My reviewing: Cleaning up the mess.

I seldom review. When I do I try to critique the piece as if the writer is serious about their words. If not... I point that out too. I'm not here as a member of a high-school pep club.

I do want to be a cheerleader for the writer. But that includes telling writers, even my friends, that some written pieces need work... or even lots of work. I'm not beyond telling writers to just start over.

I won't give out many 5s. (4.8+)

I will give out a 4.5 (4.3-4.7)

A good written piece deserves a 4.0 (3.8-4.2)

Less than that means it needs work or rethinking. Not you... the writing.

K (as in Cory)

A loooong comment on the news-feed 12/28 I need to incorporate into the above:

I would rather be opinionated based on experience and knowledge. That's what I'm not being paid for. That said, my opinions are just that. Doesn't mean I'm right. You're always entitled to other opinions. And frankly? I may not be your targeted audience. Your opinion counts most. It's your writing.

But... I'm Death staring at you when you write poetry in a form I've known for all my life. Stories? I'll rate as to whether it makes sense and whether it connects. I'm not a grammarian, although a misspelled word should probably be pointed out. It's not what I rate on.

I should have been a professor. I would have given out grades of A, B, C but never a D, E, or F. If it wasn't good at all? I'd reject it and give you an I for incomplete. I also would've been stingy with A+ even if you were published once in the New Yorker. Well-know poets write stuff that I would reject or 'flunk' here at WdC.

So no... you put something out there I'm not about to mollycoddle you with a 5.0 even if you're my friend. I'm not your daddy.

But kindness. Yes, kindness counts. I'll remember that as I reword the December mini-reviews I'm about to 'dump' on the review page. They range from a ~2 to 4.8.

I lamented in my blog:

"How does one trash a poem without trashing the poet? No one of any age needs to be crushed by a severe review but at the same time it's dishonest to applaud what is barely readable. I'm not just talking about this short unfinished ditty. I've read worse. And I've read 5.0 rated writings here that imho are no better than a 3.5. Are they only being read by friends?

At times it's painful to read what people consider poetry. Some would be better off sticking to prose (which has different rules) or telling stories (not my strength)."

I've created a vulture trinket I'll give out with reviews sent and received. Because... y'know... vultures clean up the mess and good editors do the same. Reviewers? We do our best.

Pieces I've rated over 4.5:

December:

"Glances [poem]"   [E] by Mikibits
"The Secret"   [E] by Norman
"Where I'm From"   [E] by StarrQueen
""The Kitty Took It...Honest, Mom!""   [18+] by Jim Hall says Happy New Year!

January:

"We all Belong"   [E] by common child trusts in God
"Fast Food Heaven"   [E] by Tim Chiu
"To Wait and Remember"   [ASR] by K Renée

© Copyright 2020 Kåre Enga, P.O. 22, Blogville (enga at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.

Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates have been granted non-exclusive rights to display this work.