We poets are a sensitive breed-to deny it there's no need-it is clearly necessary to be successful writers, we must have highly tuned senses ,not everyone can be poetic-so it stands to reason that with our super fine perceptions-we would be more easily offended by criticism-though some have learned to overcome it better than others, it is still there-and we have to take care, to understand when others are bruised by what we say-we too have been in their shoes and shouldn't look away we all need each other to continue to grow no matter how difficut at times,to show that we are a family of poets who believe it is better to give than to recieve, because we know our rhyme returns to us in due time since we have such keen sense,it's best to remember sometimes how we act, is nonsense !
Constructive criticism is hard to deliver properly for most of us I think... and even harder to accept. I help moderate a forum wich deals with structured poetry and have learned there is a very fine line we must trod. Your piece gives much to consider Eileen, thank you...
A true poet can go it alone, leave the world behind and starve before the world knows. I'm glad I'm a true poet, just a half-assed one who doesn't need to live on my poetry--thank goodness!
Ron
Reviewed by Dove JoAnne Cromp (Reader)
Reviewed on August 13, 2006
(((((Eileen )))) bless you and your words..Yes, we need one another, we need the heart in love and I have prayed many times for all here's health and blessing and continue to pray..Your a wonderful friend and writer...Yes your a wonderful role model..
I mind my manners when I write reviews. Though I do think just like your messages are private, I think it would be better if your reviews/comments were private. I post poems at another site and they email you, the replies to your work, rather than posting them for all to see. I think this way is better.
Reviewed by Elizabeth Taylor (Reader)
Reviewed on August 13, 2006
One has to have a thick hide to lay it all out there.
VEry well taken and understood! I look at it like this, WE are growing and growth is on many levels! Love the way this is written, Thank you Eileen... Love and Light! WArmly *She* :)
Criticism sometime does sting deeply....but we need to know that sometimes it was not meant to have that sting!! Hopefully my stupid way of expressing myself did not hurt any one...and if it did it was NOT meant to be none other than humor showing face!!
How true! I hold my hand up as guilty at times, to be criticised cut cut deep, but I have found it doesn not bleed as much as the words flow as the first time! Thanks for a needed reminder!
it's best to
remember sometimes how we act, is nonsense !
*Chucking away at this last line.* Every line is true here, Eileen. And I'm often surprised at how we poets like to speak individually of our personal sensitvity as though the other poet we're speaking to may not be equally sensitive. When it comes to reviews, as others have said, we know the difference between a constructive review with criticism and someone just busting our chops. I personally think, considering that AuthorsDen is a "showcase" site and not a "workshop" site, if a person has anything critical to say, even so much as to point out a typo, he or she should write the poet a note. Think about it. Who are you really trying to notify of the error? The poet to help him or her or the poet's readers and potential publishers to show everybody else what a great proofreader you are and the imperfections of the poet? Whenever I read one poet giving another poet a "mean" review (Pointing out typos is NOT mean, btw, but a kind thing to do. Pointing them out privately rather is a matter of etiquette. If anyone sees a typo on my pages, I don't care if you tell me openly or privately.), I usually think the poet who gave the mean review (for instance I read a review once where one poet told another that his work was "so much doggerel") is having a bad day, a bad life, or has some history with the other poet to which I am not privy. Usually it sounds like a jealousy issue.
On the other hand, reviews that are overly flattering also seem odd, don't they?
Enjoyed this write, Eileen. You are a thoughtful writer. ~~Nordette
I have to kinda go along with the others below, and I know how hurtful a negative review can be, if one allows it to be...though if used correctly, negativity can be quite positive...I liked this one alot, Eileen, Ed & Rufuz
We joined this avenue for poetry exposire therefore we shouldn't be affended when we get a negative now and then. I'll revert back to my dear father's advice, "Sis! You aren't doing your job successfully if someone isn't talking about you.' I'm a peace maker and although I've tried to help heal some wounds here at the Den...some have their mind set to go. Then, we must wish them well and to return when they catch their breath.
Thanks Sis!
Love and harmony.
Susan
it's best to
remember sometimes how we act, is nonsense !
