I make a comment that causes someone to decide to make some alteration to their work that they might not have made otherwise

I think as a commenter your only responsibility is to try to be constructive. What the writer then does to their work is their responsibility, not yours.

Some of my most successful revisions have been prompted by someone else...

Emma

You are of course absolutely right, Emma.

Thank you for helping me sort that one out.

Sarah

I think that the standard of comments seen on WW are generally constructive and helpful. Some are obviously more constructive than others. However, irrespective of the 'be gentle' or 'I can take it' level requested by the writer, I do like to read these comments for one can learn quite a lot from comments on the works of others.

What I am not too keen on are the comments that read like ego trips for the commentator and some of the 'responses' from the writer that seek to nullify or 'knock down' even the most helpful of observations.

Len

Hi Dee

Regarding the Buddy system, I think that is a very good idea. Can you figure out a way to make it work in Flash?

I think most people go through this concern about what is acceptable and what isn't. I would generally agree with Emma that you should try to find something to praise before you find something to criticise. Furthermore, when you criticise, make sure it is the work you criticise and not the individual.

Also if the piece fails to please you because of personal taboos either, don't comment at all or be right up front about what bothers you.

Best

John

Sarah,

As a relative novice writer I share your concerns. I've been a member since November and haven't yet recieved a comment on my work that hasn't helped in some way. Even if you don't quite agree with the crit, it does allow you to look at the work from another angle.

But my main problem is having the confidence to crit some of the truly remarkable pieces of writing on here. I often think, "Where the hell do I get the nerve to even suggest a change to this?" and I imagine the writer looking at my comment and thinking "Who the hell does this punk think he is? The cheek!" As a new writer its also sometimes hard to know what exactly to look for, but I think my crit skills are improving.

And I've rarely 'not liked' something I've read, I think if you're a member of a group like short story or flash, you will get genres and themes that may not appeal so I try to read with an open mind.

Darren

I think that if you don't admire the work of the writer making the crit, then you have to take it with a pinch of salt. I'm lucky in that I feel I recieve comments from writers whose work I really like and enjoy, but I do have rather Catholic tastes (believe it or not!).

There is a lot of uploaded work here that is awe inspiring - and a lot of it is just as good as the stuff already out there on the shelves.

JB

Sarah,

All comment on this site is subjective: objectivity is an illusion. That said, we all have a duty to adopt a constructive mindset when we comment on the work of others and not to use comment as a means of scoring points or working off a bit of frustration. If your comments pass this test, then stop worrying.

I've never received anything other than constructive criticism during my - admittedly short - time on WW. Sure, I sometimes get comments that irritate me, but there is always some kernel of value to be had, even from these. I don't buy the idea that you might do irrevocable damage to a precious but fragile piece as a result of an insensitive comment. Good work is too robust for that to happen. If someone is so unconfident about their work, then perhaps they are not ready for public criticism.

smudger

Darren - that's it exactly - confidence.

Smudger - I was being unconfident and exposing my insecurities but I've put them away now(!) Blush...

Thanks to everyone for being so helpful (and patient).

Sarah