessary skill, but so is giving it; when I submit a story to a critique circle I like to hear both the good and the bad…but many critiquers only give you the bad. I think Marie’s spot on: the hardest to take is a vague comment like “I don’t like this sentence”, for instance, instead of “This sentence is so long I found it confusing”, which would be something you could work with at least.
Anyhow, it’s all good practice for receiving rejections…then revision letters…then bad reviews! We don’t grow thick skins by being petted and kissed, I guess. (if only…!)
So, thanks for that link! It’s a good one for the files, to go back to when I need a reminder.
on July 21st, 2008 at 7:14 pm
As a writer I am my own worst critic, so it is hard for anyone to say anything to me that I haven’t already thought. Some writers though think everything they write is solid gold and do not take criticism well at all, no matter how constructive it is or veiled in sugary words…ran into that recently on a book review I did.
Sassy Mama Bear’s last post: Monday Memories…. A Dear Journal post
on July 21st, 2008 at 8:49 pm
This post is pants.
Needs more gunfighting.
Tam’s last post: Guest Blog – Majik’s Thoughts
on July 21st, 2008 at 10:11 pm
*thumps Tam*
Well, ok, it’s fighting, if not gun-fighting… Nice to see you back though.
And thanks everyone else for the comments on this - my Quote of the Day posts always seem to get a few responses, which for what I call ‘filler’ is quite gratifying!
on July 24th, 2008 at 11:33 am
How true, but the word “constructive” is the whole of it. Yes, we may need the encouragement of a pat on the back now and then, but we also need the constructive criticism to help us improve.
Dave King’s last post: Paul Klee in the Naples Aquarium
on July 24th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
Someone once told me that as a profession, many people charge to give advice. Yet, advice is something that so many give away for free, if we will just listen.
Feedback is such a valuable tool to improve yourself in whatever you do. I appreciated this post, because it reminds us all that there is always a bigger fish, and if we have the right mindset we will listen, apply, and improve.
Thanks
Justin
on July 24th, 2008 at 7:46 pm
Ha! I was going to do Tam’s post… but not half as well as he did.
(Thump me too)
Ken Armstrong’s last post: Riding the Hulk
on July 25th, 2008 at 9:06 am
That is sadly so true.
I only accept criticism if people are constructive about it. I hate it when people say “It sucks” and then when I say okay, what sucks about it? What should I change or edit?
Then they say I dont know it just sucks. Arggh those are the worst critics!