Beth Rodgers's Blog: A Fresh Perspective: A Blog by Beth Rodgers, Author of "Freshman Fourteen" - Posts Tagged "criticism"
Criticism: Good or Bad?
Criticism has a negative connotation. Even though it isn't always bad, it is construed as being that way, and therefore, people are very wary of receiving it - and, for that matter, giving it. No one wants to upset anyone's feelings. Yet, criticism can be wonderfully validating and helpful.
When you review a book, a movie, a television show, or even a person (based on their storytelling skills, teaching methods, etc.), you are being critical. But it can be positive.
Critiquing someone is just another way of getting them to understand your own viewpoint. You may completely agree, completely disagree, or have mixed opinions on what they have been writing, saying, sharing, or doing, but no matter your viewpoint, sharing it with them is sharing criticism.
One of the many definitions of 'criticism' is 'the act of passing judgment as to the merits of anything.' Therefore, what you are critiquing may have merit. It may have worth. Even the negative aspects can be re-done to find strength and value. Without the negative being there to begin with, you may not be able to find the best ways to form your thoughts, your writing, your ideas. Negatives can be made into positives. The opposite is obviously true as well, depending on how you work with what is presented to you.
So, think of criticism as a steppingstone to finding your strongest and most worthwhile abilities. When you write book reviews, for example, share the best and the not-always-the-best. By doing this, you are painting the most vivid and focused picture for the writer so that he or she can move forward and become better, stronger, more purposeful in how they write and share their gift with others.
Beth Rodgers is the author of Freshman Fourteen, a young adult novel. Visit her at www.BethRodgersAuthor.com or www.facebook.com/bethrodgersauthor on Facebook.
When you review a book, a movie, a television show, or even a person (based on their storytelling skills, teaching methods, etc.), you are being critical. But it can be positive.
Critiquing someone is just another way of getting them to understand your own viewpoint. You may completely agree, completely disagree, or have mixed opinions on what they have been writing, saying, sharing, or doing, but no matter your viewpoint, sharing it with them is sharing criticism.
One of the many definitions of 'criticism' is 'the act of passing judgment as to the merits of anything.' Therefore, what you are critiquing may have merit. It may have worth. Even the negative aspects can be re-done to find strength and value. Without the negative being there to begin with, you may not be able to find the best ways to form your thoughts, your writing, your ideas. Negatives can be made into positives. The opposite is obviously true as well, depending on how you work with what is presented to you.
So, think of criticism as a steppingstone to finding your strongest and most worthwhile abilities. When you write book reviews, for example, share the best and the not-always-the-best. By doing this, you are painting the most vivid and focused picture for the writer so that he or she can move forward and become better, stronger, more purposeful in how they write and share their gift with others.
Beth Rodgers is the author of Freshman Fourteen, a young adult novel. Visit her at www.BethRodgersAuthor.com or www.facebook.com/bethrodgersauthor on Facebook.
A Fresh Perspective: A Blog by Beth Rodgers, Author of "Freshman Fourteen"
Check back often for tips on writing, including ways to deal with getting past writer's block, as well as posts by the characters of "Freshman Fourteen," Beth Rodgers' new young adult novel.
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