Can we implement a better grading scale for poetry?

Question

Alright heres the deal.

everytime i see someone (including myself) post a poem, and ask for peoples opionions.

everyone is always like " WOW THATS AMAZING' "GET THAT PUBLISHED"

"VERY MOVING"

some poems i work for 5 seconds and then im done, others take me hours.

Can we work on a better way to grade a poem?

im glad everyone is so nice, but i wrote a poem that ended in boob, and people said it was great,

come on now lets be a little more harsh, and a little more helpful.

Anyone agree with me?

Answer 1

Critical Poet has a grading system where you post to the type of critique you want.  What makes it work from what I have seen is that you are required to critique to be able to post.  Have not tried it yet although I have critiqued a couple of poems.

Answer 2

i agree with you, definitely, but its hard.

whenever most people post poems on here, they dont actually want criticism, even the constructive kind, despite what they say. they want to be told that their poem is great, and, like you said, should be published, and cant actually take it if you dont like it.

theres also the problem that many people on Y! dont know where the line is drawn between "constructive criticism" and outright rudeness.

but we could try using a scale from 1-10.

Answer 3

I don't think poetry is very conducive to grading scales, so I think you'd simply give yourself a headache in the attempt.  However, I could not agree more with you about the lax, overpraising silliness that passes for "critiquing" on this site, and that it could stand to have more honest criticism.  However, as another answerer pointed out, very few people could take such criticism.  You seem to be able to, but unfortunately, few people on this site will take you at your word and give you the feedback you deserve.

Therefore, I think you'd be much better off finding a writers' workshop or befriending some actual writers.  I did both.

Answer 4

It gets difficult because even some people who say they: "Want honest critique" and "Can take it"

Really can't.

There are workshop sites out there that can give you a more balanced view of your work. I think we will just have to accept the hit or miss elements of this site.

I'm not so worried about cruelty because none of this is personal it's all about the work.

Answer 5

defintly if that was your poem i would have read it and gave my honest opinion.

Answer 6

didn't you see dead poets society lol. There is no way to objectively measure poetry. However i think constructive criticism is what allows people to improve, and the fear of being made fun of, a more powerful motivator than most give it credit for.

Answer 7

Castian if we make a scale for people to be judged by then it becomes a competition. This, is not a Soccer match. It's a place where people can write about their happy days, their sad ones and darkest fears are anything that allows them to express themselves

Yes, some are not that talented but the main thing is they are accepted as being artistic. Some, feel they have nothing to offer so they try to fit in with those that do. Let's face it their are others who have no self esteem and are very depressed. When they are criticised then they are forced to bottle all of that anger or feeling of no self worthiness inside . Then, that is a dangerous situation. So, if they want to write about cutting their wrists in a poem then it is better that they write about it than really doing it. Call it a type of therapy if you will.

There are others that are very talented even though they may be depressed they write some of the best poems. You, said you like the works of Poe. He, was a severly depressed man but look what he did. He, was  a Master when it came to writing.

My wife is a Couselor with Children and that is the one thing you never allow children to do is let them keep their frustrations locked up inside. Even if you have to stay in a room with them alone and let them scream as loud as they can It's better to let them do that than allowing all the anger to boil up inside.and become violent behavior. .

We, can be helpful with those that are not as gifted as some but be very careful in being critical of them. It's not like their going to go on American Idol with their poems and be shot down by someone like Simon just like he does for those who think they can sing.. So, let them express themselves and let's not make it a competition by grading them.

This is what makes Y.A. work so well because people can come here and express their anger or their religious as well as non religious beliefs or just about anything There are people here that feel better by hitting the thumbs down on ones they don't agree with. I'll probably get a few over this but the important thing someone is paying attention whether it's a good or bad.

It's like the little boy that is jealous because his Sister gets all of the attention. If he pulls his Sisters hair in front of his Mom then he gets a lot of attention. Doesn't make it right but he feels loved because his Mom is giving her attention to him not his Sister even though it's not because he was being good.

Answer 8

It is impossible to grade poetry in that way.  The Top Contributors on this site will help you with professional critique. The problem is that many people who ask for help really want approval and no suggestions. It is up to you to post your work and accept help offered or not. In the end, it is YOUR work.

Answer 9

Absolutely, Most writers really do want critique. What scale do you propose?

1-10 on Content

A-F on Skill

So you may get a F4 as a "grade" and hopefully some specific feedback?

Answer 10

But where is the line crossed from caring to cruelty? The niceness that seems to float around here at the poetry section is very refreshing compared to other places I've visited on Y!A. I am a big fan of constructive criticism, I ask for it, and I attempt my best to give it. However, harshness does not always equal accuracy.

Not only that, not everyone who frequents this site is a coinessuer of poetry. Some just come to kick back and read, and if they enjoy it, say so. There is no harm in that. If people truly want critique, you will find most of them here ask for it. So, there are ways in which I agree with you, and ways I don't.

Answer 11

Definitely.

Answer 12

Here's a scale (just a suggestion)...

Any poem by me - 10

Any poem by my friends - 10

Any poem by anyone else - 10

Any poem by you - 10

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