Having a truly open and honest c&c forum would be great, if it can be pulled off.
I often have comment, or critique but generally opt to keep them to myself, for fear of offending. My comments are well considered and, I believe, accurate, but also ‘matter of fact’. Not mean, would never do that, but frank.
My experience has been in the arts—music, instrumental and vocal, and photography. Errors are quickly noted, without fear or favor. Critiques can be brutal and very honest. But, it’s always about the work, not the person. Understanding that makes the comment, ‘a swing and a miss’ ok and appreciated. My wife is very supportive of my craft, as I am of hers. We also have a hard rule against complimenting something that’s not great in our own or each other’s work. I have found over these many years that an honest evaluation, although sometimes uncomfortable, is the fastest path to improvement and excellence.
I haven’t read the article on methods of critique yet.
I reject the notion that a critique has to start with ‘what a great person you are for asking’, and ‘golly gee this is great, maybe even greater if you tried x or y’. I’m personally interested if one would share with me the things that would make my work better, and why.
Is there a way to be honest and frank? I would like to give it a try!
I often have comment, or critique but generally opt to keep them to myself, for fear of offending. My comments are well considered and, I believe, accurate, but also ‘matter of fact’. Not mean, would never do that, but frank.
My experience has been in the arts—music, instrumental and vocal, and photography. Errors are quickly noted, without fear or favor. Critiques can be brutal and very honest. But, it’s always about the work, not the person. Understanding that makes the comment, ‘a swing and a miss’ ok and appreciated. My wife is very supportive of my craft, as I am of hers. We also have a hard rule against complimenting something that’s not great in our own or each other’s work. I have found over these many years that an honest evaluation, although sometimes uncomfortable, is the fastest path to improvement and excellence.
I haven’t read the article on methods of critique yet.
I reject the notion that a critique has to start with ‘what a great person you are for asking’, and ‘golly gee this is great, maybe even greater if you tried x or y’. I’m personally interested if one would share with me the things that would make my work better, and why.
Is there a way to be honest and frank? I would like to give it a try!
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