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Sugarcoating
My writing pet peeve?The demonic trick known as "sugarcoating." Don't get me wrong--I love sugar and everything unbearably, tooth-achingly sweet--but it can become annoying. Irritating. Aggravating. Vextious--you get the picture. So, looking for writers to join me and maybe stop being so "nice" for a day. You don't necessarily have to be mean, but be HONEST. I can't tell you how many reviews I've attempted to write and then scrapped because of the insufferable amount good points I've exaggerated. It's good to write about the good--but the bad is what makes us better writers. Does anyone else feel bothered when you receive a sugarcoated little comment/review? What did you gain except a little boost to your writing-ego? I hope this post doesn't make me sound like a terrible person, but please--at least--write truthful reviews for me? If I get permission, I'll give you as honest a review as you want--free comments here if you want, too. Or maybe PM suggestions? This is what I've learned from talking to other writers: People would rather you burn their stories (AKA flame) than dump fifty useless pounds of heart-attack inducing frosting on top.
by Liz uli | Dec 9th 2013, 15:47
I agree with you 100%, but I often find I sugarcoat because I don't want to piss the author off, or set myself up to be flamed. Get what I'm saying?
ReplyA . Nonymous | December 9, 2013
Exactly, that's the dilemma... Don't know completely what I'm going for here. Maybe gather a bunch of authors who are willing to take raw, constructive-criticism and give it in return to those who want it? I really want to comment on people's novels but I find myself side-tracked with trying to sound nice, eventually scrapping the entire thing. Any ideas?
ReplyLiz uli | December 9, 2013
Hmmm... I don't know, really. I know there's a few stories I've reviewed on here that I sugarcoated an impossible amount, and although I still offered constructive crit I didn't get much back... So it's tempting to go back and change. Even though I've never found rules here, I think, knowing people, that they'd made a huge fit over it if they got a little harsh review. Although I like the idea, it might not be in the best interest of the authors unless EVERYONE agreed to do it because we might be setting ourselves up for flames. Happened to me before. :P
ReplyA . Nonymous | December 9, 2013
Hmm, guess that kind of unprovoked "attack" does spark others to flame you... Still, I prefer to be honest as I can instead of drowning in my gooey puddle of guilt. Even if it means I might get a third-degree burn. This is all theoretical, of course, because I'm too cowardly to tell the raw-truth and usually end up not reviewing/commenting on a story at all. Is that fair to the author?
ReplyLiz uli | December 10, 2013
A lot of good thing are being brought up here. But this is my opinion on the matter. I think it's better to approach the author you want to offer/exchange constructive criticism through a PM. Or at least notify him/her first. And as to what A. Nonymous said about getting flamed in return, I guess it's understandable in some cases (Who are YOU to judge MY story?). From my experiences with writers I've met, I would say that most of them possess some of the biggest egos I've ever come across. (Almost like, "Everyone but me is untalented. My writing is the correct way to write.") Obviously that's not the case here, but we still have our egos. However, what some people fail to understand is that a review on this site is your own personal opinion, that's why I think a PM would work better. If I clicked on a story and the first thing that showed up was a two pages long comment on everything that's wrong with the story, I probably wouldn't read it. And let's be honest, most people here share stories because they want them to be read by others. I've always thought that constructive criticism is a give and take. It's a dialogue between two people who are trying to improve. Sharing experiences and thoughts on writing. Perhaps you can compare and eventually learn something from each other, even if you of course think you're the better writer or whatever. If the author has uploaded a chapter here, he/she is obviously satisfied enough with at least a few parts in it; whereas some parts may be worse. Imagine if the author got a harsh review from someone pointing out how wrong the 'good parts' were. I figured that would break down their ego quite a lot. We may agree with some points the reviews point out, and others not. That's why I think the discussion is important. Maybe you'll learn something new, or at least how another author thinks/interprets writing. Some people are better at taking constructive criticism than others. That's just how it is. We just have to remember that none of us are a noble prize winner... yet. And remember, we all have our own styles. =) And before you think I'm some haughty asshole, I'll gladly admit that my stories suck donkey balls. PS. Gathering a bunch of authors who would be willing to give and take constructive critcisim is a good idea. I've seen it on other sites with sub-forums. =) Sorry for the messy comment!
ReplyTerenas Stand | December 10, 2013
I saw that gigantic paragraph and thought, "It's gotta be Mira..." ;) Nah, not a bad thing! You have an endearingly distinct style. Oh geez, now I'm off topic... but yes, PM does seem like the best solution. And I'm excited at your mention of gathering this bunch of authors to receive/give honest feedback. The problem is implementing that idea might be difficult... Willing to take that journey with me?
ReplyLiz uli | December 10, 2013
And I forgot about half of what I wanted to say! Geez. xD Anyway, the thing is this forum "Critique Me" is supposed to deal with exactly what we're talking about. I even know for a fact that Critique is commonly understood as negative judgment or fault finding (I looked it up on wikipedia ages ago). And therefore, people who post their stories under this forum should be ready to get c-r-i-t-i-c-i-z-e-d. Like, for real. However, there is a big hairy BUT lurking around here. The CRITIQUE ME forum on this site is more or less used to get COMMENTS and READERS. The attitude is pretty much "Hey, check out my story and I'll check out yours". So if you would just start giving real criticism randomly (once again, it's up to the author whether he/she wants to use the criticism or not), some might react badly. BUT, we also have the power to change this trend by actually doing just that - give our thoughts and constructive criticism to those Who Have Asked For It. I think it would work out better if we combined our forces. You have my axe... I guess.
ReplyTerenas Stand | December 10, 2013
I agree that sugarcoating is annoying so I suggest that if you really have to comment just PM the author and in your review you can say whether it's good or bad. touch on some important points in the review but not too much, other people read the reviews then decide whether to read the story so if you say it sucks (Your opnion) then they wont bother to read it and the author will be put off. Not everyone has thick skin so just double check because every little comment matters, dont keep it to yourself man
ReplyVicenzo Cross | December 10, 2013
PMing does seem like the universal solution... "Every little comment matters"--I'll keep that in mind. Thanks!
ReplyLiz uli | December 10, 2013
I sugar coat but still point out the things they could change. If I think there is a big problem with the story and feel the need to say something in a way that may not be seen as nice I PM them. This is so it doesn't feel like I am dissing their story in front of people.
ReplyHeather O'toole /Davies | December 10, 2013
Makes sense, though do you ever feel a twinge of guilt after writing a sugar-coated little review/comment?
ReplyLiz uli | December 13, 2013
I find it best to build a little before shooting it down, so no.
ReplyHeather O'toole /Davies | December 21, 2013
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