PL's Peak: Guide to Poetry and Critique (feedback/discuss!)

Why are you here?

I'm here for the poetry guide!	45.1%	[ 594 ]
I'm here for the critiquing guide!	18.8%	[ 248 ]
I'm here because someone else pointed me here.	6.1%	[ 80 ]
I'm here for the gold. Didn't it say it had a poll?	30.0%	[ 396 ]
Total Votes:			[ 1318 ]

[omgChe]

Can you do that? I mean, isn' it like the tree in the forest; who's gonna actually see it?

[Probably Zero]

Drunkenantix

Can you do that? I mean, isn' it like the tree in the forest; who's gonna actually see it?

Ah...I see that you aren't one of the experimental types.

[omgChe]

Nope. I'm an R-Type. XD

[Probably Zero]

Drunkenantix

Nope. I'm an R-Type. XD

eek

[Vulnerable Heartstrings]

AWESOME.

Subscribed. biggrin

[x I LoveD u m p l i n g x]

owowowowowowowo...... XD

[lil zayo-51]

Poetess Laureate

Introduction

This is intended to be a guide to both poetry and critiquing. It will provide a basic reference, advice and tips, and a section on how to read or give a critique.

In an effort to speak to the "poetry has no rules" myth, this guide will also discuss what happens when various rules are broken, to help the poet make a better and more informed choice about when to do so or when to refrain.

hello

[lil zayo-51]

lolChe

Nope. I'm an R-Type. XD

an r type? confused

[lil zayo-51]

Poetess Laureate

Writing a Critique

Line by Line, Stanza by Stanza

A critique will be the most thorough broken down line by line or stanza by stanza, depending upon the construction of the original piece. This allows the commenter to focus more narrowly and spend time and thought on the details.

In-Depth

Go beyond "This is good" or "This is bad" and their synonyms; tell why. Going line by line or stanza by stanza will help this; you'll be able to pinpoint what parts 'spoke' to you. Was it a particularly clever word play? Did that one image stand out so vividly you can't get it out of your mind? Likewise, you'll be able to focus on the real issues. Was the rhythm off in just that one line? Is that particular phrase just so cliché you couldn't read past it? Did that one word choice stick out like a sore thumb instead of like a prize-winner? Try to think of at least one positive thing to say, and one area for improvement. If nothing else, what was your favorite part of the piece - and your least favorite?

Take your time. Be willing to read, re-read, and read yet again. Make an honest effort to 'tease out' the meaning or intention the poet had when they wrote the piece and whatever specific part of it you're looking at. This lets you be more specific if nothing else; if you're way off base, they know the piece may not be communicating well. It also leads to more discussion, which is more helpful.

Ask Questions

Don't (necessarily) think in terms of good or bad, but ask yourself, "What is this doing?" Think about the effect the various devices and techniques employed in the piece have on its tone, mood, style, and message.

In the same way, a critique laden with questions (not the sarcastic kind, in this sense) may be an excellent one. It makes the recipient focus on the reasons for their choices -- and what those choices are doing -- and may lead to more constructive dialogue. If the writer can clearly explain their choices, they may well be valid.

Constructive = Works Towards Improvement

Be polite. "This is terrible" helps as little as a blanket and unjustified "This is the best poem ever!" Don't back away from telling the writer where the problems are, but simply point them out, perhaps with suggestions for improvement.

what?

[omgChe]

lil zayo-51

lolChe

Nope. I'm an R-Type. XD

an r type? confused

1987 saw the epic arcade release of this side-scrolling shooter.



Sequels spawned because of me:

* R-Type II ( 1989 )
* Armed Police Unit Gallop ( 1991 )
* Super R-Type ( 1991 )
* R-Type Leo ( 1992 )
* R-Type III: The Third Lightning ( 1993 )
* R-Type Delta ( 1998 ) / US version ( 1999 )
* R-Type Final ( 2003 )
* R-Type Command ( 2007 )
* R-Type Dimensions ( 2009 )

And another coming this year!

[Probably Zero]

lolChe

lil zayo-51

lolChe

Nope. I'm an R-Type. XD

an r type? confused

1987 saw the epic arcade release of this side-scrolling shooter.



Sequels spawned because of me:

* R-Type II ( 1989 )
* Armed Police Unit Gallop ( 1991 )
* Super R-Type ( 1991 )
* R-Type Leo ( 1992 )
* R-Type III: The Third Lightning ( 1993 )
* R-Type Delta ( 1998 ) / US version ( 1999 )
* R-Type Final ( 2003 )
* R-Type Command ( 2007 )
* R-Type Dimensions ( 2009 )

And another coming this year!

Did that actually just happen?

[omgChe]

IT BEGINS IN DEEP SPACE WARPED BY EVIL POWER!

[Probably Zero]

lolChe

IT BEGINS IN DEEP SPACE WARPED BY EVIL POWER!

Yeah, yeah, yeah...I've heard this one before.

[omgChe]

SPACE WAS RIPPED BY HATRED AND DESIRE TO COUNTERATTACK AND TAKE REVENGE!