Issues Regarding the Workshops

[Rebecca]

Recently a few issues regarding the workshops (http://christianwriters.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=72) were brought to my attention. I thought now was a good time to post an announcement reiterating the workshops and their purpose.

It is assumed when a member posts their work in the workshop that they're soliciting a critique. The purpose of a critique is to offer honest feedback and ferret out issues that are a detriment to the work. The tone of a critique should always be kind, balanced and professional, never harsh. On the other hand, the critiques must be productive--to only offer praise defeats the purpose of a critique.

If you are solely seeking validation for your work (and feel your work is beyond critique because it is "inspired" or "perfect already") please post it in the showcase (http://christianwriters.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=54) rather than the workshops. The workshops are intended for entries which need polishing.

In addition, please limit discussion in the workshops to critiques. Off-topic chit-chat is welcome in the Open Forum (http://christianwriters.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=4) (or on the 4Believers.com (http://4Believers.com) site) but is not appropriate in the workshops.

It's my intention that these guidelines will help clarify the purpose of the workshops and make them more productive for all participants.

Thank you,

Rebecca

[revterry]

Rebecca: Most of my replies are positive because I believe that each person is entitled to thier own personally developed format. I will say that nearly all the criticism I have received has been positive nd has made me a beter writer. So I reserve the right to share a better way to write something if I believe that it will improve the writer's work.

Revterry

[Rebecca]

Hi Revterry,

I'm not saying that people shouldn't highlight what a writer has done well. Critiques should be a mix of suggestions for improvement and praise for what one has done well. As anyone who knows me will verify, I'm always one for encouraging a writer.

My point is, a critique shouldn't be all sugar. To withhold constructive criticism defeats the entire purpose of a critique.

Rebecca

[revterry]

Your answer makes great sense. I will do the best I can to be balanced in my responses.

Revterry