Great post, and one I think still very much applies to many of us one year latter in 2010, it's a most timeless point that I fully relate too, imho. I was a little lucky, as I have very little material of my own and truly came to this site to not only hook up with some new friends, but to mainly LEARN more about the almost nagging feeling in my head that I MUST WRITE and how best to funnel this energy into something productive such as a book. I simply had nothing worthy to post for a review when I came here like so many others have from day #1 here. I am only getting started and can not shake this notion of being in the first week of school. Feeling like a virgin in a den of porn stars, I too feel very unqualified to review a member's posted writings here at this stage in my life. I did read the rules first, but somehow it escaped me that the rules say we MUST review stories before we dare post are own works here. (did I already say something like this before? I'm sorry) I guess because I am in no hurry to post my writings (and ' have little to share if I had) I had not realized what a major issue this is for newbies to review before sharing, DESPITE the many many efforts of the good mods here to tell us this as soon as we introduce ourselves! It was my mistake, I read the rules a little too fast, and I can completely understand how easy it is for an eager writer to register and go straight to the Review forum to eagerly share their stories online.... Having said that, I must admit I still feel unqualified to review others hard work here. But, nevertheless, I will try to do my best, and I hope I can help the author and myself by doing so and also do it in a respected manner that hopefully does not offend anyone or breaks any site rules. An Analogy: When I went back and re-read the rules about reviewing I understood the purpose and how it can help us all write better. Nevertheless in my first review it was difficult for me to try and be helpful to the writer. I found myself feeling like I do when I am on the open interstate with my CB radio microphone in my hand hesitating to strike a conversation with other drivers about the road conditions ahead of me. It compares to stage fright, and I do not believe that is a good thing for an inspiring writer to have, I know I must lose the hesitation.... In my CB radio analogy, I quickly discovered it works best to simply jump on Trucker's channel #19 and simply start pointing out various things that were pertain to other drivers on the road often going the opposite direction of travel, even if it was as simple as a broken down car a little too close to the right lane. I soon discovered that sometimes the simplest things can be very helpful to others that share the same interests. Before I knew it I had greatly improved my ability to use my radio to not only help others, but they in turn helped me avoid traffic jams and more on my trips. (Sorry, I make my points best with analogies often, I hope I do not confuse anybody with my practice of posting this way). Back to the subject on hand: So, although I felt like I had butterflies in my stomach in my first review, I figured I just had to jump straight into a post and nicely point out what my impression was of the story. I believe it is possible to stay positive yet point out the good and bad things about a writing yet say it with respect and not tare an author to bits. Also I believe sometimes what is NOT said can say as much as what IS said in a review sometimes. (ex: an entertainer that displays their hard work in view of a large audience and upon finishing hears only crickets!) Yes I just can not help but keep the author's emotions in mind, but I strongly believe it is possible to jump straight into a review, point out what one likes or dislikes about a writing, do one's best to find and point out areas that might need improvement, and by doing so we help the author and ourselves become better writers by doing so, while not being mean spirited nor stuck-up about our reviews. From what I have observed here so far, I believe we have members of writing talent that vary a lot on this site; am I wrong about this? I wold hate to discourage an inspiring writer to the point of giving up. I need to learn so much more, but I will do my part and try to review to the best of my ability. I figure the concept makes sense, and this stuff really should help us all become better writers. My best. Terry
When you get dressed in the morning and ask your partner if you look OK and they say no. That's a critique, and one you will be thankful for the rest of the day.
It's a constructive critique if the partner also tells you what you need to be your best, most brilliantly shining best.
