PUBLIC OPEN GROUP
New Members
xxOur policy is No Poem Left Behind, but only if you're of the mind to better your craft and connect with Readers, rather than expand your ego. There is no better way to hone your craft than by learning to critique the craft of others.
Join Group

Guidelines for Posting Po<a href="my.html">a link</a>ems and Critiques hh
================================= mmm
<br><br>
Welcome to Honestly Crafted Critique! ffff nnn bbb yy mmm -- kkkkkk oo uutt mmm yyy ttt 8666bminxx22 mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm66 sdadaaD
jjj
If you would like a poem critiqued, then copy paste it into a New Post with the Title as the "Heading". Please keep in mind that until further notice, formatting such as ITALICS, BOLD TEXT, etc is currently not available in Groups.

Or, when creating a New Post, there is a button available to insert poems straight from your personal list. Thus it would appear in its intended format.

Keep in mind that no matter what, critiquers will likely copy the original word for word in fragments or as a whole as they work on it. You may return to erase your copies. Critiquers are under no obligation to erase any fragments or entire copies of your original they made.

If you would like to critique a poem, feel free to reply to an already existing post. Don't post your critique as a direct reply to other critiques. Let the author of the poem make direct replies to each critique. We want to keep the critiques in separate boxes under the original Post. The Post "Christmas In Vietnam" is an example of appropriate responses.

Do NOT waste a moment of anyone's time posting a poem just for the sake of having it read or advertising your profile.

1. Guidelines for Critiquers

Just as the Poem is an art form, so is the Critique. It's a method of constructive and positive communication intended to assist a write improve their skills.  First, read the poem several times ( out-loud IS beneficial to experiencing the poem ), before forming an opinion.  Were you able to discern what the poet was trying to convey? Was the meaning too ambiguous?

Once you've carefully considered the poem, be positive and constructive with your response. Your critique should always be directed at the poem, not the poet. Beginning a critique with " You " vs. " I " may cause the poet to feel defensive. For example, saying " You need to be less ambiguous " vs " I feel the poem is a bit ambiguous " makes all the difference in how the poet will receive the critique. Focus on the poem, it's meaning, rhyme, form, syntax, narrative, spelling, grammar, etc. You are critiquing the poem not the poet.  

Use constructive and positive comments to support any negative aspects by reminding the poet that the critique is merely your opinion.   Comments like "Nice" or "Good Poem" should be a preface for a more in depth critique.  The intent of a critique is to add value to the poet's experience so that s/he may improve their writing skills, not merely offer friendly feedback.

ALWAYS begin the critique with the writer's strengths. Highlighting their strengths kicks the critique off on a positive note. This sets the stage aesthetically for them to receive their weaknesses less defensively.  Don't be afraid to be HONEST about what you think needs improvement, and support any advice with solid suggestions like,  " This word is ambiguous, I would suggest...". This will only help them be better. If you can't think of anything to suggest regarding structure, then share your interpretation of the poem with the poet.  How it made you feel is also important to share with the poet. Remember to always be positive and encouraging.

When faced with a negative reply from a poet that violates the guidelines, don't engage. Report to a Director immediately. Sometimes no matter how positive or constructive you've been, the poet may feel let down, especially realizing their poem needed more work.

For examples of critiques, you can view the original DUP Critique Series thread in the regular forum here:

https://deepundergroundpoetry.com/forum/workshop/read/9350/

2. Guidelines for Poets

Thank you for being here! If you are looking for " Friendly Feedback " please " Submit " your poem to the forum and select the " Friendly Feedback " option. This group provides Honestly Crafted Critique to better assist you in honing your writing skills.  

A Critique is a valuable tool designed to assist you in improving your writing.  RECEIVING a Critique is just as important as providing one. Please note the following guidelines:  

1. If you think your poem is perfect, why would you request a critique? ( Although submitting a poem you feel needs no work could be quite an eye-opening experience when viewed from another perspective ).  Submit poetry that you feel needs that " something " to make it better.  Say you know there's something not quite right about it,  so you need a second set of eyes to improve it.  If you do choose to submit a poem you feel needs no further work, make sure you're seasoned in receiving critique, as it could be difficult to receive on a piece you think is perfect.

2. Do not become defensive. You're here to obtain the perspective and opinion of the Critiquers, as well as improve your writing skills.  When a Critiquer donates their valuable time and effort to your work,  the most beneficial thing to do is ask for clarification if you don't understand.  If you feel a Critiquer has totally missed the point of the poem, then by all means point that out and request additional feedback based on that information.  However, realize from the Critiquer's initial response that the poem is ambiguous, which may be a weakness in relating your message effectively.  What can you do to better connect and convey the message you intended to your audience?

CARDINAL RULE: CLARIFYING COMMUNICATION IS USEFUL. DEFENSIVE COMMUNICATION IS NOT!

3.  If you feel a Critiquer has violated the group guidelines, or has attacked you personally, do not engage! Notify a Director immediately and allow them to address the situation.



Thank You

Johnny Blaze & Ahavati


p.s.

Johnny Blaze also posts under the accounts
- Magnetron
- Psycotic Mastermind
- Mary Walker
- Anarchitect

Ahavati also posts under the accounts
- Ex-Machina ( Ava)
- TwoSpirit ( Adsila )
- Agent Starling ( Clarice ) mmm vvv mm
Founder
admin
DU Webmistress