What are your feelings and opinions about multiple critiques given on one piece of poetry?

Question

When I ask this question, is does not include the ES’ers or the Bashers.

On some pieces that I see, there have been multiple critiques of a certain piece, and although not always the same they circle the same concept, and then at times, they do not.

Do you feel they are a hindrance or a help?

(typo in first line) sould be "it" not "is".

I apologize for the typing error.
Sam

Hello moviereeler,

Might I ask you as to which site you are a moderator on? Are you one on this site?
Since you do not receive emails I can not ask you this on a PM level.

I shall check out your sites, but please know who “I am” by reading my profile.

“Truth and honesty go very far, deceit and lies shown for what the are.”
A line from one of my many pieces.

Sam

Answer 1

The more response the better. Plus, on yahoo to receive any response to a question about a poem is a plus, whether it be negative, positive or neutral. People just don't seem interested in reviewing poems on yahoo. One reason why may be the subjectivity of poetry, and the assumption that something isn't good unless written by someone with reputation and clout. Also, it takes time and effort to truly analyze a poem and provide feedback. "Great poem", or "rubbish" simply isn't enough to help one improve. Such blank statements are simply enough to stroke ego or wound it. The real key is being able to give and receive good feedback. Honesty is the best policy in terms of creativity, whether it hurts the recepient or not. The thing I fear most in my own poetry is having too much confidence where confidence isn't merited. Of course, to be stifled by unconstructive critcism, by someone who doesn't see the true potential in an individuals creativity is of equal concern. Innovation is often misunderstood in it's own time. For example Walt Whitman's Leaves Of Grass was disregarded for it's eccentricities by most of Whitman's contemporaries, save Thoreau who recognized it's true genius. Imagine if Thoreau hadn't recognized such potential? Honestly, I think Leaves Of Grass has had more influence on poetry today than any other 19th century work. So the key in my opinion is to be able to give and receive useful criticism to help guide one another along in developing our talents. In the words of Cicero, "Infact, there is no human being of any race (or ability) who, if he finds a guide, cannot attain to virtue." The question then is, where to find a guide??

Answer 2

It's important to appreciate that most people simply do not know how to write a proper critique and so their remarks can seem to 'circle around the concept' rather than clearly pinpoint problems with a poem. It's doubtful that this is on purpose, the average person wants to avoid hurting your feelings by saying something too harsh even if you say you want honest criticism!

It's true that many writers and artists hate to have their work criticised but others love the feedback.
I think that the internet is a fantastic way to get this sort of feedback quickly and easily. It's also necessary to read between the lines somewhat and take only the advice that is useful to you.
A lot of people seek out communities of writers/artists or comment exchanges to try and improve the feedback. The more specialised the community, the fewer 'it's nice' or 'I like it's' you'll get and if your lucky someone experienced will say something really helpful. All those banal repetitive critiques are worth it for that one gem that helps you improve your work.

Answer 3

When you put up any creative work for public perusal, you will get multiple critiques, and these will be as varied as the day is long.
The best-selling authors in the world can be called hacks, award-winning poets are called bores, and gifted artists are told to learn to draw.
Critique comes with the territory – don’t get too caught up in it. Listen to technical critiques, apply your mind to what people say about you - be it good or bad – and continue what you do because you love it, not because you hope to please others. You will never please everyone, so please yourself!
Critiques can be both hindrance and help – depending on what attitude it was given in, and if you decide to take things personally or not. So, if you decide to let critiques be a hindrance to you, it will break you down and your creativity will bail. If you decide to learn from your critiques and hone your skills, it will help.
Good luck!

Answer 4

It definitely sheds a wider light upon the poem, to hear multiple opinions. It helps the artist grow, when given good critiques and suggestions. Sometimes, you just have to put up with a few negative comments, to get a good response to a piece of art... That's the thing about artwork. We all have unique personal perspectives of art itself and artwork.

Answer 5

When we expose our selves, we are left open to both pos. and neg. response , Like all art beauty is in the eyes, heart of
the beholder. I can not express all any better then the comments already posted here, I believe mainly those of us who enjoy writing, mainly write because some thing with in
takes us over and we have to write, If some one else can relate to the words fine, if not that is just the way it is. I really don't know what all the fuss is about. Just keep on writing.

Answer 6

Once a poem is put here, it is left here for the judgement of any users. Some pieces of poetry invite to all kinds of thoughts, and people just express their opinions, critiques, suggestions, sometimes they can relate to the experience described... I think it's interesting to see how others see a piece of poetry...

Answer 7

As a poetry editor and moderator My answer to you is Many answers give more insight.

You are invited to join our sites FREE.
http://www.thepoetrymansion.com/
http://www.steelmoonpublishing.us/EZINE.html
Say hi when you get there.
Zaida

Answer 8

nah. we're just tearing the poor fellow apart so he or she will be driven to the extremeties of extracting his or her creative juices to the point of having a drought in his/her cup...