The Epitome of Objectivity

Writing!  That's the ticket.  It's the primary reason I searched out a site like Writing.Com.  The specific reasons I joined WDC--and I looked over several writing sites before deciding--probably vary from your reasons.  I thought I was a very good writer, and sought some positive stroking for my ego.

I received my first review within two days of joining by a young lady who firmly, but gently disabused this cocky upstart of that 'very good' notion.  I knew then I wanted to improve, and for that I needed honest advice from writing peers.  She not only opened my eyes to the benefits of a good review, but also to the joy of helping others.  As I improved, I wanted to pass that knowledge along.

WDC is more than just a haven for writers.  The support system in place for writers is fantastic, the best I've ever seen.  It's not perfect--but then, with people involved, what is?  For each writer to succeed, he (and I use this pronoun to encompass guys and gals alike) needs help.  WDC offers help in many forms: 

         One on one interaction with a writing buddy--someone with whom you are compatible, who will tell you with brutal honestly what you need to improve.

         Support groups--there are many groups which focus on all manner of genres and topics.

         Reviewers--individuals who will read your work, and offer positive and constructive feedback.  You may seek out reviews of your work, or sit back and wait upon the good humor of a 'reader' who desires to post a comment or two.

         Contests--activities and events which allow you to pit your work against other members, usually in specific genres.  Each contest has rules to be followed, and a judge to whom you submit upon entering.

The help you can receive on WDC is by no means limited to the four items I just mentioned.

In all cases, you have the option of participating or not.  You as an author have the right to display your work without the benefit of receiving reviews or ratings.  While such a choice ensures you receive no negative comments about your writing, you also receive no potential benefits from others to help improve your craft.  And who doesn't want to improve, to be the best writer possible?

Of course, when you open yourself up, you must develop a thicker skin.  Bear in mind that most folk who offer comments about your work do so with no thought of malice.  They offer their own opinions based on their particular set of life circumstances and education.  They have no control over how you will take their remarks.  In fact, most reviewers clearly state their advice and opinions are meant to help and encourage you, not to entice you to change your "voice."

Both reviewing and judging contests require objectivity.  The Merriam-Webster's Dictionary defines "objectivity" as the state of being objective, or "treating or dealing with facts without distortion by personal feelings or prejudices."  Words that come to mind include impartial, unbiased, equitable and fair.  To those, I add consistent.  I submit NO one can ever be truly objective for one's whole being is colored by all that he is.  Consistency is the thing that helps tie one's judgments together.

If you decide to open your work for ratings and reviews, you must be prepared for a wide range of opinions and comments.  Some will be less than glowing; some may be downright rude.  I do not condone the latter.  But most will be positive.  Constructive criticism can only help you improve your offering.

Remember, their words will only have the power that you attach to them.  You can choose to make some of their comments your own, and disregard the rest.  Or, you can trash the entire review as not helpful at all.  You always have the right to request clarification on the points in a review.  A good reviewer will be able to defend his position.  But that person is the only one who can explain his remarks; you should talk with him if you are displeased with your review.

When you enter a contest, remember that with few exceptions, they are owned and operated by individual members who determine the rules for that contest. Common sense dictates that if all entrants follow the posted rules, some other (subjective) mechanism must be used to identify the winners.  Hopefully that judge will apply those measures consistently across the board.  If you feel wronged, you must direct your concerns to that person.  No one else can provide any relief. Again, a good judge should be able to explain the reasons for his choices.

How you react to criticism defines you as a writer, and by extension, as a person.  The reviewer or judge may hold the keys, but you are the lock.  You can decide to remain closed, or be opened and improve.

Word Count:  813