Some Encouragement on Critiquing

[Deb Porter]

Many people are a little nervous about leaving any form of critique, other than a generic "good work" type response. Sometimes it's fear of offending; other times it is due to a lack of confidence.

Critique does not mean "be mean," so relax. We don't want you to leave the author emotionally bleeding. FaithWriters encourages members to give thoughtful, sincere, helpful and encouraging critique. Consider the article and then give your thoughts on why it did or didn't work. Always look for the positive aspects as well (and there are always some positive aspects, even if just that the author wrote with enthusiasm and from the heart).

If a person posts to the Critique Circle they are looking for red ink. So please don't just leave short "Good Work" posts there. If you thought something was perfect as is, then highlight the reasons why. What was it that spoke to you? Which parts really jumped out? However, it's rare for any of us to get it right first time. Help the author fine-tune their article/poem.

For more information about Critique, please read our post in the FAQs section:

viewtopic.php?f=35&t=28273

Be blessed to be a blessing.

Love, Deb

[Connies-House]

Hi Deb,
I'm new to the forum, so I really appreciate your instructions!

I tried to submit an article for some feedback, but received an error message that says the file extension PDF is not allowed. Could you please tell me the best way to submit an article for review?

Thanks so much!
Connie

[CatLin]

Hi, Connie! I'm not Deb, but I know that a PDF file isn't an accepted format at FaithWriters. If you are uploading a file, it needs to be a TXT (text) file. I've found the easiest way is not to upload, but to copy and past the text of your article into the submission box. Hope this helps!
Love
Cat

[Deb Porter]

Cat, you did a great job being Deb. Thanks for that.

Yes, Connie. PDF files can't be used. Just copy and paste from a text file (you can use Word, but save it as plain text or just copy and paste).

Love, Deb

[Connies-House]

Thanks to both of you, Cat and Deb! I'll do that... and then hold my breath for the critiquing!!!

[EyesStraightAhead]

I am a Toastmaster. One of the most beneficial things I have learned from this organization is to leave valuable feedback. I look at the article critique as a chance to help someone improve his/her writing. To leave helpful comments the author will appreciate. I use the "sandwich" technique.

1. Something positive that I enjoyed about the writing.
2. Something I feel could be improved upon.
3. Something else positive that I really enjoyed.

I start positive and end positive. I always leave something to be improved, as none of us are perfect. Each of us can improve something. This can often be hard to find in some of the work posted here. There are some GREAT writers. However, it does not help the writer or me to not leave some comment - even something like "Have you considered starting the story with the quote instead of ending it with one? This may draw readers in early and then you can end with your response to the quote?" That does not say the article isn't great but offers another way to write it.

I love to receive feedback because it helps me to improve. I feel if I don't receive feedback, I am cheated...either the reader didn't like it enough to leave comments or I didn't get any readers!

Here's to great feedback for each of us!

[cdawson41]

I agree, when I post a story I want the feedback also. I have a list of several places on my computer where I can post works I have done to get feedback. Most of them are a huge disappointment. On one that I tried out well over one hundred people read my story and not one single comment. Though I still have those other sites in my fav file I rarely go there as I consider it a waste of time if people aren't willing to help each other out like they are here.

I do get a bit leary about leaving feedback until I can at least advance out of the beginners level. I have been told before that it makes no difference but while in the beginners level I feel like I'm in learning/training mode. I'm not only learning how to improve my writing but I'm watching how folks critique my writing. I should do a better job of giving feedback to others as I actually become quite sad when I don't have any, however, I want to leave remarks that are knowldgeable and helpful to the writer.

And on a side note since I know Deb is reading this. Would it be impossible to put a spell check button on the comment boxes? This is my third night of I'm not gonna sleep and I'm gonna bet money even when I reread this there will be typos in it. It is one of the dangers of being a natural blonde. LOL. (I nearly misspelled blonde, time to try and get some sleep )

[HeartSpeaks]

Thanks for your help with critiquing.

I had the most wonderful critique from someone and would like to print it out. How do I find it again? Forgive me if this is in the newbie forum. Could you direct me to the correct forum posting please? I am a newbie.