How This Critter Crits
Viewing comments for Chapter 2 "Macro/Micro Critting"GROWTH? ADULATION? HURRY -- CHOOSE!
127 total reviews
Comment from vanillatte
Oh, it's a fickle, FanTastic FanStory-land we inhabit. What's a poor FS addict to do?!
Seriously, I took the time, though it is seriously way past my bedtime, to read your piece all the way through!
And that means, well, it means I get a double espresso for breakfast!!
HA!
Loved it, looking forward to the installment on "Macro".
Oh, and that house looking thing you do? We do that too!
-VL
reply by the author on 05-Oct-2006
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Oh, it's a fickle, FanTastic FanStory-land we inhabit. What's a poor FS addict to do?!
Seriously, I took the time, though it is seriously way past my bedtime, to read your piece all the way through!
And that means, well, it means I get a double espresso for breakfast!!
HA!
Loved it, looking forward to the installment on "Macro".
Oh, and that house looking thing you do? We do that too!
-VL
Comment Written 05-Oct-2006
reply by the author on 05-Oct-2006
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vanillatte, your crit is so important to me. I'm glad you took the time to read it from beginning to end. And welcome aboard for the next installment. I've started it now, but I'm a slow writer. It won't be ready for a couple of weeks. Keep your eyes open, though.
Jay
Comment from ooo JO ooo
Lol, Jay, this is quite amusing, and expertly written. (Well, almost...pickup is one word. ;)
I like the way you draw parallels between critiquing and house hunting. This imaginative piece held my attention from first to last.
Kudos to you. Keep up the good work!
Ciao,
Jo
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2006
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Lol, Jay, this is quite amusing, and expertly written. (Well, almost...pickup is one word. ;)
I like the way you draw parallels between critiquing and house hunting. This imaginative piece held my attention from first to last.
Kudos to you. Keep up the good work!
Ciao,
Jo
Comment Written 04-Oct-2006
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2006
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Jo, you are so kind. I have gone back to edit so many times if it were paper it would be shredded. But this is worth going back to again. It is so worthwhile that there are people like you about who can pickup my errors. Thank you so very much.
Jay
Comment from nora arjuna
'Open house' term here, in my place, is when we invite people to our house for some sort of celebration, usually during the various races' festivals. Foods will be served throughout the day.
That explained, I was curious by your opening line, LOL. Loved the way you talked about your wife. I could feel the affection there.
Overall, what you've written here, I think applies to most. In fact I tried to write this review last night, but at one instant, I was in dreamland. No, not because your writing put me to sleep but it was due to fatigue. Working and fasting the whole day takes its toll at night. So I decided to log off and do it next morning, because I knew, I was reading your 'pride and joy'.
Yes, be it a touching story, excellent poetry, all kinds of silly writings - whatever posted here are everyone's pride and joy. If one needs to be critisized, then it should be done with respect, and not simply by telling off. I have since squelched one, who in my thinking was extremely rude.
I think you're doing good for everyone here by bringing certain things out in the open, in your subtle, fun way. Looking forward to the rest.
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2006
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'Open house' term here, in my place, is when we invite people to our house for some sort of celebration, usually during the various races' festivals. Foods will be served throughout the day.
That explained, I was curious by your opening line, LOL. Loved the way you talked about your wife. I could feel the affection there.
Overall, what you've written here, I think applies to most. In fact I tried to write this review last night, but at one instant, I was in dreamland. No, not because your writing put me to sleep but it was due to fatigue. Working and fasting the whole day takes its toll at night. So I decided to log off and do it next morning, because I knew, I was reading your 'pride and joy'.
Yes, be it a touching story, excellent poetry, all kinds of silly writings - whatever posted here are everyone's pride and joy. If one needs to be critisized, then it should be done with respect, and not simply by telling off. I have since squelched one, who in my thinking was extremely rude.
I think you're doing good for everyone here by bringing certain things out in the open, in your subtle, fun way. Looking forward to the rest.
Comment Written 04-Oct-2006
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2006
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Thank you, my dear, dear arjuna. I wait eagerly for your crits. They are always so on the mark. Stay aboard. More fun down the road.
Jay
Comment from cooljules
Wow, I didn't know critiquing people's work was so complicated! My approach is slightly less complex. I read the story like I would read any story for pleasure, keeping my eyes peeled for how well it flows and how interesting, informative, or entertaining the content is. Yours flowed well and the content was very entertaining. You definitely have a flair for comic writing and using colloquial language everyone can relat to. I was also hoping it would elaborate more on a detailed systematic method of critiquing most effectively. As opposed to my very simplistic approach. Maybe in the next chapter? It seems like you posed alot of questions that will be answered in the next chapter. I am definitely intrigued to read further. Great job!
