Is it just me, or are their barks louder than their bites?

Question

I have noticed that most of the "critiquers" here who give out harsh criticism on a regular basis, and give the impression that they know something about poetry, don't in fact write poems that would be up to par with a publisher's standards. The only way I know this is because I've taken some classes myself and participated in some really brutal workshops. And a few of the poems that I looked at here from some of the insult happy people were not only below standards, but laden with cliches, forced end rhyme, and completely lacked any form of imagery, all of which make for a terrible poem.

I guess my point here is, you shouldn't act too proud if you have nothing to show for it, especially when it is harmful to someone who just might surpass you in talent.

It just pains me to see people with such low self esteem having to bring someone else's down with them.

Answer 1

Hello,

I know nothing of poetry-just looking around at the poetry "critiques".  Many of the critiques I see are particularly unhelpful, either an "It sucks" as you said, or the equally unhelpful "It's wonderful, very powerful and moving...If one is looking for serious critique, is this really the best place?

Answer 2

And that will forever remain the whole issue surrounding the combination of the internet any form of art. In real life, you don't pay cash or go out to listen something you already dislike. Same goes for sharing your work.

I hope, and believe most of you are already aware of this, we're all part of the cyber-generation.

However, about supposedly bad writers I have to say this: They might have low self-esteem, their poetry is frowned upon, they've got no other way to express themselves ans so on. For those people there aren't that many options out there, at least not as easy as YahooAnswers. Alright, if you would just look a little bit better there are much better places to share your work, but if you're real serious about your writing you probably found one of those places already. Of all the easy places to post poetry, this is the least worst of all, I've seen worse.Of all the comments you'll get there is always at least one positive or a comment you can work with, just look out for those and learn from them. Everything little thing helps.

To the sad "critiquers", just try writing something about the sadness of your life, I think you've got enough material to get through and then post it here. Perhaps, and hopefully, you'll grow.

Answer 3

I agree with you. Most of the poems here I really like, sometimes just because people put their heart into it, or worked really hard. Others because they are just very good. and always you have those people who say it's rubbish. I think it's very cruel to do that to another artist. Maybe some out there are afread to show their work because of it... you never know.  

Answer 4

Don't be too harsh, dear. I think everyone who posts a poem here knows who is being nasty because (sour grapes) they have never written a line themselves (poetry, prose, fiction, non-fiction), and others trying to be genuinely supportive through creative criticism. I think Y!A is still  a very gentle, genteel (!) and decent forum (have you seen some of the others?), or so many of us wouldn't keep returning to it.

Answer 5

Wow. I like you.

Answer 6

we the people are warish from day`s ago,we fight amongst each other

from gun and blade to word and win.the bark is alowed but the bite will

get you in jail.....

Answer 7

Yes PP, there are people out there who exist in a seemingly endless sea of spite and petty vindictiveness, typically characterised by appalling grammar and spelling, but that doesn't stop you from writing well and enjoying the work of others in the spirit of common endeavour.

I believe that harbouring resentments is like taking poison and hoping the other guy gets sick - just ignore the bad stuff, the illiterate stuff and savour the pearls that genuinely exist out there.

The people who make the "It sucks" kind of comments are probably the sort who find advertising jingles intellectually stimulating and enjoy reality TV shows. Don't worry about them.  

Answer 8

I completly understand what your saying! People can say negitive things and be rude until the cows come home, but they don't know a thing about what they are critiqueing.