Yes it is, and there's a big difference between silly nonsense, and mean spirited nonsense. May the silliness continue in life, and the mean spiritedness vanish forever from our pages.
A timely and intrepid exhortation Eileen, one that immediately provoked thought in me.
I have found that few who criticize harshly and try to manipulate others, are very good at what they do. I have always contended that, instead of tearing someone apart in hopes of making them better, you administer life and encouragement to them on their own path, and let them know that others care enough to stand with them - even if it's just in cyber-space.
I have personally had a dozen or more excursions in sites that tear what you do apart ... bad comma placement, misuse of semi-colons, inappropriate use of dangling participles - "why did you choose that word?" etc.
When you go read their own work, you know in a moment why they tear others apart. Many are just frustrated wannabes with an English major!
Most people don't grow this way, or feel good enough about what they do enough to continue. I don't want to be-labor this, but there is spirits of jealousy and ugliness everywhere that would try to sink artists and writers. Sometimes they are successful!
Strength and fortitude is something that developes after many battles.
I appreciate what you have said here and I personally know several questionable personalities that should print this out and tack it on the wall above their bed.
Dozens of Frequently Asked Questions regarding Pathological Narcissism, relationships with abusive narcissists, and the Narcissistic Personality Disorder.
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(((HUGS))) and love, Karla.
Loved this Eileen, Spot on.
Love Ch'erie
Myrna
Ron
Peace & Love, Dove
Thanks for doing so.
Love Tinka
remember sometimes how we act, is nonsense !
*Chucking away at this last line.* Every line is true here, Eileen. And I'm often surprised at how we poets like to speak individually of our personal sensitvity as though the other poet we're speaking to may not be equally sensitive. When it comes to reviews, as others have said, we know the difference between a constructive review with criticism and someone just busting our chops. I personally think, considering that AuthorsDen is a "showcase" site and not a "workshop" site, if a person has anything critical to say, even so much as to point out a typo, he or she should write the poet a note. Think about it. Who are you really trying to notify of the error? The poet to help him or her or the poet's readers and potential publishers to show everybody else what a great proofreader you are and the imperfections of the poet? Whenever I read one poet giving another poet a "mean" review (Pointing out typos is NOT mean, btw, but a kind thing to do. Pointing them out privately rather is a matter of etiquette. If anyone sees a typo on my pages, I don't care if you tell me openly or privately.), I usually think the poet who gave the mean review (for instance I read a review once where one poet told another that his work was "so much doggerel") is having a bad day, a bad life, or has some history with the other poet to which I am not privy. Usually it sounds like a jealousy issue.
On the other hand, reviews that are overly flattering also seem odd, don't they?
Enjoyed this write, Eileen. You are a thoughtful writer. ~~Nordette
Well done Eileen
Thanks Sis!
Love and harmony.
Susan
remember sometimes how we act, is nonsense !
Yes it is, and there's a big difference between silly nonsense, and mean spirited nonsense. May the silliness continue in life, and the mean spiritedness vanish forever from our pages.
Reindeer
My Blessed Mother always taught me " Live and Let Live "..
I do ...Eileen
Love
Peter
Rebecca
I have found that few who criticize harshly and try to manipulate others, are very good at what they do. I have always contended that, instead of tearing someone apart in hopes of making them better, you administer life and encouragement to them on their own path, and let them know that others care enough to stand with them - even if it's just in cyber-space.
I have personally had a dozen or more excursions in sites that tear what you do apart ... bad comma placement, misuse of semi-colons, inappropriate use of dangling participles - "why did you choose that word?" etc.
When you go read their own work, you know in a moment why they tear others apart. Many are just frustrated wannabes with an English major!
Most people don't grow this way, or feel good enough about what they do enough to continue. I don't want to be-labor this, but there is spirits of jealousy and ugliness everywhere that would try to sink artists and writers. Sometimes they are successful!
Strength and fortitude is something that developes after many battles.
I appreciate what you have said here and I personally know several questionable personalities that should print this out and tack it on the wall above their bed.
Richard Lloyd Cederberg