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2006
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Wow, I didn't know critiquing people's work was so complicated! My approach is slightly less complex. I read the story like I would read any story for pleasure, keeping my eyes peeled for how well it flows and how interesting, informative, or entertaining the content is. Yours flowed well and the content was very entertaining. You definitely have a flair for comic writing and using colloquial language everyone can relat to. I was also hoping it would elaborate more on a detailed systematic method of critiquing most effectively. As opposed to my very simplistic approach. Maybe in the next chapter? It seems like you posed alot of questions that will be answered in the next chapter. I am definitely intrigued to read further. Great job!
Comment Written 04-Oct-2006
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2006
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Thank you cooljules for your kind commentary. Yes, I hope I can really get into the nuts and bolts of at least Macro Critting next time. Please stay on board. And, I appreciate your crit.
Jay
Comment from miskko
Fantastic!
And I thought I was the only one with all these issues... (And that it was only me and my mother who enjoyed the rounds of free open house entertainment on a Sunday afternoon. Go figure; there are more of us!)
I wish your article was mandatory reading before signing up for fanstory. Maybe then we wouldn't get so many 3-star reviews - at chapter 27 - saying "I didn't understand the characters" or "your plot didn't make any sense".
I'd rather get no reviews at all, than get ones from "critters" that clearly don't know what they're talking about!
But, back to the task at hand....I loved the way you wove the parallels of house hunting into approaching a review. I wasn't sure what the connection was going to be, but it worked beautifully. Although, the Open House Adventures would be a fun journey on its own, as well. Just a thought.
Loved the humor throughout, and your writing style is engaging and clean. Very nice job!
(And no, I wasn't just in this for the points!)
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2006
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Fantastic!
And I thought I was the only one with all these issues... (And that it was only me and my mother who enjoyed the rounds of free open house entertainment on a Sunday afternoon. Go figure; there are more of us!)
I wish your article was mandatory reading before signing up for fanstory. Maybe then we wouldn't get so many 3-star reviews - at chapter 27 - saying "I didn't understand the characters" or "your plot didn't make any sense".
I'd rather get no reviews at all, than get ones from "critters" that clearly don't know what they're talking about!
But, back to the task at hand....I loved the way you wove the parallels of house hunting into approaching a review. I wasn't sure what the connection was going to be, but it worked beautifully. Although, the Open House Adventures would be a fun journey on its own, as well. Just a thought.
Loved the humor throughout, and your writing style is engaging and clean. Very nice job!
(And no, I wasn't just in this for the points!)
Comment Written 04-Oct-2006
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2006
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Thank you miskko for your very kind and close read of my chapter. I'm so glad you liked it. Jump aboard. More to follow. I hope to see you there.
Jay
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I'm right behind you, jay, my fine fellow!
Comment from simon_morris
Jay, this is a masterful piece of writing. First, the externals of writing: this is one piece of writing I would recommend to any writer to when I am telling them things about their stories such as, "be aware of strings of adjectives, overuse of adverbs, tight, controlled sentences." This is the antithesis of a poorly written piece.
You don't have any of those defects and because of that -- as well as other issues -- the read is smooth and perfect. You choose verbs for their strength to move the writing. Your nouns AREN'T dead or replaced by articles or pronouns.
Today I was reading a story that referred to whatever it was talking about with the following, "... about these kinds of things." It referred not to the preceding piece of information but so something discussed earlier. My question to the writer: "These kinds of things as opposed to THOSE kinds of things?" If you are going to write about critting, you have to have an almost flawless piece of writing yourself or it will lack verisimilitude. This piece has it.
I do not know if there are any nits, and frankly, Scarlett, I don't give a damn. This is the kind of piece, that if you read it for a misplaced comma, or a diphthong that runs up your butt, you will miss the joy of reading a wonderful piece of prose. If something had struck me, I would mention it but I will not be the kind of critter who gets his panties in a bunch over a misplaced comma. I will get bent out of shape about a misplaced modifier. That would be a bump in the read.
Internally, you use an example in another field of critting as a simile for skills needed for critting. The lookie-loo example is a wonderful choice because you have no stake in either house hunting or story critting except to be a careful and considerate guest. You aren't asked to buy either and you will leave without spoiling the decorations or stealing the damask table cloth.
