critting: what is expected, an invitation to discuss Options

[Guest_Toumai_*]

Hi everyone,

I have been reading with great interest the comments on what type of critique various members would ideally like to receive, which gives valuable insight for all of us learning this process.

Critting work is almost as much of an art form as writing.

One important lesson I have learnt, is that a crit does not necessarily mean offering suggestions for improvement.  What I enjoy most when critting work is when I can offer my own interpretations of what I have read.  Sometimes I grasp the meaning and sometimes I do not, especially If the poem is very abstract.

Extract from NINA's comments.

As a 'newbie' to all of this I doubt very much if I can crit as any poet - or prose writer - would ideally like, and I often feel I should beg indulgence for my ineptitude as I stumble along the path of learning.

However, I also wonder if it is ever fair to say to a critter 'this is how I wish to be critted' as the critter is the one doing the work at this stage. If a piece of work is in an open crit forum it may be interpreted in many different ways, seen in many different lights.

So what if it is a form piece that will only be published in such a journal eventually - perhaps a new insight will arise from review by those more used to free verse. So what if it is a means to a message - a discussion of rhythm may improve it's flow.

With love to all - and appreciation for all the wonderful crits I have received here on MM - thank you.

Fran

[Guest_Jox_*]

Hi Fran, et al,

To Perry...

Perry... I may well be mistaken (usually am) but I don't think anyone writing poetry on MM has had formal poetry lessons (except maybe a little instruction at school donkey's years ago).

I empathise with you - you can't see poetry; I can't see rhythm. However, unless you try to follow a form, there really are no rules. I don't actually think bad poetry exists - I think many poems are bad which others' like - even love - and vice-versa. (One man's meat etc).

Ironically, an easy way to start is with a haiku (I think you've written one?). It is a form poem but very short and simple and easy to produce a reasonable one. If you wish to avoid the precision of form just write a poem, based on a haiku and label it as a poem, not a haiku.

I think my thing is this - you can write and it would be a shame for you to feel excluded from a whole area just because some things are complex at first appearance.

Lori, Fran, thank you both for the guidelines. I (like Nina) can't follow a prescription but they are worth a read just to give one some ideas at the back of one's mind, so to speak.

>>I think you are right that poetry is sometimes almost impossible to crit sensibly, like abstract art. If it doesn't 'do anything' for you it is then impossible to say anything on an emotional basis, either. (Fran)

Yes, I'll buy that. I know Alan says much of my stuff is impossoble to crit (though he often does an excellent job). But there is always something which one can crit.

James.