What sort of comment is most helpful or preferred?

[Mike Handley]

A vent and a question ... 

In the last 48 hours on this site, I've been asked for my honest opinion on a piece, AND I've had an unsolicited comment deleted by another writer whose ego apparently cannot weather constructive criticism. I was happy to oblige the first, and I was pissed at the second -- since the criticism was on target. I actually liked the story and thought it both poignant and well written, except for a faulty simile.

I've been a writer and editor for three decades. While certainly fallible, I know the mechanics. A background in journalism has also instilled in me the most important of lessons: Do not make your reader stumble.

So my question, boys and girls, is what do YOU want in a comment? A lot of our posts are purely recreational. Some are snippets from what has been or is hoped to be published. I've wrestled with this ever since I joined 6S, and I'm apparently no closer to solving the riddle now than I was on day one, when I came across my first mixed metaphor.

What say y'all?

[Mike Handley]

Well said, DD. I want to say so much in reply to this because I've thought about all of your points. A hit counter would be awesome, too.
For the record, I also have no problem with deleting blogs. I've done it, too, even a couple that drew a lot of praise ... because I realized that when I posted a link to my 6S site on my facebook page, it could draw some of those outer-circle friends' scrutiny. (But then the need for a "public" and "private" facebook presence is fodder for another discussion.)
I also have a short list of must-read blogger pals, and I'll read whatever they post first -- even if it's a grocery list. You, sir, are on that list.

[Edward Dean]

Constructive criticism is well warranted and acceptable ANY time. And we're all fair game for anyone disagreeing with those critiques. We all should consider ourselves lucky to have a world wide audience for feed back. If we're not here to exchange new ideas and critiques then get outta town!

But I will say that Rob C.'s critique on one of my pieces was a tad overboard when he said "This is pure shit Ed! Go buy an eraser!" :))

[jkdavies]

Pretty much everything I wanted to say on this topic has already been said - that's what happens when you're lazy and have a few days off!
I think the comment that most annoyed me was a "Good work" type one on a piece I'd literally dashed off in 5mins; while some of the posts I had spent hours on seemed barely recognised. I kind of revised my opinion of the commenter at that point, not that that person was one of my "core" at any rate!
I'd love to know what didn't work in those "unpopular" ones... but I guess if I could please all of the people all of the time... well you just can't.
But for the record, please comment if it doesn't work for you if you can find the time - I know I am guilty of reading something, thinking I'll come back to that when I'm not in such a rush and somehow that never happens... You can be harsh with me, but I will admit to occasional impatience if a tangential/unrelated discussion starts off on a post, especially if it's political or something else I can't follow! (well I'm allowed a couple of faults!)

[Sandra Davies]

I think your reaction to 'good work' for a five minute piece is over-harsh - the fact that it didn''t take you long is still evidence of talent if it promoted a positive response.

[Michelle Davis]

I like this topic.

Honestly, I prefer a little of both, I think. Tell me what you liked AND what you didn't. I think many of us can pick out the good and bad in any piece.

Though some may be able to be a little more "Simonesque" and focus only on ONE side or the other.

Usually if I opt to post a blog, it's because I think it's at the very least not horrible (though sometimes when I read it much later Ifind out Iwas so very wrong). But, the point is, I enjoy hearing others' feedback. I love seeing it how the reader sees it sometimes. As the writer, youcan't always be sure how what you have written will be taken by someone else, and as such, it's always helpful.

If I write something I think is good, but I have several comments saying "yeah, it's okay, but it may be better if...." then I need to look at that piece again. Does that mean I will change it? Not necessarily.......but......what if I should? Without someone else's perspective, I would have a piece of writing that is mediocre at best and simply horrific at worst. I always want to improve.

When I went through the National Writing Project several summers ago, we used the system "bless, address, or press." I liked that. It gave everyone a chance to choose which type of comment was given.

[Sandra Davies]

A positive comment isn't necessarily 'fawning' - just recognition / acknowledgement of good writing and the pleasure it gave - accept such with good grace whether or not they have ££££s attached !!!!

[Ann-Marie Turner]

I'm very late joining this discussion but Mike's question struck a chord with me and I wanted to share my feelings. As a newbie to the site I have felt really great having my pieces commented on by some of you especially when I see the awesome work that you all do. As a fledgling writer(?) it was great getting the acknowledgement, the praise and the feedback that said I'd written something worth reading. I needed that validation.

I also need, if I am really to grow and to become a writer or even just write one really good thing, a lot of constructive criticism and instruction and I for one am happy to take any that I can get from this talented bunch of people. It might not feel good sometimes but my writing will definitely improve if I take my medicine.

I can see why you would be offended at the deleted comment Mike but I can bet you that that person still has those comments seared in their mind and if they're serious about writing it will bear fruit. The action also says more about the person than you so I would not be too offended by it. Please keep commenting and letting me have the benefit of your experience and that goes for all of you.

[Mike Handley]

Welcome to the discussion, Ann-Marie. I don't imagine the woman will take my suggestion to heart, but I'm okay with that. For example, when I post something to this site, it's purely recreational. I wish only to entertain. So if someone were to say to me: It would be better if you did such-and-such, I'd consider the idea and might enjoy discussing it. I might agree or disagree. But to what end? My little stories here aren't destined for anywhere else.

Since initiating this discussion, I've pretty much decided to avoid critiquing beyond possibly offering a better word choice here or there. But you know how it goes ... As soon as I hit the "publish button" for this reply, I'll read something out there that'll give me hives curable only by stating the reason -- as honestly and politely as I'm able.

[Sandra Davies]

Having already benefitted from your critique I'm hereby requesting that you make me an exception to any embargo you decide to enforce - you don't even need to be polite!

[Mike Handley]

My third try to respond ... is something up with this site?

My being impolite to you will NOT happen, doll!

[Joanna Lopez]

Hi Mike,

I prefer constructive criticism as well as if you liked it or not. Because i figure I could always use my 6S to begin a novel or short story. Also the fact that i want to improve my grammar and sentence structure. Oh, and great worship and adulation for my writing! lol

Bye,
Joanna

[Jeanette Cheezum]

I appreciate all the help I can get. Sometimes there is too much recreation and sometimes theres not enough. We have to find a happy medium. Most of all be respectful of others.