You add just enough humor to keep a difficult subject light. You don't poo-poo the subject or denigrate the reader.
The piece also does one other thing: It will force the reader to come back for the next piece -- you didn't try to answer all the questions in the universe in one swell foop.
This is one of those pieces I would have read if it was a one point-two cent pieces. I have always red for fun and if I had back all I spent on books over a lifetime, I could probably open my own publishing house.
Great piece of work.
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2006
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Jay, this is a masterful piece of writing. First, the externals of writing: this is one piece of writing I would recommend to any writer to when I am telling them things about their stories such as, "be aware of strings of adjectives, overuse of adverbs, tight, controlled sentences." This is the antithesis of a poorly written piece.
You don't have any of those defects and because of that -- as well as other issues -- the read is smooth and perfect. You choose verbs for their strength to move the writing. Your nouns AREN'T dead or replaced by articles or pronouns.
Today I was reading a story that referred to whatever it was talking about with the following, "... about these kinds of things." It referred not to the preceding piece of information but so something discussed earlier. My question to the writer: "These kinds of things as opposed to THOSE kinds of things?" If you are going to write about critting, you have to have an almost flawless piece of writing yourself or it will lack verisimilitude. This piece has it.
I do not know if there are any nits, and frankly, Scarlett, I don't give a damn. This is the kind of piece, that if you read it for a misplaced comma, or a diphthong that runs up your butt, you will miss the joy of reading a wonderful piece of prose. If something had struck me, I would mention it but I will not be the kind of critter who gets his panties in a bunch over a misplaced comma. I will get bent out of shape about a misplaced modifier. That would be a bump in the read.
Internally, you use an example in another field of critting as a simile for skills needed for critting. The lookie-loo example is a wonderful choice because you have no stake in either house hunting or story critting except to be a careful and considerate guest. You aren't asked to buy either and you will leave without spoiling the decorations or stealing the damask table cloth.
You add just enough humor to keep a difficult subject light. You don't poo-poo the subject or denigrate the reader.
The piece also does one other thing: It will force the reader to come back for the next piece -- you didn't try to answer all the questions in the universe in one swell foop.
This is one of those pieces I would have read if it was a one point-two cent pieces. I have always red for fun and if I had back all I spent on books over a lifetime, I could probably open my own publishing house.
Great piece of work.
Comment Written 04-Oct-2006
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2006
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Milt, there is no one whose praise makes me feel more honored. And -- this being read toward the end of the work day -- I can say "you made it, man, you made my day!" Thank you, thank you.
I am realizing, as you must realize, with your superb pieces on the writing craft, there is no better way to develop a loyal following than by writing about anything connected with writing. At the risk of rewarding praise because, well, because it makes me feel good. . . I want to give you the "finger up yours" award... oops, the "thumbs up award." I always get those mixed up. Here goes...
I'll be getting back with you this pm about your query.
Jay
Comment from Kyrielle
Hi, jay, very entertaining and informative writing. I cannot help but smile at you and your wife and your "window-home-shopping" without the intent to buy. Nice parallel to critiquing on FanStory. Loved the humor in this too.
One true part grabbed me: that part about being "objective." A good critter has to be, is schooled to be. He cannot be swayed by the subject of the piece, on whether it is tasteful or distasteful, on whether he hates bad language, on whether he has had a personal experience in that department which could color his response, etc. etc. The good critter can put all of those things aside and deal with the work itself and its merits. Some, of course, are schooled in this and can do this, and, alas, some cannot.
So we will expect good critics and not so good ones on FanStory, and discernment is required to tell one from the other.
Your essays on this subject can and will help, I am sure. Write on!
Kay :)
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2006
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Hi, jay, very entertaining and informative writing. I cannot help but smile at you and your wife and your "window-home-shopping" without the intent to buy. Nice parallel to critiquing on FanStory. Loved the humor in this too.
One true part grabbed me: that part about being "objective." A good critter has to be, is schooled to be. He cannot be swayed by the subject of the piece, on whether it is tasteful or distasteful, on whether he hates bad language, on whether he has had a personal experience in that department which could color his response, etc. etc. The good critter can put all of those things aside and deal with the work itself and its merits. Some, of course, are schooled in this and can do this, and, alas, some cannot.
So we will expect good critics and not so good ones on FanStory, and discernment is required to tell one from the other.
Your essays on this subject can and will help, I am sure. Write on!
