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Keith Rowley

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Let's have some critical reviews, please
by Keith Rowley   
Rated "G" by the Author.
     
Last edited: Monday, August 6, 2012
Posted: Monday, August 6, 2012

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Let's open ourselves up to a wider range of commentary and criticism of our work with a new AD option we could request.

 It's always pleasant and indeed rewarding to receive positive reviews of one's work. However, I think we tend towards being a touch too restrained and even incestuous when we review work on AD. 

Whilst positive reviews from those who enjoy our work is a thrill, wouldn't it also be great to know why people don't like our work, and therefore why hundreds of 'hits' on some works generate a mere handful of reviews - all of them positive, alas.

From my own viewpoint, I can well appreciate that my work will appeal only to a minority, but I might still benefit from readers pointing out any technical or grammatical shortcomings, poor cadence or typographical errors, or even points of philosophical difference.

Of course, as we become friends over the years, it is natural for us to be reticent about our inevitably negative views of some work but surely, saying nothing does the writer whose work we are reading a great disservice.

I wonder if maybe AD could add a symbol to the pages of those of us who would welcome critical reviews; this would be on an 'opt-in' basis, so no one need feel threatened. It would certainly make me more comfortable in offering reviews over a wider range of works and some gentle critique at times without fearing that I might cause offense and even  distress.

I would appreciate your opinions and should there be sufficient support for this, I will approach AD and request implementation.

 

 


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Reviewed by E Phillips
Reviewed on April 15, 2013
Keith: Your comments are well-founded. Unfortunately, very few readers know how to write a good review. They seem to praise without stating why, or they cite their own experiences that completely miss the point. This much I have discovered: Good writing elicits lots of hits but few reviews. Bad writing elicits fewer hits and lots of good reviews. Put another way the review to hit ratio is inversely proportional to the quality of the writing. Conclusion: Write to please yourself. The reviews on AD aren't very helpful.
Ed

Reviewed on August 14, 2012
I think it is a great idea! I know I could learn a lot to help me be a more effective and satisfying/satisfied writer. Constructive criticism is a tool as useful as a pen or keyboard if one is willing to use it in the same spirit...although it can kick back a bit LOL. Be well, Kathy

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