Jeff

I am not going over all the stuff thats gone before If you guys want to believe Im not able to take crits thats fine...I liked your link too.. so I thought I would include the rest of the Article..

A critique can open or close a show so there is a responsibility to be open and fair lets face it this kind of work can involve perhaps months of slog..It can be very easy for someone nasty minded to see a fault exploit that alone and make everyone concentrate on that area so much the better if you can get the Film maker to blow his stack...Thats fine as I have said my bit and I wont be going over old territory.. Crits I can Take.. Bullys.. gang Mentality.. game playing.. childishness.. Pecking order.. and undermining with outright P*ss Taking.. Are all areas we should be Concerned about not only does it break the Terms and Conditions of this Forum (Leaving Sony Open to Legal action) But its basicly showing every Visiter to Vegas what we are really about.. let alone the effect peer groups like this can have.. Fine.. If you think this is Nonsense.. But so far I see two Threads have been locked today alone..with the Moderator blaming everyone on those threads for their Participation NOT ONE Person the whole lot !

tHE ARTICLE

**A Couple of Hints on Doing a Good Critique

Don't even start a critique if you are ticked off about something, or in a big hurry and know you won't be giving the writer the best critique you can. You should put as much effort into a critique as you hope others will use will your chapter is the one being critiqued.

A critique is really just one person's opinion, but it can be a powerful thing, so think before you comment. Also remember that with the written word, others can't hear your teasing tone or see your smile, so watch the way you put things. A critique should encourage the writer to do better, not
encourage her to give up.


**Getting Started

First, if the writer has mentioned anything that she or he really needs help with or feedback on, make sure you comment on those areas.

Second, what things did you like most about the chapter? Reading things someone didn't like is a little easier if the person takes a moment first to point out at least one thing that she did like, or was done really well. It doesn't hurt to remind them that your critique is only your opinion, to use what they want and delete the rest, or something along those lines.


**Picking the Right Words is a Must

Don't Write
I hate your hero. I'd dump him in a heartbeat.
Do Write
I'm having trouble liking your hero because.

Don't Write
I feel as much sexual tension between this couple as I would between two male grizzle bears.
Do Write
I'm not really feeling much sexual tension between this couple. Maybe you could.

Don't Write
My second grader is better at grammar than you are. Take a class!
Do Write
I found too many grammar mistakes in this chapter. My corrections are in the text. Hope they help.

Don't Write
There was so much narrative and back story in this chapter that I couldn't even stay awake to finish it.
Do Write
I felt the back story and long sections of narrative in this chapter slowed the pace down too much to keep the story moving forward.

If you were getting a critique from someone, which comments would you rather find in it? The comments from the Don't Write section, or those from the Do Write section? They both really say the same things. Just one is done with thought and the other is done by someone who didn't think, or didn't care if another writer was crushed by the blow. Also one offers help and suggestions, the other offers nothing.


**A Few Things to Watch for When Doing a Critique

Basics:
Grammar
Spelling
Punctuation

Characters:
Are they three dimensional?
Are the hero and heroine likable, the kind of people we want to see get the best?
Are other important characters well-drawn?
What about the bad guy, or girl?
Are the characters' motivations clear and strong?
Does each character have a distinct voice?
What about eye color and hair color? Are his eyes blue near the start of the chapter, and then green near the end of it?

Story:
Is there enough conflict?
Is that conflict believable or something a good long talk could fix?
Is the story premise contrived or been over used?
Is passive writing a problem?
Is there an opening hook if it's chapter one?
If it's later chapters, does the story make you want to keep reading? If not, where did it lose you?
Are there problems with the setting? Does it seem real to you?
Does the sexual tension between the hero and heroin simmer?
Is there a believable spark when they are on the page together?
Does the writer use all five senses?

Writing Style:
Does the writer have a good handle on point of view, or does he or she head hop and lose you? If multiple points of view are used, are the switches handled skillfully?
Does the dialogue sound natural?
Does the dialogue move the story forward, or are the characters talking about the weather?
Is the there too much narrative?
Too much back story?
Too much of either dropped in one place?
Does the wording of some sentences confuse you, or could have been written better another way?