Kay :)
Comment Written 04-Oct-2006
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2006
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Hi, Kay, and many many thanks for your crit and valuable commentary. During my first week, or so, on FanStory I posted a poem entitled: "The Book of Genitals," which was kind of a satirical take on "The Book of Genesis." I had written it when I was in my early 20s and probably thought I was God-like. Anyway, I got a 2 or 3 star rating from one person, who said, simply: "This is Blasphemy!" Did she have her prejudices? Should she have reviewed the poem? Only she could answer that to her conscience. Thank you, though, for your close read.
Jay
Comment from Lokman
I might do a better job of helping the writer strengthen his piece. And bonus time! By focusing on the elements of effective writing, how can I help but improve my own writing skills?
I've been thinking about this ever since I read it last night. Not just this quote I've picked out but the overall whole.
First off, BRILLIANT. I sometimes wish I could think the way you do. But I can't, so I enjoy instead.
Secondly, you appear to have an underlying meaning here. You have the time and are in the right frame of mind to crit, you do, the author responds to your opening of the dialogue, but never follows through. And what you want is to continue that dialogue to, as quoted above, improve your own writing skills.
What happens then?
Reading this piece has opened my eyes to my failure as a writer to take advantage of what good critters offer: The ability to use constructive criticism to make a particular piece better, and become a better writer.
Thank you for writing this. This went directly to my soul.
Lokman
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2006
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I might do a better job of helping the writer strengthen his piece. And bonus time! By focusing on the elements of effective writing, how can I help but improve my own writing skills?
I've been thinking about this ever since I read it last night. Not just this quote I've picked out but the overall whole.
First off, BRILLIANT. I sometimes wish I could think the way you do. But I can't, so I enjoy instead.
Secondly, you appear to have an underlying meaning here. You have the time and are in the right frame of mind to crit, you do, the author responds to your opening of the dialogue, but never follows through. And what you want is to continue that dialogue to, as quoted above, improve your own writing skills.
What happens then?
Reading this piece has opened my eyes to my failure as a writer to take advantage of what good critters offer: The ability to use constructive criticism to make a particular piece better, and become a better writer.
Thank you for writing this. This went directly to my soul.
Lokman
Comment Written 04-Oct-2006
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2006
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Wow! And coming from my man Lokman, whose work I really, really admire. I feel so good that something that originated in here goes out there and touches a soul (a brain and sometimes a bowell, but that's okay too.) Truly, I am in awe of what you wrote. And for giving me the courage to go on with this -- may I offer you a "thumbs up"?
Jay
Comment from Nescher Pyscher
You've got the right idea, I think.
I got no kind of a critique here, dude. Good clean writing with lots of factual advice for what SHOULD be the way we do this.
I know I crit works I'm not intelluctually or emotionally prepared to read, and I don't even give it much consideration.
Way to make me think, dude.
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2006
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You've got the right idea, I think.
I got no kind of a critique here, dude. Good clean writing with lots of factual advice for what SHOULD be the way we do this.
I know I crit works I'm not intelluctually or emotionally prepared to read, and I don't even give it much consideration.
Way to make me think, dude.
Comment Written 04-Oct-2006
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2006
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Thank you Nescher for your thoughtful and kind comments. I write these things to help me sort out, and in the process, think. It's a bonus for me to have one of my readers tell me I've made him think as well. It feels good to reach out and touch another. Thanks
Jay
Comment from PearlW
Hmm... I promise I read the first chapters, so I am up to speed with what's going on. Only this chapter doesn't really tell me anything, you say there's another one around the corner, and I'll keep my eye open for it, but this chapter doesn't really bring anything across.
What did you try to achieve here? Don't review just for the sake of earning member dollars or pumps?
I still don't know what Macro or Micro editing is - to you at least.
Still a very enjoyable read overall.
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2006
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Hmm... I promise I read the first chapters, so I am up to speed with what's going on. Only this chapter doesn't really tell me anything, you say there's another one around the corner, and I'll keep my eye open for it, but this chapter doesn't really bring anything across.
What did you try to achieve here? Don't review just for the sake of earning member dollars or pumps?
I still don't know what Macro or Micro editing is - to you at least.
Still a very enjoyable read overall.
Comment Written 04-Oct-2006
reply by the author on 04-Oct-2006
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Thank you, Pearl for your candid comments. I need those. I admit to have been kind of relaxed in bringing about concrete "personal suggestions to myself," for it really is a sorting out, thinking process primarily for me. I've been relaxed because I have been luxuriating in the communication process. For you... I'll try to get to the point. Thanks again...
Jay