Let ‘Poise’ And ‘Objectivity’ Rule, While Judging Writings
At the outset, it needs to be postulated very compassionately that it does not take someone to be wrong for other to be right. Both can be right and wrong simultaneously, irrespective of subjective positions regarding a truth righteousness that often presents itself as multidimensional reality.
Having said that, it also needs to be said that often people judge utility and fruition of a thing as per their subjective preferences and especially, when it comes to art & literature, there usually is anything but ‘poise’ and ‘objectivity’ in the judgment. It happens as singular benchmark of utility is always missing in art & literature. That is why, in art & literature, often, masterpieces initially get dumped and flayed and similarly average stuffs become top rankers. Populism itself becomes singular benchmark of success and almost all artists and writers cater to the galleries…
The purpose of writing this all is to point out a trend, which needs to be changed. Often readers and reviewers comment in extremes about a book. Either they say, the book was ‘great, brilliant and perfect’ or they call it ‘ridiculous, horrible and insane’. Such extremities are usual in reader/reviewer reaction. The trouble is, a writer or readers too for that matter do not get benefit out of either these bouquets or the brickbat. This trend is true even for comments on all contents, be it on social media or other places.
If the readers and reviewers could kindly elaborate as what and why they liked or disliked something, this surely would benefit both writers and readers, irrespective of praise or criticism. Both readers and reviewers have the duty to rise to the desired level of objectivity, the moment they choose to wield their pen for writing something about a book and its writer. Subjective whims and personalized choices are welcome too but if they remain within mind and not extended to written words.
True that everyone can be a writer and it is easy to judge others without being objective. As there are rules for writing, there also has to be for reviews. In a book, there are plots, characters, themes, language, flow of words, integration etc. When reviewing, readers and reviewers should point out good and bad in all these departments of writing, rather than summarily saying brilliant or trash. It shall help writer to evolve and learn from mistakes and shall help other readers make informed choices.
I always welcome criticisms, if they are structured and systematic. It is the best help a reader can extend to a writer. Unfortunately, I usually receive extremes of reactions, without any elaboration on the causality of the good or bad. Thanks to a handful of my dear readers, who have pointed out real mistakes and that too with brilliant poise and dignity. There always has to be a way with words… Apologies is this writing brushes some sensitivities the wrong way…
Having said that, it also needs to be said that often people judge utility and fruition of a thing as per their subjective preferences and especially, when it comes to art & literature, there usually is anything but ‘poise’ and ‘objectivity’ in the judgment. It happens as singular benchmark of utility is always missing in art & literature. That is why, in art & literature, often, masterpieces initially get dumped and flayed and similarly average stuffs become top rankers. Populism itself becomes singular benchmark of success and almost all artists and writers cater to the galleries…
The purpose of writing this all is to point out a trend, which needs to be changed. Often readers and reviewers comment in extremes about a book. Either they say, the book was ‘great, brilliant and perfect’ or they call it ‘ridiculous, horrible and insane’. Such extremities are usual in reader/reviewer reaction. The trouble is, a writer or readers too for that matter do not get benefit out of either these bouquets or the brickbat. This trend is true even for comments on all contents, be it on social media or other places.
If the readers and reviewers could kindly elaborate as what and why they liked or disliked something, this surely would benefit both writers and readers, irrespective of praise or criticism. Both readers and reviewers have the duty to rise to the desired level of objectivity, the moment they choose to wield their pen for writing something about a book and its writer. Subjective whims and personalized choices are welcome too but if they remain within mind and not extended to written words.
True that everyone can be a writer and it is easy to judge others without being objective. As there are rules for writing, there also has to be for reviews. In a book, there are plots, characters, themes, language, flow of words, integration etc. When reviewing, readers and reviewers should point out good and bad in all these departments of writing, rather than summarily saying brilliant or trash. It shall help writer to evolve and learn from mistakes and shall help other readers make informed choices.
I always welcome criticisms, if they are structured and systematic. It is the best help a reader can extend to a writer. Unfortunately, I usually receive extremes of reactions, without any elaboration on the causality of the good or bad. Thanks to a handful of my dear readers, who have pointed out real mistakes and that too with brilliant poise and dignity. There always has to be a way with words… Apologies is this writing brushes some sensitivities the wrong way…
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