18+ General Discussion Forum

So, what does the group feel is the intent of a review?-Sesheta

The intent of my reviews is to comment thoughtfully and specifically about the piece in an encouraging way. I don't know that I always meet my own goals.

I try to start off with something positive. Then I deliver my suggestions. My "rule of thumb" is that if my suggestions are longer than my praise it deserves less than a 3. Sometimes I have the nerve to follow this rule.

If I can't think of any suggestions for improvement then the piece probably deserves a 5. Occasionally I don't review a pretty good piece that I'm not crazy about because I can't think of any specific suggestions but I don't want to give it a 5.

I rate on writing but sometimes the lines between content and writing are blurred. I think factual or logical errors are fair game for deducting points. However, I try to take my own biases into account when doing this.

I once wrote a several paragraph counter-argument to a religious piece - not an argument really, but a alternative explanation to the topic. I then went on to give a writing critique. The writer wrote back a civil response so I guess I stayed on the right side of the line.

Marcia

Still looking for responses to the Memorial Day, and flamingos thread.