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Okay, why is it that almost every member of the opposite sex that expresses interest in me lately is old enough to be my father? *bangs head on desk*
So, anyway. The experiment in constructive - or should I say diplomatic - criticism continues. Someone told me in chat that I was a lot kinder to a fic I was reviewing when I shared the link and my review than they would have been. Well, of course. Because that's my FIRST REVIEW.
I have a theory on constructive criticism - if you have a touchy author, keep it diplomatic at first. You start out not by just criticizing the fanfic, but by trying to get the point across that you are NOT bashing the work, that you are trying to be helpful. Then, if the author seems willing to listen and stop filtering out anything you say that seems remotely harsh, you can move on. They know you enough to understand your intent, and hopefully will take your advice into consideration.
Yes, I know how this sounds. But really, a lot of newer authors out there are extremely thin-skinned and tend to be defensive about their writing. Sometimes with good reason, sometimes without good reason. I myself still have to force myself not to get defensive when I get a negative but well-thought-out review.
( Why I'm avoiding mentioning Mary Sue for now. )
Wow, I need to go to bed.
So, anyway. The experiment in constructive - or should I say diplomatic - criticism continues. Someone told me in chat that I was a lot kinder to a fic I was reviewing when I shared the link and my review than they would have been. Well, of course. Because that's my FIRST REVIEW.
I have a theory on constructive criticism - if you have a touchy author, keep it diplomatic at first. You start out not by just criticizing the fanfic, but by trying to get the point across that you are NOT bashing the work, that you are trying to be helpful. Then, if the author seems willing to listen and stop filtering out anything you say that seems remotely harsh, you can move on. They know you enough to understand your intent, and hopefully will take your advice into consideration.
Yes, I know how this sounds. But really, a lot of newer authors out there are extremely thin-skinned and tend to be defensive about their writing. Sometimes with good reason, sometimes without good reason. I myself still have to force myself not to get defensive when I get a negative but well-thought-out review.
( Why I'm avoiding mentioning Mary Sue for now. )
Wow, I need to go to bed.
